The villages of Hisaronu and Ovacik are located minutes from Oludeniz Beach and they owe their fame to their proximity to Oludeniz.
Ovacik Hisaronu area has seen property boom because it is forbidden to build residential houses in Oludeniz beach. The only properties located right on Oludeniz beach are touristic facilities such as hotels, bars, cafes and sports and beach sports. It is only a few minutes by car from Oludeniz, Ovacik and Hisaronu is a small valley up in the hills. That said their central location makes it easy to access to neighboring Kayakoy, Faralya and to city center of Fethiye.
Hisaronu and Ovacik are almost indistinguishable from each other as the property boom has connected the two. They are almost exclusively visited by the British, so much so that some restaurants do not even bother to print a menu in Turkish. It is also where people from UK have bought summer houses, new villas with pools, as is the case with many resort towns in Spain. It also offers a lively nightlife for the young people who come to stay in the area and go to the beach in Oludeniz and Belcekiz a few kilometers down below during the day. So it is party atmosphere in the heat of summer.
Hisaronu and Ovacik are reachable by very frequent minibus transportation from downtown Fethiye, the trip takes about 20 minutes.
Renting a car or a jeep might be a good idea even if the public transportation to many surrounding is frequent as there is so much to do in the area.
Paragliding from Babadag mountain is another popular activity and you do not need previous training to glide tandem with an instructor.
Hisaronu and Ovacik are not tourist attractions in themselves. They are a base. A place to sleep, eat, and go out at night, while spending your days on Ölüdeniz Beach or exploring the Lycian coast. The area has a distinctly British feel — menus in English, fish and chips on offer, and a lively pub scene. This is not traditional Turkey. It is package-holiday Turkey, designed for convenience and familiarity. If that is what you want, you will be happy here.
The two villages have grown together; you cannot tell where one ends and the other begins. Hisaronu has the main street with the bars and restaurants. Ovacik is slightly quieter, with more villas and holiday homes. Both are a 10-minute dolmus ride down the hill to the beach.
The main strip is packed with bars playing loud music, pubs showing British sports, and dance clubs. The atmosphere is lively and young. Most places are open until 2-3 AM. Popular spots include Irish bars, sports pubs, and open-air dance clubs. If you want quiet, stay in Ovacik or Kayaköy.
The area has matured. The property boom has slowed but the area is fully developed. New villas are still being built on the hillsides, but the main strip has changed little. Prices have risen, but staying here is still cheaper than beachfront in Ölüdeniz. The dolmus service is frequent and reliable. Paragliding from Babadağ remains the top activity, with tandem flights launching from the mountain above Ölüdeniz and landing on the beach.
The British influence remains strong. Some restaurants now offer online reservations and delivery. The winter season is very quiet; most businesses close from November to March.
By air: Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the closest, about 1 hour by car (60 km). Transfers can be arranged through your hotel or by taxi.
By dolmus: Minibuses run from Fethiye city center to Hisaronu and Ovacik every 10-15 minutes in summer. The trip takes about 20 minutes. The dolmus stops on the main street in Hisaronu and continues to Ovacik.
By car: From Fethiye, follow signs to Ölüdeniz. Hisaronu is on the road before the beach, about 4 km from the coast. Parking on the main street can be difficult in summer; use the side streets.
For lodging in the Fethiye region please see Fethiye Hotels.
To know where this region sits in the timeline of Anatolia's (modern Turkey) ancient history please see History of Anatolia.