Kekova Sunken City

Kekova Sunken City is located along the northern coast of Kekova Island in the Demre district of Antalya. It lies opposite the coastal settlements of Kaleköy and Üçağız and can only be viewed from the sea.

The main transport options are:

• From Demre: Travel to Çayağzı Harbour and join a half-day or full-day boat tour.

• From Üçağız: Choose a short boat tour, private boat or sea-kayaking excursion.

• From Kaş: Join a full-day boat trip that usually includes several swimming stops.

• From Kalkan: Use a road transfer to Üçağız or join a tour that includes transport.

• With an organised excursion: Tours from Antalya and Kemer may combine Kekova with Demre, Myra and the Church of St Nicholas.

Approximate road distances:

Starting point	Approximate distance
Demre centre to Çayağzı Harbour	5–10 km
Demre centre to Üçağız	20–25 km
Kaş to Üçağız	32–38 km
Kalkan to Üçağız	55–65 km
Kemer to Demre	100–110 km
Antalya city centre to Demre	145–155 km
Antalya city centre to Üçağız	165–180 km

When using navigation, search for Üçağız, Çayağzı Harbour, Kekova boat tours or your tour operator’s meeting point. Searching only for “Kekova Sunken City” may place the destination in the sea without providing a practical road route.

Kekova Sunken City does not have a land entrance gate or a standard admission ticket. Visitors normally pay for a boat tour, private boat or sea-kayaking excursion that passes the archaeological remains.

Service	Information
Boat passage by the Sunken City	Included according to the tour programme
Short tour from Üçağız	Price varies by season and route
Full-day tour from Demre	Price varies by inclusions
Tour from Kaş or Kalkan	Price varies by departure point
Private boat hire	Depends on capacity, route and duration
Entry to Kaleköy village	Free
Simena Castle and archaeological site	Current admission should be checked
Food, drinks and personal expenses	Charged separately unless included

Before booking, check:

• The departure harbour

• Total tour duration

• Whether the Sunken City is included

• Whether Kaleköy is visited

• Swimming stops

• Lunch and drinks

• Guide services

• Hotel transfers

• Child ticket conditions

• Cancellation and weather policies

• Whether admission to Simena Castle is included

Boats generally travel slowly beside the archaeological zone so passengers can see the remains. Anchoring, swimming and entering the protected water beside the Sunken City are restricted.

Swimming, snorkelling and unauthorised diving are not permitted directly over the protected remains of Kekova Sunken City. These restrictions help protect the archaeological structures and prevent damage caused by anchoring or uncontrolled access.

Boat tours usually provide swimming breaks in other permitted locations, such as sheltered coves around Tersane Bay or Aquarium Bay. The exact stops depend on the itinerary, weather, sea conditions and the captain’s decision.

Licensed diving centres may operate controlled dives at authorised sites elsewhere in the Kekova region. These dives do not normally take place directly over the protected Sunken City remains. Always confirm the exact dive site and permit arrangements before booking.

Kekova is one of the most distinctive coastal destinations in Antalya, combining Lycian settlements, submerged ruins, sheltered bays and small villages that can only be reached easily by sea.

The name Kekova is often used for the entire region, but Kekova Island, the Sunken City, Üçağız and Kaleköy are separate places. Understanding this distinction makes it easier to choose the correct departure point and boat-tour route.

What Is Kekova Sunken City?

Kekova Sunken City is the name commonly given to the partially submerged ancient settlement along the northern shore of Kekova Island. The ruins are frequently associated with the ancient settlement of Dolichiste, also written as Dolikisthe.

Some structures remain above the shoreline, while others are visible beneath the clear water. Archaeological traces that may be seen during a boat passage include:

• Stone stairways descending into the sea

• Building walls

• Foundations

• Door and window openings

• Harbour and pier remains

• Cisterns

• Coastal structures

• Submerged stone blocks

The protected ruins are observed from boats or sea kayaks travelling along the designated route. Visitors cannot walk through the settlement as they would at a conventional archaeological site.

Where Is Kekova and Which District Does It Belong To?

Kekova is located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, within the Demre district of Antalya Province. The region lies between Demre and Kaş and includes Kekova Island, Üçağız, Kaleköy and several sheltered bays.

