Villa Kaya is near the quaint village of Kayaköy, 8km south of Fethiye in southwestern Turkey. This beautiful area in the Aegean region is known for its peaceful and bohemian atmosphere, and there are traditional restaurants and shops nearby. With a backdrop of green hills and jagged mountains and the popular Lycian Way Trail within walking distance, it’s an ideal place to go walking or hiking.
From the villa, it’s also a short walk to the atmospheric abandoned village at Kayaköy, the inspiration for Louis De Bernier’s ‘Birds without Wings’ novel. There kids and adults alike can have fun exploring the abandoned buildings and then stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The nearest beach is within a short 6km drive of the villa where you can take a cooling dip or chill on the soft sands.
In livelier Fethiye – a port city, an 8-10 minute’ drive from the villa – you’ll find a natural harbour and numerous rock tombs to visit including the 4th-century B.C. Tomb of Amyntas, carved into the mountains and overlooking the city. For foodies, there’s a fish market and other markets that sell everything from homemade rugs to honey and fresh produce. You can sample the local delicacy – delicious gözleme (thin dough crepes) – and then finish the day at a Turkish Bath. From Fethiye, you can jump on a boat and explore the turquoise waters with an archipelago of 12 beautiful islands.
Heading south, you can head to the popular holiday resort of Ölüdeniz. For fun family-friendly day trips, there’s the blue lagoon there – a prime swimming and water sports spot due to its crystal-clear and calm waters. Chose one of the many beach clubs surrounding the lagoon. You can also visit Butterfly Valley (about 24km from Fethiye) – a serene nature reserve that’s home to diverse butterfly species. Further afield you’ll find the Lycian site of Tlos and Saklikent Gorge. You can also jump on a boat trip to stop off at prime snorkelling spots, have lunch cooked by the crew and soak up some rays. Babadag is the mountain that overshadows Oludeniz, this is where paragliders fly from and if you fancy trying it too there are many schools that will book you a tandem trip.
The Region
The "Ghost Town" of Kayaköy was once inhabited by a substantial Greek Orthodox Christian; Artisans who left for Greece in the populations exchange 1923. Many of the old stone houses have been brought back to life and the village is again alive. There is a bohemian feel and a mix of restaurants cater for those enjoying the healthy village air. The cute beach at Gemiler is the closest place for sea swimming here. The area was the inspiration for Louis de Bernieres’ novel Birds Without Wings. Whilst here do try the local Gozleme pancakes.
Local days out include the resort of Gocek along the coast, Tlos ancient site and the Saklikent Gorge. Slightly further afield are Dalyan or going south, Patara for its sandy beach and ruins.
