The uninhabited island of Kekova is an ancient sunken city in Turkey. Turkey, Kekova island, sunken city of Dolihiste: history, excursions Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Excursion Demre - Myra - Kekova, immersion in the Lycian Worlds. Kekova and Simena - frozen eternity.
A trip on a yacht to the sunken cities of the island of Kekova is the most vibrant and picturesque part of the excursion to the historical places of ancient Lycia, called Demre - Mira - Kekova. In addition to the island of Kekova, the excursion includes a visit to the Necropolis and the ancient city of Myra Lycian. You can also visit the island on your own; in Turkey, the sphere of delivering tourists to attractions is very well developed.
Located in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Kekova attracts a large number of tourists. Kekova is an island that, with great trepidation, preserves under the water column the ruins of 4 ancient cities: Teimussa, Dolihiste, Aperlai and Simena. They went under water in the 2nd century BC. as a result of an earthquake.
Only from aboard a yacht can you see the remains of these great cities. Peering into the depths, through the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, you can see the remains of streets that were paved with cobblestones, ruins of temples and arches, even some houses with stone stairs and an embankment have been preserved.
Kekova Island is a narrow strip of land 7 km long, washed by the Aegean Sea. Its greatest depth in the island’s waters is 92 m. The highest point is 188 m. Its entire coastal strip is dotted with ancient exhibits that were preserved after earthquakes.
Since 1990, swimming and diving have been prohibited in the island's waters. The ban was later lifted, but in the area in the immediate vicinity of the ruins it remains in force. Oddly enough, the island of Kekova in Turkey has not yet been adequately explored by archaeologists. In coastal waters, the famous explorer J.-I. Cousteau conducted underwater research, during which a ship was discovered that sailed back in 1300 BC!
And how much more unknown is hidden under the ruins of the island...
Sasha Mitrakhovich 30.08.2015 20:00
The shores of the island of Kekova, here 3 thousand years ago one of the Lycian cities of Simena was located. The capital of Lycia was the city of Myra Lycia. Imagine that 3 thousand years ago people lived here, built houses, gave birth and died, raised children, got food...
It was a well-equipped city, founded by the Lycians and quite densely populated before the first earthquake. During the Lycian period, the name of the city sounded like Dolikhiste. Now this destroyed city is called, like the island, Kekova.
The island of Kekova is currently considered one of the most popular attractions in Turkey; it is located in the Mediterranean Sea, on its territory there are the ruins of the ancient partially submerged cities of Dolihiste, Aperlai, Teimussa and Simena. Tourists from all over the world come here every year not only to enjoy the beauty of the local nature, but also to become better acquainted with the history of the Ancient World.
Although it actually belongs to Turkey, the island of Kekova is almost Greece, as confirmed by multiple finds of objects from the period of antiquity. It is worth noting that Kekova was historically under the rule of Byzantium, then it became the possession of the Arabs, and for some time after the First World War the island belonged to Italy.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 30.08.2015 20:00
Kekova is perhaps one of the most beautiful and unusual points of all yacht routes in Turkey. On the northern side of the island you can see the ruins of the ancient ancient city of Dolikhiste, destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD, as a result of which part of the land split and went under water.
The ruins of the ancient city - the remains of walls, cobbled streets, dilapidated arches, foundations and stairs, covering the island, go into the depths of the azure sea and are perfectly visible through the thickness of crystal clear water.
It is believed that the island in some places sank under water from 9 to 12 meters, taking with it part of the city's population, its inhabitants abandoned these lands.
The Lycians, according to some sources, came from the island of Crete, but were distinguished by their unique culture, writing and sculpture. Lycia was successively conquered by the Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Greeks, and Turks, which also left its mark on the development of culture.
According to their vocation, the Lycian inhabitants worked well with hard rocks of stone. This is evidenced by the structure of ancient dwellings, carved directly into the rock of the island of Kekova. Internal and side walls were knocked out by residents directly into the rock, and the outer wall and roof were completed. Instead of streets, ancient Simene used numerous staircases.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 31.08.2015 20:14
On specially equipped yachts, in which part of the bottom is replaced with transparent material, Simen can be seen through the crystal clear water of the Aegean Sea.
