The Ghost Town of Kayaköy, Turkey has to be one of the most interesting places I’ve visited, but also one of the most eerie! It’s located approximately 8km south of Fethiye, a popular holiday destination which is where I was staying. It has always been one of those places I’ve visited that really stuck in my mind as it gives me vibes of Dark Tourist, one of my favourite travel documentary series.
Why is Kayaköy, Turkey abandoned?
In 1923, there was a Population Exchange Agreement between Greece and Turkey. I’d never heard of this type of agreement before, but it’s basically when two groups of people are moved in opposite directions at the same time. The goal is to create ethnically homogeneous nations (where the majority of the population shares a similar ethnicity, race, or religion). The irony is the word “Agreement” doesn’t really ring true as these exchanges are often unequal and can force people from their homes.
In this instance, Greek Orthodox Christians in Turkey and Muslims in Greece were required to swap countries. The Muslims who were resettled in Kayaköy struggled to adapt to the new environment and gradually left. As a result, the village was left largely abandoned.
What can be seen at Kayaköy, Turkey?
Kayaköy consists of over 350 abandoned stone houses and two large churches – Church of Panagia (Upper Church) and the Church of Taxiarchis (Lower Church). The village also has several small chapels, a school, and a few other communal buildings, reflecting its once-thriving community.
They are all built on a hillside, and it is quite a sight seeing them stacked up, layer by layer, but with no one in them. A lot of the homes were stripped of their materials over the years, so many no longer have roofs or windows.
Nestled within the Ölüdeniz Nature Park, the green shrubbery and trees offset the abandoned buildings even more. I imagine it was quite a beautiful place to live originally. It was declared a protected area in 1988.
What sort of state is Kayaköy in?
As you can see from my photos, plenty of the buildings are still standing enough that you can walk through them and identify what they used to be (for example a home, a school, or a church). However due to an earthquake that happened in 1957, quite a lot of damage was done to Kayaköy, meaning that is inhabitable as it currently stands.
The site is now protected by the Turkish government and is maintained as a museum village. There are a few houses which have been restored and are currently occupied, but other than that the only visitors are tourists, and roadside vendors selling handmade goods at the entrance.
What is near Kayaköy, Turkey?
The closest town to Kayaköy is Hisarönü (3km away), a small resort that has some restaurants and bars, catering mainly to tourists. Fethiye (8km away) is also largely touristy and covers a bigger area, with several hotels, restaurants, a marina, and a Turkish market.
Ölüdeniz (5km away) is famous for its stunning turquoise waters and it’s such a beautiful place to sunbathe and swim in the sea. You can also paraglide off a nearby mountain over the beach.
Kayaköy Ghost Town FAQs (2026)
Yes. It remains one of the most poignant historical sites in Turkey. Kayaköy offers a quiet, haunting atmosphere where you can wander through 500+ abandoned Greek stone houses and churches at your own pace.
As of 2026, the entrance fee is 100–120 Turkish Lira (approx. £2.50). If you have the Turkish Museum Pass (Mediterranean), entry is included.
The site is technically an open-air museum and is open daily from 8:30am to 8pm during the summer season (April–October). In winter, it usually closes at 5.30pm. Arrive early to avoid the tour bus crowds and the midday heat.
– Dolmuş (Minibus): Look for the bus marked “Kayaköy” departing from the Fethiye central station (near the white mosque). They run every 30–60 minutes and cost roughly 40–80 Turkish Lira (£0.68 – £1.36).
– Taxi: A 15-minute drive from Fethiye or Hisarönü costs approximately 250–350 Turkish Lira (£4.20–£5.95).
– Hiking: You can hike the 8km forest trail from Fethiye (marked with red and yellow stripes), which takes about 2–3 hours.
There are no shops inside the ruins, only at the village entrance. It’s advisable to bring bottled water (and snacks if you think you’ll need them) with you.
The “streets” are uneven, loose stones. Flip-flops are not ideal, trainers/sturdy footwear is advised. There is almost no shade among the roofless houses, so wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
