Kayakoy, Fethiye: A Ghost Village Witnessing History
In the southwest of Turkey, there is a mysterious village hidden on the outskirts of Fethiye, embracing the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean: Kayakoy. Once a lively Greek settlement, today it fascinates its visitors as a ghost village whispering silence with its stone houses. If you want to take a nature walk intertwined with history, follow the traces of the past step by step or discover an unusual route, the Kayakoy travel guide is for you! So, why was Kayakoy abandoned? And how to visit Kayakoy Village? Let's explore together 👇
History of Kayakoy: Traces of an Abandoned Civilisation
Kayakoy was founded in the Lycian city known as Karmylassos in ancient times. From the 18th century onwards, the village was revitalised with the Greek Orthodox population and was known as Livissi during the Ottoman period. Until the early 20th century, Greeks continued to live here peacefully. With the Turkey-Greece Population Exchange in 1923, approximately 2,000 Greeks living here were sent to Greece and the village was left completely empty.
The village could not be revived because the new settlers could not get used to the area, the architecture of the houses was not suitable for agricultural life and the ground was not suitable for agriculture. Thus, Kayakoy turned into an open-air museum where time stood still.
Kayakoy Today: In Silence and History
Today, Kayakoy Ruins is a popular destination for both history buffs and nature lovers. With more than 500 stone houses, two large churches, numerous chapels, school ruins and cisterns, this village has been declared a World Peace and Friendship Village by UNESCO.
The houses were deliberately built so as not to block each other's view. Although they remain windowless and roofless, they have a mesmerising beauty. Most of the buildings reflect 19th-century architecture. Panayia Pirgiotissa and the Church of Taxiarchis are the most remarkable buildings in the village.
Why Was Kayakoy Abandoned?
The story of the abandonment of Kayakoy reflects not only the fate of a village but also the great socio-political changes and human tragedies of the early 20th century. This abandonment did not begin with a natural disaster or an economic crisis; the main cause of the village's evacuation was the 1923 Turkey-Greece Population Exchange.
As part of the Treaty of Lausanne signed between Turkey and Greece in the late Ottoman Empire and after the proclamation of the Republic, a large-scale population exchange was agreed between the two countries. Muslim Turks were sent from Greece to Turkey and Christian Orthodox Greeks were sent from Turkey to Greece. The Greek people living in Kayakoy (then known as Livissi) were subjected to forced migration by being torn away from the land they had lived in for generations.
So why didn't the Turks settle here? The Muslim people who came to Turkey with the exchange of population could not get used to the architecture and topography of Kayakoy. The stone houses did not have large courtyards, and fertile land for agriculture was limited and did not suit their lifestyle. Due to the mountainous nature of the region and the difficulties of transportation, the people who arrived generally preferred to settle on flat plains. For this reason, the village was left to the dominance of nature and silence over time.
Today, the abandoned appearance of Kayakoy is like a monument not only to the destroyed buildings but also to the lives left behind. Each stone house harbours the pains, joys and memories that have been lived in it. In this respect, Kayakoy is not only a tourist route but also a place of memory.
Kayakoy had a Greek population of approximately 2,000 people at the time. It was a well-developed settlement with houses, schools, churches and social life. However, this community was forced to migrate in a short period of time and the village remained completely empty.
How to Get to Kayakoy?
Kayakoy is very easy to reach. It is about 8 kilometres from Fethiye city centre. It can be reached in 15 minutes by car. Minibuses (minibuses) depart regularly from Fethiye Bus Station. There are also marked paths for those who want to reach by bicycle or walking. This route, which is part of the Lycian Way, offers unique views for nature and hiking enthusiasts.
What to Do in Kayakoy? Must-See Places and Activities
1. Stroll Through the Stone Houses, Breathe History
Wandering among the abandoned stone houses of Kayakoy is like travelling through time. Each one whispers a story from the past. You can feel the traces of a hundred years ago by walking in silence and touching the stone walls.
2. Visit the Church of Taxiarhis and the Church of Panayia Pirgiotissa
These two large churches are architecturally and religiously important buildings. The fresco remains on the walls and high ceilings will impress you.
3. Hiking from Kayakoy to Ölüdeniz
The Kayakoy - Ölüdeniz hiking route is a medium-difficulty trail of approximately 5 km. After a walk alone with nature, you can reach Ölüdeniz Lagoon, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pine forests, goat paths and wonderful views accompany the route.
4. Paragliding or Horse Safari Tours
The open areas and natural paths around Kayakoy are suitable for horse safaris, cycling tours and even paragliding. Especially flying over the stone houses of the village at sunset offers a unique experience.
5. Kayakoy Art Camp and Cultural Activities
Various art camps and cultural workshops organised in the region offer unique experiences for creative tourists. You can participate in workshops such as photography, ceramics, and painting and discover the inspiring effects of nature and history.
Must-See Places in the Area
Oludeniz: One of Turkey's most famous beaches is only 20 minutes from Kayakoy.
Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas Island): You can reach the island by boat from Gemiler Bay, which is a short walk from Kayakoy. There are Byzantine churches and tombs on the island.
Hisaronu and Ovacik: These areas, which are the closest settlements to Kayakoy, are ideal for nightlife and accommodation options.
Fethiye Castle and Ancient Theatre: These historical buildings in the centre of Fethiye are also great stops for the continuation of your Kayakoy trip.
Why Should You Visit Kayakoy?
If there is one place that everyone who wants to get away from the noise of modern life and get lost in the silence of the past should experience at least once, it is undoubtedly Kayaköy. Although it is only a few kilometres from Fethiye, this ghost village, which teleports you to a completely different world as soon as you step into it, offers a unique experience with both its historical and spiritual atmosphere.
1. To Experience the Suspended State of Time
When you visit Kayaköy, you walk through a town that was frozen a century ago. As you walk among the abandoned stone houses, you feel that not only the buildings but also a culture and a way of life remain here. Every bend, every step carries a whisper from the past.
2. An Inspiring Atmosphere for Photography and Art
Stone buildings, ruined churches, yellowed walls and streets integrated with nature... Kayaköy is an open-air studio for photographers, painters and art lovers. It offers a dramatic visuality in the morning and evening hours with the effect of natural light.
3. Intertwined with Nature Walks and Discovery Routes
Kayaköy is not only a historical stop; it is also an excellent starting point for nature walks. The path from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz is one of the most enjoyable stages of the Lycian Way. Walking in the company of pine forests, birdsong and the endless blue of the Mediterranean refreshes the soul.
4. Gain a Different Cultural Perspective
Visiting Kayaköy is not only about seeing abandoned houses; it is also about confronting Turkey's multicultural past. Here, you become a living witness to a story where Greeks and Turks lived together for years and then were separated by political decisions. This experience deepens your awareness of history and increases your sense of empathy.
5. A Quiet Break Away from the Crowds
While Fethiye and Ölüdeniz attract a lot of tourists, especially in the summer months, Kayaköy is still relatively quiet. Those who come here are usually conscious travellers. Therefore, instead of crowded groups, you will see people walking in silence. Kayaköy is an ideal escape for those looking for meditative peace.
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