The stone stairs, remains of streets, dilapidated walls, and the embankment are perfectly preserved. The depth of the sea not far from the shore is about 7 m, but the water here is so clear that at the bottom you can see broken amphorae and jugs in which wine and olive oil were stored. The central street of the city and the ruins of an ancient Christian church are clearly defined on the hillside.
The ruins of the city can be seen not only on the island itself, but also in the water column, where flooded paved streets, arches and a small area that once served as a pier are clearly visible. The yacht approaches the island close enough to see carved crosses on the walls of the dwellings, which appeared at the beginning of our era, and this confirms that the Lycians were Christians.
Destroyed walls of houses, stairs, a central canal through which water drained, and even small bathhouses - all this can be captured on the island of Kekova.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 31.08.2015 20:44
It was a fairly developed civilization. Already at that time, 2- and 3-story residential buildings were being built in the city. The Roman baths with washing facilities are well preserved.
Holes dug into the rocks served as tanks for collecting fresh water. The water could be stored for quite a long time, because... the loose rocky structure of the island served as a natural filter. The city had a wastewater and sewerage system built, which is very clearly visible among the ruins.
At a shallow depth near the island, a preserved breakwater-pier in the shape of the Latin letter L is visible. This indicates that the city was a port and trade center. The good climate contributed to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, and the production of wines and olive oil was established.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 31.08.2015 20:44
After a devastating earthquake, the surviving residents of Kekova moved to the opposite island in the ancient city of Simena. The modern name of Simena is Kale.
The modern city of Simena can hardly be called a city - it is a small village with a population of about 90 people. Residents, as in ancient times, grow vegetables and fruits and fish. Now another profitable activity has appeared - the tourism business, which brings in a good income. This secluded corner of Turkey attracts more and more attention from tourists every year.
It can be argued that the descendants of those same Lycians live in Simena, in the foundations of whose houses there are the ruins of the ancient city. It is believed that it is almost impossible to buy land in Simena; only the wealthiest people can afford to live here, enjoying the silence and spirit of antiquity.
Rumor has it that the Queen of Spain comes to the island of Simena every year to relax. In search of beauty and complete solitude, the picturesque island and Hollywood stars do not fail to pay attention, among whom Demi Moore has been spotted more than once.
In ancient times, only men lived in Simena, because... it served as an outpost to protect the territory, and women and children were on the opposite island.
During the period of the conquest of lands by Alexander the Great, he, having occupied the island, did not fight with the Lycians. He concluded a peace agreement with them, and they, in gratitude, accompanied him on his campaign to Syria. On their way back, the Lycians brought the culture of mosaic decoration. Therefore, among the ruins you can find many mosaic fragments.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 31.08.2015 20:55
The main attraction of the city of Simena is a hill with the ruins of a fortress built in the 4th century BC, a theater built of rough stone (the smallest of the theaters of the Lycian era), Lycian tombs and the remains of ancient baths located near the seashore.
The rest of the ancient city is also flooded.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 01.09.2015 15:02
Not far into the sea, right in front of the city of Simena, you can see an ancient Lycian sarcophagus, the lid of which is made in the shape of an inverted boat - one of the main attractions of Kekov.
Looking at it, as well as at the dilapidated walls, stairs, doorways, sidewalks and other Lycian sarcophagi resting at the bottom, once installed on the tops of the hills, which are still accessible today for a wide view, you feel like a seeker of the legendary Atlantis.
There was a belief among the Lycians that after death the soul would be able to return to doing what it loved, and this was usually fishing and sailing, which is why the sarcophagi were made in the form of boats.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 01.09.2015 15:39
In order to preserve the tourist attractiveness of the city of Simena, its residents are prohibited from painting or in any way reconstructing the facades of their houses using modern building materials.
And although there is no road to Simena by land, and you can only get there by sea, the fame of the unusual island has long spread throughout the world, attracting lovers of unusual holidays.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 01.09.2015 15:44
The purity and beauty of the underwater world of the island of Kekova and the city of Simena so impressed the legendary captain Cousteau that they were reflected in his famous “Odyssey”. Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed one of the parts of his famous Odyssey here, and he knew a lot about beautiful nature and an interesting underwater world.
Sasha Mitrakhovich 01.09.2015 15:47
Amphitheaters are Turkey's most famous attraction.