Although Kekova is often associated with Kaş because many boat trips depart from there, the island and Sunken City are administratively connected to Demre.

Is Kekova an Island, a City or a Region?

The word Kekova can refer to more than one geographical area:

• Kekova Island: The long island opposite Üçağız and Kaleköy

• Kekova Sunken City: The partially submerged ruins on the island’s northern coast

• Kekova region: The wider protected coastal area containing islands, bays and ancient settlements

This is why travel websites and map applications may show different locations for the same search term.

Where Exactly Is Kekova Sunken City?

The Sunken City lies along the northern coast of Kekova Island, facing Kaleköy and Üçağız. It is situated on the sheltered side of the island rather than the open Mediterranean coast.

There is no public road, harbour entrance or walking route leading directly into the ruins. Boats follow the shoreline at a controlled speed, allowing passengers to observe the structures from the water.

How Do You Get to Kekova Sunken City?

The Sunken City can only be approached from the sea. Visitors first travel by road to a departure harbour and then join a boat or kayaking excursion.

Common departure points include:

• Demre’s Çayağzı Harbour

• Üçağız

• Kaş Harbour

• Kalkan

• Private piers used by authorised tour operators

Üçağız provides one of the shortest sea routes. Tours from Kaş generally spend longer at sea but may include more bays and swimming stops.

Can You Drive to Kekova?

You cannot drive directly to Kekova Island or the Sunken City. However, you can reach Üçağız or Çayağzı Harbour by car and continue by boat.

Common road routes include:

• Antalya–Kemer–Kumluca–Finike–Demre–Çayağzı

• Kaş–Demre road–Üçağız turn-off

• Demre–Üçağız local road

Some sections of the road to Üçağız are narrow and winding. Allow extra time during summer, when traffic and parking demand can increase.

How Far Is Kekova from Antalya and How Long Does the Journey Take?

The road distance from Antalya city centre to Demre is approximately 145–155 kilometres. Continuing to Üçağız may increase the total distance to around 165–180 kilometres.

Driving time varies according to traffic, departure point and the selected harbour. Reaching Demre from central Antalya commonly takes around three hours, while Üçağız may require additional travel time.

Organised tours are usually full-day excursions because they combine the road journey with Myra, the Church of St Nicholas and a Kekova boat trip.

How Do You Get to Kekova from Kaş?

There are two main options:

• Join a boat tour departing directly from Kaş Harbour.

• Travel by road from Kaş to Üçağız and take a shorter local boat tour.

Direct departures from Kaş usually provide a longer day at sea with several swimming stops. Travelling to Üçağız is more suitable for visitors who want a shorter boat journey or a private itinerary.

How Do You Get to Kekova from Demre?

From Demre, visitors generally travel to Çayağzı Harbour and join a boat tour. It is also possible to drive to Üçağız and depart from there.

Depending on the selected programme, a boat trip may include:

• Kekova Sunken City

• Kaleköy

• Simena

• Tersane Bay

• Swimming coves

• Üçağız

Confirm the meeting point carefully because Çayağzı Harbour and Üçağız are separate departure locations.

Where Do Kekova Boat Tours Depart From?

Departure point	Typical tour style
Üçağız	Short local tours and private boats
Demre–Çayağzı	Half-day and full-day boat tours
Kaş	Longer sea routes with multiple swimming stops
Kalkan	Full-day programmes or road transfer to the harbour
Antalya and Kemer	Road transfer combined with a Demre, Myra and Kekova excursion

The most suitable departure point depends on where you are staying, how much time you have and whether you prefer a short archaeological route or a complete day at sea.

How Long Does a Kekova Boat Tour Take?

Tour duration varies considerably:

• Short tours from Üçağız may take approximately 1.5–3 hours.

• Half-day programmes usually combine the Sunken City with nearby bays.

• Full-day boat tours commonly last 7–9 hours.

• Excursions from Antalya or Kemer may require 10–15 hours, including road transfers.

Hotel pickup and drop-off times may make the total day longer than the advertised boat journey.

How Much Do Kekova Boat Tours Cost?

