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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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Kayakoy is about 8-9 km from Fethiye city centre.
You can reach it by:
Oludeniz, famous for its blue lagoon and paragliding, is also a short drive away. You can:
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:
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.
Because of its hillside location and lack of shade, Kayakoy can get very hot in summer. The most comfortable months are:
To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:
The paths between the houses are steep, rocky and sometimes slippery, especially after rain. Trainers or hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
There is little shade inside the ruins. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, particularly in summer.
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.
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.
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.
Kayakoy pairs perfectly with:
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.
Many Pakistani travellers need to meet specific criteria or supporting documentation for a Turkey e-Visa or sticker visa. Malik Express can:
Our team can design a custom Turkey tour that includes:
Through trusted partners in Turkey, Malik Express can arrange:
From advising on the best season to visit Kayakoy to helping you understand local customs, Malik Express offers:
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:
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.