Greco-Roman amphitheater in Demre (Mira) Türkiye built in the 2nd century AD. a certain Lisinus Lanfus with a budget of 10,000 silver denarii. Its diameter is about 110 meters and it could accommodate up to 10 thousand people (according to some sources, up to 15 thousand people). In total, the Myra Amphitheater has 35 rows - 29 lower and 6 upper, separated by a diazoma (a semicircular passage between the rows of the ancient theater).
The bus schedule can be found here:
http://www.batiantalyatur.net/?pnum=21&pt=Antalya-Fethiye%20(Sahilden)
The fare is here:
http://www.batiantalyatur.net/?pnum=18&pt=Fiyat%20Listesi
If you are traveling to Demre from Belek, Side, Alanya (i.e. from cities located east of Antalya), you must first get to the Antalya bus station and there change to a bus going to Demre.
Location of Demre on the map of Turkey:
Sasha Mitrakhovich 06.07.2016 17:57
We had a pleasant little cruise on a yacht to the partially submerged ancient cities of Simena, Dolichiste, Teimoussa and Aperlai. They were once located on the picturesque island of Kekova and the islands close to it.
The island of Kekova and its surroundings with underwater caves and cozy bays have long been known as the most beautiful and attractive places in Turkey. No wonder the great traveler Jacques Cousteau paid so much attention to them.
Sailing to Kekova Island
You have to see such beauty with your own eyes. No matter how much I tell you, words cannot convey the feelings and impressions that overwhelm you when meeting such a bright world.
Enchanting world
The small islands and small islets with charming coves are simply mesmerizing. And the color of the water in the sea surprises with its beauty and crystal purity.
The sea is blue - blue
You rarely see such an amazing color anywhere. The sea suddenly changes from deep blue to completely turquoise.
Turquoise sea
Kekova Island
As we approached the long, hilly island of Kekova, 19 km long, we were captivated by the beauty of the area. At the foot of low mountains, dotted with rocks and covered with bushes, the white ruins of the former ancient Phoenician-Lycian city of Dolihiste lay white.
Drowned City
As a result of a strong earthquake in the 2nd century AD, the city went under water. I couldn’t even believe that life was once in full swing here, and people were engaged in trade, fishing, and raising goats. From all of the above, all that remained were the ruins of a city that had slid into the water, and goats jumping on the rocks.
The yacht sailed very close to the coast of the island, making it possible to clearly see the remains of walls and stairs of coastal houses and baths carved into the rocks. Crosses were visible on some of the walls, indicating that the island was once inhabited by Christians.
The breakwater is visible through the water
The outline of a breakwater in the form of the Latin letter “L” was clearly visible through the clear water. Broken amphorae and pottery, which had once served the inhabitants of the city, lay at the bottom. It seemed that they were not lying deep at all. But it was 6-7 meters to the bottom, the water here is simply crystal clear, since no one pollutes it.
Landing on the island is prohibited, as is swimming in the coastal waters. Diving is also not allowed, as it is not safe, and historical values here are strictly protected by law.
The monitor on the yacht showed a picture of the seabed with a sunken pier, the outlines of arches, porticoes and marble columns. The guide commented on the screening of a documentary about the sunken city.
Our yacht-boat
We listened to his interesting stories attentively, but everyone wanted to see a live, visual picture. Therefore, most of the passengers rushed to the side of the yacht, trying to see the ruins of a once prosperous ancient village covered in water.
Having photographed what we managed to see, we sailed to the next, no less picturesque bay, but this time opposite the island of Kekova. The city of Simena was located here, which also sank as a result of the same earthquake.
Here was the ancient city of Simena
Keliköy (Simena)
Simena is an ancient Lycian city on the shores of Kekova, popular among sailors because of its convenient harbor.
Half of the city sank immediately, and the residents left the other half themselves. Now in this place is the small village of Keliköy with 80 residents and several dozen houses nestled on the mountainside.
A small, inconspicuous house on the island attracted the attention of our guide, and then ours, after his story. The modest house, it turns out, belongs to the richest man in Turkey, the owner of the Ramstore chain of stores (very rich people often try not to attract undue attention).
