Adasi means "island"—a very isolated and rugged one too, just outside the main bay of Fethiye.

Tradition says that it was a pirate stronghold in centuries past. You can sure see what a perfect spot it would make—a hike to the top of island gives you the most amazing vista up and down the coast for miles. Beware any innocent ship sailing towards this mountainous hidey-hole!

There's still an incredible array of ruins left up on the hillside; we usually hike up from the boat and explore the remains of the Byzantine village. It's easy to see where the houses were, the old bath-house, and there's even a very intact mosiac floor which dates back to early BC times.

A wonderful myth of Gemiler describes an albino princess for whom a tunnel was built from the hilltops down to the ocean, so that she could bathe without the sun attacking her pale skin. The tunnel is still there. . .we can still follow it from the highest point of the hillside down towards the water.

The other great little quirk of Gemiler island is the Pancake Lady! A little fishing caique with a hotplate installed. . .a very sweet couple who come around the anchored yachts selling pancakes made right there on the boat, to order ! Turkish inventiveness at it's best. . .