The Kekova Island and A Sunken city in Turkey

Kekova Island Turkey

Kekova Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Kekova region, which is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins. The most popular attraction on Kekova Island is the sunken city of Simena, which can be seen through the clear waters surrounding the island. Visitors can take a boat tour of the area and see the ruins of the city, which were submerged during an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. The ruins include the remains of a theater, a Roman bathhouse, and a necropolis.

In addition to the underwater ruins, Kekova Island is also home to several beautiful beaches and coves, which are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. The island is accessible by boat from nearby towns like Kas and Demre, and there are also a few small restaurants and cafes on the island for visitors to enjoy.

Kekova island sunken ruins

The sunken ruins of Kekova are some of the most unique and fascinating archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. These ruins are located in the waters surrounding the island and are believed to be the remains of the ancient Lycian city of Simena, which was submerged by a series of earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. The earthquakes caused large sections of the land to sink into the sea, submerging much of the ancient city of Dolichiste which was located on the coast.

The sunken ruins of Kekova are a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take boat tours to explore the ruins and see the underwater structures. The ruins include the remains of buildings, walls, stairs, and even a Roman-era sarcophagus, all submerged beneath the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.

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On the northern side of the island of Kekova, one comes across the underwater ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient Lycian settlement. Swimming is forbidden around the sunken ruins but in Tersane Bay, visitors can swim and take a closer look at the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church. Akvaryum Bay is also another perfect spot to take a dip in the clear waters. If you don’t want to reach Kekova by boat from Kas, you can also fly to Dalaman, the nearest airport, and stay on a modest pension in the Kalekoy or Ucagız villages. From there, the mysterious sunken town is accessible by renting a small boat.

Apart from the beautiful sunken city in the iridescent turquoise waters, Kekova is also famous for its countless coves and bays as well as the Kaleköy village with its historic fortress. The waterfront restaurants adorned with flowers, the small houses with terracotta roofs, and the narrow streets also standouts in this idyllic village by the water. As for the fortress, it sits on the remains of another Lycian structure built by the Knights of Rhodes.

In order to protect the sunken ruins of Kekova, the Turkish government has established a protected area around the island. Visitors are not allowed to swim or dive in the area, but they can take boat tours to get a closer look at the ruins from above the water. Overall, the sunken ruins of Kekova are a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the Mediterranean region and a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology or history.

How to get to Kekova island

Kekova Island is located off the coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is accessible by boat. To get to Kekova Island, you can take a boat tour from nearby towns such as Kas, Demre, or Ucagiz. These towns are located along the coast and offer daily boat tours to Kekova, which typically include stops at other nearby attractions such as Sunken City and Simena Castle. Alternatively, you can rent a private boat or yacht to explore the island and the surrounding area at your own pace. This option can be more expensive, but it offers greater flexibility and privacy.

How to get to Kekova island from Antalya-The closest major city to Kekova is Antalya, which is about a 2-3 hour drive away. To get to Kekova Island from Antalya, one can take the bus ride from Antalya to Kas which takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Once you arrive in Kas, you can find many boat tour operators offering day trips to Kekova Island.