Ancient fortress of the city of Simena
At the very top of the island there is a small fortress, where the smallest ancient theater with 300 seats has been preserved. There is also an old chapel. They are the main decoration and attraction of the island, and also a sarcophagus. He is standing in the water near the shore. It can be seen on many tourist avenues. It is like a symbol of the village of Keliköy, reminding everyone of the powerful forces of nature, and of the sunken city of Simena.
Half-submerged symbol
There are several restaurants and cafes in the village, as well as a guesthouse. Land on the island is not for sale, as it is considered a protected area.
Further, along the course we were following, we were shown another bay, where the village of Uchayz (Teymeussa) was located. The name is hard to pronounce - it translates as “Three Mouths”. And they called it that because of the three straits that surround the village. There are many yachts anchored here. They can be rented for private excursions.
Yachts at the pier
After admiring the beautiful views, our yacht stopped in one of the cozy bays. Passengers were allowed to taste bliss for a whole half hour - dive and swim in the warm azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, without sailing far from the yacht.
Sheer bliss
Everyone was given “pasta” so that the “ace swimmers” would not accidentally drown. While we were sailing, delicious seafood dishes were prepared on board to restore the strength of passengers, although for an additional fee, and not a very small one. 🙂
A wonderful part of the excursion to Kekova
The pleasure from the boat trip was extraordinary, and my emotions were off the charts.
Let's go back. Behind the islands is the Greek island. Rhodes
(Turkish: Kekova island; English: Kekova island)
Candidate for the UNESCO List
Opening hours: daily, around the clock, however, it is not recommended to visit the island in the dark.
How to get there: Kekova Island can only be reached by water. To do this, you first need to get to the city of Kas. From May to October, a ferry runs from the city of Kas to the island of Kekova (travel time is about 1 hour). You can also book a boat excursion in the local villages of Uchayz (aka Teimeussa) or Kalkan. Yacht cruises to Kekova are organized from almost anywhere on the Antalya coast.
Kekova Island is a small Turkish island in the Mediterranean Sea, near the city of Kas. The length of the coastline of the island of Kekova is only 19 km, the height above sea level in the central part of the island is 188 meters, the area of the island is 4.5 square meters. km. The island has not had a permanent population since approximately 1850.
The name Kekova comes from the Luwian language and previously sounded like “Kavakuva”, which meant “Homeland of the goat”, from which we can conclude that there was a cult of the goat on the island of Kekova, and the island, from an early time, was the homeland of sacred animals, providing living space and a sacred place for their breeding. Here, to this day, goats of all stripes graze, and in large numbers. Many believe that locals bring them here for grazing.
Kekova Island is a real treasure trove for archaeologists. The shores of this long, narrow island are simply dotted with archaeological remains of antiquity. But, as a result of tectonic movements that led to the rise of the Western Taurus mountains, the ancient cities of the island sank under water.
The history of this area began long before our era. For many years, the bay of Kekova Island was considered the best bay.
The island was repeatedly attacked by pirates who created their own flotilla here. Over time, this territory began to be developed by civilians who were engaged in growing olives and fruits. It is also known that there were once quarries in these places - the local stone is quite soft and can be easily processed.
The northern part of the island still preserves the ruins of the ancient city of Dolikhiste, part of which remained under water after earthquakes. The strong earthquakes that occurred at that time allowed some part of the island to go under water, and most of the city went with it. The local population left this land.
Now the island looks deserted and abandoned, but once upon a time, life was seething here. The island was closely connected with other settlements in the region - the ancient cities of Simena and Tameoussa. In Kekova Bay, in ancient times, there was a shipyard, somewhere in the north-west of the island of Kekova. The town of Dolikhiste itself did not perish immediately after the natural disaster; for some time, it continued to exist as part of the Byzantine Empire.
In Byzantine times, this island was under siege by the Arabs, and already in the 13th century this territory was conquered by the Turks. At one time, the island of Kekova became the cause of a great dispute between the Turks and Italians, the latter had great views on Kekova. But, according to the 1932 Convention between Italy and Turkey, the island of Kekova remained owned by Turkey.
Now on the island, in its northern part, you can see ruined portals, steps, traces of destroyed piers and streets.
Through the amazingly clear water you can see the ruins of ancient buildings of the 4th-5th centuries AD - stone stairs, sidewalks, house walls, embankment.
