Kekova & Simena (Kaleköy)
A sheltered bay with the sunken ruins of Kekova island and the castle village of Simena (Kaleköy).
Along the north shore of Kekova island, earthquake-submerged foundations, stairways and walls of an ancient settlement are visible beneath the clear water. Boats from Üçağız sail slowly along the ruins, then on to Simena, where a Lycian sarcophagus stands in the sea below a hilltop castle.
The area is a specially protected zone; swimming and diving over the sunken ruins are not permitted, but boats stop in nearby bays for swimming and lunch.
- →Boats are small to medium size — book private boats for VIP groups and honeymooners.
- →The climb to Simena castle is short but steep; allow 45 minutes in the village.
Tours visiting this place
Hotels nearby
A luxury resort in a large forested estate at Tekirova, close to Phaselis and the Tahtalı cable car.
A top-tier luxury resort on the Kemer coast with villas, fine dining and a secluded, forested setting.
A very large luxury resort between the mountains and the sea, with many restaurants, an aquapark and a big kids’ offer.
Places nearby
- Church of St Nicholas12.5 km
The church where St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, served and was buried — a major pilgrimage site in Demre.
- Myra Rock Tombs & Theatre13.4 km
Rock-cut Lycian tombs carved into the cliff above a large Roman theatre in Demre.
- Kaş20.1 km
A small harbour town with a relaxed atmosphere, clear water, diving sites and a Hellenistic theatre.
- Olympos & Çıralı (Chimaera)59.5 km
Lycian ruins in a forested valley by the beach, next to Çıralı and the eternal flames of the Chimaera.
- Phaselis72.0 km
A Lycian port city in a pine forest, with three natural harbours, a Roman street and an aqueduct.
- Tahtalı Mountain (Olympos Teleferik)72.5 km
A cable car from the coast to the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı Mountain, with views over the whole Kemer coast.