How to Get to Kekova? What to Eat at Kekova, Where to Swim? Kekova Travel Guide
Kekova, in the Demre district of Antalya, is one of the hidden paradises of the Mediterranean with its deep blue bays, historical ruins of the Sunken City and natural beauties. With this Kekova travel guide, you will discover all the details about the places to visit in Kekova, boat tours, swimming spots, the historical texture of Kaleköy and the best accommodation options. Everything you need for an unforgettable vacation in Kekova is in this guide!
Historical and Cultural Importance of Kekova
Kekova region takes its name from the Kekova Island located off the coast. This island and its surroundings were one of the important settlements of the Lycian civilisation. The ancient cities of Simena, Aperlai and Teimioussa bear the traces of the Lycians who lived in this region. The most famous place in Kekova is undoubtedly the Sunken City of Kekova. This ancient city, which sank into the sea as a result of a major earthquake in the 2nd century AD, is an archaeological treasure that today can only be seen up close by boat. Although it is not possible to dive, the structures that can be seen even from the surface reveal how history is intertwined with the sea.
Kekova is also located on the Lycian Way. In this respect, it is a favourite of both hikers and historians. Especially Kaleköy (ancient Simena) is like a door to the past with its narrow stone streets, castle ruins and tombs overlooking the sea.
Natural Beauties of Kekova
Kekova fascinates not only with its history but also with its natural beauty. The entire region is under protection and there is almost no construction. In this way, Kekova has remained one of the most pristine coastlines of the Mediterranean. Olive groves, carob trees, maquis cover and crystal clear sea offer a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of nature.
Among the bays you will visit during Kekova boat tours, stops such as Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay and Esmeralda Bay attract attention with their underwater richness and calmness. When you enter the sea in these bays, you almost swim with the fish. These stops, where you can snorkel, are ideal for those who want to be alone with nature.
Places to Visit in Kekova
Let's list the places you should definitely see when you come to the Kekova region:
Kaleköy (Simena Ancient City)
Kaleköy, which can only be reached by sea, is dazzling with its history and view. Here, you can walk among the Lycian tombs to the castle and see Kekova Island and the Sunken City from above. Homemade ice cream stalls and local handicraft stalls in the village are also very interesting.
Sunken City Kekova
The ruins of the ancient city, located on the coast of Kekova Island and under the sea, can only be seen by boat. Underwater structures, steps, harbour ruins and ruined houses take you on a journey through history.
Üçağız Village
Üçağız Village, where you can reach Kekova by land, is the heart of the region. It is possible to explore every corner of Kekova with boat tours departing from here. Üçağız is also a peaceful accommodation point with small hostels and fish restaurants.
Tersane Bay
This bay, where you can see the ruins of an ancient shipyard from the Lycian period, is also a great stop for a swimming break. Boats anchor here and offer an inviting atmosphere for jumping into the clear waters.
How to get to Kekova?
The easiest way to get to Kekova is via Demre. You can reach Demre from the centre of Antalya with a car journey of approximately 2.5 hours (145 km). Alternatively, it is possible to reach Üçağız Village from Kaş in about 45 minutes.
Transport alternatives:
By air: The nearest airports are Antalya Airport or Dalaman Airport.
Rent a car: The most practical option for those who want to explore the surroundings of Kekova.
Bus: Buses are running on the Antalya-Demre line, but there is no direct bus to Üçağız.
Boat transport: Kekova can be reached by daily boat tours departing from Kaş or Demre.
Where to Stay in Kekova?
Accommodation in and around Kekova is usually in the form of hostels, boutique hotels and campsites. There are no big hotels, which preserves the naturalness of the region.
1. Kekova Boutique Hotel (Üçağız)
A small boutique hotel by the sea, with only 8 rooms in total, where you will feel the warmth of a family. It stands out with its beachfront location and friendly hosts Ali and Ümmühan. It is a great advantage to be within walking distance of the ruins of ancient Theimussa.
2. Kekova Theimussa (Kaleköy)
A cosy guesthouse by the sea. Guest rating is 8.8/10 with a ‘very good’ rating. It offers a garden, terrace, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. The beach view and proximity to the sea were especially praised by the guests.
3. Ankh Pension (Kalekoy)
A small boutique pension with sea view, located in Kaleköy. It has a high customer satisfaction rate of 9.5/10. A family-friendly option with a private beach, pool, terrace and bar. It provides easy access to the sea.
4. Ekin Pension (Üçağız/Kaleköy)
It has a 9.0 guest rating and offers clean and comfortable rooms. It is very close to the beach. Breakfast is served on the terrace with a sea view. Especially recommended for Lycian Way hikers.
5. Kekova Bakacak Pension (Demre / Üçağız region)
A small, family-run pension that stands out with its sea and nature views. 9.6 ‘outstanding’ guest rating. The breakfast and the garden with sea view were liked by the guests. Walking distance to Simena and Kekova harbour.
Bays and Beaches Where You Can Swim in Kekova
1. Shipyard Bay
Located in the north-west of Kekova Island, it takes its name from the ancient shipyard that remains there. It is ideal for both swimming and snorkelling. Historical remains can be seen even from the water's surface. Unlike the Sunken City area, swimming and snorkelling are permitted in this bay.
2. Aquarium Bay
It derives its name from its clear, glass-like water. It is a popular stop on Kekova boat tours. Perfect for snorkelling, this bay is teeming with marine life and fish, truly deserving of its name.
3. Gökkaya Bay
With its calm, blue waters, swimming in Gökkaya is both peaceful and allows you to witness the natural beauty of the surroundings. It is a popular choice for boats on tours.
4. Pirate's Cave
This bay, which attracts attention with its extremes, is a spot that can only be reached by snorkelling or canoeing, as large boats cannot enter. It is notable for its cool water and mysterious atmosphere.
5. Hamidiye Bay
Located between Kaleköy and Koyun Island, this bay has deep and calm waters. Historically, it is home to shipwrecks from the Balkan Wars. It is an interesting place to visit for its underwater remains from the past.
6. Üçağız (Theimioussa) Harbour Bay
The small harbour area of Üçağız offers calm waters and the opportunity to swim around ancient tombs. It is quite quiet in the morning; you can enter the sea from the harbour edge.
7. Kocakari Bay
A lesser-known bay but preferred by boats that stay overnight. It offers a wonderful natural environment with deep turquoise waters surrounded by olive and maquis vegetation.
8. Esmeralda, İnönü, Yağlıca, Burç Bays
In addition to more popular bays such as Tersane and Akvaryum, tours often stop at these small and quiet bays for swimming and snorkelling.
Kekova Cuisine: What to Eat?
Seafood is the main star in Kekova. Freshly caught fish, squid, prawns and Mediterranean herbs are served in fish restaurants in the region. In addition, homemade jams, olive oil appetisers and mixed breakfasts prepared with goat cheese offer an unforgettable experience.
Be sure to try it:
Pan-fried squid with lemon
Stuffed courgette blossom
Homemade ice cream with thyme scent
Lycian wine (made in vineyards in the region)
Activities to do in Kekova
Boat tours: The best way to visit Kekova. It can be organised by daily or private boats.
Lycian Way walk: Kekova is full of hiking routes for nature lovers.
Canoe tours: Travelling around the sunken city of Kekova by canoe is a unique experience. You can quietly approach places where motorised boats cannot reach.
Diving and snorkelling: Diving is forbidden in the sunken city, but you can explore the underwater world in the surrounding bays.
Photography: Especially at sunset, the view of Kaleköy and Kekova Island offers one of the best shots of the Mediterranean.
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