Sailing on a yacht or pleasure boat, you have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the majestic ruins. Of great interest are the remains of former underground rooms, connecting walls and stairs, as well as later ruins built on small stone blocks of the ancient city of Dolikhiste.
Not far from the island of Kekova, in the very sea, there is the famous Lycian sarcophagus, which looks like an inverted boat - the main historical attraction.
And the greatest pride of this area is nature. The crystal clear sea, numerous bays and lagoons, amazing caves - all this provides the opportunity to sit on the shore for hours and admire this beauty.
Today, these places have become a real paradise for tourists. Kekova Island holds a history of events witnessed by silent landmarks.
Tours to Turkey – special offers of the day
Kekova is rarely indicated on the map of Turkey. This island is so small that it is depicted only on topographic plans of the city of Kasha. The dimensions of this piece of land are simply tiny - only four and a half square kilometers. At the same time, it is one of the most visited islands in Turkey by tourists. What is it that attracts them so much? Our article will talk about this. We will tell you many secrets: how to get to Kekova, where to stay and what to see. But in order to see what you should, you need to know the history of this place. Without this, the island will remain in your memory as a rock dried by the sun and salt spray, like other uninhabited ones. We will tell you the story of Kekova, which ended in tragedy in the seventh century AD. But it was the earthquake that destroyed the ancient city (and noticeably “cut up” the area of the island) that gave archaeologists such rich material for research.
How to get to Kekova
Many yacht excursions in Turkey (reviews on this issue are unanimous) include a visit to this island in their program. And a lone traveler is better off joining one of them. It is better that the excursion is not on an ordinary yacht or boat, but on a boat with a transparent bottom. They go here from Kemer. Ships also depart from other resorts on the Mediterranean Riviera of Turkey to Kekova. Sometimes trips are dedicated only to this island. But most often the excursion is called “Demre - Mira - Kekova” and involves visiting all these places in turn. The cost depends on the point of departure. For example, from Goynuk it costs about 25 dollars. But reviews claim that the sea excursion is worth the money. This price includes lunch and snorkel equipment rental. Separately, you need to pay extra for entrance to the Church of St. Nicholas in Myra. The island administratively belongs to the Turkish city of Kas. Ferries to the island run from May to October. Travel time is an hour, cost is 85 liras for a round trip.
Where to stay
The city of Dolihiste is also not on the map of Turkey. Officially, the island is considered uninhabited. However, in the summer (or rather, while the ferry is running), small family pensions with a gorgeous view from the windows operate on Kekova. They are very expensive and cater mainly to divers. Scuba diving in the waters of Kekova Island has been prohibited since 1990, when the ruins of the ancient sunken city were recognized as a state-protected area. But now this ban has been partially lifted. Swimming, and especially snorkeling with scuba gear, is only prohibited directly in the ruins of a sunken city. But in the vicinity of the island there are many other equally interesting dive sites. In addition to ancient cities, here you can swim on the decks and cabins of the Iberian Coast ship that sank in 2003.
Kekova Island (Türkiye): history
What happened here, why did the residents of the city, taking only the most necessary things, leave the island in such a hurry? To do this you need to know the history of these places. On the northern side of the island was the city of Dolikhiste, founded by the Lycians. It was an advanced civilization. The city had two- and even three-story houses, baths, water collection tanks, and sewers. During the time of Alexander the Great, the residents of Dolikhiste supported the young king. Archaeologists have established that at first only military men lived on the island and in the city. After all, Dolikhiste was a fortified port. The garrison families lived on a nearby island.
But after the campaigns of Alexander the Great, Dolikhiste turned into a full-fledged city. Beautiful buildings decorated with mosaics began to be built. The first cataclysm occurred in the second century AD. The city was significantly damaged, and part of the island went under water. But life did not stop here. Although the heyday is over. Christianity even came to the city. At the southern tip of the island of Kekova you can see the preserved apse of a Romanesque basilica. But in the seventh century the city came to an end. A new earthquake, even more powerful, completely destroyed Dolihiste. Residents fled in fear and never returned to their homes.
Further history of Dolihiste
For some time, the depopulated island was inhabited by Hermites - Christian hermits. The island officially belonged to Byzantium. But between the first and second earthquakes, the city had already lost its former significance. In addition, these lands became the target of attack by the Arabs.
