Saint Nicholas Island
Near Gemile Beach
By Slowtravelguide
Explore Saint Nicholas Island
One of my preferred spots near Fethiye, when it comes to Ancient Sites ıs Saint Nicholas Island. Like said before, there is a lot to do in the Fethiye area.
Gemile island is an abandoned island just off the coast of Gemile Beach, not far from Kayaköy.
It’s a stunning and attractive island that will appeal to those who love culture, history buffs, beach beauties, and breathtaking natural vistas.
It is an island and we admit that anything involving a boat trip, gets our attention. As you guessed, we like to slow down.
Visit the charming GEMILER ADASI
It is foreigners that call the island St. Nicholas Island; locals use the Turkish name: Gemile Adası.
The name St. Nicholas Island did not appear out of anything. It is related to the history of the island, which is said to have been used as a sanctuary by St. Nicholas and his followers to escape Roman persecution in the 4th century.
They established and built a monastery on the island, including several churches and many other buildings and corridors.
Necropolis Of St. Nicholas
It is widely accepted that the island was also the burial site of St. Nicholas.
But his bones were removed and taken to Myra after people abandoned the island in the 7th century due to threats from the Arabian fleet.
Still, you’ll almost feel like an explorer discovering its mysteries, aside from a few signs and warnings to stay on the (naturally formed) path.
We were the only ones there during our off-season visit. Our only company is a ginger cat and some goats.
Goats Are Everywhere On The Island
There Is So Much Beauty Around St. Nicholas Island!
St. Nicholas Island is about 1000m long and several hundred meters wide. As you take a taxi from Gemile Beach, you will be blown away by the beauty surrounding you. There are only pretty turquoise bays, rocky shores and pine-covered mountains—layers of islands, oceans and forests.
This landscape is your habitat throughout your visit. Wherever you look, you will see majestic beauty!
Exploring St. Nicholas Island is a breeze. Silence, scenery, and mystery. You can’t help but wonder how people built these incredible structures on this tiny island when Fethiye (Termessos at the time) didn’t even exist.
The view from St. Nicholas to Dalaman is just as stunning as the view towards Oludeniz, with snow-capped mountains behind. The rectangular shape in the rock is the tomb.
Mysterious Ruins in Awesome Environment
With an environment like this, you’d think you wouldn’t care about the ruins on the island anymore. You probably won’t, especially if you generally dislike anything ancient, but we hope you’ll be amazed. These are no ordinary ruins.
The remains of tunnels or corridors and three-vaulted churches are sure to captivate even the most sceptical visitor.
What To Expect
How To Get There: With sea taxi or private boat from Ölüdeniz or Gemile bay (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: Dalaman Airport.
Parking: Yes.
Terrain: Medium.
Stroller: No
Income: Yes.
Facilities: Restaurant at Gemile beach.
Best Time To Visit: Depending on the weather.
Much of the tunnel’s roof collapsed after the earthquake; nonetheless, the long corridor is attractive even in its current state. You’ll find a surprising perspective at every corner or the end of every paragraph.
An island is a gathering place for surprises, moments of surprise and hidden corners. You must be wondering what’s behind it?
The good part is: you can discover it! Stunning views and stunning details are all part of the deal. They are what St. Nicholas Island is all about.
Religious buildings located on and around the island of St. Nicholas suggest that pilgrimages were once made here by ship.
Places Nearby
Kayaköy, ghost village (3km)
Af Kule Monastery, monastery build by a single man (4 km)
Ölüdenız, the blue lagoon (5 km)
Butterfly Valley, (8km)
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Practical Information
If you’re wondering about interesting things to do in Fethiye, consider spending a day on San Nicolas Island. If you need our advice, take a taxi from Gemile Beach or even from Ölüdeniz instead of joining one of the crowded island cruises.
Probably the best time to visit Gemiler Adası is in the low season, when there are few tourists around. But don’t worry, if you have to share your experience with others, a beautiful island like this will still fascinate you.
Places We Recommend
Kameriye Island
If you like romantic surroundings, impressive trees and the most fantastic pebble mosaics, then you should visit Kameriye Island. (Coming soon)
Sedir Island
Sedir Island captures the imagination with its crystal clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, lush green surroundings, and the ancient city of Kedrai. (Coming soon).
Cunda
A quaint island off the coast of Ayvalık and a popular weekend destination for many Istanbul residents. (Coming soon)
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