Oludeniz And Hisaronu
Oludeniz is a holiday resort in Turkey with an enchanting clear watered lagoon and scenic stretches of white beaches that is just a couple of minutes drive from Fethiye. Despite being developed with many hotels and apartment blocks, the scenery here is spectacular and the town is a lively place to spend a holiday. Perched on the mountain plateau overlooking Oludeniz, the small resort of Hisaronu caters almost exclusively for British holidaymakers and is packed with bars, nightclubs, gift shops and restaurants. With their beautiful, rugged surrounds, both Oludeniz and Hisaronu are fast becoming realised for their potential as an outdoor activity destination: the beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of water sports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, and a selection of boat trips depart regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline. The numerous paths that wind their way along the hillsides offer spectacular views and sights, including the fascinating 'Greek Village', which was evacuated during the Turkish-Greek war of 1919-1923.
Souvenir shops and tourist stores are dotted along the Belcekiz beachfront and the many hotel complexes offer their own shops for holiday products and gifts. For an extreme shopping experience, visitors can catch a dolmus into nearby Hisaronu or Fethiye, where it is possible to enjoy haggling for bargains. Good buys are leather goods, carpets, jewellery and fake designer sunglasses, watches and the like.
Dining in Oludeniz offers a range of local and international cuisine and only a few miles away is Hisaronu offering an even broader range of delicious food from around the world. Some recommendations are the White Dolphin, for sunset views and cheap, delicious fish dishes; Buffalo's Steak House, renowned for its T-bones; Blue Star Pride, offering good Turkish cuisine; and the Belcekiz Beach Club A la Carte for an exclusive Mediterranean night out.
The holiday resort of Oludeniz is tranquil and relaxing in comparison to the other resorts in Turkey, focussing on relaxing by a panoramic beach more than the electric clubbing scene. Those looking to party the night away can take a short trip to Hisaronu or a little further to Fethiye and find plenty of action. Among the most popular seafront bars are Buzz Beach Bar, the Sugar Shack and Crusoe's. Most of the local resort establishment's offer live evening entertainment for guests as well.
The enchanting blue lagoon in Oludeniz is famed for being the most beautiful beach in Turkey and the crystalline waters are one of the resorts main attractions, with paragliding from the top of the Babadag Mountain across the azure lagoon being one of the many popular water activities. Most visitors are tempted to try out the sport with reliable local operators. Diving and snorkelling are other popular activities. If water sports and sunbathing palls, there are dozens of possibilities for excursions in the surrounding area, including a 12-island boat trip, visits to various interesting Greek and Roman archaeological sites, the famous 'Butterfly Valley', or the ghost town of Kayakoyu. Another essential experience is to enjoy a Turkish bath, available in many of the resort hotels.
On a downside the resort has been gradually becoming more expensive in comparison to the usual Turkish prices and visitors have complained about nuisance touts in Oludeniz. In the height of summer the resort can be incredibly humid and hot, but the cooling lagoon is always an option for escaping the heat of the day.
