ayakoy Ghost Village Turkey: A Haunting Hill Town Near Fethiye

 

Just a short drive from the lively Turkish resorts of Fethiye and Oludeniz lies one of the country’s most hauntingly beautiful places: Kayakoy, often called the ghost village of Turkey. Once a thriving Greek Orthodox settlement with elegant stone houses, cobbled lanes and twin churches, today it stands eerily silent, its ruins scattered across a hillside overlooking a fertile valley.

For travellers from Pakistan and around the world, Kayakoy is more than just a photogenic ruin. It is a powerful reminder of a turbulent past, a place of memory and reflection, and a perfect day trip on a Turkey tour itinerary. Malik Express Travel & Tours, based in Islamabad, can help you experience this unique destination as part of a tailored Turkey holiday.

Where Is Kayakoy?

Kayakoy (also known historically as Karmylassos, Lebessos or Livissi) is located in MuÄŸla Province in southwestern Turkey, about 8 km south of Fethiye and close to the famous beach resort of Oludeniz.

Because of its location, it is easy to include Kayakoy in:

• A Fethiye or Oludeniz stay
• A wider tour of the Turkish Riviera
• A cultural and historical Turkey package from Pakistan

The Story Behind Kayakoy: From Living Village to Ghost Town

A Thriving Mixed Community

The modern ruins you see today mostly date from the 18th to early 20th centuries. At its peak, the town (then called Livissi by its Greek residents) had thousands of inhabitants, most of them Greek Orthodox Christians, with a smaller Muslim community living peacefully alongside them.

Kayakoy had:

• Around 500 closely packed houses climbing the hillside
• Over 20 churches and chapels, including the impressive Taxiarhes (Upper Church) and Panayia Pyrgiotissa (Lower Church)
• Schools, shops and workshops, with many residents working as skilled craftsmen and traders
• Life here was a blend of Greek and Anatolian traditions, with neighbours sharing markets, festivals and daily routines.

War, Population Exchange and Abandonment

Everything changed in the early 20th century. The First World War, followed by the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), devastated mixed communities across Anatolia. After the war, the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) ordered a compulsory population exchange between Greece and Turkey, based on religion.

As a result:

• Greek Orthodox residents of Livissi were forced to leave for Greece
• Muslims from Greece were sent to Turkey, but many refused to settle in deserted Livissi, partly due to local rumours about restless spirits and the village’s tragic history
• With no one to live in them, the houses fell into disrepair. Later, the 1957 Fethiye earthquake damaged many remaining buildings, and Kayakoy became the ghost village you see today.

Kayakoy Today: Open-Air Museum and Memory Site

Today, Kayakoy is preserved as a museum village and archaeological site. Hundreds of roofless houses and two major churches remain standing on the slope. Some buildings around the edges have been restored as guesthouses and cafes, but the core of the village is left as a powerful open-air monument.

You may see Kayakoy described in travel brochures as a “World Friendship and Peace Village” and sometimes linked to UNESCO. While this phrase is widely used, Kayakoy is not on the official UNESCO World Heritage List; it is, however, under national protection and recognised as a place of reconciliation and remembrance.

Top Things To See In Kayakoy Ghost Village

1. The Abandoned Stone Houses

As you climb through the ruins, you will pass rows of small two-storey houses built from local stone and plaster. With their empty doorways, window frames and broken cisterns, they create a haunting, cinematic landscape that photographers love.

Look for:

• Remains of rainwater collection systems
• Traces of frescoes, plaster or paint inside some rooms
• Narrow alleyways that once teemed with life

2. The Upper Church (Taxiarhes)

The most prominent building is the Upper Church, dedicated to the Archangels. Its facade, stone steps and bell tower dominate the hillside. Inside, you can still see fragments of reliefs and decorative stonework, as well as views over the valley from the terrace.

3. The Lower Church (Panayia Pyrgiotissa)

Closer to the ticket booth stands the Lower Church, where you can see parts of the iconostasis and wall niches. The area around it often serves as the starting point for exploring the site and visiting the small museum nearby.

4. Small Chapels and Cemeteries

Scattered among the ruins are small chapels and cemeteries, some overgrown with grass and wildflowers. They add to the atmosphere of quiet remembrance and are worth exploring respectfully.

5. The Private Museum and Fountain

Near the entrance, a small private museum explains the history of Kayakoy and the population exchange through photos, documents and artefacts. Close by, you can also see an old stone fountain dating back to the 17th century.

 

Practical Information: Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Kayakoy is classed as a historic site, and in most seasons there is a small entrance fee collected at a ticket booth near the lower church. Various recent travel reports mention prices in the range of a few Turkish lira (for example 5-15 TRY), though fees can change as they are periodically updated.

Typical opening hours follow a museum-style schedule:

• Summer (approx. April to October): around 08:30 to 19:30
• Winter (approx. November to March): around 08:30 to 17:30

Even if you enter late in the day, you may be allowed to stay inside the site beyond ticket office closing time, but it is always best to plan your visit earlier to enjoy the light and views.

How To Get To Kayakoy

1. From Fethiye

Kayakoy is about 8-9 km from Fethiye city centre.

