Gebekse Bay and Byzantine Chapel
A hidden gem in Marmaris, Gebekse Bay boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and ancient Byzantine chapel ruins, offering a serene escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Gebekse Bay and Byzantine Chapel
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in Marmaris, Gebekse Bay boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and ancient Byzantine chapel ruins, offering a serene escape.
"This unique bay, where dark nature meets its purest form, is fascinated by its azure sea and peaceful atmosphere."
👟 Hike with care
Wear trainers for the chapel hike; follow blue paint marks but watch for loose rocks.
🚤 Boat trip essential
Best accessed by boat tours from Marmaris. Land access is challenging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turquoise Waters
Gebekse Bay
Crystal clear, calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and enjoying nature's beauty.
Byzantine Chapel Ruins
Hillside overlooking the bay
Explore the remnants of an ancient Templar ruin, a unique historical site with a scenic hike.
Abundant Marine Life
Gebekse Bay waters
Spot fish, squid, and even turtles in the clear waters, a delight for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Gebekse Bay
Exploring the Byzantine Chapel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Hike with care
Wear trainers for the chapel hike; follow blue paint marks but watch for loose rocks.
🚤 Boat trip essential
Best accessed by boat tours from Marmaris. Land access is challenging.
🐠 Marine life spotting
Look for fish, squid, and turtles in the clear bay waters.
🐶 Friendly local dog
A fisherman's dog may visit boats; it's friendly and loves attention.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Hike with care
Wear trainers for the chapel hike; follow blue paint marks but watch for loose rocks.
🚤 Boat trip essential
Best accessed by boat tours from Marmaris. Land access is challenging.
🐠 Marine life spotting
Look for fish, squid, and turtles in the clear bay waters.
🐶 Friendly local dog
A fisherman's dog may visit boats; it's friendly and loves attention.
🍯 Local produce
Farmers may offer local honey, spices, and herbs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gebekse Bay is praised for its stunning, clear turquoise waters and peaceful atmosphere, making it a beautiful natural escape. Visitors enjoy swimming, exploring the historical chapel ruins, and observing marine life. Some note the hike to the chapel requires sturdy shoes and that arriving early is advisable to avoid crowds.
"The Pregnant Church Bay is stunning. It's a beautiful sheltered bay, and it's a great place to moor your boat. You can explore the Pregnant Church, an old Templar ruin. If you want to walk up to the ruins, wear suitable shoes ( probably trainers would be the best), just follow the blue paint splodges marked on the rocks through the bushes but beware of loose rocks and spiky plants. You can usually see the local fishermen mending their nets in their boats. There is a local cow herd, which can be seen occasionally when they are near the waters edge. There are lots of fish, squid, and turtles in the area. Try and get there early as it can get crowded sometimes, especially in high season. The fishermen's dog sometimes boards your boat looking for scraps but is happy with cuddles and claps. It's a lovely natured dog, so please don't treat it badly."
Berglas71
"The front is a totally different bay and the back is totally different. Lovely place to visit by boat. Not many daily tours visit here so it's a nice change. Not much of the ruins left but a lovely nature and crystal clear turquoise waters. A lot of natural herbs grow here as well and local farmers often come to offer honey/spices/herbs collected from this area. Quite small and as far as I'm aware there's no way to reach it by land but definitely worth visiting if you can whilst cruising on the seas!"
Yasemin Çakır
"Pregnant church island is amazing! Got married at marmaris and lucky enough to have our pictures here. Hire Captain Mustafa or his father Duran and spend the day (unbelievable value)."
Jack Stafford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gebekse Bay is primarily accessible by boat, with many daily tours from Marmaris including it as a stop. Land access is difficult and requires a hike.
Yes, numerous boat tours from Marmaris visit Gebekse Bay, often highlighting its clear waters and the historical chapel. +1
It's not generally recommended or easy to reach Gebekse Bay by car. The best way is via a boat trip.
Many visitors recommend hiring a private boat or joining a tour for the best experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the bay and its surroundings.
While beautiful, it's not as crowded as some other bays, especially if you visit on a weekday or early in the morning.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for Gebekse Bay itself. If you join a boat tour, the cost of the tour will cover your access.
Access to the chapel ruins is generally free, but be prepared for the hike up.
The chapel ruins are accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times.
No, Gebekse Bay is a natural bay and does not have an entrance fee.
Yes, if you have your own boat or are on a tour, you can swim in the bay.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the clear waters, explore the Byzantine chapel ruins, enjoy the natural scenery, and observe marine life like fish and turtles.
Wear sturdy shoes like trainers, as the path can be rocky and uneven.
The hike is generally safe if you follow the marked blue paint splodges and are cautious of loose rocks and spiky plants.
The bay is known for its fish, squid, and turtles. You might also see local fishermen and their dog.
Yes, families can enjoy swimming and the natural beauty. The hike to the chapel might be challenging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning turquoise waters, the ancient chapel ruins against the natural landscape, and the marine life. +1
The scenic beauty of the bay and surrounding nature makes it a great location for drone shots, capturing the expanse of the coastline.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots of the bay and ruins.
Yes, but always be respectful and ask for permission if you plan to photograph individuals.
Generally, no specific restrictions are in place for personal photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike to the Byzantine Chapel ruins is an adventure, it might be challenging for very young children due to the rocky terrain. Consider the age and mobility of your children when planning this part of the visit. The opportunity to see fish and potentially turtles in the water is usually a big hit with kids.
🚤 Boat Trip Enthusiasts
Many private boat owners and charter services include Gebekse Bay on their itineraries. It's less frequented by large daily tours, offering a more exclusive and peaceful experience compared to more popular spots. The chance to explore the chapel ruins adds an extra dimension to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Byzantine Chapel: A Glimpse into History
To reach the chapel, visitors can follow a trail marked with blue paint splodges on the rocks. It's important to wear appropriate footwear, such as trainers, as the path can be uneven, with loose rocks and spiky plants. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the bay and a sense of discovery.
This historical site offers a unique contrast to the natural beauty of the bay, providing a glimpse into the region's past. It's a must-see for history buffs and those who enjoy a bit of exploration during their travels.
Gebekse Bay: A Natural Paradise
The bay is surrounded by lush green pine trees, creating a picturesque setting that feels like a hidden paradise. Many visitors describe it as a postcard-perfect location, far from the hustle and bustle of larger tourist areas. The natural beauty is a major draw for those seeking peace and quiet.
Local fishermen often frequent the bay, mending their nets, and sometimes their friendly dog might even hop aboard visiting boats. Occasionally, local farmers bring their produce, offering honey, spices, and herbs collected from the surrounding hillsides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit