Gemile Island

Gemile Island, located in Muğla and frequently visited, was known as ‘Smybola’ in the Middle Ages. Today, in some sources, the ‘island of Aya Nikola ' can also pass as.

The island, which is intertwined with the basin where Ölüdeniz is located, gained a particularly important reputation in the 5th century BC. The concentration of religious foci settlements during this period is effective in this case. At that time, this was a stopover for the merchant ships of the Eastern European countries. Sailors visit this island and pray here before they sail. The region has been considered a pilgrimage center for a long time. Apart from churches and chapels, schools offering religious education are also opened on Gemile Island. Different rumours circulate as to where the name of the island came from.

Surveys conducted in this area since the early 1990s reveal a lot of information about the island. According to the information in these studies, it is determined that there are 11 churches in total in the region. Four of these 11 churches are directly within Gemile Island. All of the churches are Basilica type. Apart from these religious sites, there are also small shelters for working people. Since the island consists largely of a rocky structure, the foundations of the house and similar structures are also formed by the carving of the rocks. Gemiler Island was abandoned after the Arab invasion in the 7th century.

There is a distance of about 9 kilometers between Gemile Island and Fethiye. It is possible to reach the island by sea via Gemile Bay. There are regular boats or daily blue tours available for service. Even if you don't visit the island, the view you see when you go through Kayaköy is quite impressive. Gemile Island as of today passes as a ruins.