Kekova Island

Address: Kekova (sunken city area), near Üçağız / Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey

Kekova is a coastal island and adjacent stretch of shore in Antalya Province on Turkey’s southwestern coast, noted for visible submerged ancient ruins from the Lycian and Roman periods. The area is a well-known local natural and archaeological attraction reached by small boat from nearby harbours.

Small-boat excursions follow the shore past partially submerged walls, quays and foundations that are visible close to the waterline, allowing close views of the coastal ruins without large-scale excavation. The main departure points are the tiny harbours at Üçağız and Kaleköy/Simena, where landing is possible at sheltered coves.

Boat tours also circle Kekova Island, which is uninhabited and offers coastal scenery and swimming in clear Mediterranean water; many visitors combine a short walk ashore at Kaleköy with visits to nearby Lycian tombs and castle remains. The coastline is subject to protected-area rules, so visitors should follow local guidance about anchoring and diving.

The visible remains along the Kekova coast belong to Lycian and later Roman-period settlements and harbours that were partially submerged or damaged by earthquakes and coastal change. The ruined quays and coastal structures have been known to locals for centuries and became a focus for tourism and maritime protection in the late 20th century.

Kekova sits off the Antalya Province coast of southwestern Turkey, between the modern towns of Demre and Kaş; small boats run from Üçağız and Kaş to the island and sunken-coast sites along short daily routes.

• Boat access: Boat trips from Üçağız and nearby Kaş provide the most direct views of the submerged ruins and access to the protected coastal area.
• Protected area: The Kekova coast is a marine-protected area with restrictions on anchoring and diving in parts of the zone to preserve visible archaeological remains.

What to See#

• Kekova Island: A low, rocky island off the Antalya coast that sits immediately off the mainland and gives the wider area its name; the island is uninhabited and visible from boat routes along the shore.
• Sunken ruins (Kekova) : A stretch of partially submerged ancient walls, foundations and quays from a Lycian and Roman-era harbour visible along the shoreline and from small boats; much of the ruin line lies immediately offshore and is best seen from the water.
• Üçağız and Kaleköy: The coastal villages and small harbours of Üçağız (also called Ucagiz) and Kaleköy/Simena, which serve as the main departure points for boat trips that pass the sunken ruins and circle the island.

Kekova (the sunken city area) is reached by boat from nearby coastal harbours. Regular tourist and private boat trips depart from Üçağız (Uçağız/Kaleköy) and from the nearby town of Kaş; some excursions also run from Demre. The usual approach is to drive to Üçağız or Kaş and join a boat tour from the harbour.

By road, follow the D400 coastal road to Kaş/Üçağız. Kaş is on the D400 coastal route west of Antalya - the coastal drive from Antalya to the Kaş area takes several hours (roughly 3-4 hours by car); from Kaş it is a short drive to Üçağız where boats leave for Kekova.

• Base yourself in Üçağız (Kaleköy) or Kaş and take an early-morning licensed boat trip into Kekova Protected Area to see the sunken ruins before the mid-day tour crowd and to reserve best anchoring/photography spots.
• Respect protected-area rules: parts of the coastline are no-anchoring and swimming over ruins is prohibited or strictly controlled, so use licensed boats that know permitted routes and drop-off points (Simena/Kaleköy and the castle are standard stops).
• Combine the sea trip with a short walk up to Simena (Kaleköy) Castle for elevated views of the sunken city - many visitors miss the view from the castle, which gives the best sense of the submerged layout.