Kayakoy Ghost Town Guide
Kayakoy: A Hauntingly Beautiful Glimpse into the Past Guide
Kayakoy, also known as the "Ghost Village," is a poignant and captivating historical site nestled in the hills near Fethiye, Turkey. This abandoned village offers a unique and somewhat eerie experience, inviting visitors to wander through its silent streets and explore the crumbling remains of hundreds of stone houses and churches. The village's desolate beauty and rich history make it a must-see destination for those seeking a different kind of travel experience. The history of Kayakoy is a tragic one. Originally a thriving community inhabited by Greek Orthodox Christians and Turks who lived peacefully side-by-side, the village was known as Levissi. The population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence, forced the Greek Orthodox residents to leave their homes and relocate to Greece. The Turkish Muslims who were meant to replace them found the village too damaged and difficult to inhabit, leading to its eventual abandonment. The 1957 Fethiye earthquake further damaged the already deserted village. Today, visitors can explore the haunting ruins of Kayakoy, wandering through the narrow, winding streets and peering into the empty shells of houses. Two main churches, the Upper Church (Panagia Pyrgiotissa) and the Lower Church (Panagia Taxiarchis), still stand, showcasing faded frescoes and architectural details. Hiking trails around the village offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. Several restaurants and cafes near the entrance to Kayakoy offer traditional Turkish cuisine, providing a welcome respite after exploring the ruins. While Kayakoy itself doesn't have a unique culinary tradition, the surrounding Fethiye region is known for its fresh seafood and mezes.
Transportation
Dolmuş (shared minibus) services run regularly from Fethiye to Kayakoy. You can catch a dolmuş from the Fethiye bus station (otogar). Taxis are also readily available in Fethiye, but are a more expensive option. Some tour operators offer guided tours to Kayakoy, which often include transportation.