Kayakoy Historically known as Levissi, this tranquil ghost-town of hundreds of stone houses can be found just 6kms south-west of Hisarönü. Kayakoy, once a thriving community, was abandoned by its mostly Ottoman-Greek residents following the Turkish War of Independence in the 1920’s, when they relocated en masse to the outskirts of Athens and founded Nea Levissi. Amazingly, since that time, the village of Kayakoy which had been continually inhabited since the thirteenth century, has stood deserted and forlorn, with only the mountain breeze filling its crumbling houses and streets. The village was left empty in anticipation of the return of its former inhabitants and today has the feel of a ghost-town. Two once-proud churches stand in the grassy square at the centre of the town, stained glass long since broken, frescoes faded, a testament to the culture of ages past.
The atmosphere of Kayakoy is unique and well worth a lingering visit. Brunch can be taken at one of the town’s lovely restaurants.
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