Afkule Monastery, also known as Af Tower, is a fascinating ruin partly carved into a cliff face overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Fethiye. This ancient Greek monastic site is believed to have been built by a single monk, making its remote and impressive location even more remarkable. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era and stands as a testament to human perseverance in a stunning natural setting.
Visitors consistently praise the spectacular scenery and amazing views from the monastery, often describing the experience as a rewarding adventure. The hike itself is a significant part of the attraction, with many reviewers highlighting the beautiful forest and sea views along the way. The sense of discovery, due to its secluded nature, is also a recurring theme, with some calling it a "secret place." However, several visitors warn about the lack of clear signage, making the trail somewhat challenging to navigate.
To make the most of your visit, wear good hiking shoes or sturdy trainers, as the trail can be steep and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and consider packing a bug net or tent if you plan to stay past late afternoon, as mosquitoes can be an issue. The best time to visit is during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the sunset views. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the round trip, including time to explore the monastery and enjoy the views.
The monastery is located a couple of miles outside the village of Kayaköy (Ghost Town). To get there, you can either drive to a makeshift car park or walk from Kayaköy. From the main road, when you see a sign for Af Kule, turn right onto that road. Visitors advise continuing essentially straight on, even if it seems counter-intuitive, and looking for yellow and blue paint markings on stones and trees, which serve as sporadic trail markers. The hike from the main road or car park typically takes 20-30 minutes, though some reviewers mention up to an hour depending on the starting point and pace.
A common complaint is the presence of litter along the trail and at the site itself, which detracts from the natural beauty. While there's little an individual visitor can do about existing trash, you can help by carrying out anything you bring in. The lack of clear signage is another frequent issue; to mitigate this, download offline maps, pay close attention to the informal trail markers (piles of stones, paint on trees), and don't hesitate to backtrack if you feel you've taken a wrong turn. The trail can be steep in parts, so those with mobility issues or very young children might find it challenging.