Visit the magical Butterfly Valley, Olu Deniz

The Butterfly Valley is a hidden gem of Turkey's Turquoise Coast. It is located in the Olu Deniz area of Turkey, near Fethiye, and it is a protected site because millions of butterflys come here to breed during June and September.The Butterfly Valley is only accessible by boat or walking the Lycian Way Trial, boats leave daily from Belcekiz Beach in Olu Deniz.

At the Butterfly Valley you can see over 70 different species of butterflies, hike through the secret valley, discover the waterfalls and swimming in the turquoise water of the bay. You can also stay overnight in one of the treehouses or bring a tent and camp.

Olu Deniz is a low-rise village, with an idyllic lagoon (called the Blue Lagoon) and golden sand, backed by the Taurus mountains. Olu Deniz is a popular holiday resort, especially with British families. The resort is great for a beach holiday and there are a few beaches to choose from, the best is the Blue Lagoon but this is a national park so you have to pay entrance. However, it is well worth the money as the lagoon has turquoise still waters and golden sand beaches, perfect for small children. The Blue Lagoon is also popular for watersports.

If you want a more energetic holiday, there are plenty of sights and attractions around the Olu Deniz area to keep you occupied. You could visit the turkish market at Fethiye (be prepared to haggle), visit the deserted town of Kaya Koy, hire mountain bike, go horse riding, take a jeep safari, visit the mud baths and the canyon of Saklikent.

The nightlife in Olu Deniz is pretty low-key, there are a few bars along the sea-front and the larger hotel resorts provide evening entertainment. Head to the nearby resort of Hisaronu if you want lively nightlife, there are a larger choice of bars and clubs here. Restaurants are geared towards the British tourists, so most serve unadventurous international food. Again, a wider choice of restaurants can be found at Hisaronu.