Oludeniz Beach is one of the most photographed stretches of coast in Türkiye, yet many visitors arrive without realising it is really two beaches, each with its own rules and prices. The bay of Ölüdeniz, whose name means “dead sea” for its still water, rewards a little planning: knowing the difference saves money, helps you avoid the crowds and makes it easy to choose the right spot for your day.

Belcekız Beach or the Blue Lagoon: What Is the Difference?

Belcekız Beach is the long public beach that runs along the seafront promenade. It is free to use, with free showers and toilets. The water deepens quickly and can have small waves, and the shore is pebbly, so water shoes make life easier.

The Blue Lagoon, known locally as Kumburnu, is the calm, shallow inlet beside the sand spit at the far end of the bay. It sits inside the protected Ölüdeniz Nature Park, so the water stays sheltered and warms up faster than the open sea. You can read more about the Blue Lagoon on GoTürkiye.

Ölüdeniz beach and the Blue Lagoon from above, with boats moored along the sandy spit and pine covered hills behind
Oludeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon from above.

What it costs in 2026:

  • Belcekız Beach: free
  • Blue Lagoon entry: around 150 TL per person on foot, or about 750 TL per car including parking
  • Two sunbeds and an umbrella: roughly 600 to 900 TL on Belcekız, and 1,200 to 1,500 TL inside the lagoon

Each beach business sets its own prices, so always ask before you sit down. If you would rather not pay at all, bring a towel and use one of the free stretches of Belcekız.

When to Go to Avoid the Crowds

Timing makes all the difference here. Arrive before 10:00 and you will have the water almost to yourself, before the boat tours and day visitors arrive. Come back after 16:30 and the crowds have thinned, the light has softened and the sea is at its warmest. In July and August the lagoon is busiest around midday, which makes it the perfect time for a long lunch in the shade.

Quiet pebble shore of Belcekız beach in Ölüdeniz with gentle waves and pine covered hills behind
Belcekız beach is at its quietest early in the morning.

Across the year, late May, June, September and early October bring warm water and far fewer people. Our guide to the best time to visit Ölüdeniz covers the weather and sea temperatures season by season.

More Than Swimming: Paragliding, Boat Trips and Water Sports

  • Paragliding landings: Tandem flights from Babadağ glide down onto the Belcekız promenade throughout the day, and watching them land is free entertainment, especially at sunset. If you want to fly, our Ölüdeniz paragliding guide explains your options, while the Babadağ cable car offers the summit views without the jump.
  • Boat trips: Day boats leave from the beach for Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island and the Blue Cave. Choose a smaller boat with no loud music for a calmer day on the water.
  • Water sports: Paddleboards and kayaks are easy to hire, while jet skis and parasailing run from the open sea side of Belcekız. Calm mornings are the best time for a first paddle.

Oludeniz Beach is at its best when you can arrive early and slip away when the crowds build. Sejo Vista is a small, adults only hotel about 600 metres from the beach, opposite the Babadağ cable car station, so the sand is a short walk away and peace and quiet is never far behind. If you are still choosing a base, our where to stay in Ölüdeniz guide compares each area. Take a look at our rooms, contact us or message us on WhatsApp to plan your stay.