East of Kaş, Kekova is a calm stretch of sea surrounded by islands and bays. Here ancient ruins and the sea are intertwined: houses, steps and sarcophagi now lie partly under the water or at its edge.
The Sunken City
The ruins along the northern shore of Kekova Island are known as the Sunken City. In antiquity there were harbour buildings, houses and warehouses here. During earthquakes that struck the region in the 2nd century AD, part of the shoreline collapsed and the buildings were partly submerged. In the clear water you can see wall foundations, steps and the remains of quays.
A protected area
The Sunken City lies within the Kaş-Kekova Specially Protected Area and is an archaeological site. To protect the ruins, swimming, diving and going ashore are forbidden here. The ruins are seen from a boat passing slowly by, or on licensed sea kayaking tours. In Tersane Bay on the island, the apse wall of a Byzantine church still stands.
Kaleköy (Simena)
Opposite the Sunken City, Kaleköy is built on the ancient city of Simena and has no road access; you reach it by boat or on foot. Inside the medieval castle on the hilltop is a small theatre cut into the rock, said to be the smallest in Lycia. A Lycian sarcophagus standing half in the water by the village shore is one of the best-known images of Kekova.
Üçağız (Teimiussa)
The village of Üçağız, where Kekova boat trips begin, stands on the site of ancient Teimiussa. On the shore east of the village is a necropolis of dozens of Lycian sarcophagi scattered over the rocks.
Aperlai and Myra
West of Kekova, Aperlai is another ancient harbour city, part of whose ruins lie in the sea; it can be reached on foot along the Lycian Way. To the east, in Demre, are the rock tombs and theatre of ancient Myra and the Church of Saint Nicholas.
Notes for your visit
Kekova is reached by boat from Üçağız or on day trips from Kaş. Sea kayaking is the calmest way to see the ruins up close, and the sea is usually smoother in the morning.
Tours in this area
Kekova Boat Trip
Contact us for priceFull-day boat trip past the Sunken City to Simena and the bays of Kekova, with swim stops.
Saklıkent Adventure Safari
Contact us for priceSaklıkent and Gizlikent canyons with ATV, zipline and rafting, a mud bath and Kaputaş beach in one day.
Saklıkent Jeep Safari
Contact us for priceFull-day safari to Üzümlü village, Gizlikent waterfall, Saklıkent Gorge, a mud bath and Kaputaş beach.