Gemiler Island, situated across Gemiler Bay, entices visitors with its abundant historical ruins and captivating beauty that provides a visual spectacle. When in Fethiye, a place overflowing with historical and natural wonders, be sure not to overlook a visit to this enchanting island. Revel in the stunning seascape, witness a breathtaking sunset, and perhaps stroll along the same paths once trodden by Santa Claus.
Kayaköy, a highly sought-after destination in Fethiye, is nestled on a steep incline. Ascending this slope to Kayaköy's summit rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic vista of the Mediterranean Sea. Just beneath your vantage point lies Soğuksu Bay, while further on, Gemiler Island appears with its sleek, elongated silhouette resembling a ship. In the backdrop, Karacaören Island, Aquarium Bay, and the towering 320-meter-high Boğazdağ Hill come into view. The sheer magnificence of this scene is attributed to Gemiler Island and the natural wonders arrayed behind it. Consequently, Gemiler Island and its environs have earned the status of a first-degree natural protected area, ensuring their preservation.
"Gemiler" or "Gemile"? St. Nicholas or Lebissos?
Don't be perplexed by the name variations; Gemiler Island is interchangeably referred to as Gemile Island by locals. Despite occasional misconceptions about them being distinct locations, they denote the same place. The nearby bay on the mainland, situated opposite the island, is known as Gemiler Bay or Gemile Bay. In addition to these designations, foreign tourists and yachtsmen often use Lebissos, the Greek name for the island. Occasionally, you might also encounter the names Aya Nikola, St. Nicholas, or Saint Nicholas due to the presence of church ruins on the island.
A unique island full of historical ruins
Gemiler Island's documented history dates back to the era when Christianity first emerged. Presently, it stands as an archaeological site under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism. To explore the island, visitors are required to purchase a ticket or possess a museum card.
The island houses the remnants of four churches, numerous tombs, and medieval structures, including residences, cisterns, and examples of civil architecture believed to originate from the Byzantine period. Given the substantial number of churches, historians infer that Gemiler Island likely served as a center for a bishopric, overseeing churches in and around Ölüdeniz (Symbolon in that era). There's speculation among historians that the island held significance as a crucial halt on the pilgrimage route for European pilgrims en route to Jerusalem. Furthermore, there's a possibility that Crusader armies, journeying to Jerusalem by sea, might have paused at the island for confession of sins.
The most impressive among the island's churches is church number 3, situated at the highest elevation. Characterized by a basilica plan, it bears a resemblance to a cathedral. Another intriguing structure on the island is a stone corridor stretching 160 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width, connecting church number 3 to church number 4. This corridor evokes similarities to the Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked while bearing the cross. Upon reaching the corridor's end, visitors are welcomed by the church and a stunning panoramic view.
These religious structures on the island are thought to have been left to their own devices, possibly due to the Arab raids that commenced with the ascent of Islam in the Mediterranean during the 7th century. Alternatively, another scenario suggests that the island might have been forsaken as a consequence of the devastation inflicted by powerful earthquakes in the area. In reality, the absence of freshwater sources on the island was likely a challenging aspect of life. The residents of that era endeavored to address their water requirements by constructing numerous cisterns to collect rainwater. The hardships associated with a life deprived of water may have contributed to the decision to abandon the island.
Trace Santa Claus on the island
In medieval maps, Gemiler Island was identified as (St. Nicholas Island), the inspiration behind the Santa Claus character, was born and resided in Demre, Antalya, approximately 150 km away from Gemiler Island. A fresco within church number 2 on the island bears the inscription "Hossios Nikolaos," indicating the dedication of the church to Saint Nicholas.
Who knows, maybe St. Nicholas also visited the island, walked the same paths you will walk and drank water from the cisterns whose ruins you will see.
(According to a rumor, St. Nicholas left Demre in the last years of his life, lived on this island for a while as the protector of sailors and slept his eternal sleep in the church number 2).
Sunken City
Adjacent to Gemiler Island, there lies a submerged city. Structures along the island's shores were inundated by an earthquake in 240 AD. Despite the considerable passage of time, remnants of this sunken city remain visible beneath the sea, approximately two meters deep. Engaging in swimming amidst the fish and participating in diving activities among these ruins can provide an exciting and pleasurable experience.
Gemiler Bay
Gemiler Bay, situated on the mainland a mere 250 meters from Gemiler Island, is a small inlet. The sea in this serene bay is crystal clear and unpolluted, albeit somewhat pebbly, showcasing breathtaking natural beauty. As it is not heavily frequented by tourists, the beach is also a habitat for sea urchins. To facilitate swimming in this area, it is advisable to wear sea shoes. Some sections of the coastline are rocky, and there are even rock formations resembling small islands in the sea. Exploring the rocky formations along the shore proves to be a delightful experience. In the bay, there is a cafe-beach club where you have the choice to either hire sunbeds and umbrellas from the establishment or bring your own sunbed/chair.
Transportation to Gemiler Island
After passing Kayaköy, which is 10 km from Fethiye, you can reach Gemiler Bay with a winding and narrow highway by following the Gemiler sign. The road takes about 15 minutes by car and the entrance to the bay and parking lot are paid. Therefore, the best way to explore Gemiler Bay and Gemiler Island is to rent a yacht. In this way, you can visit many other beauties such as Soğuksu Bay, Aquarium Cove and Karacaören Island.
If renting a yacht is not an option, you can opt for the boats departing from Gemiler Bay to Gemiler Island. These boats provide a swift journey to the island in just a couple of minutes. When you wish to return from the island, a simple phone call to the boat owner will prompt them to pick you up directly from the shore.
If you are confident in your strokes, you can try to reach Gemiler Island by swimming from Gemiler Bay. 250 meters is not too far :)