Simena Ancient City & Kekova Island: Where History Sleeps Beneath the Mediterranean

On the spectacular Mediterranean coastline between Kaş and Demre, Simena Ancient City and Kekova Island offer one of the most extraordinary combinations of ancient history, natural beauty and traditional coastal life in Türkiye.

Known today as Kaleköy, Simena is a picturesque waterfront village famous for its medieval castle, Lycian rock tombs, ancient theatre and charming stone houses overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean.

Directly across the water lies Kekova Island, celebrated for the fascinating remains of an ancient settlement partially submerged beneath the sea.

Stone stairways, building foundations and historic harbour structures reveal a landscape shaped by centuries of human settlement and geological change.

Together, Simena and Kekova create a remarkable destination where visitors can discover the heritage of ancient Lycia while experiencing the beauty of the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

The Ancient History of Simena

Simena was a small but strategically important coastal settlement of ancient Lycia.

Although the Roman writer Pliny the Elder mentioned the city during the 1st century AD, archaeological evidence indicates that its history reaches back to at least the 4th century BC.

Lycian inscriptions and ancient coins discovered in the surrounding region provide valuable evidence of its early development.

During the period of the Lycian League, Simena was represented by the nearby city of Aperlai, which played a leading role within a local federation of settlements.

The city continued to exist during the Roman period, benefiting from its protected coastal location and access to Mediterranean maritime routes.

Over the centuries, earthquakes and changes in the coastline caused parts of the ancient settlement to become submerged.

Today, the surviving ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into a Lycian community whose history remains closely connected to the sea.

Simena Castle: Spectacular Views Across Kekova

Rising above the village of Kaleköy, Simena Castle is the settlement's most recognisable historic landmark.

The fortress occupies an elevated position that once provided an important defensive advantage.

Although the site has ancient origins, the surviving castle was also used during the medieval period.

Visitors reach the fortress by following narrow village paths and stone steps leading through traditional houses and archaeological remains.

Along the way, ancient Lycian sarcophagi and historic structures create an extraordinary atmosphere.

From the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views across Kekova Island, Üçağız Bay and the surrounding Mediterranean coastline.

The combination of historic architecture and spectacular scenery makes the castle one of the highlights of a visit to Simena.

Simena Ancient Theatre

Within the castle grounds stands one of the most distinctive archaeological monuments of Simena.

The Ancient Theatre of Simena was carved directly into the natural rock and contains seven rows of seating.

With an estimated capacity of approximately 300 spectators, it is an unusually small example of an ancient theatre.

Unlike the monumental theatres of larger Roman cities, this intimate structure reflects the scale and social life of a small Lycian coastal community.

Its historic character and remarkable location overlooking the Mediterranean make it a memorable part of the archaeological site.

Lycian Rock Tombs and Ancient Sarcophagi

Simena is particularly celebrated for its surviving Lycian funerary monuments.

Ancient sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs can be found throughout the settlement, sometimes standing beside traditional houses or near the waterfront.

These monuments reflect the distinctive architectural traditions and burial customs of the Lycian civilisation.

Some tombs contain inscriptions identifying individuals associated with the ancient community.

One notable sarcophagus bears an inscription referring to Mentor, son of Idargus.

To the northeast of the castle, a larger necropolis contains additional sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs.

The image of a Lycian sarcophagus surrounded by turquoise Mediterranean water has become one of the defining symbols of Simena and the wider Kekova region.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City

Located directly opposite Simena, Kekova Island is one of the most fascinating archaeological coastal landscapes in Türkiye.

The island is best known for the remains of an ancient settlement partially submerged beneath the Mediterranean Sea.

Ancient earthquakes and geological movements altered the coastline, leaving sections of historic structures underwater.

Along the island's northern shore, visitors can observe stone steps descending towards the sea, remnants of ancient buildings and traces of historic waterfront structures.

These extraordinary remains are commonly known as the Kekova Sunken City.

The contrast between ancient stone architecture and the transparent Mediterranean waters creates one of the region's most distinctive sights.

How to See the Kekova Sunken City

One of the best ways to experience the Sunken City is by joining a boat excursion through the Kekova region.

Boats travelling along designated routes allow visitors to observe parts of the ancient settlement from the water.

On calm days, the submerged structures can sometimes be seen beneath the surface.

