Have you ever dreamed of visiting a sunken city? If so, you might want to add Kekova to your bucket list. Kekova is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Antalya, Turkey. It is home to an ancient city that was submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. You can see the underwater ruins of streets, houses, and temples from a boat or a kayak, and marvel at the history and the beauty of this unique place. But Kekova is not just about the sunken city.
There are many other things to do and see on and around the island, such as exploring the naval shipyard, the castle, and the necropolis of Kaleköy, visiting the harbor, the mosque, and the sarcophagus of Üçağız, discovering the wall, the church, and the necropolis of Aperlai, and enjoying the boat tours, the blue cave, and the swimming spots.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Kekova, including how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and what to do. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or an adventurous experience, Kekova has something for everyone.
How to Visit the Sunken City of Kekova
The main attraction of Kekova is the sunken city, an ancient city that was partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. The city was inhabited by the Lycians, a civilization that ruled the region from the 15th to the 6th century BC. The city was later occupied by the Romans and the Byzantines, who added their own buildings and monuments. The earthquake caused the land to sink and the sea level to rise, creating a unique underwater landscape of ruins. You can see the remains of streets, houses, baths, cisterns, churches, and tombs from the surface of the water, as well as the mosaic floors, the arches, and the columns. The sunken city is a protected area, and swimming and diving are not allowed. However, you can still enjoy the view from a boat or a kayak, and get a glimpse of the past.
The best way to visit the sunken city is by taking a boat tour from the nearby towns of Kaş or Demre. You can choose between a private or a shared tour, depending on your budget and preference. A private tour will give you more flexibility and privacy, while a shared tour will be more affordable and sociable. The boat tours usually last for 3 to 4 hours, and include stops at other attractions and swimming spots. The prices range from 50 to 150 Turkish Liras per person, depending on the type and the size of the boat. You can book your boat tour online or at the local agencies or hotels.
Another option is to rent a kayak and paddle your way to the sunken city. This is a more adventurous and eco-friendly way to explore the island and its surroundings. You can rent a kayak from the village of Üçağız, which is located on the mainland opposite the island. The kayak rental costs around 50 Turkish Liras per person, and includes a map, a life jacket, and a waterproof bag. You can paddle at your own pace and stop wherever you want. The kayak trip takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your speed and stamina.
The best time to visit the sunken city is in the morning or the late afternoon, when the sun is not too strong and the water is not too crowded. The best views are from the eastern side of the island, where you can see the most ruins and the clearest water. You should also wear a hat, a sunglasses, and a sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, and bring a camera or a binoculars to capture the amazing sights.
Other Things to Do on and Around Kekova Island
Besides the sunken city, there are many other attractions and activities on and around Kekova Island that you can enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:
Tersane Bay:
This is a former naval shipyard that was used by the Lycians, the Romans, and the Byzantines. You can see the remains of a Byzantine church, a dockyard, and a watchtower. You can also swim in the crystal-clear water and explore the blue cave, a natural wonder that changes color depending on the light.
Kaleköy:
This is a village on the mainland that is only accessible by boat or foot. It is also known as Simena, and it was once a fortified town of the Lycians. You can see the impressive castle, the necropolis, and the theater, which are built on the hill overlooking the sea. You can also enjoy the panoramic views, the local cuisine, and the handicrafts.
Üçağız:
This is another village on the mainland that is the gateway to the island. It is also known as Teimiussa, and it was once a port city of the Lycians. You can see the harbor, the mosque, and the sarcophagus, which are the symbols of the village. You can also relax in the peaceful atmosphere, the charming houses, and the friendly people.
Aperlai:
This is an ancient city on the mainland that is reachable by boat or car. It is one of the six principal cities of the Lycian League, a confederation of city-states that existed from the 2nd to the 1st century BC. You can see the wall, the church, and the necropolis, which are the remnants of the city. You can also admire the scenery, the flora, and the fauna.
How to Get to Kekova Island
Kekova Island is located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Antalya, Turkey. It is about 180 kilometers from Antalya, 40 kilometers from Kaş, 25 kilometers from Demre, and 150 kilometers from Fethiye. There are several ways to get to the island, depending on your starting point and your preference. Here are some of the options:
By car:
This is the most convenient and flexible way to travel, as you can drive at your own pace and stop wherever you want. You can rent a car from Antalya, Kaş, Demre, or Fethiye, and follow the coastal road that leads to the island. The road is well-maintained and scenic, but it can be winding and narrow at some points. You can park your car at Üçağız, where you can take a boat to the island. The car rental costs around 200 to 300 Turkish Liras per day, depending on the type and the season. The parking fee is around 10 to 20 Turkish Liras per day.
By bus:
This is the most affordable and eco-friendly way to travel, as you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint. You can take a bus from Antalya, Kaş, Demre, or Fethiye, and get off at Üçağız, where you can take a boat to the island. The bus service is frequent and reliable, but it can be crowded and slow at some times. The bus ticket costs around 20 to 40 Turkish Liras per person, depending on the distance and the company. You can buy your bus ticket online or at the bus station.
By plane:
This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, as you can save time and enjoy the comfort of the flight. You can take a plane from Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir, and land at Antalya, Dalaman, or Denizli airports, where you can rent a car or take a bus to the island. The plane service is regular and efficient, but it can be expensive and subject to delays or cancellations. The plane ticket costs around 200 to 400 Turkish Liras per person, depending on the route and the season. You can book your plane ticket online or at the airport.
Where to Stay Near Kekova Island
There are many accommodation options near Kekova Island, depending on your budget and preference. You can choose between hotels, guesthouses, or campsites, in the nearby towns of Kaş and Demre, or on the island itself. Here are some of the options:
Hotels:
This is the most comfortable and luxurious option, as you can enjoy the facilities, the services, and the views of the hotels. You can find a variety of hotels in Kaş and Demre, ranging from budget to boutique to luxury. Some of the recommended hotels are:
Lukka Exclusive Hotel: This is a 5-star hotel in Kaş, with a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant. The rooms are spacious, elegant, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and minibar. The price is around 600 to 800 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. You can book your hotel online or at the reception.
Kale Pansiyon: This is a 3-star guesthouse in Kaleköy, with a terrace, a garden, and a bar. The rooms are cozy, simple, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and bathroom. The price is around 200 to 300 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. You can book your guesthouse online or at the reception.
Nur Pansiyon: This is a 2-star guesthouse in Üçağız, with a balcony, a lounge, and a restaurant. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and bathroom. The price is around 100 to 200 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. You can book your guesthouse online or at the reception.
Guesthouses:
This is a more affordable and authentic option, as you can stay with the local families and experience their hospitality and culture. You can find many guesthouses in Üçağız and Kaleköy, offering basic but cozy rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Some of the recommended guesthouses are:
Onur Pension: This is a family-run guesthouse in Üçağız, with a garden, a terrace, and a kitchen. The rooms are colorful, charming, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and bathroom. The price is around 50 to 100 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. You can book your guesthouse online or at the reception.
Hassan’s Place: This is a friendly guesthouse in Kaleköy, with a patio, a hammock, and a barbecue. The rooms are rustic, spacious, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and bathroom. The price is around 50 to 100 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the room. You can book your guesthouse online or at the reception.
Campsites:
This is the most adventurous and eco-friendly option, as you can sleep under the stars and enjoy the nature. You can find a few campsites in Üçağız and Kaleköy, offering tents, caravans, or bungalows with shared or private bathrooms. Some of the recommended campsites are:
Kekova Camping: This is a well-maintained campsite in Üçağız, with a beach, a restaurant, and a shop. The tents, caravans, and bungalows are clean, comfortable, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and bathroom. The price is around 20 to 50 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the accommodation. You can book your campsite online or at the reception.
Simena Camping:
This is a cozy campsite in Kaleköy, with a garden, a bar, and a library. The tents, caravans, and bungalows are simple, cute, and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and bathroom. The price is around 20 to 50 Turkish Liras per night, depending on the season and the type of the accommodation. You can book your campsite online or at the reception.
The History of Kekova Island and Its Ancient Civilizations
If you are interested in the history and the culture of Kekova Island, you will be amazed by the rich and diverse heritage of this place. Kekova Island and its region were inhabited by various ancient civilizations, such as the Lycians, the Romans, and the Byzantines, who left their marks on the island and its ruins. Here are some of the historical facts and stories about Kekova Island and its ancient civilizations:
The Lycians:
The Lycians were a mysterious and independent people who ruled the region from the 15th to the 6th century BC. They had their own language, alphabet, religion, and political system, which was based on a confederation of city-states called the Lycian League. The Lycians were known for their art, architecture, and tombs, which were carved into the rocks or built on the hills. They were also skilled sailors and traders, who established contacts with other cultures and civilizations. Some of the Lycian cities that you can see on and around Kekova Island are Simena, Teimiussa, and Aperlai.
The Romans:
The Romans conquered the region in the 1st century BC, and incorporated it into their empire. They brought their own culture, law, and administration, and improved the infrastructure and the economy of the region. They also added their own buildings and monuments, such as baths, cisterns, and churches. They also protected the region from the invasions of the pirates and the enemies. Some of the Roman ruins that you can see on and around Kekova Island are the sunken city, the naval shipyard, and the wall.
The Byzantines:
The Byzantines inherited the region in the 4th century AD, and made it part of their empire. They were the successors of the eastern part of the Roman Empire, and they followed the Christian faith and the Greek culture. They also maintained and restored the existing buildings and monuments, and added their own churches and mosaics. They also faced the threats of the Arab raids and the Turkish migrations. Some of the Byzantine ruins that you can see on and around Kekova Island are the church, the mosaic, and the castle.
Kekova Island is a hidden gem of Turkey, with a sunken city and more. It is a place where you can enjoy the natural and historical beauty, the cultural and adventurous activities, and the relaxing and luxurious accommodation. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a longer stay, Kekova Island has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kekova Island today, and discover the wonders of this amazing place. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
