Exploring the Sunken City of Kekova Island

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During my trip to Turkey, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most unique spots on the Mediterranean coast—Kekova Island. What makes it so special is the Sunken City, a historical treasure that lies beneath the clear waters of the island. I was completely captivated by the serene beauty of this place and the fascinating history it holds.

The Sunken City The Sunken City of Kekova is a remarkable site where ancient Lycians once lived. This region, part of the Lycian civilisation dating back over 2,000 years, thrived as a coastal settlement engaged in trade and maritime activities.

However, devastating earthquakes in the 2nd century AD caused significant portions of the city to collapse into the sea. The ruins include remnants of houses, staircases, and even parts of a Byzantine-era church, all now submerged.

The clarity of the water allows visitors to get a glimpse of these ruins while aboard a boat, and as we glided past the submerged structures, it was easy to imagine life in the city long ago.

The island’s protected status means that visitors can only explore the area by boat, which makes the experience even more magical. You’re not allowed to dive or snorkel over the ruins, which helps preserve this incredible site for future generations.

The Boat Trip

A boat tour around Kekova Island is one of the best ways to experience its beauty and history. Our tour included stops to see the Sunken City from the water, as well as Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs. These tombs, with their distinctive architecture, are a testament to the beliefs and artistry of the ancient Lycians, who built elaborate resting places for their dead.

TIP: Smaller boats are particularly great for getting closer to the ruins, allowing for a more intimate and detailed view.

For those looking for a more extensive experience, longer boat trips often include stops at nearby coves and beaches, where you can swim in the clear, refreshing waters. Some tours even offer traditional Turkish lunches on board, turning the trip into a relaxing, full-day adventure.

Our tour lasted for 3 hours, and we stopped for the last hour at a part of Kekova Island where swimming is allowed. We enjoyed the crystal-clear water and relaxed on a small, peaceful beach—a perfect way to end the trip.

We also passed by the charming village of Simena (modern-day Kaleköy), accessible only by boat or on foot. The village is known for its medieval castle, originally built by the Byzantines and later reinforced by the Knights of Rhodes.

Although our boat didn’t stop there, many other tours do, giving visitors time to explore the village, hike up to the castle, and take in the stunning panoramic views. If you have time, it’s worth looking into those longer trips that include a stop at Simena for a more immersive experience.

Our boat trip was peaceful and relaxing, and our guide made the whole experience feel even more special with her insight into Kekova’s past. For me, the highlight was definitely seeing the Sunken City up close—it’s such a unique and peaceful spot, and the beauty of the water and ruins left a lasting impression.

How We Got There?

We set off for Kekova Island from Kaleüçağız, a quaint little village on the coast, and from there, we boarded a small boat for the short trip across to the island. But it’s not just Kaleüçağız from where you can reach Kekova. Boats also depart from other charming spots like Üçağız, and even from Demre or Kaş, depending on where you’re staying. Each departure point offers a slightly different journey, but all lead to the same stunning destination.

From Kaleüçağız, the boat ride was peaceful, with the stunning scenery of the Mediterranean coast surrounding us. Our guide was fantastic, sharing stories about the island’s history, and it was clear how passionate they were about preserving the area’s legacy. If you’re curious to know more about this lovely little village, be sure to check out my other post about Kaleüçağız — it’s such a hidden gem!

I can’t recommend a visit to Kekova enough. It offers an extraordinary blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquil seascapes. It’s a journey through time, where you can witness the echoes of an ancient civilisation while enjoying the peaceful, unspoiled charm of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, make sure to add Kekova to your itinerary—you won’t regret it!