Oludeniz Landmarks and Monuments

(Oludeniz, Mugla Province, Turkey)

Oludeniz doesn't have a whole load of sights, apart from its beaches and the mountain. Most of the local landmarks are around and about in the form of ancient cities and more distant beaches, and so renting a car or scooter helps to take advantage of this fantastic area.

Babadag Mountain is the most obvious landmark in town, looming over the streets from almost 2 km / 1.5 miles in height, while several good beaches are within walking distance of Oludeniz. For ancient cities, be sure to take in Xanthos and Patara. Walkers might like to take on the 500-km / 310-mile long Lycian Way, or at least part of it.

Xanthos

Address: Xanthos, Turkey, TR
The ancient city of Xanthos is to be found to the south-east of Oludeniz, off towards Kalkan, and is home to the finest set of ruins in the region. Xanthos was the capital city of the Lycian Federation and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the late 1980s. Remains of the ancient city are scattered about the site and many partial structures remain standing, including an impressive amphitheatre.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Babadag Mountain

Address: Oludeniz, Turkey, TR
This huge chunk of limestone is the main landmark in Oludeniz and is simply quite unmissable, being also very much noted as a launch point for paragliders. Naturally, the views from the 1,969-metre / 6,460-foot high summit are outstanding and there are several established hiking trails leading all the way to the top. The smaller, 1,400-metre / 4,595-foot peak of Karatepe faces Babadag Mountain and is separated by a deep valley.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Patara

Address: Patara, Turkey, TR
This huge amphitheatre is the main landmark in dune-swept Patara, being one of the remains of an ancient city not far from Xanthos and located right on the shore. The beach here is an attraction in itself and runs for about 18 km / 11 miles in length. The amphitheatre is set into a low hillside and one of its ancient gates is still standing, while a walk along the partially restored main street, lined with stone columns, is highly recommended. Interestingly, Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) was supposedly born in Patara during the 4th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Lycian Way

Address: Oludeniz, Turkey, TR
This ancient footpath is touted as being one of the world's top ten walks by some parties, such as the UK's Sunday Times. Heading from Ovacik to Antalya and stretching for over 500 km / 310 miles, the Lycian Way is well marked with red and white stripes on large rocks. The route is graded medium to hard on account of its constant undulations and the extensive limestone underfoot. Generally the best time to walk the Lycian Way is either in the spring or autumn, when you can avoid the heat of the day.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free