You can reach it by:

• Dolmus (shared minibus): Regular minibuses run from Fethiye or the nearby resort of Hisarönü to Kayakoy. They are inexpensive and give you a taste of local life.
• Taxi or private transfer: More comfortable and flexible, ideal for families or travellers on tight schedules.
• Self-drive: The road from Fethiye through Ovacik and Hisarönü is well signposted and takes around 20-25 minutes.

2. From Oludeniz

Oludeniz, famous for its blue lagoon and paragliding, is also a short drive away. You can:

• Take a dolmus or taxi via Hisarönü
• Join a combined Oludeniz and Kayakoy tour
• Hike one of the scenic trails that connect Oludeniz and Kayakoy (see below)
• Hiking From Kayakoy: Scenic Trails To Oludeniz And Gemiler
• Kayakoy is part of the Lycian Way region, and several beautiful hiking routes start here.

3. Kayakoy to Oludeniz Hike

A popular moderate hike leads from the ruins over a low hill to Oludeniz, passing through pine forests, olive groves and viewpoints over the turquoise lagoon.

Key points:

• Distance: roughly 3-5 km depending on the route
• Difficulty: moderate, with some rocky and uneven sections
• Recommended gear: good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and plenty of water
• Route: follow red and yellow way markers or painted signs indicating Oludeniz

4. Kayakoy to Gemiler Beach

Another rewarding trail leads from Kayakoy down to Gemiler Beach, with views over the sea and small islands. The area is linked to early Christian and Byzantine history and can be combined with a boat trip.

Best Time To Visit Kayakoy

Because of its hillside location and lack of shade, Kayakoy can get very hot in summer. The most comfortable months are:

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures, green hills and wildflowers
• Autumn (September-October): Warm days, cooler evenings and clearer skies
• In peak summer, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat.

Travel Tips For Visiting Kayakoy Ghost Village

To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Wear sturdy shoes

The paths between the houses are steep, rocky and sometimes slippery, especially after rain. Trainers or hiking shoes are strongly recommended.

• Carry water and sun protection

There is little shade inside the ruins. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, particularly in summer.

• Allow enough time

Plan at least 2-3 hours to explore the ruins, visit the churches and wander slowly. If you combine your visit with a hike to Oludeniz or Gemiler Beach, set aside half a day or more.

• Be respectful

Remember that this is a place of memory and loss. Avoid loud music, climbing on fragile structures or leaving litter. Some restored houses on the outskirts are privately owned; do not enter without permission.

• Check local conditions

Opening hours, entrance fees and hiking trail conditions can change due to restoration work or weather. Confirm details locally or through your travel consultant before you go.

• Combine with other attractions

      Kayakoy pairs perfectly with:

• Fethiye old town and harbour
• Oludeniz lagoon and paragliding
• Boat trips around the nearby bays

Why Kayakoy Appeals To Different Types Of Travellers

• History lovers: Kayakoy illustrates the human impact of the Greco-Turkish population exchange and early 20th century conflicts.
• Photographers: The combination of ruined stone houses, mountain backdrop and valley views makes for unforgettable images.
• Hikers: Scenic routes connect Kayakoy with beaches and nearby villages.
• Cultural travellers: Kayakoy invites reflection on coexistence, displacement and reconciliation between communities once living side by side.

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help You Visit Kayakoy

Based in Islamabad, Malik Express Travel & Tours has been serving travellers for more than 35 years. If you are travelling from Pakistan (or the wider region) and want to include Kayakoy on your Turkey trip, Malik Express can make it simple and stress-free.

1. Turkey E-Visa and Documentation Guidance

Many Pakistani travellers need to meet specific criteria or supporting documentation for a Turkey e-Visa or sticker visa. Malik Express can:

• Guide you on current visa requirements and eligibility
• Help you complete your application accurately
• Suggest supporting documents based on your purpose of travel
• Coordinate travel insurance and related paperwork

2. Tailor-Made Turkey Itineraries Including Kayakoy

Our team can design a custom Turkey tour that includes:

• Flights from Pakistan to Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman or other gateways
• Domestic connections to Fethiye region
• Hotel bookings in Fethiye, Oludeniz or nearby resorts
• A dedicated day trip or guided excursion to Kayakoy
• Add-ons like Cappadocia, Istanbul city tours, Bursa or Konya

3. Local Tours, Transfers and Guides

Through trusted partners in Turkey, Malik Express can arrange:

• Private or small-group Kayakoy and Fethiye tours
• English or Urdu-speaking local guides where available
• Airport transfers, intercity transport and drivers
• Boat trips, paragliding in Oludeniz and other activities

4. Support Before And During Your Trip

From advising on the best season to visit Kayakoy to helping you understand local customs, Malik Express offers:

• Pre-travel briefings on weather, dress code and currency
• Assistance with hotel and tour confirmations
• On-trip support via phone or messaging in case of changes or emergencies

 

Planning Your Visit To Kayakoy

If you are fascinated by history, love atmospheric places and want to see a different side of Turkey beyond the busy bazaars and beaches, Kayakoy is a must-see. It can easily fit into a 7–10 day Turkey itinerary that covers Istanbul, Fethiye and Cappadocia or the Turquoise Coast.

To start planning:

• Decide your preferred travel dates and duration
• Share your interests, budget and group size with Malik Express
• Let our team propose a personalised Turkey tour including Kayakoy ghost village

With careful planning, professional guidance and reliable local partners, your visit to this haunting hill town can become one of the most memorable highlights of your Turkey journey.