The Best Beaches from Fethiye to Kaş: Ölüdeniz, Patara, Kaputaş and More
The best-known beaches between Fethiye and Kaş are Ölüdeniz and its Blue Lagoon near Fethiye, the 18 km sweep of sand at Patara, the turquoise cove of Kaputaş between Kalkan and Kaş, and the pebble coves and swimming platforms of Kalkan and Kaş. Each has a different character – from wide sandy beaches ideal for families to small rocky bays with crystal-clear water.
The beaches at a glance
| Beach | Near | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ölüdeniz & Blue Lagoon | Fethiye (about 15 km) | pebble and sand, sheltered lagoon | families, paragliding views |
| Butterfly Valley | Ölüdeniz (by boat) | pebble cove below cliffs | a day trip by boat |
| Patara | Kalkan (about 15 km) | 18 km of sand dunes | long walks, sunsets, sandy beach |
| Kaputaş | between Kalkan and Kaş | small sandy cove | turquoise water, photos |
| Kalkan beach clubs | Kalkan town | platforms and small pebble beach | sunbeds, swimming off decks |
| Büyük Çakıl & Limanağzı | Kaş | pebble coves | clear water, snorkelling |
Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon
The famous view of Turkey’s south-west coast: a sheltered lagoon with very calm, shallow water inside a protected nature park (small entrance fee), next to the long public beach of Ölüdeniz. Paragliders drift down from Babadağ mountain overhead. Boats from Ölüdeniz also run to Butterfly Valley, a pebble cove at the foot of steep cliffs.
Patara: the long sandy beach
Patara has one of the longest beaches in Turkey – around 18 km of fine sand backed by dunes and the ruins of the ancient city. It is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles, so the beach closes at night in the nesting season and umbrellas are only allowed in the marked area. Access is through the Patara archaeological site.
Kaputaş: the turquoise cove
A small, photogenic cove on the coast road about 7 km from Kalkan, reached by around 187 steps. The cool spring water makes the sea refreshing even in August. Go early in summer, as space is limited.
Kalkan and Kaş
Kalkan has a small pebble town beach plus several beach clubs with wooden platforms where you swim straight into deep, clear water. In Kaş, Büyük Çakıl is a popular pebble beach a short ride from the centre, while Limanağzı’s coves across the bay are best reached by water taxi from the harbour.
Tips for beach days
- Bring water shoes – many beaches here are pebbly at the shoreline.
- Arrive early in July and August, especially at Kaputaş and Ölüdeniz.
- Respect turtle nests at Patara: no digging near markers and no night visits in season.
- Beach clubs in Kalkan and Kaş usually charge for sunbeds or a minimum spend.
Private airport transfers from Dalaman and Antalya to Fethiye, Kalkan and Kaş at fixed prices.
See transfer pricesFrequently asked questions
Which is the best sandy beach near Kalkan?
Patara, about 15 km from Kalkan, has around 18 km of fine sand and dunes.
Is the Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon free?
The lagoon lies inside a nature park with a small entrance fee; the public Ölüdeniz beach next to it is free.
Why does Patara beach close at night?
It is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles, so the beach closes at night during the nesting season.
How do you get to Kaputaş beach?
It is on the D400 between Kalkan and Kaş; dolmuş minibuses stop above it and around 187 steps lead down.