30 MAGAZINE | THE BEACH
KAYA
VILLAGE
Former Levissi lies just 10 km from Oludeniz.
It was built on the site of the ancient Lycian
city of Karmylassos and was known as ‘Levissi’.
After the Turkish War of Independence,
the Turkish and Greek governments agreed
on a population exchange. Greek orthodox
believers moved to mainland Greece….
Their houses, churches and chapels still partly
intact range panoramically round the slopes of
three hills overlooking the Kaya plains. The site
is now preserved as a ‘museum village’. The
local Turks farm the land, produce apricots and
almonds and provide visitors with local foods.
KAYA HOUSES
scattered on a hill top
location overlooking
to the valley below
K
aya is very nostalgic, with its narrow winding
lanes, stone cottages; ancient maple trees all
verging onto the central teahouse. For those
who enjoy walking there are marked paths
which lead to Oludeniz, Cold Water Beach and
the Afkule monastery among others.
Accommodation can be found in superior villas, stone
cottages, apartments, and even tents. Barbeques, local
wines and herb pancakes are all specialities of Kaya Village.
Some of the old houses have been turned into workshops
and ateliers which offer courses in painting, photography
and pottery.
Camels and ponies are available for riding. There is a good
dolmus service via Ovacik 6 times daily.
KAYA VILLAGE
A view of the Kaya Village
during a misty morning