Kayakoy

Kayakoy – Turkey’s Enigmatic Ghost Town

Location: Between Fethiye & Oludeniz
Once a Thriving Greek Town, Now a Hauntingly Beautiful Ruin
Abandoned in 1923

The Story of Kayakoy

A Prosperous Greek-Turkish Town

Once known as Levissi, Kayakoy was home to thousands of Greek Orthodox Christians for centuries. Following the Treaty of Lausanne and the 1923 Population Exchange, Greek residents were deported to Greece. The new Turkish Muslim settlers, preferring to build homes on flat, fertile land, left Kayakoy abandoned.

Now a Ghost Town

More than 350 stone houses, schools, and two Greek Orthodox churches remain in ruins. The town is now protected as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Candidate. A hauntingly beautiful place, especially at sunset, when shadows stretch over the empty homes.

What to See in Kayakoy

• Church of St. Nicholas – Featuring frescoes and mosaics, this church stands as a reminder of the town’s religious past.
• Cobbled Streets & Stone Houses – Wander through the abandoned town, where nature is slowly reclaiming the ruins.
• Hiking Trails – Explore the surrounding forests and valleys with hikes leading to Oludeniz, Cold Spring Bay, and Gelimer Bay.
• Traditional Kayakoy Village – Just below the ruins, find local restaurants, souvenir shops, and guesthouses.

How to Get to Kayakoy

By Bus: Frequent minibuses from Fethiye (15-minute ride).
By Foot: Take the hiking trail from Fethiye or Oludeniz, following the old forest roads.

A visit to Kayakoy is an unmissable experience for history lovers, adventurers, and those looking for a glimpse into Turkey’s past.