The Sunken City of Kekova
The Sunken City of Kekova on the Antalya coast in Turkey
The Sunken City of Kekova is located off the northern shore of Kekova Island on the stretch of coast between Demre and Kas, opposite the villages of Ucagiz and Kalekoy. This area on Antalya’s Mediterranean coast is known for its combination of მშვიდ бухт, small islands, and archaeological sites associated with ancient Lycia.
Underwater and along the shoreline, the ruins of an ancient settlement, usually identified with Dolichiste, have been preserved here. After strong earthquakes, part of the built-up area sank beneath the water, and today in the clear sea it is possible to make out the outlines of walls, building foundations, stairways, fragments of quays, and other coastal structures.
The site is interesting because the ancient remains can be seen in a natural marine environment, without museum display cases or reconstructions. Visits are mainly conducted from the water, as the area is part of a protected natural and archaeological zone. People usually come here for a boat trip, a kayaking excursion, or a sea tour along the island’s shore.
Kekova attracts those interested in history, archaeology, and the landscapes of the Lycian coast. It is not a separate museum city, but an archaeological site in the open sea, where the main impression is created by the clear water, the proximity of the ruins, and the clearly visible line of the ancient coastal development.
The Sunken City of Kekova on the map
The Sunken City of Kekova: exploring the ruins by boat and kayak
Visits take place by boat or kayak, and the ruins are visible in the clear water.
Ancient ruins visible underwater near the island’s shore
During a boat trip near the island, you can see the stone foundations of houses, steps descending into the water, sections of walls, and the remains of coastal infrastructure. They are best seen in calm weather and good lighting, when the water is especially clear. Swimming and diving in the protected zone itself are restricted, so visiting the site usually takes place from the deck of a tour boat or a kayak.
Routes around Kekova often run along the island’s northern shore, moving slowly past the ruins so that passengers can examine the details. Glass-bottom boats help visitors see the underwater fragments more closely, while kayaks allow for quieter movement and a more careful look at the coastline. This format of visit is better suited to observation and photography than to a long stop in one place.
Nearby are the village of Ucagiz, Simena Castle in Kalekoy, and Lycian sarcophagi standing by the water and on the slopes. These places are often included in one trip around Kekova Bay, since they are located close to one another and are linked by a common historical context.
People usually head to the sunken city by boat from Ucagiz or Kalekoy, while the villages themselves are most conveniently reached by road from Demre or Kas. Independent exploration from land is limited, so it is more practical to choose a sea excursion or rent a kayak in the nearest harbor in advance.
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