Gemiler Island

Gemiler Island is probably the most popular attraction for yachtsmen in Oludeniz. The reason for this popularity is not only the comfortable and safe yacht anchorage on the north side of the island, but also the ruins of the Byzantine churches and the remains of a settlement of the IV - VI centuries AD.

The Turkish name of the island is Gemiler Adası which translates as Island of Sailors. Archaeologists have speculated that the island may have been the original burial place of St. Nicholas the patron saint of sailors. Gemiler Island is also sometimes called St. Nicholas Island.

One of the churches was carved into the rock at the top of the island. The church still has remnants of frescoes.

It is assumed that it was in this church that St. Nicholas was buried. All the ruins are located along a path of about four hundred meters.

The trail begins at the stone pier on the north side of Gemiler Island. There is a fee of seven Turkish liras per person.