There is no single fixed price for Kekova boat tours. Prices can change according to:

• Departure harbour

• Tour duration

• Shared or private boat

• Boat capacity

• Season and demand

• Lunch and drinks

• Hotel transfers

• Guide services

• Swimming and sightseeing stops

• Child age categories

• Admission fees included in the programme

Private boats are usually priced for the vessel rather than per passenger. Always confirm what is included before comparing offers.

Is There an Entrance Fee for Kekova Sunken City?

There is no conventional entrance ticket for viewing Kekova Sunken City from a boat. The cost is normally included in the boat tour or private excursion price.

Kaleköy village can be visited without an entrance ticket, but Simena Castle and the archaeological site above the village may have separate admission arrangements.

When Did Kekova Sunken City Sink?

The coastal settlement was not necessarily submerged during a single event on a precisely recorded date. Earthquakes, tectonic subsidence and changes in relative sea level affected the area over time.

Major earthquakes during the Roman and Byzantine periods are often connected with the damage and gradual submergence of coastal structures. The site was later affected by changing settlement patterns, raids and regional instability.

Why Is Kekova Underwater?

The submerged landscape resulted from geological and coastal changes rather than from a legendary city suddenly disappearing beneath the sea.

The main factors are thought to include:

• Earthquake damage

• Tectonic movement

• Land subsidence

• Relative sea-level change

• The abandonment or transformation of coastal structures

As the shoreline changed, stairs, foundations and harbour installations that were once on dry land became partially or completely submerged.

What Is the History of Kekova Sunken City?

The Kekova region formed part of ancient Lycia and occupied an important position on the maritime routes of the Mediterranean. Coastal communities benefited from natural harbours and connections with nearby settlements such as Simena, Theimiussa, Myra and Andriake.

The settlement associated with the Sunken City developed around maritime trade, fishing and regional transport. Roman and Byzantine influence can be seen in the surviving structures.

Earthquakes and shoreline changes damaged parts of the settlement. Over time, sections were abandoned while nearby communities continued to develop.

What Did Kekova Sunken City Originally Look Like?

Before parts of the coast became submerged, the settlement probably included houses, storage areas, cisterns, workshops, streets and harbour facilities positioned beside the water.

The stairways now descending into the sea may once have connected buildings at different levels. Coastal foundations and pier remains indicate that boats and maritime activity played an important role in everyday life.

Not enough of the settlement survives intact to reconstruct every building with certainty, so artistic depictions should be treated as interpretations rather than exact representations.

What Is the Legend of Kekova Sunken City?

Popular stories sometimes describe Kekova as a city that disappeared beneath the sea during one catastrophic earthquake. This creates a dramatic image, but the archaeological and geological history is more complex.

Earthquakes almost certainly affected the coast, yet the submergence appears to have involved tectonic movement and long-term shoreline change. Legends should therefore be distinguished from documented historical evidence.

Who Lived in Kekova?

Different communities lived in and around the Kekova region over many centuries. These included:

• Lycian communities

• Hellenistic-period inhabitants

• Romans

• Byzantine communities

• Medieval coastal populations

• Ottoman-era residents in the wider region

• Present-day communities in Üçağız and Kaleköy

The area’s natural harbours supported fishing, trade and maritime travel throughout much of its history.

Can You Swim in Kekova?

Yes, swimming is possible in designated coves around the wider Kekova region. However, swimming is not permitted directly over the protected Sunken City ruins.

Tour programmes may include swimming breaks at locations such as Tersane Bay, Aquarium Bay or other sheltered coves selected according to sea conditions. Follow the captain’s instructions and do not enter restricted archaeological zones.

Is There a Public Beach in Kekova?

Kekova is mainly known for rocky shores, small coves and boat-access swimming areas rather than long organised public beaches.

Kaleköy and Üçağız have limited coastal access, but their waterfronts often consist of piers, rocks and small swimming areas. Visitors looking for conventional beaches may prefer locations around Kaş, Demre, Finike, Kaputaş or Patara.

Can You Dive at Kekova Sunken City?

Unauthorised diving directly over the protected Sunken City remains is prohibited. Controlled recreational diving may be available at permitted sites elsewhere in the wider Kekova region through licensed operators.

Before booking, ask:

• What is the exact name of the dive site?

• Is diving authorised at that location?

• Is the diving centre licensed?

• What certification is required?

