According to legend, in ancient times, ships passing through Fethiye would anchor offshore and go ashore in rowboats to get drinking water. This tradition was formed to meet one of the most fundamental challenges faced by sailors of the time: the need for clean water. Sailors could not use the limited water resources they carried on their ships for long periods of time and had to meet this need near land.
One day, an old captain and his young, handsome son docked at one of these bays to get water. The old captain's son went ashore to fill his water canisters and there he met the beautiful Belcekız. Belcekız was an extraordinary beauty; she amazed everyone with her long, wavy hair, sparkling eyes and elegant stance. The moment the young man saw Belcekız, his heart began to beat like crazy. The light in her eyes immediately revealed the love in his heart. However, not only the young man, but also Belcekız felt a fire in her heart at that moment.
However, the sailor's duty had already been determined. The young man had to obey his father's orders and returned to the ship as soon as he had taken the water. As the ship was breaking through the waves and moving away, Belcekız's eyes filled with tears. From that day on, Belcekız came to the shore every day and waited for the young man she loved. She waited patiently for the time to pass, imagining every moment when her beloved ship would pass through the bay. In the same way, the young man also offered his father to go to the shore to get water, each time burning with the hope of seeing his beloved girl once more.
Over time, this wait turned into a love story and began to be talked about by the locals. However, this story would end tragically. One day, when the young man's ship approached the bay where Belcekız was waiting, a storm broke out. The young man told his father that this was a sheltered bay and that they could take the ship to safety here. However, the old captain misunderstood these words. He thought that his son's offer meant that he would not hesitate to endanger the ship in his desire to see his beloved girl.
The fight on the ship grew. As the storm made the waves even bigger, the father angrily pushed his son into the sea and tried to keep the ship away from the rocks. But it was too late. The young man was lost in the waves and his body hit the rocks and he lost his life. Belcekız, who watched this tragic event from afar, could not stand it when she saw her beloved lose her life and threw herself off the rocks. The story of the two lovers ending before they could meet left deep marks in the memories of the local people. Since that day, the place where the girl died is called "Belcekız" and the place where the young man died is called "Ölüdeniz".
Ölüdeniz is known not only for this sad legend but also for its extraordinary natural beauties. This place, which is a calm and still lake like its name, exhibits a completely different beauty in every season. The color of the sea takes on different tones according to the light and weather conditions of the day. While turquoise and blue tones dominate in the morning hours, the sea sometimes turns golden yellow and sometimes reddish at sunset. Although it seems calm and unmotivated, Ölüdeniz actually has a mysterious renewal process within itself.
There are three basic renewal mechanisms that make Ölüdeniz so unique. The first is the currents created by the intense spring waters coming out of the sea bottom. These currents contribute to the cleaning of the sea by carrying the water accumulated at the bottom to the open sea. The second is the circulation created by the difference in the salt content of the spring waters. This mechanism creates a continuous water movement from the open sea to Ölüdeniz and back. This balance, especially related to the salinity of the sea, is very effective in keeping the water clear and clean. The third is the tidal effect. The sea level drops and rises about half a meter every two or three days, and this movement ensures the renewal of a large amount of water.
Thanks to these renewal mechanisms, Ölüdeniz always remains clean and clear. While Ölüdeniz maintains its calmness even on stormy days, the shores of Belcekız struggle with the waves. This contrast reflects the natural structure of the region and the sorrowful atmosphere of its story, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. Ölüdeniz is not only a holiday destination, but also a silent witness to a love and tragedy that has been experienced.
Today, Ölüdeniz has become a center of attraction that attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists. With its transparent sea, peaceful nature and heart-touching legend, it offers visitors a unique experience. Everyone who comes here feels the love of Belcekız and the young man and gets lost in their own dreams while visiting this special place. The legend and natural beauty of Ölüdeniz make it one of the most unforgettable spots in the Mediterranean.