Kizil Island

Kızılada, known to English-speaking visitors as Kizil Island or Red Island, lies about 6.4 kilometres off Fethiye in southwestern Turkey, at the point where the bay opens toward the wider Mediterranean. The island takes its popular name from the reddish tone of its soil and rock, which deepens toward crimson in the low light of sunset — an effect that has made it one of the more photographed stops in Fethiye Bay. Aside from wild rabbits and dry Mediterranean scrub, the island's main landmark is a lighthouse standing on its southern point.

Built by French engineers in 1910, the lighthouse tower still operates today, its light visible up to 15 nautical miles out to sea, and since a 2007 renovation it has run on wind power. That same year the structure was leased for tourism use and now houses a small restaurant and a boutique hotel alongside the working light. Ferries run out from Fethiye Marina for day visitors, but the island is just as popular by sea — many charter guests anchor here for the afternoon to swim and take in the lighthouse view before continuing their cruise.