Şövalye Island
A serene, car-free island near Fethiye, offering historical ruins, tranquil beaches, and breathtaking Mediterranean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Şövalye Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, car-free island near Fethiye, offering historical ruins, tranquil beaches, and breathtaking Mediterranean views.
"Knight Island is a true hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty."
Boat Taxi Essentials
Boat taxis from Fethiye/Çalış are frequent. Confirm return times! :boat:
Pack Smart
Bring water & snacks; island restaurants are pricey. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historical Ruins
Underwater and on land
Explore remnants of the Knights of Malta, both above and below the crystal-clear waters. A dive mask is recommended!
Tranquil Beaches
Various coves
Relax on simple, uncrowded beaches with pristine waters. Perfect for swimming and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Panoramic Sea Views
Island viewpoints
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the turquoise Aegean Sea and surrounding islands. Ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Island Essentials & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Taxi Essentials
Boat taxis from Fethiye/Çalış are frequent. Confirm return times! :boat:
Pack Smart
Bring water & snacks; island restaurants are pricey. :water_wave:
History Buff's Delight
Research Knights of Malta history for deeper appreciation. :scroll:
Water Shoes Recommended
Essential for exploring underwater ruins and rocky shores. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Taxi Essentials
Boat taxis from Fethiye/Çalış are frequent. Confirm return times! :boat:
Pack Smart
Bring water & snacks; island restaurants are pricey. :water_wave:
History Buff's Delight
Research Knights of Malta history for deeper appreciation. :scroll:
Water Shoes Recommended
Essential for exploring underwater ruins and rocky shores. :athletic_shoe:
Car-Free Serenity
Enjoy the peace of an island with no cars, just nature's sounds. :ear:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Şövalye Island is lauded as a hidden gem offering unparalleled tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful escape. Visitors are captivated by the stunning sea views, clear waters, and the unique historical ruins. However, some find the island's amenities, particularly restaurants, to be expensive, and note the lack of detailed historical information on-site.
"Knight Island (Şövalye Adası) is a true hidden gem in Fethiye! If you're looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this island is the perfect destination.
From the moment you arrive by boat, you're greeted with breathtaking views of turquoise waters, lush greenery, and charming seaside spots. The island has no cars, which makes it incredibly tranquil—just the sound of waves and nature all around you. Highly recommended for those who appreciate nature, tranquility, and a bit of adventure!"
Nush Diyanush
"The landscapes and the sea is so beautiful but the motels are expensive, though reasonably (?). The perfect place for photoshoot. The restaurant is expensive as well."
Nuray Yanar
"The whole island gains value with at least a rudimentary knowledge of history. On the surface there is not much historical to see. However, if you are familiar with the medieval western knightly orders and their heroic but also tragic actions in the Levant, the whole island takes on a new value. The Order of the Knights of Malta (or Hospitaller knight order) was active on the island. You can explore the ruins on land and underwater (by simply diving with a diving mask or swimming goggles). However, there are no descriptions of the individual ruins on the island and some are in a state of disrepair. There is also little on the internet. It's a place for historical imagination and meditation. It deserves better attention from the monuments' preservationists. Apart from the history, the island offers beautiful views. However, there are more or less no resting places or gazebos, and certainly don't expect any plaza or public services (I saw only two restaurants on the island in the summer of 2024 with extremely high prices). No cars, motorbikes or bicycles. Some of the roads are only very modestly maintained. There are several places to swim on the island. The beaches between the piers are simple and without amenities. The water is clean. It is advisable to wear water shoes to enter the water and especially for diving in the ruins. If you plan to stay, do a good shopping first. If you are planning a day trip, don't forget the water. Boat-taxis run to the island from Calis Beach near the Big Chiefs restaurant. The cost was 250 TL for one way (or that's the amount we were charged for the whole family of four)."
Peter Úll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Şövalye Island by boat taxi from Fethiye town or Çalış Beach. The journey is short, typically taking only 5-10 minutes.
The cost can vary, but as of summer 2024, a one-way trip for a family of four was around 250 TL. It's advisable to confirm the current prices with the boat operators before boarding.
No, the primary way to access Şövalye Island is via private boat taxis. There are no public buses or ferries directly to the island.
No, Şövalye Island is car-free. This contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. You'll need to park your vehicle on the mainland in Fethiye or Çalış.
Boat taxi services generally run throughout the day, but it's best to check their specific operating hours, especially if you plan to visit early in the morning or late in the evening, or during the off-season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee to set foot on Şövalye Island itself. However, you will pay for the boat taxi to get there and for any services you use on the island, such as restaurants.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as there are limited places to stay on the island.
While there aren't official guided tours on the island, you can explore the historical ruins and natural beauty independently. Some boat tours from Fethiye might include a stop at Şövalye Island as part of a larger itinerary.
The island is accessible via boat taxi throughout the day. There are no set opening or closing hours for the island itself, but boat services will have their operational times.
Absolutely! Şövalye Island is a popular destination for day trips from Fethiye, offering a peaceful escape with beautiful scenery and historical sites.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
You can explore historical ruins, swim in the clear waters, relax on the beaches, and enjoy the stunning sea views. It's a great spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
Yes, there are a couple of restaurants on the island. However, they can be quite expensive, so it's wise to bring your own water and snacks.
Yes, the car-free environment and calm waters make it suitable for families. Children can enjoy swimming and exploring the natural surroundings. Some accommodations are family-friendly.
The island is named after the Knights of Rhodes (Knights of Malta) who settled there in the 15th century. You can find castle ruins and old cisterns, some of which are underwater and visible with a mask.
Light, comfortable clothing is recommended. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Water shoes are highly advised for exploring the rocky areas and underwater ruins.
📸 📸 Photography
The island offers numerous stunning viewpoints for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Drone usage is possible, and many creators have captured aerial footage of the island's beauty.
The 'golden hour' just after sunrise and before sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos.
The castle ruins, the old cisterns, and the panoramic views of the Fethiye coastline are prime spots. The clear waters also make for excellent underwater photography if you have the gear.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views and landscapes. A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for underwater shots of the ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
The island's secluded beaches and historical charm create an intimate setting. Consider booking a stay at one of the boutique hotels for a truly special experience, or enjoy a sunset picnic on one of the quiet coves.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Historically, it held strategic importance, serving as a defensive outpost. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this past, including castle ruins and old cisterns, some of which are submerged and visible with snorkeling gear.For those interested in the medieval western knightly orders and their activities in the Levant, Şövalye Island offers a unique opportunity for exploration. The Order of the Knights of Malta, also known as the Hospitaller knight order, was active on the island. While there are no detailed descriptions on-site, and some ruins are in disrepair, the underwater exploration can be particularly rewarding for history enthusiasts.
Island Life: Tranquility and Practicalities
However, visitors should be aware that amenities on the island are limited and can be expensive, particularly the restaurants.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography on Şövalye Island
The clear turquoise waters are incredibly photogenic, and many visitors capture drone footage to showcase the island's unique geography and surrounding beauty.+1Beyond the landscapes, the historical ruins, both on land and submerged, offer unique and intriguing subjects for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit