Location
Villa Rustem is near the ghost village of Kayaköy, 8km south of Fethiye in southwestern Turkey. Nestled in the mountains and overlooking Kaya Valley, it’s a quiet spot and is an ideal place to go walking or hiking. From the villa, it’s a short walk to this atmospheric abandoned village, the inspiration for Louis De Bernier’s ‘Birds without Wings’, novel. In the local area, you’ll also enjoy a peaceful and bohemian atmosphere, and there are traditional restaurants and shops nearby.
In Fethiye Town to the north, you can visit ancient rock tombs such as the 4th-century B.C. Tomb of Amyntas, which are magnificently carved into the mountains. For foodies, there’s a fish market and other markets that sell everything from homemade rugs to fresh produce. You can sample the local delicacy – delicious gözleme (thin dough crepes) – or visit a Turkish Bath for a relaxing treat.
If you enjoy walking, you can use the Lycian Way. It’s a series of paths from Kayakoy Ghost Town to remote beaches like Cold Water Bay (around 5.5km away). The bay is family-friendly with turquoise swimming waters and a sandy shoreline. The paths also go to the monastery ruins of Afkule (around 4km away), which are dramatically perched on cliff ledges above the Aegean Sea.
For fun family-friendly day trips, near-shore islands by boat beckon. There’s the turquoise lagoon at Ölüdeniz, which is a prime swimming and water sports spot due to its crystal-clear and calm waters. 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.
Getting to and around
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.
- Nearest Restaurant
- Various- Kayakoy (1.7km)
- Nearest Town/City
- Hisaronu - Restaurants, bars, supermarkets (4km)
- Nearest Airport
- Dalaman (55km)
- Nearest Town/City
- Fethiye (9km)
- Nearest Beach
- Gemiler (9km)
- Nearest Beach
- Olu Deniz (8.4km)
