Kekova Bay

A boat trip in Kekova Bay is one of the musts of the region. The chance to enjoy superb landscapes, crystal-clear waters and astonishing remains of the past.

We recommend that you complete the visit by discovering the Church of St Nicholas at Demre and of the ancient site of Myra.

Practical information:

You have several possible departure points for setting off to discover Kekova Bay on a cruise, including:

From Demre: if you have visited the ancient ruins of Myra, you will very probably be approached by touts who will offer you a mini-cruise and direct you to the landing stage. Otherwise you can make your way to the harbour of Andriake, 2 km from the centre of Demre in the direction of Kaş/Fethiye.

From Kaş: this small town is not lacking in charm, with its old Ottoman houses and its restaurants. By asking at the tourist office or by going to the harbour, you can take advantage of the many boat excursions, including to Kekova Bay.

From Üçağız: this very small village, typical of the seaside, lies opposite Kekova. There too you will find many possibilities for boat excursions.

Be careful: it is forbidden to drop anchor and to swim in the areas where the remains of the submerged ancient cities are present.

History of Kekova:

The Kekova region was occupied from Antiquity, a protected place because of the difficulty of access by land. The Lycians and then the Greeks built and developed towns there.

In the 2nd century, an earthquake caused a subsidence of the ground and the submergence of several harbours and cities of the region. It is these remains, in particular those of the ancient city of Simena, that you will be able to discover immersed in the water.

The region was then under Byzantine control before being occupied by the Arabs. With the exception of a few observation posts, the region was then abandoned.

Worth a visit:

At the start, the clear and shallow waters of the old harbour will allow you to see the large sea turtles, which are now, fortunately, protected.

The shores of Kekova Bay were partly submerged by the sea following the subsidence of the ground.

These islets were then abandoned, and as you sail along them you will be able to see, also under the water, the ruins of these houses, chapels, small forts or tombs.

The view of the small villages of Teimiussa and Kaleköy and of the island of Kekova is enchanting.