Ölüdeniz & Babadağ, Turkey: flying above the Blue Lagoon

Babadağ rises to nearly 2,000 m directly above the Mediterranean, and the take-off at about 1,700 m offers one of the most photogenic flights in the sport: a 1,700 m descent to the Ölüdeniz beach. It is also a busy commercial tandem operation, and the site is a staple of the European paragliding calendar.

Season

Roughly April to November, with September–October the peak. Summer midday is hot and thermic; mornings and evenings are generally calmer. A gentle sea breeze often supports late-day flights.

Flying notes

• The launch is reached by a cable car or by road to the upper take-off, with several launches facing different wind directions.
• Landing is on the beach near the lagoon. Heavy tandem traffic means you should follow marked approach patterns and organiser instructions.
• Strong afternoon thermals and sea-breeze effects can produce turbulence in the landing area.
• Pilots flying solo should check local regulations and insurance requirements and consider a local briefing.

Beyond flying

Ölüdeniz and the nearby Fethiye area offer beaches, hiking and boat trips, making it easy to combine flying with a holiday.