Tucked into the hills just a few kilometres from the bustling beach resorts of Ölüdeniz and Hisarönü lies a place that feels worlds away — the atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful ghost town of Kayaköy. Once a thriving Greek village, Kayaköy is now a silent reminder of a turbulent past, with empty stone houses and crumbling churches scattered across a sun-drenched hillside.
Walking through Kayaköy is like stepping into a forgotten world. The town was abandoned in the 1920s following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, which saw Greek Orthodox Christians relocated to Greece and Muslims brought to Turkey in return. The incoming population, unfamiliar with the region and lifestyle, never settled, and the village was left to slowly decay under the sun and wind.
Today, around 500 stone houses remain, roofless but still standing strong. Narrow, cobbled paths wind through terraced ruins, leading you past silent homes, small chapels, and the impressive remains of two large churches. The sense of stillness is powerful. As you explore, you can’t help but imagine the lives once lived here — the voices, the music, the routines of daily village life.
Kayaköy is not just about history, though — it’s a place of raw beauty. Surrounded by pine forests and with views stretching towards the Mediterranean, the scenery is breathtaking. You can hike from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz through scenic trails, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon wandering its paths, far from the tourist crowds.
There are a few cafés and shops at the village entrance, offering refreshments and local crafts, but the atmosphere remains largely untouched by modern development.
Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or simply a curious traveler, Kayaköy offers a unique and moving experience. It’s a place that invites reflection — on history, on community, and on the resilience of time. Don’t miss the chance to explore this fascinating chapter of Turkey’s past, just a short trip from the beaches of Fethiye and Ölüdeniz.
Today the remains of Kayaköy cling to the hillside, with its ghosts largely undisturbed by tourists. As they stare at the derelict churches, the roofless houses and the ancient water cisterns smothered by morning glory, some will no doubt wonder exactly what happened here, unaware that down in the valley are living people whose parents knew the answer and the ghosts very well.
