Kekova Island in Demre

History and Tourist Tips

Kekova Island is one of the most sought-after destinations, drawing numerous tourists each year. It is the largest island in Turkey’s Mediterranean region.

Both Kekova Island and its sunken city are among the top attractions in the Mediterranean, offering a fascinating blend of historical sites both above and below the water’s surface.

Daily boat excursions are available to visit the island, and it boasts some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean.

This article provides all the essential information you need to know before your visit, including details on the island’s attractions, history, mysterious ruins, available tours, and other helpful travel tips.

Things to Do on Kekova Island

Kekova Island, covering an area of approximately 4.5 square kilometers, is a stunning natural beauty. The island’s name extends to the region, which includes the towns of Kaleköy (Simena) and Üçağız (Teimioussa).

Since around the 1850s, there has been no permanent settlement on the island. However, it remains a favorite spot for sailors, with many yachts anchoring here for weeks due to its pristine nature.

There are many captivating sites to explore in the Kekova region, including the ancient ruins of Simena, Teimussa, Aperlai, and Dolihiste.

Sunken City (Dolichiste)

A must-see on the island is the Sunken City, located on the northern side overlooking Kaleköy. The submerged ruins of streets and buildings are clearly visible beneath the water. It’s believed that the ancient city was submerged in the 2nd century BC due to a massive earthquake, similar to the fate of Aperlai and Simena.

Tersane

Tersane, once an ancient naval shipyard, is located on the northwest side of the island. Here, you can see underwater ruins, including a Byzantine church. Many excursion boats stop at Tersane Bay to allow visitors to swim and explore the area.

The Blue Cave, located nearby, offers a magical experience. The sunlight’s reflection in the cave creates stunning visuals, and it’s large enough to be entered by boat.

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How to Get to Kekova Island

Transportation to the island is provided only by boats. Excursion boats depart from the town of Üçağız, which is a lovely fishing village in Demre.

By Car : You should follow the Üçağız signs that you will encounter while driving from Kaş towards Side, Antalya with your vehicle. You can rent a car easily from Antalya to reach this place. Check our guide to renting a car in Antalya.
Public Transportation : You can get the Antalya – Kekova bus from Kaş, Kalkan, Finike, and Demre city center to reach the village of Üçağız in Demre.

The History of Kekova Island

The word “Kekova” in Turkish means “plain of thyme”. This describes the region that includes the island of Kekova, the villages of Kaleköy and Üçagız and the three ancient cities of Simena, Teimussa, and Tersane (which means “shipyard”, since its bay was the site of an old shipyard, with mostly Byzantine ruins).

Kekova was re-established and developed during the Byzantine period, but its development could not continue due to Arab invasions.

The Kekova region was declared a Specially Protected Area in 1990 to protect the natural, cultural, and geographical wealth of Kekova Island and the surrounding coastline. The Kekova protected area is 260 km² and is managed by the Ministry of the Environment, authority for the Protection of Special Areas in Turkey.

The area is not declared a “National Park” nevertheless. The places that border the villages of Üçagız and Kaleköy, as well as four ancient cities – Dolichiste, Aperlai, Simena, and Teimussu. The submerged cities were initially completely closed for diving and snorkeling, but later this ban was partially lifted.

In 2000, Kekova was nominated for World Heritage inscription and appears on UNESCO’s “tentative list” in the cultural heritage category.

As an Antalya Tourism Guide for your Antalya Dental Travels, we examined the most interesting places in Antalya and collected the most beautiful sights. While on a dental holiday in Antalya, you can safely find an answer the following question: What to see in Antalya? We welcome your comments and feedback.

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