Belcekiz Beach Oludeniz 2026: Free Public Beach Guide
"Belcekiz Beach is one of the world's most famous paragliding landing zones — dozens of tandem pilots launch from Babadağ at nearly 2,000 metres and touch down on this beachfront throughout the day."
Belcekiz Beach Oludeniz is the long, free-access public beach stretching across the front of Ölüdeniz village on Turkey's Lycian coast in Muğla Province. Often confused with the adjacent Blue Lagoon, Belcekiz is actually the open, sea-facing beach — no entrance fee, a lively waterfront promenade, and the dramatic backdrop of paragliders floating down from Babadağ. With Blue Flag certification and turquoise water framed by pine-covered mountains, it is the social heart of Ölüdeniz.
Beach Character
Belcekiz Beach is a mixed-surface beach — coarser sand on the upper shore transitioning to smooth, rounded white pebbles near the waterline. Water entry is relatively steep, with the seabed dropping off noticeably within a few metres. The sea can be wavy at times, particularly in the afternoon when boat traffic picks up, though mornings tend to be calmer.
The depth drop-off and pebbly waterline mean Belcekiz Beach is not ideal for very young children — families with toddlers will find the adjacent Blue Lagoon safer, with its shallow, gradual entry and waveless water. The standout feature of Belcekiz is the setting: a wide crescent of turquoise water with paragliders landing on the promenade all day long.
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go
- Entry is free. Belcekiz is a public beach — no nature park fee. Only sunbed rental costs money.
- Arrive before 10:00 in summer. Sunbeds fill up fast in July–August, and parking becomes a problem by mid-morning.
- Water shoes are recommended. The pebbles near the waterline can be uncomfortable — though some visitors manage fine without them.
- The sea can get wavy. Belcekiz faces the open Mediterranean. After 11:00, boat traffic creates additional waves and stirs sediment. Morning swims are calmer and clearer.
- This is NOT the Blue Lagoon. The paid lagoon (Kumburnu) is adjacent. If calm, shallow water is the priority, the lagoon entrance is a short walk south along the beach.
- Watch the paragliders. Tandem pilots land on the beachfront promenade all day — free entertainment and great photo opportunities.
Services & Charges
Entrance
Belcekiz Beach is a free public beach with no entrance fee — unlike the adjacent Blue Lagoon, which charges a nature park entry.
Sunbeds
Two sunbeds with an umbrella cost approximately 900–1,500 TL depending on the operator and location along the beach, as of 2025. Prices change annually — check on arrival.
Eating & Drinking
Buzz Beach Bar sits right on the waterfront with a terrace that doubles as the best paraglider-watching spot — pizzas, kebabs, and cocktails at sunset. Joseph's Restaurant earns consistent praise for brunch and an international menu. Jade Terrace Food & Drink is a smaller favourite, known for prawn pasta and a quieter atmosphere. Several other cafés and bars line the promenade for quick snacks and cold drinks.
Facilities
Showers and toilets are available on the beach, though cleanliness receives mixed reviews from visitors. Beachfront restaurants serve as the main amenity points.
Who Should Visit & When
Couples enjoy the vibrant sunset scene from the beachfront bars — May, June, and September offer warm evenings without peak-season crowds. Adventure seekers come for the paragliding, and April through June delivers the best flying conditions with clear thermals from Babadağ.
Solo travellers thrive in July–August when the promenade buzzes with international visitors and beach-bar nightlife. Families with older children can enjoy the beach in June or September when it is less packed — though families with toddlers should consider the calmer Blue Lagoon next door. Elderly visitors will find the flat promenade walkable and the morning sea comfortable, with May and October offering pleasant 25 °C days without the intense summer heat.
Shoulder-season prices are significantly lower — worth checking early.
Insider Tips
Location & How to Get There
Belcekiz Beach Oludeniz is located on Turkey's southwestern Lycian coast, in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province, approximately 14 km south of Fethiye city centre. The beach stretches across Belceğiz Bay at the heart of the Ölüdeniz resort village, directly facing the open Mediterranean with the dramatic Babadağ mountain rising behind it. The drive from Fethiye follows a scenic road through the hillside villages of Ovacık and Hisarönü before descending to the coast.
By Car
From Fethiye centre, head south on the Ölüdeniz road via Ovacık — approximately 14 km, 20–25 minutes. Parking near the beach costs approximately 500 TL as of 2025. Spaces are limited and traffic congestion into Ölüdeniz is common in summer. From Dalaman Airport, the drive is approximately 60 km and takes around 60–75 minutes.
By Public Transport
Dolmuş minibuses run on MUTTAŞ Route 3-40 from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz every 10–15 minutes in summer. First departure from Fethiye is around 07:00, last at 22:30. The fare is approximately 30–40 TL. Credit cards and Kent Kart are accepted on all vehicles.
From the Airport
Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the nearest airport, approximately 60 km away. Shared airport transfers, private taxis, and car hire are available from the arrivals terminal. There is no direct public bus to Ölüdeniz — transfer via Fethiye otogar.
Direct flights to Dalaman run frequently from May through October. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead typically saves 30–40% on peak-season fares.
