Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon and Babadağ paragliding

Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey's most famous beaches: a long curve of shingle beach and a sheltered lagoon of turquoise water, backed by pine-covered mountains. The calm lagoon, in the Ölüdeniz Nature Park, is perfect for swimming and for children; there's a small entry fee. The main beach of Belcekız is free but busy in summer.

The mountain behind, Babadağ (1,969 m), is one of the best paragliding sites in the world. Tandem flights take off from the summit and glide down for 30 to 40 minutes, landing on the beach. Boat trips run to Butterfly Valley and other coves, and Ölüdeniz is the start of the Lycian Way, a long-distance walking trail along the coast.

It's 14 km from Fethiye, with frequent dolmuş minibuses, and about an hour from Dalaman airport. Car parking near the beach is expensive.