Tucked along Turkey’s untouched Lycian coast lies a place where time seems to float on water—a stretch of sea and stone where sunken ruins rest beneath turquoise waves, and ancient castles overlook quiet bays. Welcome to Simena and Kekova, a destination unlike anywhere else on the Turkish Riviera.
Far from the bustle of beach resorts, this area offers travelers a rare kind of magic: untouched nature, open sea, and a rich history half-submerged beneath the surface.
A World Between Land and Sea
Kekova Island, just off the coast from the small harbor towns of Üçağız and Demre, is known for its famous sunken city—the remains of ancient Simena’s coastal settlement, which slid into the sea centuries ago due to a series of powerful earthquakes. Today, you can float above stone foundations, staircases, harbor walls, and the outlines of homes, all still visible just below the waterline.
Swimming is not allowed near the ruins to protect them, but glass-bottom boat tours and sea kayaking trips allow for up-close viewing. Gliding silently above ancient ruins in the clear, cerulean water is an experience that feels equal parts adventure and reverence.
Simena: A Castle, A Village, A View
Back on the mainland, nestled into the slope across from Kekova Island, lies the village of Kaleköy—once known as Simena. Accessible only by sea or on foot, it’s a picture-perfect collection of stone cottages, flower-draped paths, and a medieval castle built by the Byzantines atop ancient Lycian foundations.
Climb to the top of Simena Castle, and you’re rewarded with a panoramic view over the Kekova region: small coves, distant islands, and sailing boats floating like feathers. Inside the castle grounds is one of the smallest Roman theaters in the world, carved directly into the rock.
Wander through the village and you’ll find handmade ice cream stands, family-run cafes, and artisans selling traditional embroidery and dried herbs. There’s no traffic, no noise—just sea breezes, olive trees, and the soft rhythm of coastal village life.
“A city that slipped into the sea and never stopped whispering.”
— On Kekova’s submerged ruins
Why Go?
Simena and Kekova are a dream for travelers who crave beauty, silence, and something different. It’s a place where history, nature, and tranquility blend seamlessly. Unlike crowded beach towns, this region offers low-impact tourism—no large resorts or party beaches—just pure Mediterranean magic.
Whether you’re paddling a kayak over submerged ruins, exploring castle walls, or swimming in a quiet bay only accessible by boat, Kekova invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in a world that has survived millennia.
How to Get There
The best base for visiting Kekova and Simena is Demre or Kaş.
- From Demre (Çayağzı Harbor): You can book a day boat tour or a private kayak trip to Kekova and Kaleköy.
- From Kaş: Many outfitters offer full-day sailing or kayaking excursions to Kekova, including time for swimming, hiking, and lunch.
Boat tours often include stops at Batik Şehir (Sunken City), Tersane Bay, Simena Castle, and aquamarine swimming coves only accessible by sea.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal seasons to explore Kekova and Simena are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) when the sea is warm, the weather is perfect, and the crowds are minimal. Summer (July–August) is beautiful but can be hot and busy, especially on weekends.
Don’t Miss:
- 🛶 Kayaking over the sunken city—quiet, immersive, and unforgettable
- 🏰 Hiking up to Simena Castle—sunsets here are magical
- 🍨 Homemade ice cream in Kaleköy—often made from goat milk and seasonal fruits
- 🐟 A seafood lunch at a waterside cafe—fresh, local, and deeply satisfying
- 📷 Drone or boat photography at Tersane Bay—for views that will make your friends jealous
If there’s a place on Earth where history truly flows into the sea, it’s here—among the gentle ruins, rippling bays, and ageless calm of Simena and Kekova. Come with your sandals, your sense of wonder, and plenty of time—you’ll want to stay a while.
