Hidden Historical Ruins Around Ölüdeniz

Why the Ölüdeniz Area Draws History Lovers

Ölüdeniz and its surroundings are known not just for turquoise bays but for a deep history. In ancient times the area lay in the territory of Telmessos, the Lycian city that is today's Fethiye; in the Byzantine period, churches and monasteries were built on the islands and steep hillsides.

There's plenty here for history lovers to discover, from Lycian remains and rock tombs nearby to abandoned villages.

So where are these traces, and how do you find them? Below we take you through the area's most striking historical sites and how to plan your visit, step by step.

If you'd like to see the area from the water, the Ölüdeniz Boat Trip makes a swim stop at St Nicholas (Gemiler) Island, known for its Byzantine ruins.

Kayaköy: The Story of an Abandoned Village

Kayaköy lies just outside Ölüdeniz, and with its stone houses and narrow lanes it's one of the area's best-known historical sites.

For centuries the village was home to a Greek community. It emptied in the population exchange of 1923, and the 1957 earthquake damaged the houses that remained. Today hundreds of roofless stone houses and two large churches still stand on the hillside.

• Most of the stone buildings are still standing

• The lanes are easy to explore on foot

• The hillside views are ideal for photos

Before you visit Kayaköy, have a look at our guide to historical sites near Fethiye, which covers the area's other ancient sites too.

How the Village Has Changed and What It's Like Today

Today Kayaköy is a ticketed heritage site, and you can wander the paths between the houses at your own pace. It isn't part of Prime Turist's tour programmes, so plan it as an independent visit.

If you'd like a sense of old Fethiye, our guide to the Paspatur old bazaar makes another useful stop.

Afkule Monastery and the Area's Early Christian Remains

There are Byzantine-era remains in the area too. Afkule Monastery, near Kayaköy, is the ruin of a small monastery built on a steep cliff above the sea; you reach it on foot from Kayaköy along a waymarked path. On Gemiler Island, west of Ölüdeniz, there are remains of Byzantine churches; the island is reached by boat and there's a ticket to go ashore.

How to Plan a Historical Route Around Fethiye

Start by deciding what matters most to you.

• Put sites that are close together on the same day

• Check walking distances in advance

• In the hot months, go in the morning

• Take water and sunscreen

If you'd like to see more of the region in a day, the Saklıkent Gorge Tour combines nature and history: as well as the gorge, it visits the ancient Lycian city of Tlos.

Walking and Day Route Ideas

Exploring historical sites on foot is the best way to really get a feel for the area. The Lycian Way is a walking trail of about 540 km from Fethiye towards Antalya, starting at Ovacık just above Ölüdeniz. You don't have to walk all of it: short sections make a rewarding outing too.

Tips for Visiting Historical Sites and Building Your Own Route

In short, finding the hidden historical ruins around Ölüdeniz takes nothing more than a patient plan and the right information. Explore at your own pace, trust local knowledge and listen to what history has to tell you.

To explore the history of Ölüdeniz and the wider area, take a look at Prime Turist's day trips (April to October), such as the Ölüdeniz Boat Trip with its stop at St Nicholas (Gemiler) Island, the Saklıkent Gorge Tour with the ancient city of Tlos, and the Kaş & Kalkan Tour from Fethiye, which visits Patara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which historical ruins can you see around Ölüdeniz? The most popular sites around Ölüdeniz and Fethiye are the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy, the ruins of Afkule Monastery and the remains of ancient cities near Fethiye. The area's history goes back to the Lycians and the Byzantine settlements that followed. Check each site's opening hours and walking conditions before you go to make your route more efficient.

How do you get to Afkule Monastery? You walk to Afkule from Kayaköy along a waymarked path; the last part is steep and rocky. As the ground is uneven, wear closed shoes with non-slip soles, take water and walk in the cool of the morning.

What is the history of Kayaköy? In the Ottoman period Kayaköy was a village of hundreds of stone houses, home to a Greek population. After the population exchange of 1923 it was largely abandoned, and today its ruined houses and churches still carry the traces of that era. Reading up on its history before you go makes walking its lanes far more meaningful.

What should I keep in mind when visiting historical ruins around Fethiye? Summers are very hot, so set off early, carry enough water and use sunscreen. To protect the ruins, don't climb on the structures or take pieces of stone.