And in the 13th century the island was conquered by the Turks. They named him Karavola. But no one inhabited the ruins of the half-submerged city. This was another gift to archaeologists. After all, when new houses are built on ancient ruins (often from old building materials), it is then difficult to determine how it all looked in ancient times. And here a small piece of land passed along with the mainland coast from one state to another, but neither side of the military conflicts really used it.
After World War I, the island of Kekova and its sunken city became the subject of disputes between Turkey and Italy. According to the 1932 Convention, this territory was ceded to the first state.
Modern Kekova Island
It’s strange, but archaeologists have not yet studied these places sufficiently. Excavations were carried out, but somehow sporadically. To protect these priceless artifacts from “black archaeologists,” the Turkish government banned swimming and diving there. But this limitation applies only to a small area. However, the sunken city of Dolihiste cannot be called such in the full sense of the word. Some part of it, albeit insignificant, rises above the surface of the water. The island after the earthquake is a narrow strip of land stretching for seven kilometers. The highest point is 188 meters above sea level. But many attractions were under water.
What can you see today
Some cities are very ancient. But you won’t notice this under the asphalt of the new boulevards. Is it worth going somewhere to see the sign “There was a medieval rampart here” or a modern reconstruction of an ancient gate? But this is not the case with Kekova Island! The sunken city appears before the eyes of amazed tourists in all its ancient splendor.
Dolihiste occupied a small mountain. Therefore, its upper part did not sink, but still rises above the surface of the water. Street-staircases go into depth in steps. The sea here is so transparent that you can see all the artifacts resting on the bottom. And the earthquake caused a considerable depth - seven meters near the very shore of the island. A ship with a transparent bottom floats over the main street of the city. She once walked along the side of a hill. You can see baths with washing cabins, ruins of houses and even tiled fragments of amphorae in which residents stored olive oil and wine. Very close to the shore, at shallow depths, you can see the port. The harbor was once protected from storms by a stone breakwater in the shape of the letter L. Sailing over the city, you can see statues, sidewalks, and embankments.
Diving
We mentioned that diving near Dolihiste is strictly prohibited. But this is not the whole island of Kekova (Türkiye). As a result of earthquakes, interesting underwater caves were formed. There are several interesting dive sites here.
When Yves Cousteau was filming his famous series, near Kekova he found the remains of an ancient ship that plied the waters of the Mediterranean Sea back in the 14th century BC. A priceless artifact was raised from the bottom.
But divers have a new object for research - a 72-meter-long ship that sank in 2003. At the dive site The Wall, in addition to interesting marine life, you can see almost complete antique amphorae.
There are many cliffs and caves in Antrum. The most interesting of them is Blue, with many passages and halls filled with a marvelous blue color.
If you drive away from the island of Kekova (Turkey), you will find yourself in the Lighthouse diving site. Here you can also see many amphorae, anchors, and other artifacts from antiquity. Colorful fish, crabs, octopuses and turtles can be seen at sites off the southern tip of the island.
Ancient heritage
The sunken city on Kekova is not the only historical attraction of these regions. On the shore of the mainland, not so far from Dolikhiste, there were other ancient cities: Simena (now the village of Kalekoy), Teimussa (Uchayz) and Aperlai. They survived earthquakes, but from large cities they turned into small villages.
Scientists give Kaleköy seven thousand years. The Lycian necropolis has only partially sunk, and the lids of the tombs of ancient Simene can be seen sticking out above the water. The Roman amphitheater in this city was carved right into the rock. The ruins of a pagan temple have also been preserved. And on the top of the hill rises a Byzantine fortress.
Lycian sarcophagi can be viewed for free in Uchayz. To do this, you need to walk less than a kilometer east from the village.
In the bay of the city of Kasha there is another ancient city - the once powerful Aperlai. Since then, the ruins of the fortress, walls, columns and sarcophagi, decorated with inscriptions and bas-reliefs, have reached us. The Byzantine Empire left its mark here in the form of the ruins of a church and three square watchtowers.
