Ghost Town of Kayakoy.

© RuslanKaln/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Kayaköy (Levissi) Abandoned Village

Top choice in Turquoise Coast


The tumbledown ruins of Levissi are highly atmospheric. The roofless, dilapidated stone houses sit on the slopes like sentinels over the modern village below.

Not much is intact, except the two churches. The 17th-century Kataponagia Church, with an ossuary containing the mouldering remains of the long-dead in its churchyard, is on the lower part of the slope, while the Taxiarkis Church is near the top of the hill. Both retain some of their painted decoration and black-and-white pebble mosaic floors.

Near the latter is a ruined castle, while the hilltop tower above Kataponagia Church has commanding views of the valley.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Turquoise Coast attractions

1. Ölüdeniz Beach & Lagoon

2.17 MILES

The beach is why most people visit Ölüdeniz. While the decent strip of pebble shore edging the holiday resort is free, the famed lagoon beach is a…

2. Roman Theatre

3.34 MILES

In the centre of Fethiye, just behind the harbour, is Telmessos' 6000-seat Roman theatre dating from the 2nd century BC. Neglected for years, it's…

3. Crusader Fortress

3.36 MILES

On the hillside above (and south of) Fethiye and along the road to Kayaköy, you can't miss the ruined tower of a Crusader fortress, built by the Knights…

4. Eski Camii

3.41 MILES

Fethiye's tiny old mosque is squeezed between souvenir shops and cafes in the bazaar district.

5. Tomb of Amyntas

3.5 MILES

Fethiye’s most recognisable sight is the mammoth Tomb of Amyntas, an Ionic temple facade carved into a sheer rock face in 350 BC, in honour of 'Amyntas…

6. Atatürk Statue

3.5 MILES

Triumphantly driving his steed, Atatürk presides over the Fethiye waterfront.