Kekova & the Sunken City: A Blue Voyage into Ancient History

Even seasoned travellers who have sailed the Mediterranean many times hold their breath the first time they pass through Kekova. As you glide slowly through crystal-clear water, the sunlight reveals ruins on the sea floor: staircases, doorsteps, columns, cisterns and sarcophagi — frozen in time, preserved under the protection of the sea.

What is Kekova?

Kekova is an island approximately 4km long, part of the Kas district. The southern coast of the island partially sank during powerful earthquakes in the 2nd century AD, which submerged part of the ancient city of Dolichiste beneath the sea — creating one of the world's largest underwater ancient ruin sites.

Ucagiz Harbour

Most Kekova tours begin from Ucagiz, a fishing village on the mainland that appears almost unchanged by time. The village was built on the site of the ancient city of Teimiussa, and Lycian rock tombs can be found at virtually every point around the settlement.

From Ucagiz you can hire a boat independently or join an organised day tour. Boat types include:

• Small fibreglass boat — 2–6 people, self-drive (licence required)
• Sailing yacht — 2–8 people, with experienced crew
• Traditional gulet — Large wooden boat, ideal for group tours

Passing the Sunken City

This silent journey along the keel of the sunken city takes several hours. You can observe:

• Underwater doorways and walls — Dating from the BC/AD period
• Ancient cisterns — Submerged grain stores
• Upright staircase steps — Ancient house foundations
• Near-surface sarcophagi — Lycian tombs positioned along the shoreline

Important: The waters of Kekova are under official protection. Swimming and diving are prohibited — observation from the deck only. This rule is strictly enforced.

Simena Castle & Kalekoy

The most important stop on a Kekova tour is the small village of Kalekoy (ancient Simena), accessible only by sea — there are no motor vehicles in the village.

From the medieval castle above Kalekoy, the views extend across Kekova Island, the Kas peninsula and, on a clear day, as far as Rhodes. Inside the castle walls sits one of the world's smallest Roman theatres.

Tour Itinerary

Suggested Route:

1. 09:00 — Arrive at Ucagiz, meet boat crew
2. 09:30 — Boat tour along the sunken city
3. 11:30 — Moor at Kalekoy / Simena, climb to the castle
4. 13:00 — Lunch (at the wooden jetty restaurants in Kalekoy)
5. 14:30 — Swimming stop in open coves
6. 16:30 — Return to Ucagiz

Practical Information

| | Details | |---|---| | Distance | 70 km (from Delphin Villas) | | Drive Time | ~1 hour 15 minutes | | Boat Tour Duration | 4–6 hours | | Best Season | April–October (mornings are calmer) | | Swimming | Prohibited in sunken city area (permitted in designated swimming coves only) |

Kekova offers a kind of experience found nowhere else in Turkey — the deepest, most meaningful point of the blue voyage.