A pleasent surprise in Kayaköy

Deep off the beaten terrain lies the monastery of Afkule; it’s an adventure getting there, so grab your boots and prepare to mosey down some gravel About a 10 minute drive from Kayaköy (between Dalaman and Fethiye) in the direction of Gemiler Island, you can see a sign reading “Afkule Monastery.” I do not know if you ever go off the beaten track, but I can recommend you to do so every now and then. It will lead to very pleasant and unexpected surprises; something Turkey is full of.

You have to be careful though, at a certain point, the road will fork and you either can choose right or left. Do not take the right road, but go left. A bit further away, you will be at the end of the road, but this is a perfect spot to park your car. Everywhere there is shade so your car will not be like an oven if you choose the right spot. Here, the real trip begins. You have to walk for one or two kilometers before you reach your destination, but this is a quite nice walk. I saw people with babies walking this path, so it is not too difficult. The only bummer is when you are not really walking anymore the way you used to; please, do not try to go and pay a visit to Afkule Monastery then. Sometimes the road, and especially the last part, can be tricky and dangerous (especially after rainfall). The problem is a combination of gravel-like little stones and a steep mountain slope. There is, fortunately, no pavement or stairs (yet). I say fortunately because the lack of it adds to the adventures and mystic feeling you get while walking toward the monastery. Just follow the red and yellow signs that are painted on rocks; they will lead you to the monastery.

The first acquaintance with the monastery is a beautiful view from...