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Ölüdeniz/Hisarönü What's it really like? Transfer time: Approx 90 minutes - 2 hours Location: Olu Deniz is in a league of its own for scenery and the lagoon-like qualities has adorned the front cover of holiday brochures for years. It is not so much a resort as a place of pilgrimage and most of the accommodation is set well away from the bay, up in the surrounding hills and out-of-sight in Hisaronu. The price you pay to get close to such beauty is in hard cash, whatever the going admission price is to this protected national park. Olu Deniz comprises a handful of hotels with a few beach bars and café/restaurants while Hisaronu is the main base for holidaymakers and has been transformed from a tiny village into a complete resort. To be fair development here has not got out-of-hand and won't be allowed to. The newer streets of Hisaronu have been carefully designed to compliment the original buildings so it's still rather quaint and mostly unspoilt. Many of the hotels will be fairly isolated and may be unsuitable for the less-mobile. Beaches: The dreamy turquoise bay on a bed of white sand is the most photographed in the whole of Turkey, so attracts crowds of day trippers. Kayaks can be hired to explore the lagoon while the more usual water sports are available from the main beach. Bars, mostly along the main seafront serve snacks during the day and do a roaring trade. Hisaronu is an inland resort about 15 minutes away by dolmus (shared taxi). Days out: Walkers will lap-up the beautiful scenery on the signed pathways which climb through the pine-clad hills. Beach-lovers will not want to miss a trip to Patara - voted one of the best in the world. Now a conservation area, the soft sand, backed by dunes stretches 9km and is home to the endangered Loggerhead turtles. Fethiye, about 10 miles away combines some historic attractions and shopping opportunities around its working harbour. Among the other nearby sites worth exploring is the deserted ghost town Kaya Koyu and the ancient city of Xanthos (see Turkey main page) Other ruins of less significance include; the tombs of Pinara and Letoon. Natural history lovers should head for Saklikent Gorge, a spectacular canyon gouged out of the mountains. Nights out: Low-key bars along the seafront at Olu Deniz, more variety in Hisaronu including a few clubs. A small number of restaurants in Olu Deniz, more choice and variety in Hisaronu. Bucket and Spade Brigade: Active youngsters will enjoy the beach and should take the traveling between the sites in their stride. However, more lethargic children may find it a drag having to catch a dolmus or mini-bus to the beach and back. Choose your accommodation accordingly. |
