Kayaköy, a forgotten village located four miles away from Fethiye holds many secrets. I love this place for its peaceful atmosphere, there's no doubt in my mind that this village is great. Climb every mountain or take a stroll through the modern day village, truth be told its not that modern really. There's just something about Kayaköy that I find quite inspiring!
Staying at Muzzy's Place for overnight, I've stayed there three times including my last visit. At night the temperature sometimes drops significantly, maybe those ghosts want to come out to play? It's always nice to escape from the tourist traps in favour for the peace and tranquility of Kayaköy. Take the Dolmuş from Fethiye heading towards Kayaköy and Hisarönü, look for Muzzy's Place for all the sights captured in the photo above are right their waiting for you. Do I sound like a droning reel of information? Being away from Turkey for two years enabled me to see some amazing places but I feel equally blessed to have had the chance to revisit this Turkish gem. From the contrast of the busy city streets of Istanbul to the sleepy hills of Kayaköy I have seen a lot of the same but all its all been a crazy and beautiful adventure. Kayaköy has the benefit of being in a bowl affect its cocooned by the hills and mountains so the sun is tolerable. Oh, why do I have to leave?!
Kayaköy has many identities, known by its Turkish name firstly. Levissi, the Greek name for Kayaköy was used during the Greek occupation but was fittingly changed back to Kayaköy after the transition period. I must admit that the heat of the day feels cooler in Kayaköy, this place has a vibe that really chills you out I mean complete relaxation. How could you not love a place with a story? After all we all love a bit of drama? Turkey has so many hidden gems, across this vast country that make Kayaköy more loveable! We have to give thanks for the laws and legislation that protect Kayaköy from being altered or changed in any way. A government move I believe to be more than worthwhile. The world has seen many conflicts and evictions of races but the abandoned houses that still occupy the hillsides still look eerily beautiful, I admit what happened probably wasn't good for the Greek people but the houses looks breathtaking even now. Kayaköy you're a beautiful sinner!
Tourism can be a help and a hindrance in the same breath. I suppose the village is quite large so even the largest coachload of tourists probably wouldn't completely disturb the calm?! What do you think? Finally, I leave Kayaköy with more timeless memories that will stay with me for a long time. There goes another relaxing and thought provoking trip I guess I will see you next time Kaya Village! Concluding my 2013 Turkish holiday I look to this deserted paradise with the date of my return flight back to Birmingham Airport looming not with a heavy heart, but with a smile because its been a great four weeks in the sunshine of Turkey! Getting back to the Köy was amazing, its a place that I won't forget! Kaya has a secret to tell you! Kayaköy, I told you I ain't afraid of no ghost! You fool!
I Love Turkish Ghost Villages!
I Love Turkish Ghost Villages!
Joseph Harrison