Babadağ (Ölüdeniz)

Babadağ rises almost 2,000 metres straight out of the Mediterranean above Ölüdeniz, and the flight down to that famous blue lagoon is on nearly every pilot's list. Multiple launches stacked up the mountain — reachable by a cable car built specifically for pilots — mean something is usually flyable across a huge range of conditions, which is why Ölüdeniz is one of the busiest tandem destinations in the world. The long glide over the coastline to a beach landing is unforgettable.

Launch & conditions

A series of launches at different altitudes covers almost any wind direction. The coastal setting brings reliable thermals and soaring, with a long descent to the beach.

Getting there & local rules

A dedicated cable car serves the launches. It is a high-traffic site — give way, watch for tandems, and follow local marshals and rules.

Local rules & hazards

Flying requires online registration and a paid takeoff ticket, and you must close each flight in the system afterwards or you cannot book another. The launch can suffer crosswinds at times; don't gauge conditions by the commercial tandems, who tend to fly regardless.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Babadağ (Ölüdeniz), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Babadağ (Ölüdeniz) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.