Gemiler Beach and St. Nicholas Island opposite,are among most visited locations in Fethiye. The area offers its visitors the chance to swim in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, as well as seeing some of the history of the area.

The island is located directly across from Gemiler Beach and hosts church ruins from the Byzantine and early Christian periods, a 500-meter tunnel that connects the two churches and the ruins of a massive water cistern. The ruins of the quayside are now under water due to past earthquakes but they can still be seen from above or if you’re a keen snorkeler.

Gemiler beach, with its calm, crystal clear water and surroundings of pine and olive trees, is an attraction to visitors from all around the world. The beach is pebbly and the wearing of beach shoes is recommended whilst swimming.

It is also a popular spot for a break for hikers on the Lycian Way.

A surface exploration, carried out by a Japanese archeology team since 1990, discovered 11 churches in the area, four of them located on St. Nicholas Island, one on Karacaören Island and the rest around Ölüdeniz and Karaören coves. Occasional excavations were carried out on the island between 1995-2003 by the Fethiye Museum Directorate and Japanese Osaka University.

Gemiler Beach and St. Nicholas Island, which was known as Smybola during the middle ages, became an important location as a result of religious settlements around 5th century AD. The beach and island became an important stopover for pilgrims sailing to the Holy Land. As well as houses for the residents and workers of the settlement, churches and chapels, and schools where religion was taught were opened in the area.

The reliefs in the big church are still in good condition. In the tunnel that connects the two churches, there are 17 stops along that represent Jesus taking 17 rests on the path to crucifixion.  The religious structures on the island which are believed to have been built between 5-13th century AD show the relations between Byzantine and the near east, as well as Europe in terms of the sea merchants.   

Gemiler Beach is located 15 km from Fethiye. The island is one of the stops on the daily boat trips leaving from Ölüdeniz. The beach can be reached by road via Kayaköy. There is a bus service that runs from Fethiye centre regularly in the summer months. From the beach, you can hire a water taxi to get to the island unless you are planning to join a boat trip from Ölüdeniz.

It is also possible to hike to Gemiler Beach as it is on the Lycian Way.

The beach is a protected area and an entrance fee is payable and a separate fee is charged for sun-beds and umbrellas.  You may want to lay your towels under the trees for some shade. There is a parking area at the beach. Once you pass the entrance, you will be guided to an empty parking space.

Other areas to see around Gemiler include Darboğaz Beach, Soğuk Su (Cold Water Bay), Kısık Cove and Afkule Monastery. An enjoyable day out if you have a private car.