Ghost Village Kayaköy (Karmylassos) in Fethiye, Turkey

Ghost Village Kayaköy in Fethiye, Turkey

Ruins interspersed with surviving houses on the slopes of hills, windows without frames, and complete silence… The village of Kayaköy, located just a few kilometers from the lively resort of Fethiye, leaves a haunting impression. Nevertheless, tourists flock here, strolling through the deserted streets, passing empty houses, and absorbing the unique atmosphere of this place.

History of the Village

In the 17th century, the site of the ghost village was home to the town of Kayaköy, predominantly inhabited by Greeks. By the early 20th century, its population reached around 2,000 people. However, in 1923, the settlement was abandoned as the last residents left their homes after the Turkish and Greek governments signed an agreement on population exchange.

The abandoned houses quickly fell into disrepair, and by the mid-20th century, Kayaköy had become a ghost village. At that time, the Turkish government decided to turn this settlement into a tourist attraction, and local travel agencies began organizing tours.

Today, there is an active discussion about the possibility of restoring Kayaköy, as well as reconstructing its churches and temples—a plan has already been developed.

What to Visit?

Today, Kayaköy serves as an open-air museum, showcasing around 500 dilapidated houses protected by the government. Among these abandoned buildings are two Greek temples, which are included in the tour itinerary. They have survived well; inside, visitors can see mosaic floors and remnants of frescoes depicting biblical scenes.

After exploring the ghost village, it's worth taking a walk through the nearby settlements, where local residents engage in agriculture and are happy to offer visitors fresh vegetables and fruits. Close to the village, there are cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy tasty and affordable meals, along with a glass of local wine.

How to Get There?

Kayaköy is located just seven kilometers from Fethiye. The easiest way to reach it is by dolmuş (shared taxi), which regularly departs from the resort. Please note that there is an entrance fee for the area of the abandoned village.