Discovering Olu Deniz with Kids – Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
Are you a huge fan of holidaying in Greece?
With its mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes, lush greenery and stunning beaches - it is easy to see why the Greek mainland and its outlying islands are a popular choice for UK families.
With holiday prices rocketing, it is now more expensive than ever to travel to the likes of Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes. Instead, have you considered Turkey's Turqouise Coast as an alternative holiday destination?
Here I share my reasons why I believe Olu Deniz with kids is the perfect family holiday that is kinder on the budget.
Discovering Olu Deniz with Kids - Turkey's Turquoise Coast
Turkey, in particular the coastal resorts of Fethiye, Gocek and Olu Deniz offer holiday makers a surprisingly similar experience to holidaying in Greece but with a much more affordable price tag.
With the pound strong against the Lira, Turkey is both beautiful and affordable - all while being that little bit more adventurous. With the mystical daily calls to prayer that ring out from the local mosques - this largely Muslim country is relatively secular and accepting of tourists in its popular coastal resorts. Seemingly co-existing in parallel harmony - the juxtaposition of cultures making for a heady and intoxicating unison.
Why Olu Deniz is the perfect choice
Having visited the resorts of Olu Deniz and nearby Hisaronu three times in the last 10 years, I remain a huge advocate for holidaying along Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast.
Suitable for families, single travellers, groups, and couples - its temperate weather makes it a viable year-round destination. Serviced by all the major airlines and package holiday companies - flights into Dalaman take approximately 4 hours from the UK. On landing at its bright and modern airport, a direct transfer will take just over an hour to reach Olu Deniz and its neighbouring villages of Hisaronu and Ovacik.
More than just a Beach
Made famous by one of Turkey’s most photographed sights - the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz is truly breathtaking. The adjacent seaside resort spills out from a valley in the shadows of Babadag Mountain and offers tourists the ideal beachside retreat.
Standing 1900m above sea level, this giant monolith serves as the perfect spot for daredevil jumpers to paraglide back down to earth. For approximately £100 - tourists can partake in a tandem jump if they are feeling brave enough. Touching down on the beach while tourists enjoy a drink in the nearby bars and restaurants - a visit or stay in Olu Deniz offers this truly unique experience.
To witness these adrenaline junkies make the leap of faith from a different perspective - take the Swiss-built cable car from ground level to the viewing platform and bar/restaurant at 1700m. A ski lift then takes you further to 1900m and an alternative stomach-churning viewpoint.
Back down on the ground, the various beach clubs dotted along the lagoon and the main beach itself are a glorious place to while away the hours. Boat trips also depart from here with vessels ranging in size from small-scale to huge party pirate ships.
Hisaronu and Ovacick
Climbing up the hill behind Olu Deniz, in either a taxi or Dolmas (mini bus), is the lively resort of Hisaronu. Offering the bright neon lights and dance bars that appeal to many on holiday - it is the brasher brother to the more chilled Olu Deniz.
For a slower pace, the Ovacik end of the village has a much more relaxed vibe while still offering plenty of places to shop, eat and drink. The bustling and historic harbour town of Fethiye is an easy 15-minute drive away. Visit a beach club for the day or arrive early evening to meander around the traditional souk and along the seafront promenade.
THE DETAILS
Turquoise Coast recommendations:
'- Experience a traditional Turkish Breakfast (Kahvalti) - we visited Nahli Baçhe in Hisaronu
- Fethiye Old Town - Tuesday Market and Amyntas Rock Tombs
- Boat trip from Fetiye Harbour or Olu Deniz beach (Tommys’s Boat Trip)
- Sundowner cocktails at Jade or an overnight adult’s only stay at Oyster Residence
- Paragliding from or a cable car up to Babadag Mountain, standing at just over 1900m
- Paradise Beach Club
- Hisaronu Market day - Monday
Hotels recommendations:
family friendly and chilled - Monta Verde
Location location - Sundia by Liberty Olu Deniz
Boutique romance - Jade and Oyster Residence (adult only)
Luxury all inclusive - Lykia World and Letoonia
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