BABADAĞ: THE MILLION $ VIEW, HOME TO ÖLÜDENIZ PARAGLIDING

Many travellers to Turkey have Ölüdeniz paragliding at the top of their must-do list. An estimated 150.000 individuals jump off Mount Babadağ for tandem paragliding experiences during the typical tourism season. In addition to the obvious and incredible rush of adrenaline, jumpers are rewarded with breathtaking views of one of Turkey’s most stunning beaches. Although it’s believed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we can assure you that many people would repeat it if given the chance.
But Babadağ offers so much more than just a great altitude for paragliding. On your journey to the summit, you can see some fascinating flora and animals, including protected indigenous species, that provide a striking background for Fethiye’s shoreline. To put it briefly, even if you decide not to jump, you should definitely think about paying a visit to Babadağ’s summit if you happen to be in the Fethiye region.

Too Cute For Words!

A SCENIC RIDE

There is no doubt that driving up Mount Babadağ is an exciting experience! Some may describe it as frightening, but we prefer to call it scenic. The route to the summit is clearly signposted. You can stop at the 1.200m point halfway through. Despite being a dirt track, this portion of the road is worthwhile. Even though it’s not as high, you’ll probably have the site to yourself and enjoy breathtaking views. As busy as any tourist resort becomes, we went to Babadağ during the Sacrifice Feast Holidays (Kurban Bayramı) in August.
The calmness on the mountain was a nice contrast to the hectic traffic downtown Ölüdeniz. At the 1.200m point, we were the only ones enjoying the stillness and the sights. Well worth the diversion! Tandem jumps are also scheduled by some Ölüdeniz paragliding companies from this location, however often the take-off is at the 1.700m point, which also houses a café-restaurant. While climbing Babadağ, be sure to pause and take in the striking Lebanon Cedar trees and other distinctive vegetation.

View From 1200m Point

A MILLION-DOLLAR VIEW ON BABADAĞ!

Over winter, we miss the breathtaking view from Babadağ for many months. Winter usually makes it more difficult to reach the top because of the snow or, worse, ice, that covers the narrow, steep routes. For this reason, the local government has chosen to construct a cable car that will transport tourists to the summit. The completion of these projects is anticipated by the end of 2020. Once the initial phase was completed, both the restaurant, which has undergone a significant renovation, and the road to the summit reopened to tourists!
We will not be reviewing restaurants going forward, as we are not currently a restaurant review blog. Thus, the experience is what matters here rather than the food or beverages. And it’s quite the experience!

CHILLING LIKE 007

Let’s be honest: we enjoy it best when nature is unaltered. We acknowledge that we had our doubts over the construction being done on Mount Babadağ. We thought it would spoil everything. It didn’t, actually. Conversely, though! The old Zirve Restaurant has been demolished and replaced with a chic establishment that looks like it belongs in a James Bond film or Thunderbirds episode. The view is still as breathtaking as it ever was, and the paragliders are still soaring through the sky like bright balloons. The setting is even more striking when you consider the cable car that runs above it.

Thus, by all means, ascend to the summit and savour that million-dollar view! The restaurant offers a wide menu at costs that are similar to what you would pay for dinner or drinks on Ölüdeniz’s promenade. But trust us, this location is more about how it makes you feel than how good the cuisine is!

ÖLÜDENIZ PARAGLIDING: TAKING THINGS BEYOND SPECTACULAR!

Anyone who has been paragliding, or who considers doing it will agree that it is an awesome thing to do. But paragliding in Ölüdeniz is taking things one step further. The presence of Mount Babadağ so close to the sea, right above Turkey’s most spectacular beach is a gift. This is not just about the thrill; it is also about experiencing this extraordinary view in a totally unique way. This is what it looks like from above.

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT BABADAĞ

It all depends on your intentions. Obviously, if you are going paragliding, the company you book your flight with is going to make sure you are driven to the top. If not, you have the option of a very long walk, take a taxi, drive up to the top yourself, or take advantage of the Sky Dine service from 1700 Babadağ Grill & Bar. They offer a pick-up service from your hotel in the area that is included in their sunset dinner package. Until the works at the cable car started, there was a regular minibus (dolmuş) service too.

Sunset Is Golden

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