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Kekova Island, which is located in the Kaş district of Antalya and shines like a hidden pearl in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, is not only a natural wonder; it is also a magical historical journey that carries traces of the past to the present. Easily accessible from Kaş via Üçağız or Kaleköy, Kekova offers its visitors an unforgettable experience with both its natural beauties and archaeological remains.
Kekova takes its name from the surrounding area. In fact, there is no settlement on the island itself. In this respect, it has largely preserved its naturalness and virginity. With its declaration as a protected area in the 1990s, construction was completely prohibited and this decision has become one of the fundamental elements that form the peaceful atmosphere of Kekova today.
Its most fascinating feature is undoubtedly the ruins known as the “Sunken City”. This city, dating back to the ancient Lycian period, was submerged under water as a result of earthquakes that occurred centuries ago. When you approach the shore of the island by boat, you can see the foundations of houses, stairs and various structures under the sea with the naked eye. This unique view takes visitors on a journey through time.
Since the Kekova area is a protected archaeological site, swimming or diving in the Sunken City area is strictly prohibited. This restriction is of great importance for the preservation of the historical texture. However, this situation does not negatively affect the Kekova experience. On the contrary, thanks to this ban, the region has survived to the present day without losing its natural and historical beauty.
There are still many alternatives for those who want to swim around Kekova. Tersane Bay is one of the most popular swimming spots in this sense. Boats can anchor here and visitors can cool off in the turquoise waters.
Kekova tours usually include a stop at Kaleköy. Formerly known as Simena, this village can only be reached by sea. The historical castle at the top of Kaleköy draws attention with its Lycian-era tombs and city wall ruins. When you climb to the top of the castle, the view of Kekova is breathtaking. This unique view offers a shot that should not be missed, especially at sunset for photography enthusiasts.
It is possible to explore Kekova with boat tours organized every day from Kaş. These tours usually start in the morning and continue until the evening. During the tour, there are swimming breaks in several bays, you can walk in Kaleköy and historical information is given by a guide while passing by the Sunken City coast. Glass-bottomed boats are a great choice for those who want to see the ruins under the sea more clearly.
Kekova is not only historical, but also a paradise for nature lovers. In this region where there is a high probability of encountering Caretta carettas and seagulls soaring in the sky, you feel the peace of being alone with nature to your core. Jumping off the boat and cooling off, then lying in the sun, inhaling the scents of thyme and sage is one of those rare experiences that make you feel that time has slowed down.
