The village of Kaya Koy is situated in a quiet valley, a conservation area to the south of Fethiye in South West Turkey.
Around a one hour drive from Dalaman Airport, the Village lies in the centre of the ancient Lycian Empire along the famous Turquoise Coast of Turkey.
Believed to be the inspiration for Louis De Berniere's recent book "Birds Without Wings", it has a very special quality and atmosphere that leaves an impression on every visitor.
The village of Kayakoy (ancient 'Levissi') has a rich past. Forcibly abandoned by its Ottoman, Turk speaking Greek-Orthodox farming community as part of population transfer used in 1923 to help resolve the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922). The site is now preserved and protected from development and a centre for the TURKISH-GREEK CIVIC DIALOGUE PROJECT AEGEE.
The view from all of the Günay's Garden Villas is over the pool towards the Kaya Koy abandoned village. As the sun sets behind the Villas the ruins take on magical warm colours and perpectives. Very photogenic; Very romantic.
Kaya Koy lies in a fertile valley farmed using traditional methods by local families. The Valley has some traditional tea houses, family run cafe's and a couple of excellent Kebap restaurants where outdoor dining is a must. All within an easy few minutes walk.
The nearest beach at Gemiler is small and secluded protected by St. Nicolas Island, where it is claimed, St. Nicolas' (born at nearby Patara) relics were once kept. It is now a fascinating Byzantian and Lycian archaeological site that can be explored by taking a small boat from the beach. There are a few beach 'houses' offering fresh meals where the proprietor will pick herbs and salad from her garden as you wait. Our local beach, a walk up through the village is known as Cold Water Bay.
For more choice and much less privacy the famous Olu Deniz beach resort is 15 minutes by boat or car.
