Kekova

Kekova is the general name for an island and its surrounding historical-natural region located on the coast of the Demre district, which is part of Antalya province. The island runs parallel to the coast, forming a sheltered inner strait. The shallow and clear waters of this strait preserve ancient structural remains visibly, which is why the region is known as the 'Sunken City'. This area, bearing traces of the Lycian civilization, was built upon a settlement partially submerged by earthquakes in the 2nd century AD.

Kekova is not just an island. Üçağız village, Kaleköy (anciently Simena), and Tersane Bay are also integral parts of this region. When all these points are visited together, they form one of the richest routes in the Mediterranean in terms of both natural beauty and historical depth. Kekova, declared a special environmental protection area in 1990, prohibits landing on the island and swimming over the Sunken City. Adhering to these rules is of great importance for the preservation of the region.

The most suitable periods to visit Kekova are April-June and September-October. During these periods, the weather is favorable for spending time in the sea, the crowds on boat tours have either subsided or not yet begun; prices are also more reasonable compared to the summer peak.

In July and August, the region becomes quite crowded. The coves fill with dozens of boats, and restaurants and guesthouses in Üçağız are packed. If you plan to come in the summer months, we recommend making reservations as early as possible. In winter months, boat trips decrease; the region becomes deserted, but if the weather is favorable, it offers a good opportunity for a quiet trip.

The most common way to reach Kekova is via Kaş or Demre. Daily boat tours are organized from both districts. Kaş is one of the frequently preferred starting points due to its more developed tourist infrastructure; its distance to Kekova is approximately 35-40 km. Demre is closer to the island, and Üçağız can also be reached by road from there.

Those who wish to come to Üçağız village by road follow an approximately 20 km route via Demre. Part of the road is stabilized; it can be passed with small vehicles, but caution is required with larger vehicles. It is also possible to reach the region from Antalya by private car or organized tours; the distance between Antalya and Kekova is approximately 170-200 km. The closest major district centers to the airport are Kaş and Demre; from there, you can continue with rental cars or shuttle transfers.

Kekova's classic boat tour route usually covers the following points: Üçağız is used as the departure point, then passing over the ruins of the Sunken City. From the boat, walls, stairs, and cisterns beneath the water are clearly visible. Since landing on the island and swimming in this area are prohibited, observation is done from the boat.

Another important stop on the route is Tersane Bay. Here, there are ancient vaulted structural remains and a small beach; some tours include a swimming break here. Finally, Kaleköy is visited. The silhouette of the castle appearing on the hill when viewed from the sea is one of the most recognized images of the region. A walk of a few minutes is required to climb to the castle; there are also small cafes and guesthouses in the village. Tours covering this entire route usually last 6-8 hours.

Kekova is an extremely rich region for photography. When passing over the Sunken City, a polarized filter lens or an underwater camera is useful for capturing the underwater ruins; it is also possible to get very clear shots from the boat. In the early morning, the light is softer, and the coves are not yet crowded.

The panoramic view of the region from Kaleköy Castle offers fantastic shots; it is possible to capture the sea, the island, and the strait in the same frame while climbing to the castle. The ancient vaulted structures in Tersane Bay offer a different atmosphere. In Üçağız, photographs featuring fishing boats and the village texture in the evening hours are also quite impressive. We recommend confirming with the authorities whether permission is required for drone use in advance; the region has a protected status.

The most suitable center for accommodation in the Kekova region is Üçağız village. In this village, offering small guesthouses and boutique hotels, you get the chance to board a boat early in the morning and explore the region before the crowds form. Since accommodation options in Üçağız are limited, advance booking is essential during the summer months.

For wider accommodation options, Kaş is a good alternative. Kaş has hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodation options suitable for every budget; there are also restaurants and cafes in the city center. Demre offers a more modest accommodation option. Although there are a few small guesthouses in Kaleköy, access is only by boat, so logistical planning is required in advance.

In Üçağız and Kaleköy, there are small restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood. Due to the region's identity as a fishing village, fresh fish and seafood stand out. Restaurants in Üçağız are generally family-run, serving homemade appetizers and daily caught fish.

Most boat tours include lunch at a cove along the route or at a restaurant in Üçağız; don't forget to ask if meals are included when booking the tour. In Kaş, there is a much wider range of food and drink options; many choices are available, from Turkish cuisine to international cuisine.

Landing on Kekova Island and swimming over the Sunken City are prohibited. As the region holds a special environmental protection status, adhering to these rules is both a legal obligation and critically important for the future of the region. Boat captains usually warn about this.

In summer months, the sun can be quite intense; it is important to have sunscreen, a hat, and sufficient water on a boat tour. If you are going to Kaleköy, choose comfortable shoes; the stony path to the castle can be slippery. It is useful to carry cash in the region; some small businesses may not have card payment facilities. When booking a boat tour, we recommend clarifying the stops included in the route, meal arrangements, and tour duration in advance.