Aerial view of colourful boats in the Mediterranean Sea in Ölüdeniz, Turkey

© den-belitsky/Getty Image

A beach of many colours. Ölüdeniz, Turkey

The village and beach resort of Ölüdeniz on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast are named after the Blue Lagoon that’s separated from the ocean by a long sandbar. (The literal translation of Ölüdeniz is ‘Dead Sea’, reflecting the calm water.) Much of the area is protected inside a national park, and the Ölüdeniz beach proudly holds Blue Flag certification recognising its high environmental and quality standards.

When you’re all beached out, head for the hills. Ölüdeniz is one of the best paragliding spots in the world, so launch yourself from the impressive Mount Babadağ - just three miles from the seaside - and enjoy spectacular views of the lagoon, the beach, the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, and the scenic hills and valleys fading into the distance. Once you’re back on solid ground, take a trip to the Butterfly Valley by taxi boat or drive the lovely local road that hugs the coast. Hopefully you’ll spot a variety of butterflies as you hike through the natural canyon. Whether you go by air, land or sea, there are so many ways to celebrate nature and diversity in this gorgeous part of the world.