Having a long history that dates back to ancient times, Sovalye Island was home to many distinct cultures.

Founded as a minor settlement, the island was initially inhabited by the ancient Greek colonizers, who called the region Makri.

Its name Sovalye (meaning knight in Turkish) comes from the Crusading knights (chevalier) who settled in the island during the Medieval era. These knights were from the Hospitaller Order, whose main base was Rhodes.

The island possesses many ancient ruins that bear the mark of the Hospitaller Knights, these are the castle walls, the main gate, mosaic tiled churches, cisterns, and a bathhouse.