Kayaköy is a mysterious, mystical, abandoned village... Over time, this state of abandonment gave the village the appearance of a ghost village and took its current form. The place where I take everyone who comes to Fethiye, show them around and enjoy it very much every time I go... It is now a protected ruin. Places to visit in Kayaköy with Transportation to Kayaköy, history of Kayaköy, where to stay in Kayaköy, what to eat in Kayaköy The answers to all your questions are in this article, enjoy reading!
What You Will Find In This Article
Transportation to Kayakoy
Although Kayaköy is quite close, about 15 kilometers from Fethiye city center, it is still little known.
- If you are coming with your own vehicle; You can come via Ölüdeniz or directly from Fethiye, you can reach Kayaköy in half an hour. As you approach Kayaköy, there is a viewing point where you can watch the view above while descending the ramp before arriving at Karakeçili Village, you can take a break.
- If you want to come by public transportation; There is a minibus from Fethiye to Kayaköy every half hour. You can get on from the minibus stops right next to the large mosque in the center of Fethiye. It is worth paying attention to the fact that flights become less frequent during the winter months.
It is possible to reach Ölüdeniz, Gemile Bay and many other places with the walking paths marked in Kayaköy. Although it is not on the classic Lycian Way route, you can add it to your Lycian Way route if you want by walking from here to Ölüdeniz and then to Ovacık.
For more information about the Lycian Way; Lycian Way: One of the Most Beautiful Walking Paths in the World Check out my post.
History of Kayaköy
The history of Kayaköy dates back to B.C. Although it is known to date back to the 4th century, the closest ruins date back to B.C. It belongs to the 3rd century. The village, whose name was Karmylassos in ancient times, was called Levissi after a Greek settlement in the 19th century.
Kayaköy is an old Greek Village. It was evacuated during the 1923 population exchange and abandoned to its fate. The wooden parts and roofs of the abandoned houses in Levissi Village have rotted and disappeared over time, leaving a ghost village. Most of the houses, which are built with two floors above the basement, are built with a 50 square meter plan. Almost all of them have a stove. If you look carefully while walking around the streets, you will see that some houses have their own cisterns.
760 of the houses that do not block each other's light are under protection. In addition to houses, the village has 2 churches, 14 chapels, 2 school buildings and 1 customs building.
While walking around the village, it gives you chills to imagine the people who once filled these houses and the children running on the streets. Who knows what sufferings occurred during and after the population exchange. It must be very difficult and painful for a person to have to leave his home and place.
When the Greeks left, Turks came to the village, but they settled in the plains below, not in the houses on the hills vacated by the Greeks. So today there is a settlement in Kayaköy. The houses abandoned by the Greeks are under protection.
Kayaköy Ruins Entrance Fee 2024
Kayaköy ruins entrance fee is 2023 TL for 2024-60. It can be visited free of charge with a Müzekart, and Museum cards are also sold at the toll booths.
When I arrived in 2004-2005, this place was not designated as a historical site and could be entered free of charge. I am definitely in favor of being protected and being paid.
Kayakoy Attractions
Kayaköy ruins have two different entrances.
We entered through the door of the Lower Church and went left towards the Upper Church. Both churches are currently under lock and key for protection. If you proceed from the side wall of the Upper Church, there is a hole in the wall, you can enter from there and visit the inside, but it is best not to enter due to the danger of collapse.
If you follow the path leading up after leaving the Upper Church, you will reach the Chapel above. From here you have a magnificent view of the village and a wonderful sea view from behind the hill. The view of Kayaköy from this point is also very beautiful.
I strongly recommend that you do not get lazy and go here, the view is magnificent. As you move up the hill within the village, the view becomes more beautiful. Don't let the steep ascents and stony roads stop you.
Places to visit in Kayaköy; Lower Church, Upper Church, chapels, old school and customs buildings. While wandering around the side streets of the village, you come across all of them.
You can also stay in Kayaköy and visit places such as Af Kule Monastery and Gemile Bay.
What to Eat in Kayaköy?
The food you will see most along Kayaköy and the Lycian Way is definitely pancake. There are many restaurants in the village. The prices of Levissi, which we look at from these restaurants, are affordable, Rokka environment looks nice from the outside, but it looks above average in terms of price.
You can drink your tea or coffee at Village Coffee. Unfortunately, the attitude of "we found tourists, let's take their money" is also present here. The coffeehouse below is the closest to Kayaköy Art Camp, there are other coffeehouses in the village, I wouldn't mislead you.
If you go to Kayaköy in spring, the mulberry trees will be generous to you. In the summer months, you may be tempted by the fruits hanging from the gardens, from figs to plums.
Where to Stay in Kayaköy?
There are many options for accommodation in Kayaköy, such as hostels and villas, instead of big hotels.
The place I have preferred several times to stay in Kayaköy; Kayaköy Art Camp. I went to Kayaköy Art Camp two summers in a row, I think it was 2005-2006. You get a one-week package, you are interested in one of the arts branches in the camp from morning until noon; such as painting, marbling, photography. In the afternoon, you take nature walks to nearby bays, and in the evenings, everyone spends time together. I had days when I went alone and had a lot of fun.
One of the alternative places to stay in Kayaköy is Yol Glamping. This is a recreation area where retreats are held and accommodation options such as dormitories and tiny houses are available.
The Water Diviner Movie
Some scenes of Russell Crowe's movie “The Water Diviner”, translated into Turkish as “Last Hope”, were shot in Kayaköy, and when the famous actor came to the village for shooting, maybe you remember. Cem Yılmaz and Yılmaz Erdoğan also starred in the movie.
Kayaköy, where you can see the sadness of abandonment and the beauty of nature together, is one of the places you should definitely add to your route in your Fethiye trip. Once you come, you will always want to come.
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5 Comments
we would like to congratulate you otherwise we would not have heard of such places, thank you, always exist
Thank you so much
It's a pity, a shame, there is no home for the spoiler. It won't happen no matter who it is. Just yesterday, two world wars today, two world wars, fifty views on the wall. This is neither turkluge cigar nor religion.
2 churches 14 Chapels.. The chapel was a small church, I guess, like our mosques.. Isn't that many churches for a village? Or is this called a village or a city? Like Kadıköy..
It was a Greek settlement, the fact that it was a village now comes from its name, actually.