St. Nicholas Island, also known by its Turkish name Gemiler Adasi, is one of the most significant historical monuments on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Located just a few kilometers from Oludeniz, this small rocky island preserves traces of early Byzantine civilization and is associated with legends about the life and posthumous fate of one of the most revered Christian saints. Its official name is Gemiler, which translates from Turkish as "Island of Ships." However, among the people and on tourist maps, it is more often called St. Nicholas Island, and it bears this name for good reason.
St. Nicholas Island is only about one kilometer long and approximately 400 meters wide, but on this compact piece of land, such a number of historical monuments are concentrated that it can rightfully be called an open-air museum. It is located opposite Soguk Su Bay, between Oludeniz and Fethiye, and is one of the main attractions of this coast.
History Stretching Back Centuries
The history of St. Nicholas Island dates back to the early Byzantine period, approximately the 4th–6th centuries AD. In those times, it was a flourishing religious center, where pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean flocked. Archaeological research conducted here in the 1990s discovered the ruins of five Byzantine churches, about forty other religious buildings, and more than fifty Christian burials on the island.
Scientists believe that the first sarcophagus containing the remains of St. Nicholas after his death may have been located here. It is believed that the saint died on December 6, 343 AD, and was initially buried on this very island. In the 6th century, a basilica was erected here in his honor, and the island became an important stop for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
However, in the mid-7th century, when the region began to be actively attacked by Arab fleets, the island was abandoned by its inhabitants. The relics of St. Nicholas were moved for safekeeping to the city of Myra, located approximately 40 kilometers to the east. The inhabitants themselves moved to the mainland, to nearby Kayakoy, which is known today as the Ghost Village of Kayakoy.
What Can Be Seen on St. Nicholas Island Today
Today, St. Nicholas Island is a unique archaeological complex. Ascending from the pier to the top of the island, visitors walk along an ancient processional road about 160 meters long, paved with stone and lined with the remains of buildings.
The ruins of four churches have been preserved on the island, with one of them, located at the very top, carved directly into the rock. This is the most impressive structure, resembling a cathedral in its architecture. It is approached by that same processional road along which believers once walked.
In one of the lower churches, designated by archaeologists as "Church No. 2," frescoes still survive. In the apse of this church, researchers discovered an inscription reading "St. Nicholas." This discovery became key evidence that the church was indeed dedicated to this particular saint.
Besides the churches, on St. Nicholas Island you can see numerous cisterns for collecting rainwater — the island has no its own sources of drinking water, so the inhabitants collected precious moisture from the roofs of buildings. Remains of residential premises and outbuildings are also preserved, and at the very edge of the water, partially submerged, are the ruins of small structures that probably served as workshops or shops for pilgrims.
Legends about St. Nicholas
The name of St. Nicholas, known popularly as Nicholas the Wonderworker and who became the prototype of Santa Claus, is associated with many legends. Gemiler Island preserves the memory of the early pages of his posthumous history.
According to tradition, after his death, the saint was buried right here. Pilgrims traveling by ship to the Holy Land would stop at the island to venerate his tomb and ask for protection on their further voyage. The Turkish name "Gemiler" itself may be related to the fact that sailors considered St. Nicholas their patron and often mentioned his name in prayers before a dangerous journey.
On medieval nautical charts compiled by Italian navigators, the island was already marked as St. Nicholas Island in the 14th–15th centuries. This indicates that the tradition of venerating this place persisted for many centuries even after the island itself was deserted.
There is a version that initially the church on the island was dedicated to another saint — Nicholas of Sion, who was born near Demre. However, regardless of which Nicholas the church was dedicated to, for sailors and pilgrims of the Middle Ages, this island was inseparably linked with the name of the great wonderworker.
Boat Excursions to St. Nicholas Island
St. Nicholas Island is a mandatory stop on almost any sea voyage starting from Oludeniz. You can only get here by water, and local tour operators offer many options for such excursions.
The classic full-day excursion on a yacht or gulet is the most popular option. Usually, such tours start in the morning, around 10:00 AM, from the pier at Belcekiz Beach in Oludeniz. The program is designed for a full day and includes, besides St. Nicholas Island, stops at Butterfly Valley, the Blue Cave, Cold Water Bay, and other picturesque spots. On board, tourists are offered lunch, usually freshly prepared fish or chicken, as well as soft drinks for an additional fee. The cost of such a tour is about 70–100 euros per person.
An excursion on a speedboat is suitable for those who value speed and want to see as many attractions as possible in a short time. Such tours are often organized for small groups and allow you to spend more time in your favorite places.
The "Pirate" tour is a special type of entertainment aimed at families with children and fun groups. The ship is styled as a pirate vessel, music plays on board, contests are held, and for children, there is a water slide and even a foam party. At the same time, the visitation program remains the same: Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island, and picturesque bays for swimming.
The stop at the island usually lasts about an hour. This time is quite enough to climb to the top along the ancient processional road, inspect the church ruins, take stunning panoramic photos, and even have time to swim in one of the secluded coves at the foot of the cliffs.
St. Nicholas Island is a unique place where history, legends, and stunning natural beauty intertwine. Even if you are not a fan of archaeology, a walk on this island will leave an unforgettable impression. Combined with swimming in crystal clear water and a boat trip along the most picturesque coast, a visit to St. Nicholas Island becomes an essential part of getting to know Oludeniz.
