Afkule Monastery

Fethiye is filled with history etched into its nature. Tombs cut into cliff sides and buildings carved from rough rocks on the coast populate much of Fethiye; the remnants of ages past. One of these such historical places surrounded by natural beauty is the AfKule Monastery, located just by the Gemiler Bay.

1. Getting There

The only way to get to this tucked-away monastery that is seemingly carved out of the rocky mountain face is by walking from the neighboring ghost town of Kayaköy. A dolmuş bus runs from Fethiye to Kayaköy and from there, you can walk to the monastery. The walk will not take long, but can be rocky and rough terrain in certain places so a sturdy pair of shoes is advisable. Though it might take a bit of time, the walk through Fethiye’s beautiful surrounding nature is part of the lovely adventure of seeing this historical place.

The walk to the monastery takes you through thick woods full of blooming flowers and towering trees. You will walk along a well marked path with signs pointing you in the direction of the monastery, which will remain out of sight. Once you finally arrive to the resting place of this ancient Monastery, you will then walk down the footpath to where the monastery sits, nestled in the mountainside.

2. What To Do Once There

Once you have made your way down to the monastery, you are free to explore its delicate grounds and enjoy the tranquil setting. Standing within the ruins, look out onto the Mediterranean and enjoy a peaceful and serene moment as you sit amidst history and overlook the gentle, blue waters.

Bring a book and relax in the hidden ruins of this rocky monastery. This scenic and historical site also serves as the perfect place to capture amazing views on your camera. The eroding rock of the ancient monastery paired with such phenomenal views provide the perfect scenery for truly amazing photos that you will cherish for years. Simply traverse the rocky land and uncover the rich history of this place.