Kekova is a sunken city on the southern coast of Turkey. Located next to the modern city of Demre. The city was founded by the Lycians a thousand years BC. In ancient times, Kekova was known as Dolihiste. Dolichiste sank as a result of a strong earthquake in the 2nd century BC. The bottom sank several meters and the coast of the city went under water. This is how the island of Kekova appeared. Nowadays, this sunken city is also called the island - Kekova. The remains of the sunken city can be seen not only underwater, but also on the coast of the island. That's where we went.
Helpful information
How to get to Kekova on your own
First, let's try to figure out whether it is possible to explore the sunken city and the island of Kekova on your own or is this only possible as part of an excursion. To explore the island of Kekova on your own, there are 2 options. In the first one, you still need to get to the port in Chalpat Bay and get on the excursion boat yourself. Difficulties may arise here, since boats usually fully book excursion groups and it is not a fact that they will want to take you with them.
The second option is more interesting. First you need to get to the coastal village of Uchagyz. Tourist buses with Europeans definitely go here. How to get here by bus from Demre can be found at the bus station. In general, if you are interested in such places, consider renting a car. It’s not too expensive, and if there are several of you and you plan to actively move around Turkey exploring various attractions, then it will even be profitable. You can rent a car at the airport or at resorts in Turkey inexpensively on the website.
From Uchagyz you will have to walk about 3 kilometers to Simena. In Simena you can rent a kayak. It's best to stay there overnight. Many hotels provide kayaks to their guests free of charge. Do not forget to calculate your strength, the minimum distance from Simena to Kekova is 800 meters. On the western side of the island, in the area opposite Uchagiz, there is a small beach where you can go for a walk around the area and explore the waters of Kekova with the sunken city. Please note that there is heavy traffic of tourist yachts in Kekova Bay, be careful.
Kekova Island on the map of Turkey
You can see where the island of Kekova and the sunken city of Dolihiste are located below on the map of Turkey.
Where to buy an excursion to the island of Kekova
- From the tour operator. If you flew to Turkey with a large tour operator, then hotel guides will definitely offer you to purchase excursions. Among others, there will definitely be . The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to bother at all, the main disadvantage is the price. Tour operators usually have the highest prices.
- On the street. Everything is simple here. Look for a travel agency on the street and buy a tour there. The disadvantages here will be lost time and communication with the Turks.
- The best option where you can buy an excursion to the island of Kekova is the Internet. It is quite reliable and not expensive. For example, excursions in Turkey can be found on the website. You can also find a large selection of excursions around the cities of Turkey.
The closest way to get to the island is from Kemer, the farthest from Alanya.
Port in Chalpat Bay
We decided to go with the excursion option. Departure to Kekova for the sunken city takes place from the pier in Chalpat Bay. We got here from a 10 minute drive.
At 10.30 we were already sailing the expanses of the Mediterranean Sea.
The easiest way to get on the ship is through an organized excursion.
Kekova Bay
The ship sails along Kekova Bay to the west along the coast. On the right we are guarded by the dull, shabby coastal spurs of the Taurus.
Along the shore there are remains of towers.
Kekova. Sunken city of Dolihiste
After 40 minutes we reach the ruins of a sunken city. Kekova is a small Turkish island with an area of 4.5 km. On the northern side of the island are the ruins of the sunken Lycian city of Dolichiste. In the 2nd century AD, as a result of an earthquake, most of the city was destroyed and went under water. The island of Kekova was formed.
For about 10 minutes we move parallel to the shore of the island, sailing along and over the ruins of Kekova.
Of course, you can’t make out anything in the water, despite the fact that it is quite clean and transparent.
Along the water you can see the remains of buildings, walls, stairs and other structures of Kekova.
Our pleasure boat has a small glass bottom, through which, sailing along Kekova, you can observe the ruins of a sunken city.
But from the sea, near the shore of Kekova, the skeletons of houses of the sunken city of Dolikhiste, or perhaps towers, protrude.
Kaleköy, Kekova. Remains of the ancient city of Simena
On the opposite side of Kekov you can see the remains of a fortress of the Knights Hospitaller, however, the fortress was built back in the Lycian period. This is the city of Simena. It was founded on the shores of the Kekova Bay in the 5th century BC.
Below, on the coast of Simena, is the village of Kalekoy with a small pier.
Kaleköy looks very nice; it would be interesting to go ashore here and climb the ruins of ancient Simena.
