Ölüdeniz, Beach resort in Fethiye, Turkey.
Ölüdeniz is a coastal settlement near Fethiye on the Turkish Mediterranean coast that centers around a sheltered bay with bright turquoise water. Steep mountain slopes rise directly behind the bay, creating a sharp contrast between land and sea.
In the early 1980s, the shift from a small fishing village to a frequently visited destination began. Holiday resorts and facilities for visitors appeared along the coastline, reshaping the character of the settlement.
Locals and visitors from dozens of countries gather around the shoreline throughout the warmer months. People spread their towels along the pebble beach, enter the shallow water for leisurely swims, and walk the footpaths that trace the edge of the lagoon.
The water in the bay stays cool and clear throughout the year, making swimming comfortable from spring through autumn. The pebble beach can feel uncomfortable barefoot, so water shoes are a practical choice for spending time there.
Protection rules prevent any building within the boundaries of the lagoon itself. This legal arrangement keeps the shoreline free from structures and preserves the appearance of the water basin as it was before tourism development.
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