Kekova Island, Antalya

Historic Site and Island near Antalya

Kekova is one of Turkey's most magical coastal destinations - a small, uninhabited island and surrounding region famed for its submerged ruins, clear turquoise waters, and peaceful villages. Located off the Lycian coast, about 2.5 hours southwest of Antalya, it offers a captivating mix of nature, history, and tranquility. The Sunken City of Kekova, partially destroyed by earthquakes in the 2nd century AD, remains visible beneath the sea's surface, making it one of the best places to go on a day trip from Antalya for travelers who want to combine ancient history with a scenic boat adventure.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is Kekova Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

In ancient times, Kekova was part of the Lycian civilization, a maritime confederation that flourished along Turkey’s southern coast. The island itself once hosted a prosperous city until a series of earthquakes caused sections of it to slide into the sea. The surviving remains include stone walls, staircases, and harbor structures now lying just below the crystal-clear surface of the Mediterranean. Although the city was abandoned, nearby settlements on the mainland such as Simena (modern Kaleköy) and Teimioussa (modern Üçağız) continued to thrive, maintaining their connection to Kekova as part of an important Lycian trade network.

The area was rediscovered by archaeologists in the early 20th century, who documented the submerged city’s unique layout and preservation. Today, Kekova is a protected area to prevent damage to the underwater ruins, ensuring visitors can continue to marvel at this fascinating window into the past. Its status as a heritage site highlights the region’s importance not just as a natural wonder, but as one of the must-see places near Antalya for anyone interested in ancient maritime civilizations.

Things to See and Do

The best way to experience Kekova is by boat. Tours depart daily from the nearby towns of Üçağız and Demre, gliding over the Sunken City's visible remains - submerged walls, ancient staircases, and the foundations of houses that once stood above the waves. While swimming and diving are restricted directly over the ruins to protect them, many boat tours include stops in nearby bays where you can swim and snorkel in the same crystal-clear waters.

A visit to Simena (Kaleköy) is a highlight of any trip to Kekova. This charming, car-free village is accessible only by boat and crowned by a medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes. The climb to the top rewards visitors with sweeping views of the island and surrounding coast - a breathtaking scene that’s perfect for photos. Within the village, small cafés and family-run guesthouses serve homemade ice cream, fresh seafood, and traditional Turkish dishes.

For travelers seeking a more relaxed pace, spending time around the harbor at Üçağız provides a glimpse into authentic Lycian coastal life. The town's quiet waterfront, lined with fishing boats and restaurants, is a wonderful place to unwind after a day on the water. Kekova's combination of history, charm, and natural beauty makes it one of the top sights near Antalya and a place that lingers in the memory long after you leave.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May-October) for calm seas and warm weather.
Entrance fee: No entry fee for the island itself, but boat tours have varying prices depending on duration.
Opening hours: Boat tours typically run from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
How long to spend: Half-day to full-day depending on the tour and stops.
Accessibility: Only accessible by boat; departures from Üçağız, Demre, or Kaş.
Facilities: Basic amenities at Üçağız and Kaleköy; bring essentials like sunscreen and water.
Photography tip: Capture aerial-style shots from Kaleköy Castle for the best views of the Sunken City and turquoise waters.
Guided tours: Available daily from Antalya, Kaş, or Demre, often combined with Myra or St. Nicholas Church.
Nearby food options: Fresh seafood and traditional meze dishes in Kaleköy or Üçağız.

How to Get There

Reaching Kekova from Antalya takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Follow the scenic D400 coastal highway southwest through Kemer and Finike until you reach Demre or Üçağız, where boat tours depart regularly. For those without a car, joining an organized day trip from Antalya is the easiest option, as it includes transportation and a guided cruise. From the smaller towns of Kaş or Kalkan, Kekova is also a popular half-day boating destination, easily reached by local charter.

Is Kekova Worth Visiting?

Yes - Kekova is one of the top attractions near Antalya and offers a completely different experience from the region’s beaches or archaeological sites. It’s a place where history and nature merge seamlessly: ancient ruins glimmer beneath the sea, fishing boats glide across still waters, and small stone houses cling to hillsides. The lack of overdevelopment adds to its charm, giving visitors a sense of timeless tranquility.

Whether you come for a short cruise, a swim in hidden coves, or a wander through Kaleköy’s hillside paths, Kekova delivers one of the most memorable experiences on Turkey’s southern coast. Its peaceful atmosphere and striking beauty make it not just a destination, but a journey into the heart of the Mediterranean itself.

Nearby Attractions

The area surrounding Kekova is full of equally fascinating sites. Just inland lies Demre, home to the ancient city of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas, where the real-life St. Nicholas lived and served as bishop. The ruins of Andriake, Myra's old port, are also nearby and include a small museum with Lycian artefacts. Further along the coast, Kaş offers excellent diving spots and a lively harbour atmosphere. Together, these destinations make the Kekova region one of the best places to go on a day trip from Antalya, blending culture, history, and the natural beauty of Turkey's Turquoise Coast.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (1,216)

Kekova Island, off the Demre coast in Türkiye, is a scenic spot famed for turquoise, crystal-clear waters and a mysterious sunken city whose submerged walls, staircases and foundations are visible from boats; visitors typically explore by boat or kayak, enjoy calm coves and swimming stops on tours, and note that the sunken ruins are only accessible by water and swimming near them is forbidden, while nearby small port towns and a castle offer additional sightseeing and dining/shopping options.

Adr Dab

2 months ago

"I recommend a boat cruise with the option of swimming. Beautiful views, azure waters. The town is nothing but ruins—foundations and a few walls.Nearby is a quaint little port town with a castle. And 20 kilometers away, the picturesque port town of Ka$ is a must-see for food and shopping...."

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murat erbay

8 months ago

"Kekova Island is one of those rare places where history and nature exist side by side, quietly and beautifully. As you glide across the turquoisewaters by boat, the first thing that strikes you is the clarity of the sea — so transparent that you can almost touch the ancient ruins submerged just beneath the surface. It’s a surreal, almost dreamlike sight. The sunken city, with its stone walls, staircases, and ancient foundations, silently tells stories of life, trade, and time lost to earthquakes centuries ago. There’s no glass or barrier between you and this past — just water, light, and imagination. It’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. What makes Kekova special isn’t just the ruins, though. It’s the serenity. There are no crowds, no overbuilt developments — only untouched coves, the hum of the sea, and the occasional sound of a passing boat. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, swim in history, and simply be. For anyone exploring the southern coast of Turkey, Kekova isn’t just worth visiting — it’s a moment of stillness and wonder you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left...."

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Graziela Michel

a year ago

"The underwater ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient Lycian settlement, which was partly overtaken by the sea due to an earthquake that occurred during the2ndnOnly accessible by waternswimming is forbidden around the sunken ruins..."

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The Kekova Island appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Antalya!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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