Seydikemer's Neighbors: Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley (Two Faces of Turquoise)

A short journey west from Seydikemer takes you to one of the most iconic landscapes Turkey has gifted to the world: Ölüdeniz. It boasts worldwide fame with its calm, crystal-clear lagoon, looking as if it came straight from a postcard. However, right next to this famous beauty, hidden between steep cliffs, lies another paradise with a wilder and more bohemian spirit: Butterfly Valley. These two neighbours offer you the chance to discover both the calm and popular, and the untouched and mysterious faces of turquoise on the same day.

Ölüdeniz: The Dance in the Sky and the Still Waters

When you first arrive at Ölüdeniz, you are greeted by two different beaches: on one side, the wavy and lively Belcekız Beach, and on the other, the famous, lake-like, calm, and sheltered lagoon from which it gets its name ("Dead Sea"). The shallow and warm waters of the lagoon offer a perfect swimming experience, especially for families with children. But the magic of Ölüdeniz is not just in its waters, but also in its sky. Hundreds of paragliders taking off from the majestic Babadağ mountain behind it turn the sky into a colourful festival all day long. Even just watching this visual feast is a pleasure in itself, but for those who want more, taking the cable car to the summit of Babadağ to see the breathtaking view over Fethiye's entire coastline, and even Rhodes on a clear day, will be an unforgettable memory.

Butterfly Valley: A Bohemian Escape in a Hidden Canyon

When you want to get away from the crowds and bustle of Ölüdeniz, you can take refuge in Butterfly Valley, just a short boat ride away. The absence of road access to this valley, which is protected as a natural heritage site, has ensured its preservation. On this hidden beach, opening to the sea between two giant cliffs, a free spirit and a bohemian atmosphere will greet you. The valley gets its name from hosting millions of Tiger Butterflies in season. A short walk and a little climb into the depths of the valley will lead you to a small waterfall cascading from the rocks. Having non-slip, water-friendly shoes with you for this adventurous walk will make reaching the waterfall much more comfortable. Allocating a full day to enjoy Ölüdeniz in the morning and discover the mystery of Butterfly Valley by boat in the afternoon is one of the best plans you can make in this region.