Hotels near Kekova Island and Simena

Kekova is an uninhabited island off Turkey's western Mediterranean coast, famous for the partially submerged ruins of the ancient city of Dolchiste visible through the clear water. Earthquakes in the 2nd century AD sank the settlement, and today you can see staircases, walls, and doorways just beneath the surface as your boat glides over them. Swimming directly over the ruins is prohibited (it is a protected archaeological zone), but the surrounding bays are open for swimming stops.

Most Kekova trips also stop at the village of Simena (Üçağız), a car-free hamlet accessible only by boat or a 45-minute walk from the nearest road. A Crusader castle crowns the hilltop and contains one of the world's smallest ancient theatres (just seven rows). Kekova is 190 km southwest of Antalya (about 2.5 hours by car to the departure point at Üçağız or Kaş). Day-trip boats cost TRY 700-1,400 (EUR 20-40) per person including lunch. Organised tours from Antalya run EUR 50-70 including transport.

Pro Tip: Take a boat from Üçağız village rather than Kaş - the trip is shorter and you get more time at the sunken city and Simena. Bring a snorkel mask for the swimming stops; the water clarity here rivals anything in the Greek islands.