Simena (Kaleköy)
Simena, now known as Kaleköy, is a picturesque coastal village in Türkiye’s Antalya province, only reachable by boat! Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, it is home to ancient Lycian ruins, a medieval castle, and a striking collection of sarcophagi both on land and beneath the waves. Just offshore lies Kekova, a 7.4 km long island that gives its name to the broader region, which also includes Teimiussa (Üçağız), Aperlai (Sıcak) Pier, Aquarium Bay, and Gökkaya Bay.
Dominating the village is Simena Castle, a medieval fortress built atop ancient Lycian foundations to protect its inhabitants from pirates. Visitors can also find the smallest known theatre of Lycia, carved directly into the rock.
Beyond the fortress, the area is famous for its sunken city, where remnants of an ancient settlement can still be seen beneath the crystal-clear waters, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Simena
Kaleköy Village
Kaleköy Village
Simena Castle
Now, let's explore the rest of the Kekova region!
Kekova Island
Kekova Island is a breathtaking, uninhabited paradise within the scenic Kekova Gulf that can only be explored by boat. Also known as Caravola, this island and its secluded bays are a favourite among sailors and history enthusiasts.
The island is most famous for the Sunken City, a partially submerged Lycian settlement that slipped beneath the sea after a devastating earthquake over 2,000 years ago. Visitors can spot ancient ruins beneath the crystal-clear waters, best viewed from a glass-bottomed boat or a kayak.
Nearby, Tersane Bay and Karaloz Bay are popular anchorage points, while the island’s proximity to the famed Lycian Way hiking route makes it an appealing stop for adventurers.
The sunken city of the Kekova Islands
The sunken city of the Kekova Islands
Kekova Gulf
Aperlai Pier and Teimiusa Port City were vital hubs of Lycian maritime trade, strategically positioned along the Kekova coastline. Teimiusa (modern-day Üçağız) served as a bustling port for the inland cities of Kyaneai and Myra, with evidence of fish sauce production and strong trade connections dating back to the Hellenistic period. Aperlai, located on the Sıçak Peninsula, was known for producing the prized Tyrian purple dye, a luxury commodity in the ancient world. Today, both sites feature impressive Lycian sarcophagi, submerged ruins, and remnants of city walls.
Aquarium Bay is a breathtaking cove renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Nestled between Kekova Island and the mainland, it is a popular stop for boat tours and a haven for snorkelers and swimmers. The bay’s name comes from its vibrant underwater world, where visitors can spot schools of fish darting through the serene sea.
Gökkaya Bay, the largest and most sheltered bay in the Kekova region, is accessible via multiple sea routes and has calm waters, small islets, and stunning limestone formations. The bay is a favourite anchorage point for yachts and day boats, where travellers enjoy water sports, kayaking, and sea cave explorations.
Aperlai Pier (Sıçak İskelesi) / Teimiusa Port City (Üçağız)
Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu)
Gökkaya Bay (Gökkaya Koyu)
