If you love beaches, you need to get to know Olu Deniz, a resort town on the south west coast of Turkey, along the Aegean Sea. To say it has great beaches is a gross understatement. It is frequently rated among the top five beaches in the world by international travel magazines and visitors. It is famous for its captivating shades of turquoise and aquamarine and for being the most photographed beach in the Mediterranean. Its water quality, sustainable development and environmental management has earned it a coveted blue flag, award by the independent organization, Foundation for Environmental Education. Olu Deniz is still very much a find. It is not overly developed, but has everything you need from a resort destination.

 

The beach scene is lively, with couples and families splashing in the gentle waves and sunbathing. Active types are likely to be tempted by paragliding. It’s a popular pastime in this area, and the sky is often filled with colourful parachutes gliding slowly down to the beach. Go ahead and give it a try. Your bravery will be rewarded with fantastic views. Closer to the ground, trekking is a wonderful experience here, with nearby mountains to climb and historic sites to explore.

 

The thrill of discovery extends to the cuisine of Olu Deniz, too. Turkish cuisine is hearty fare and features a bevy of interesting flavours. Appetizers (or mezes) start the meal with delicious treats like stuffed vine leaves, humus, mussels, and borek (thin layers of pastry stuffed with cheese, meat or spinach). Fish dishes are plentiful, ranging from lobster to swordfish and calamari. Fish or meat kebabs, ghoulash and stews satisfy the palate. To sip, try Turkey’s dry white or red wines, and raki, an anise seed drink that is a favourite among locals. There is so much to savour on an Olu Deniz holiday.

 

Turkish taverns are lively places for nighttime fun. Do join in and try a native folk dance.

 

Take a day excursion to Butterfly Valley where millions of butterflies flutter over waterfalls and lush greenery.

 

Paddle a canoe through the waters of the Xantos river, past green meadows, cliffs and a eucalyptus forest.