• Are introductory dives available for beginners?

• Are equipment and insurance included?

• Is underwater photography permitted?

A tour described as “Kekova diving” does not necessarily mean that divers enter the protected Sunken City zone.

Can You See Kekova Sunken City from a Glass-Bottom Boat?

Some boats use glass viewing panels to help passengers see underwater remains. However, a glass-bottom boat is not essential because many structures can be viewed from the side of an ordinary boat when conditions are suitable.

Visibility depends on:

• Sunlight

• Cloud cover

• Wind and waves

• Water clarity

• The boat’s position

• Passenger crowding

• Reflections on the glass

• The time of day

Polarised sunglasses can help reduce reflections when viewing the ruins from the deck.

Can You Explore Kekova Sunken City by Sea Kayak?

Yes. Guided sea-kayaking tours are available in the Kekova region and can provide a quieter, closer perspective of the coastline.

Kayaks must follow permitted routes, and participants are still subject to restrictions on swimming, landing and entering protected areas. A guided tour is recommended because of boat traffic, weather changes and archaeological protection rules.

What Is Kekova Famous For?

Kekova is especially known for:

• Its partially submerged ancient settlement

• Clear Mediterranean water

• Boat tours

• Sea-kayaking routes

• Kaleköy and Simena Castle

• Lycian rock-cut tombs

• Üçağız village

• Sheltered swimming coves

• Tersane Bay

• Its protected natural and archaeological landscape

The combination of visible ruins, small coastal settlements and calm bays makes Kekova different from a conventional beach or archaeological-site visit.

What Is Kaleköy Famous For?

Kaleköy is famous for:

• Simena Castle

• Lycian rock-cut tombs

• A sarcophagus standing in the water

• Stone houses

• Narrow pedestrian paths

• Harbour views

• Small cafés and restaurants

• Homemade ice cream sold by local businesses

Road access to the village centre is limited. Most visitors arrive by boat or walk from the end of the nearest road route.

Are Kekova Sunken City and Simena the Same Place?

No. They are separate archaeological locations within the same region.

Feature	Kekova Sunken City	Simena and Kaleköy
Location	Northern shore of Kekova Island	Mainland coast opposite Kekova Island
Main way to visit	Viewed from a boat or kayak	Explored on foot after arriving by boat or road
Main remains	Submerged coastal structures	Castle, theatre, tombs and village remains
Swimming	Restricted at the archaeological zone	Possible only in suitable designated areas
Land visit	No direct public land visit	Yes

Many boat tours include both locations, which is why their names are sometimes used interchangeably.

Are Üçağız and Kekova the Same Place?

No. Üçağız is a mainland coastal village and one of the main departure points for Kekova tours. Kekova Island and the Sunken City lie across the water.

Üçağız occupies part of ancient Theimiussa and contains archaeological remains within and around the modern settlement. Visitors can drive to Üçağız, park and continue to Kekova by boat or kayak.

Whose House Is in Kekova?

Media and local sources frequently mention a restored residence associated with Turkish businessman Rahmi Koç in Kaleköy. Other private properties in the wider area have also been linked to well-known businesspeople.

These houses are not located within the protected ruins of Kekova Sunken City. They are private properties and should not be treated as visitor attractions.

Does Kekova Island Belong to Türkiye?

Yes. Kekova Island is part of Türkiye and lies within the Demre district of Antalya Province.

The island and surrounding coastal waters form part of a protected environmental and archaeological area. Access and activities are regulated to preserve both the natural landscape and cultural remains.

Is Kekova on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

Kekova is not currently inscribed on UNESCO’s main World Heritage List. The ancient settlements of the Lycian civilisation, including parts of the Kekova region, have been on Türkiye’s UNESCO Tentative List since 2000.

A place appearing on the Tentative List is being considered for possible future nomination, but this is different from holding full World Heritage status.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kekova?

Kekova can be visited during much of the year, although boat services and weather conditions vary by season.

• April and May: Mild weather, green scenery and fewer visitors

• June: Warm water and long days before peak-season crowds

• July and August: The hottest and busiest period

• September: Warm sea temperatures and generally more comfortable conditions

• October: Suitable for quieter tours when the weather remains stable

• Winter: Limited boat services and a greater possibility of cancellations

Morning departures often provide calmer water and better visibility. Always check the wind and marine forecast before travelling.

