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Sovalye Island the first of the twelve in the Gulf of Fethiye

Updated: 02 Jul 2022

Created: 24 Oct 2013


Sovalye Island

Sovalye Island in Fethiye – Turkey, reflects what life off the grid should look like. With no cars and no roads, this quiet, peaceful spot in Mediterranean Turkey attracts tourists looking for a daily retreat and house hunters who want exclusivity. Although it is just a few hundred metres from Fethiye Town, Sovalye Island might as well be another world entirely. The interconnected shores feature crisscrossing walkways shaded by whispering pine trees. Walking from end to end takes less than an hour, while canoeing around the island takes an hour, or a swim takes two. Sovalye Island is small, yet it is the perfect alternative for those who want to unwind and get away from it all.


About Sovalye Island in Fethiye - Turkey

Exploring the blue waters around Sovalye Island reveals ruins dating from late Roman times. Snorkel or paddle over Byzantine era submerged houses, crumbling city walls, ancient churches and Roman cistern turned chapel. Elsewhere lay old olive oil pots and amphora. Meanwhile, walking inland, the remains of a crusader castle sit hidden among pine and carob trees. The Knights of St John built the castle after they fled from the Greek Island of Rhodes. Local legend says Sovalye Island was a haven during the Middle Ages for these former knights who lived here as pirates.

You can reach Sovalye Island from Fethiye via water taxis that travel daily during summer, with the final return trip at 7 p.m. For refreshments and food, prices are higher than on the mainland, and there isn't much choice, yet this is the island's exclusivity. Near the drop-off point, the main beach has a few sun beds and shaded areas with a small fee to pay. Other beaches are free but smaller and stonier and don't have facilities. As a result, Sovalye Island has become a haven for Fethiye property buyers seeking privacy and seafront homes in Fethiye. It's not difficult to see why. Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Fethiye Town, the island is the ultimate private getaway.


Other Famous Places in Fethiye – Turkey

Kayakoy Ghost Village: As one of Turkey's most famous abandoned villages, Kayakoy ghost village draws global fame and admiration simply because of the eerie vibes that encompass crumbling houses and schools. Also giving off fantastic landscape views from the hilltop, Kayakoy is a must-visit in Turkey's Fethiye region.

Butterfly Valley: Also reached via a water taxi from Oludeniz's main beach, Butterfly Valley is the perfect spot for an escape from mainstream living. Adhering to the motto of being at one with nature, there is nothing fast-paced about this small enclave. Whether you walk the valley, scuba dive, or meditate on the beach, expect a peaceful retreat.

Saklikent Gorge: Continuing the theme of places of natural beauty, Saklikent gorge sits a distance away from Fethiye's main centre but is worth travelling for. The dramatic valley formed thousands of years ago is a welcoming refresher in summer and easily matches the beauty of Sovalye Island in Fethiye.