By Jeannie D
Why Ölüdeniz is One of the Best Places to Paraglide
Tucked along the dazzling Turquoise Coast is the coastal Turkish town of Ölüdeniz – home to one of the highest commercial paragliding take-off sites in the world. And yes, I jumped it! Safely harnessed to my tandem paragliding pilot, of course.
Our Tandem Paragliding Experience from Mount Babadağ
Picture this: stepping off the top of Mount Babadağ, which sits nearly 2,000 meters above sea level and gliding gracefully over the breathtaking Blue Lagoon (not to be confused with the lagoon in the classic film by the same name) with its jewel-toned waters, forested cliffs, and sun-drenched beaches. This is not just a jump… It’s a floating postcard. And you’re in it.
What made this particular leap extra special was sharing it with someone special: my incredible travel soulmate and business partner, Justine. She may be fearless in business and a boss in life… but when it comes to heights? Not so much. So to watch her harness up, push through her nerves, and literally take flight was pure magic. Brave doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like shaking hands, a deep breath… and then soaring through the clouds.
From Turkish Islands to Turkish Skies
Our paragliding adventure in Ölüdeniz was the culmination of our two-week Turkish island-hopping holiday. Think crystal coves, ancient ruins, transparent waters, and long, lazy lunches that stretched well beyond sunset. So when we traded our sea legs for the skies, it felt like we’d gone from sea to sky in a single breath. One minute we were diving off the back of the boat into warm Aegan waters, and the next, we were running off a cliff with parachutes strapped to our backs. Because… why not?
My Must-Have Forex Adventuring Companion
Of course, none of this would’ve been quite so seamless without my not-so-secret travel essential: my Shyft app that allows me to travel with the cheapest forex available pre-loaded, ready to tap for spontaneous purchases.
Top tips for Paragliding in Ölüdeniz
- Best Time to Go: Spring through early autumn (April–October) for perfect weather and clear skies
- What to Wear: Activewear, sunglasses, and closed shoes – you’ll be comfortably harnessed
- How to Book: Justine and I flew with Gravity which is based in Ölüdeniz. Visit their website for more information and booking details.
- Go early in the day when winds are calm and views are crisp
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adrenaline-packed travel experience in Turkey, paragliding over Ölüdeniz is it. It’s a memory you’ll revisit over and over.
