Kumburnu Plajı — Attraction in Fethiye

I had the chance to visit Kumburnu Plajı, and I must say it was one of the most memorable beach experiences I’ve had in Turkey. I’ve traveled quite a bit and visited countless beaches, but there is something about this place that combines natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities in a way that makes it stand out. Let me share my experience in detail, because this gem deserves recognition.

The beach stretches out gracefully into a narrow strip of land that almost feels like it’s hugging the turquoise waters on both sides. On one side you have the calm, crystal-clear lagoon of Ölüdeniz, and on the other side, the open sea with its deeper blue shades. It’s like standing between two worlds, and the contrast is truly mesmerizing. No matter where you look, the colors of nature feel surreal—greens from the pine-covered mountains, shimmering blues from the water, and the golden tones of the sand.

The water here is something else. I’ve swum in many places, but the lagoon at Kumburnu is one of the calmest, cleanest, and most inviting I’ve ever experienced. It feels like a natural swimming pool, with gentle waves, shallow areas perfect for families with kids, and deeper spots for confident swimmers. The clarity is unbelievable—you can see small fish swimming around your feet. I even brought a snorkeling mask, and it felt like exploring an aquarium. If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate how unspoiled and well-preserved this beach is.

One of the highlights for me was renting a sunbed and umbrella. Yes, there is a small entrance fee, and you pay extra for the sunbeds, but I found it absolutely worth it. The facilities are clean, organized, and well-maintained. There are showers, restrooms, and changing cabins close to the beach, which makes the whole experience more comfortable. The staff were polite and attentive, always making sure visitors had what they needed. For me, that balance between natural beauty and practical service is what makes a place perfect.

Food and drinks are also available on site. There’s a beach café where you can grab a cold drink, an ice cream, or even have a proper meal if you want to spend the whole day there without leaving. Prices are fair considering the location and the view you are enjoying. I had a Turkish gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and a cold ayran, and it tasted even better while sitting under the shade with the lagoon right in front of me.

What I appreciated most was the versatility of Kumburnu. If you want a quiet and relaxing day, you can find a peaceful spot under the trees and enjoy the sound of the waves. If you’re with family, the lagoon is incredibly safe and fun for kids. And if you’re adventurous, you’re right next to the world-famous paragliding spot of Babadağ Mountain. Watching colorful parachutes glide gracefully over the lagoon while you’re lying on your sunbed is a sight you’ll never forget. It adds a touch of magic to the whole experience.

Of course, like any popular destination, it can get crowded, especially in July and August. My advice is to come early in the morning or visit during May, June, or September if you prefer a calmer vibe. Even when it was busy, though, the beach never lost its charm. The natural beauty is simply too overwhelming to be overshadowed by crowds.

All in all, Kumburnu Plajı is a must-visit. It’s more than just a beach—it’s an experience that stays with you. The combination of calm lagoon waters, dramatic mountain views, and excellent facilities makes it one of the best beach spots in all of Turkey. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, you’ll find something here that makes your visit unforgettable. I left with a sun-kissed smile, salt on my skin, and a deep sense of gratitude for discovering this slice of paradise.

I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Fethiye or Ölüdeniz. Trust me, once you step onto the sand of Kumburnu and dip into its turquoise waters, you’ll understand why so many people call it one of the most beautiful beaches...

This place has only one thing going for it. The crystal clear water. Yes, the sea is stunning. The water is turquoise color. Beautiful. And that’s it.

The negatives heavily outweigh this single positive thing. First of all, the crowd is crazy. There is insane amount of people here and sun-beds with umbrellas are so tightly packed you barely have any space to move around. On top of that, there is lots of people that bring their own towels and umbrellas and mix in between. As I said, the it’s insanely crowded.

Even the parking and the access road. If you are not there by 8am in the morning, be prepared to wait in a huge line of cars to enter the parking lot. We arrived around 10am, and waited around 25 minutes in the traffic in front of the parking lot.

Okay, this is not a deal breaker, crowd on a beach is nothing new. But, considering the prices and how expensive it is, it’s a horrible deal. Parking is 500 TL, around 10€. Sun-beds with an umbrella for 2 people cost 1200 TL, or ~25€. And if you want to order anything from the restaurant, again, very expensive. And for what? For a low end and uncomfortable sun-beds, small umbrella, mediocre service and such a tight packing of people that you feel like a sardine in a can. Simply horrible experience.

All of this, while you have multiple beaches just 5-10min drive away from the city centre, that are more than half a price and more than double the enjoyment (same crystal clear turquoise sea, beautiful sandy beach, cheap parking, cheap sun-beds, cheaper restaurants, spaciousness and no...

This is in the blue lagoon. The sea was lovely and still and clear. I reccomend those wet shoes you can wear on the beach and in the sea though as the beach is pebbly. In the sea, there are baby fish that, if you stand still, might take a nibble at any dead skin on your feet but I felt a little nervous when a bigger fish nibbled and decided to keep my feet moving just to he on the safe side! There is a charge to hire a sun lounger... the beach isn't very big and the loungers are quite close and not the cleanest, but they were okay. There was a bar, but we didn't use it. This beach on the lagoon is not as steep as the beach on the other side overlooking Olüdeniz. Across the lagoon, there are some cleaner looking seating areas with bars, but these are all private and may need booking ahead, you definitely have to pay to get in, and there is a sewage works not too far from them. To get to this beach, you can drive and there is a big car park, but unless you have mobility problems it isn't worth paying for a golf cart (you have to walk past the hire place as you enter on to the road in) to take you there, it's only...