Ölüdeniz is the most photographed beach in Turkey — that perfect turquoise lagoon flanked by pine mountains that appears on every Turkey travel article ever written. It's 100km east of Marmaris, about 2 hours by road. The question everyone asks is: is the drive worth it? Yes. Unequivocally yes. This guide tells you exactly how to do it, what it costs, and how to fit it into a day without rushing.
3 Ways to Get from Marmaris to Ölüdeniz
The most common way to visit Ölüdeniz from Marmaris. Departs most Marmaris hotels between 08:00–09:00, returns around 19:00–20:00. The price typically includes coach transport, a guide, Blue Lagoon beach access, and sometimes lunch.
- Air-conditioned coach
- Guide included
- Hotel pick-up
- Entrance fees usually included
- Set departure/return times
- Less flexibility at the destination
- Can feel rushed at Ölüdeniz
The most rewarding option for independent travellers. Rent a car from Marmaris and take the D400 coastal highway towards Fethiye, then the D400 and local roads south to Ölüdeniz. The drive itself is spectacular — pine forests, mountain passes, and sea views.
- Total flexibility
- Stop at Saklikent Gorge en route
- Fethiye town detour possible
- Cheaper for groups of 4+
- Mountain roads — need a confident driver
- Parking at Ölüdeniz can be difficult in peak season
- Road signs can be confusing
Take a dolmuş from Marmaris bus station to Fethiye (1h 30min, £7), then a local Fethiye–Ölüdeniz dolmuş (20 min, £1.50). Efficient but requires planning — check the last return time to avoid being stranded.
- Cheapest option
- Authentic local experience
- Flexible departure times
- Requires a change in Fethiye
- Long journey time
- Limited luggage space
- Last return can be as early as 16:00
What to Do at Ölüdeniz
Blue Lagoon Swimming
£10 entryThe famous turquoise lagoon. The water is noticeably different from the open sea — calmer, warmer, and a unique pale blue-green colour. Sunbeds available (£6 extra).
Ölüdeniz Beach
Free3km of gorgeous pebble beach with the mountains as backdrop. Wilder and more open than the lagoon. Best for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.
Paragliding
£130–180Ölüdeniz is rated one of the top 10 paragliding sites in the world. Tandem flights from the 1,960m Babadağ Mountain land directly on Ölüdeniz Beach. Bookable on the day from beach operators.
Butterfly Valley Boat Trip
£20–25 ppA boat trip from Ölüdeniz beach to the stunning Butterfly Valley — a gorge accessible only by sea and home to hundreds of tiger butterfly species in June/July.
Fethiye Town (en route)
FreeStop in Fethiye town on the way for the covered bazaar, Lycian rock tombs, and Fethiye marina. Worth a 2-hour detour if driving.
Saklikent Gorge (en route)
£5A dramatic 300m-deep gorge 44km from Fethiye. Walkways take you through ice-cold mountain water. Only accessible if you have a car — 15 min off the main route.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
Ölüdeniz vs Other Marmaris Day Trips
| Day Trip | Distance | Journey | Cost | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ölüdeniz | 100km | 2h | £35–55 | ★★★★★ |
| Pamukkale | 195km | 2h 30min | £35–50 | ★★★★★ |
| Ephesus | 170km | 2h 30min | £40–60 | ★★★★ |
| Rhodes | 50km by sea | 50min ferry | £35–55 | ★★★★★ |
| Dalyan | 75km | 1h 15min | £25–40 | ★★★★★ |
All distances from Marmaris centre.
Our Verdict
The Marmaris–Ölüdeniz day trip is one of the best day excursions in the entire Turkey Aegean coast. The Blue Lagoon is genuinely as spectacular as every photograph suggests. The 2-hour journey is completely worth it. We rate it as essential for anyone spending 5+ days in Marmaris.
Pro Tips
- Arrive at Blue Lagoon before 10:00 to avoid peak crowds
- Book paragliding in advance — spots sell out by 09:30 in summer
- Bring cash — Blue Lagoon entry desk is cash only
- Don't miss the Butterfly Valley boat trip (book at beach)
More Day Trips from Marmaris
Related Day Trip Guides
Emma Richardson
Travel writer who has made the Marmaris–Ölüdeniz drive over a dozen times and paraglided from Babadağ Mountain three times. She wrote the first English-language day-trip guide for this route in 2019.