Activities & Events
Paragliding
Belcekiz Beach Oludeniz is one of the world's top tandem paragliding sites. Flights launch from Babadağ at approximately 1,700 metres and last 20–40 minutes, landing directly on the beachfront promenade. Multiple licensed operators run daily flights from spring through autumn.
Boat Tours
Around eight boats depart daily from Belcekiz at approximately 11:00, returning by 18:00. Day trips typically visit Butterfly Valley, Gemiler Island, and nearby coves, with swimming stops and lunch included.
Water Sports
Jet skiing, waterskiing, kayaking, and pedal boat hire are available along the beach. Speed boat excursions also operate from the waterfront.
Scuba Diving
Local dive operators offer courses and guided dives in the clear offshore waters, with underwater caves and varied marine life. Snorkelling gear can be rented at the beach.
Accommodation
Belcekiz Beach Oludeniz has accommodation for every budget within walking distance. Beach resorts offer all-inclusive packages with pools and direct waterfront access. Boutique hotels provide quieter settings with sea-view terraces — some with as few as seven rooms. Mid-range hotels and apart-hotels suit self-catering visitors and longer stays.
Family-run pensions are available in the hillside streets of Ölüdeniz and nearby Hisarönü. Villas work well for groups wanting more space. Campsites on the outskirts offer the most budget-friendly option with a more outdoorsy atmosphere.
The best-reviewed properties near Belcekiz Beach fill up fast for July and August. Shoulder-season visitors (May, June, September, October) find wider availability and significantly lower prices.
Weather and Sea Temperature
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Sea (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 9 | 18 | 108 |
| February | 15 | 9 | 17 | 52 |
| March | 17 | 10 | 17 | 50 |
| April | 21 | 13 | 18 | 24 |
| May | 25 | 17 | 21 | 18 |
| June | 29 | 21 | 24 | 13 |
| July | 32 | 24 | 27 | 3 |
| August | 33 | 24 | 29 | 5 |
| September | 31 | 22 | 27 | 8 |
| October | 25 | 18 | 25 | 25 |
| November | 20 | 15 | 22 | 40 |
| December | 16 | 12 | 20 | 81 |
Nearby Beaches
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Blue Lagoon (Kumburnu) — adjacent, walkable
The enclosed turquoise lagoon inside a nature park — calm, shallow water and a paid entrance. A different experience from Belcekiz despite being right next door.
-
Kıdrak Beach (Paradise Beach) — approximately 2 km, 5 minutes by car or walkable
A pine-shaded pebble cove inside a nature park with no water sports or loud music — the quiet alternative to Belcekiz.
-
Gemiler Beach — approximately 12 km, 20 minutes via Kayaköy
A quiet pebble beach facing Gemiler Island, where visible Byzantine-era church ruins can be reached by small boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belcekiz Beach free to enter? +
Yes. Belcekiz Beach is a free public beach with no entrance fee. Sunbed and umbrella rental is available from beachfront operators for an additional charge.
Is Belcekiz Beach suitable for children? +
With supervision, yes — but it is not ideal for very young children. The seabed drops off relatively quickly within a few metres of the waterline, and the surface is pebbly near the water. Families with toddlers may prefer the adjacent Blue Lagoon, which has shallower, calmer water and a more gradual entry.
Are there restaurants at Belcekiz Beach? +
Yes. Several restaurants and beach bars line the Belcekiz waterfront, including Buzz Beach Bar with its paraglider-landing views, Joseph's Restaurant for brunch, and Jade Terrace for seafood. Prices are higher than in Fethiye town.
How do I get to Belcekiz Beach by public transport? +
Dolmuş minibuses run on MUTTAŞ Route 3-40 from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz every 10–15 minutes in summer. The fare is approximately 30–40 TL. The journey takes around 25–30 minutes.
What is the best time to visit Belcekiz Beach? +
May–June and September–October offer warm swimming temperatures (21–27 °C), fewer crowds, and calmer water. July–August is hottest and busiest. Mornings before 11:00 are best — boat traffic creates waves in the afternoon.
Is there parking at Belcekiz Beach? +
Yes, but it is limited. Parking costs approximately 500 TL as of 2025. Traffic congestion getting into Ölüdeniz is a common complaint in summer. Arriving early or using the dolmuş from Fethiye is recommended.
What is the difference between Belcekiz Beach and the Blue Lagoon? +
Belcekiz is the long, free public beach facing the open Mediterranean. The Blue Lagoon (Kumburnu) is the enclosed lagoon behind the sand spit — calmer, shallower, and with a paid nature park entrance. They are adjacent but separate beaches with different characteristics.
Can I watch paragliders land at Belcekiz Beach? +
Yes. Belcekiz Beach is one of the world's most famous paragliding landing zones. Tandem paragliders launch from Babadağ and land on the beachfront throughout the day. Buzz Beach Bar's terrace is a popular viewing spot.
Is the sea at Belcekiz Beach calm or wavy? +
Belcekiz Beach faces the open Mediterranean, so the sea can be wavy at times — especially in the afternoon when boat traffic increases. Mornings are generally calmer. For consistently still water, the adjacent Blue Lagoon is a better option.
Do I need water shoes at Belcekiz Beach? +
Water shoes are recommended but not essential. The beach surface transitions from sand to rounded pebbles near the waterline. Some visitors find it comfortable enough without shoes, but many appreciate having them for the stony seabed.