Just 8 km south of Fethiye lies Kayaköy, a poignant reminder of the past. Once known as Levissi, this village thrived with a harmonious Greek and Turkish population until the 1923 population exchange forced Greek Orthodox residents to relocate to Greece. The incoming Turkish Muslims found the mountainous terrain unsuitable for agriculture and soon abandoned the village, leaving behind over 500 stone houses and two Greek Orthodox churches.
Today, Kayaköy stands as an open-air museum, recognized by National Geographic in 2005 as one of the world's top ghost towns. Visitors can wander through its silent streets, explore the ruins, and reflect on the lives once lived here. The village also served as a filming location for the movie "The Water Diviner."
A short drive from Kayaköy brings you to Ölüdeniz, renowned for its Blue Lagoon, where calm, turquoise waters meet a pristine white beach. This national nature reserve offers a serene setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Turkish Riviera.
For adventure seekers, paragliding from Babadağ Mountain is a must. Standing at 1,969 meters, Babadağ offers one of the world's highest commercial take-off points. Tandem flights provide breathtaking aerial views of the Blue Lagoon, Butterfly Valley, and the surrounding coastline. No prior experience is needed, as professional pilots ensure a safe and exhilarating journey from mountain to beach.Viator+4Fethiye Tatilleri+4The Abroad Guide+4
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the Lycian Way offers a scenic hiking trail connecting Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz. This moderately challenging trek takes approximately two hours and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the coast and countryside.twirltheglobe.com