Because of the area's archaeological importance, swimming and diving are restricted in protected sections of the Sunken City.

Visitors should respect local conservation regulations and use designated swimming areas elsewhere along the coast.

These protective measures help preserve the region's fragile underwater heritage for future generations.

Turquoise Bays and Natural Beauty of Kekova

Beyond its archaeological significance, Kekova is celebrated for its spectacular natural landscape.

Sheltered bays, rocky islands, peaceful coves and crystal-clear waters define this remarkable section of Türkiye's Mediterranean coastline.

Akvaryum Bay and Gökkaya Bay are among the best-known natural attractions in the wider Kekova region.

Boat excursions may include swimming stops in permitted areas, depending on their routes and weather conditions.

The combination of extraordinary coastal scenery and archaeological heritage makes Kekova especially appealing to visitors interested in both nature and culture.

Kaleköy: A Traditional Mediterranean Village

Built around the surviving remains of ancient Simena, Kaleköy is one of the most charming waterfront settlements on the Lycian coast.

The village has no direct road connection, and most visitors arrive by boat. It can also be approached on foot via walking routes.

Traditional stone houses, narrow pathways, colourful bougainvillea and small waterfront terraces create a peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy homemade ice cream and appreciate the relaxed rhythm of Mediterranean village life.

What makes Kaleköy particularly special is the relationship between its ancient monuments and modern settlement.

Lycian sarcophagi stand alongside contemporary houses, while everyday village life continues among structures that reflect thousands of years of history.

Kekova Boat Trips and Coastal Experiences

Exploring Kekova by boat is one of the most popular experiences along this part of the Turkish Riviera.

Boat excursions operate from Kaş, Üçağız and the wider Demre area, offering different ways to discover the region's coastline.

Depending on the itinerary, visitors may enjoy views of the Sunken City, a stop in Kaleköy and opportunities to swim in designated bays.

Traditional excursion boats and private trips offer different experiences, from relaxed sightseeing to full-day coastal adventures.

For travellers staying in Kalkan or Kaş, a Kekova excursion provides an opportunity to combine ancient history, traditional villages and beautiful Mediterranean scenery in a single day.

Kekova and the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The Kekova region is recognised for its exceptional combination of natural and cultural heritage.

Kekova was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List on 25 February 2000 as a proposed mixed cultural and natural heritage site.

The nominated area includes archaeological landscapes, submerged ancient remains, traditional coastal settlements and remarkable natural environments.

Simena is one of the important Lycian settlements associated with this wider heritage landscape.

The region also forms part of the Kaş-Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area, where conservation measures aim to protect its archaeological and ecological significance.

Where Are Simena and Kekova Island?

Simena Ancient City and Kekova Island are located on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, between Kaş and Demre in Antalya Province.

Kaleköy lies opposite Kekova Island, while the nearby village of Üçağız serves as an important departure point for local boat excursions.

Travellers staying in Kalkan, Kaş or Demre can include the region in a day trip.

Since Kaleköy does not have direct road access, visitors generally arrive by boat or follow an appropriate walking route.

Best Time to Visit Simena and Kekova

Spring and autumn are particularly enjoyable seasons for discovering the archaeological sites and natural beauty of Simena and Kekova.

Milder temperatures make exploring Kaleköy and climbing to the castle more comfortable.

During the summer, boat trips and coastal activities are especially popular.

Morning visits can offer a quieter atmosphere in the village, while the changing Mediterranean light creates beautiful opportunities for photography.

The castle panorama, historic sarcophagi and surrounding turquoise bays provide some of the most memorable scenes along the Lycian coast.

Why Visit Simena and Kekova Island?

Few destinations on the Mediterranean coast combine ancient history and natural beauty as remarkably as Simena and Kekova.

Here, visitors can explore an ancient theatre carved into the rock, climb a historic fortress and discover Lycian sarcophagi overlooking turquoise waters.

Across the bay, the partly submerged ruins of Kekova Island reveal a different perspective on the ancient world.

The traditional village of Kaleköy adds another dimension, offering an authentic glimpse into local Mediterranean life.

For travellers searching for things to do near Kalkan, historical attractions near Kaş or unforgettable boat trips in Türkiye, Simena and Kekova are essential destinations.

Discover Simena and Kekova, where the history of ancient Lycia meets the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean.