Kekova Sunken City and Simena, Kaş

Is the Kekova sunken city worth it?

Yes, if you like your sea days with some history. In one trip you get clear turquoise water, Lycian stairs and walls disappearing into the sea, a car-free village and a castle with one of the best views on this coast. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Kaş.

Set your expectations, though: this is not an Atlantis of streets on the seabed. The ruins lie in the shallows along the shore and you pass them in a few minutes. The day is really about the boat, the swims and Simena. If you only want a beach, Kaputaş is simpler.

Kekova boat trip prices and Simena castle tickets

There is no ticket for the sunken city itself — you pay for the boat. Gulet trips from Kaş, small boats from Üçağız and kayak tours are run by private operators, and prices change each season, so compare a few at the harbour or online. Full-day gulets from Kaş usually include lunch on board.

Simena castle costs €4 for foreign visitors aged 8 and over; under-8s are free. The ticket office charges the lira equivalent. The Museum Pass The Mediterranean is accepted. The walk up from the village takes 10–15 minutes on steps.

Kekova kayak tour

Sea kayaking gets you closer to the ruins than any gulet: you paddle along the shore over the shallows, with walls and steps right below you. Tours start from Üçağız; with the transfer from Kaş they take 6–8 hours, a few of them on the water in a sheltered bay.

No experience is needed — a guide paddles with the group. The same rules apply: no landing on the island and no swimming over the ruins.

What to see in Kekova and Simena

• The sunken city of Dolichiste — stairs, walls and foundations along Kekova's north shore, seen from the boat.
• Tersane Bay on the island — the usual swim stop, with old ruins on the beach.
• The sarcophagus in the sea at Kaleköy — a Lycian tomb with its base underwater and its lid above it.
• Simena castle — crenellated walls above the village and the whole bay below.
• The theatre inside the castle — seven rows cut into the rock, one of the smallest in Lycia.
• The necropolis of sarcophagi on the slope east of the castle.
• The Baths of Titus — Roman walls at the water's edge below the village.
• Üçağız — a quiet harbour village with sarcophagi of ancient Teimiussa by the water.

When to go

May, June, September and October are best: warm sea, less heat and calm, clear water. In July and August the coves fill with boats and the deck and castle get very hot at midday — bring a hat and water.

From November to March most gulets are laid up; you will need to arrange a boat in Üçağız, and nobody goes out in strong wind. The castle stays open in winter with shorter hours. Ruins show best on a calm morning — wind ripples hide the stones.

Kekova from Antalya or Kemer: the Demre, Myra and Kekova tour

Resorts around Antalya and Kemer sell a combined Demre–Myra–Kekova day: the Church of St Nicholas, the rock tombs and theatre of Myra, then a boat past the sunken city. It is a long day, with several hours on a coach each way and roughly two hours on the water.

Staying in Kaş, you are under an hour from Üçağız and can fit Myra in on the way back at your own pace.

Kekova, Kastellorizo or Kaputaş: which day trip from Kaş

Kekova is for history and sea in one trip. Beach only — Kaputaş; a day abroad — Kastellorizo.

Kaş by the water, compared

Every waterside place in Kaş rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.

How to do it right

• Staying in Kaş? A small boat from Üçağız or a kayak tour gives you more time at the ruins than a big gulet.
• Sit on the island side and wear polarised sunglasses to see the ruins underwater.
• Simena castle is reached on foot up steep but short steps — worth telling older travellers.
• Bring cash: Kaleköy has small cafés and stalls, and not all take cards.
• For peace and quiet, be in Üçağız early, before the tour boats from Kaş and Demre arrive.
• Back in Kaş, catch sunset at the Antiphellos theatre.

Questions