Kayaköy: A Hauntingly Beautiful Ghost Town with Modern Charms

Discover the Magic of Kayaköy with Sunworld Villas

Nestled in the hills just 8km from the vibrant town of Fethiye lies Kayaköy, a place where time seems to stand still. This abandoned Greek village, once home to thousands, now offers visitors a unique glimpse into history while providing a perfect base for your Turkish holiday adventure. When you stay in one of our private pool villas near Kayaköy, you’ll experience the perfect blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and modern comfort that makes this region truly special.

The Fascinating History of Kayaköy

Kayaköy (historically known as Levissi) was once a thriving Greek community until the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s. Today, this ghost town with its 400+ abandoned stone houses cascading down the hillside creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape that has inspired authors, filmmakers, and travelers alike. The village played a central role in Louis de Bernières’ novel "Birds Without Wings" and has been featured in Russell Crowe’s film "The Water Diviner."

Walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel transported back in time as you explore the abandoned houses, churches, schools, and public spaces. The preservation efforts have transformed Kayaköy into an open-air museum that tells a poignant story of cultural heritage and history—all just minutes away from your luxury Sunworld villa.

A Perfect Location for Exploration

What makes Kayaköy particularly special for our guests is its strategic location. While offering a peaceful retreat from busy tourist areas, it sits conveniently between Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, and Hisarönü—making it the perfect base for exploring the entire region:

• Just 8km from Fethiye with its vibrant marina and markets
• Only 5km from Hisarönü and its lively nightlife
• A short 8km drive to Ölüdeniz and the famous Blue Lagoon
• 25 minutes to Yeşilüzümlü with its traditional village charm
• 45 minutes from Dalaman Airport for convenient arrivals and departures

Our Sunworld Villas in and around Kayaköy offer the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility, with private pools where you can relax after a day of exploration.

Must-Visit Beaches Near Kayaköy

The Fethiye region is blessed with some of Turkey’s most spectacular beaches, all easily accessible from your Kayaköy villa:

Gemiler Beach (5km)

The closest beach to Kayaköy, this picturesque cove offers crystal-clear water and spectacular views of St. Nicholas Island. Less crowded than some of the more famous beaches, it’s a perfect spot for families looking for a peaceful day by the sea.

Cold Water Bay (Soğuk Su - 7km)

Accessible by a scenic forest path from Kayaköy or a short drive, this secluded pebble beach is known for its refreshingly cool water streams that feed into the sea. The contrast between the cool freshwater and warm Mediterranean creates a unique swimming experience.

Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz (8km)

One of Turkey’s most photographed beaches, the Blue Lagoon features calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for families. The protected natural park status means it remains pristine despite its popularity. Our guests often cite this as a highlight of their stay with Sunworld Villas.

Kidrak Beach (10km)

Less crowded than Ölüdeniz yet equally beautiful, this Blue Flag beach offers a more natural setting with pine forests meeting the sea. The slightly deeper waters make it ideal for swimming.

Ancient Cities and Historical Sites

Kayaköy Ancient City

The ghost town itself is a historical wonder with hundreds of abandoned houses, two beautiful Greek Orthodox churches with preserved frescoes, chapels, fountains, and cisterns. The site is officially protected as a museum village and "monument of humanity."

Tlos Ancient City (35km)

One of the most important Lycian cities, featuring impressive rock tombs, a Roman amphitheater, and stunning views of the Xanthos Valley. Our villa guests particularly enjoy combining this with a visit to Saklıkent Gorge for a full day excursion.

Letoon & Xanthos (60km)

These UNESCO World Heritage sites showcase the capital of ancient Lycia and its religious center. The exceptional preservation of temples, theaters, and tombs makes this an unmissable historical excursion from your villa base.

St. Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island - 5km)

Visible from Gemiler Beach, this small island contains Byzantine ruins including several churches dedicated to St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), who is believed to have lived here. Boat tours from Ölüdeniz regularly visit the island, and our Sunworld team can arrange these excursions for you.

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Kayaköy offers an authentic culinary scene that showcases the best of Turkish cuisine:

Cinbal Restaurant

Set among the ruins with panoramic views, this family-run restaurant serves traditional dishes cooked in stone ovens and clay pots. Their slow-cooked lamb tandir and homemade wine are legendary.

Antik Restaurant

Located in the heart of the village, featuring a beautiful garden setting and specializing in meze platters and freshly caught fish. The Ottoman-style decor creates a magical atmosphere on warm summer evenings.

Blue Butterfly Restaurant

Offering farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced from their own organic garden. Their homemade bread and traditional gözleme (Turkish pancakes) are not to be missed.

Levissi Garden

A boutique restaurant set in a restored stone house with stunning views over the ghost town. Their fusion menu combines traditional Turkish flavors with modern techniques.

After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of your private Sunworld villa where you can also prepare your own meals using fresh ingredients from local markets—our villas feature fully equipped kitchens and outdoor BBQ areas perfect for alfresco dining.

Mountains and Natural Beauty

The mountains surrounding Kayaköy offer spectacular hiking opportunities:

Babadağ Mountain (1,969m)

Famous as one of the world’s best paragliding launch sites, offering breathtaking views over Ölüdeniz. Even if you don’t paraglide, the drive up Babadağ is spectacular and the viewing platforms provide perfect photo opportunities.

Lycian Way

This 540km marked hiking trail passes directly through Kayaköy. The section from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz via Cold Water Bay is one of the most scenic day hikes in Turkey, taking you through pine forests with panoramic sea views.

Butterfly Valley

Accessible by boat or a challenging hike, this natural canyon is home to diverse butterfly species and ends at a pristine beach. When staying with Sunworld Villas, we can arrange boat trips that include this natural wonder.

Exciting Activities for Everyone

The Kayaköy area offers activities for all ages and interests:

Paragliding from Babadağ

Experience the thrill of soaring over the Blue Lagoon with experienced tandem pilots. The views are unmatched, and it’s safer than you might think!

Boat Tours

Daily boat trips from Ölüdeniz or Fethiye visit secluded bays, islands, and the famous Blue Cave. Our Sunworld team can arrange private boat tours tailored to your preferences.

Jeep Safaris

Explore the mountain villages and forests surrounding Kayaköy on exciting off-road adventures. These tours often include visits to hidden waterfalls and opportunities to meet local villagers.

Horse Riding

Several stables in Kayaköy offer guided rides through the ghost town and surrounding countryside—a magical way to experience the landscape.

Traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam)

Experience this ancient cleansing ritual at authentic hamams in Fethiye. It’s the perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Why Choose a Sunworld Villa in Kayaköy?

Our carefully selected villas in and around Kayaköy offer:

• Complete privacy with walled gardens and private pools
• Authentic stone architecture that blends with the historical surroundings
• Modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchens
• Stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside
• Personalized service from our local team who have been in the tourism business for three decades
• Convenient access to all regional attractions while staying away from crowded tourist centers

Plan Your Kayaköy Experience Today

Imagine waking up to birdsong in your private villa, enjoying breakfast on your terrace overlooking the ancient ruins, spending the day exploring historical sites or relaxing on pristine beaches, and returning to watch the sunset over the ghost town while cooling off in your private pool.

This isn’t just a holiday; it’s an unforgettable experience that combines history, nature, culture, and comfort in one perfect package. With 30 years of family expertise in the region, Sunworld Villas offers not just accommodation, but a gateway to the authentic Turkish experience you’ve been dreaming of.

Book your Kayaköy villa today and discover why our guests return year after year to this magical corner of Turkey.