Is Kekova Suitable for Children?

Kekova boat tours can be suitable for children, particularly when the vessel has shaded seating, safety equipment and convenient boarding arrangements.

Families should check:

• Availability of child-sized life jackets

• Shade on the boat

• Toilet facilities

• Boarding steps

• Total journey duration

• Swimming-break depth

• Meal options

• Pushchair storage

• Age restrictions

• Seasickness precautions

Children should be supervised continuously near piers, castle paths and the edges of boats.

What Facilities Are Available in Kekova?

Facilities vary between Üçağız, Kaleköy, the departure harbours and individual boats. They may include:

• Restaurants and cafés

• Small markets

• Toilets

• Boat-tour offices

• Private boat services

• Parking areas

• Guesthouses

• Swimming ladders

• Kayaking operators

• Diving centres in the wider region

• Souvenir stalls

• Limited cash and payment services

Facilities are more limited after leaving the mainland, so bring water, sun protection and any essential medication.

What Is the Best Time for Kekova Sunken City Photos?

Morning and late-afternoon light generally produce the best photographs. The underwater remains are easiest to see when the sea is calm and sunlight enters the water at a useful angle.

Photography tips include:

• Use polarised sunglasses or a polarising filter.

• Avoid placing the camera directly against reflective glass.

• Use a fast shutter speed from a moving boat.

• Protect equipment from spray.

• Photograph the ruins from both the deck and glass panels, if available.

• Include Kaleköy and Simena Castle for wider landscape images.

• Do not fly a drone without checking current local and aviation rules.

Water visibility can change within minutes as the boat changes direction.

What Do Reviews of Kekova Sunken City Usually Mention?

Visitor reviews often praise:

• The visibility of the underwater ruins

• Clear turquoise water

• Kaleköy and Simena Castle

• Swimming stops

• Peaceful coves

• The combination of history and nature

• Boat crews and local meals

• Photography opportunities

Common concerns include crowded boats during summer, long road transfers, intense heat, limited shade and short viewing times beside the Sunken City.

Visitors who prefer a quieter experience may choose a weekday, an early departure or a smaller boat from Üçağız.

What Can You Visit Near Kekova?

Nearby attractions include:

• Kaleköy and ancient Simena

• Üçağız and ancient Theimiussa

• Myra Ancient City

• The Church of St Nicholas

• Andriake Ancient City

• Museum of Lycian Civilisations

• Demre Bird Sanctuary

• Çayağzı Harbour

• Kaş

• Kaputaş Beach

• Patara Ancient City and Beach

• Finike

• Aperlai Ancient City

For more ideas, explore Maxtoria’s guide to the best places to visit in Antalya.

How Should You Plan a Kekova Sunken City Visit?

A full-day Demre and Kekova itinerary can be planned as follows:

• Visit the Church of St Nicholas in the morning.

• Continue to Myra Ancient City.

• Travel to Çayağzı Harbour or Üçağız.

• Join a Kekova boat tour.

• Pass the Sunken City at a controlled speed.

• Stop at Kaleköy if it is included.

• Swim in permitted bays.

• Return to the harbour before evening.

Bring:

• Swimwear

• A towel

• Sun cream

• A hat

• Non-slip footwear

• Drinking water

• A waterproof phone case

• Cash for small businesses

• A light jacket outside the summer season

Visitors departing from Antalya or Kemer should expect a long day because of the road distance.

Planning a Kekova Sunken City Tour with Maxtoria

Travellers staying in Antalya can explore the Antalya Demre, Myra and Kekova Boat Trip, which combines important historical sites in Demre with a boat journey through the Kekova region.

Visitors staying around Kemer can consider the Demre, Myra and Kekova Tour from Kemer.

Before booking, check:

• Hotel pickup areas

• Departure and return times

• Road-transfer duration

• Boat-trip duration

• Myra and Church of St Nicholas visits

• The Sunken City route

• Kaleköy stops

• Swimming breaks

• Lunch and drinks

• Guide languages

• Entrance fees

• Child ticket conditions

• Cancellation and weather policies

Compare additional excursions on the Antalya tours and activities page.