(Turkish: Kekova island; English: Kekova island)

Candidate for the UNESCO List

Opening hours: daily, around the clock, however, it is not recommended to visit the island in the dark.

How to get there: Kekova Island can only be reached by water. To do this, you first need to get to the city of Kas. From May to October, a ferry runs from the city of Kas to the island of Kekova (journey time about 1 hour). You can also book a boat excursion in the local villages of Uchayz (aka Teimeussa) or Kalkan. Yacht cruises to Kekova are organized from almost anywhere on the Antalya coast.

Kekova Island is a small Turkish island in the Mediterranean Sea, near the city of Kas. The length of the coastline of the island of Kekova is only 19 km, the height above sea level in the central part of the island is 188 meters, the area of ​​the island is 4.5 square meters. km. The island has not had a permanent population since approximately 1850.

The name Kekova comes from the Luwian language and previously sounded like “Kavakuva”, which meant “Homeland of the goat”, from which we can conclude that there was a cult of the goat on the island of Kekova, and the island, from an early time, was the homeland of sacred animals, providing living space and a sacred place for their breeding. Here, to this day, goats of all stripes graze, and in large numbers. Many believe that locals bring them here for grazing.

Kekova Island is a real treasure trove for archaeologists. The shores of this long, narrow island are simply dotted with archaeological remains of antiquity. But, as a result of tectonic movements that led to the rise of the Western Taurus mountains, the ancient cities of the island sank under water.

The history of this area began long before our era. For many years, the bay of Kekova Island was considered the best bay.

The island was repeatedly attacked by pirates who created their own flotilla here. Over time, this territory began to be developed by civilians who were engaged in growing olives and fruits. It is also known that there were once quarries in these places - the local stone is quite soft and can be easily processed.

The northern part of the island still contains ruins ancient city Dolikhiste, part of which remained under water after the earthquakes. The strongest earthquakes that occurred in those days allowed some part of the island to go under water, and with it went most of cities. Local population left this earth.

Now the island looks deserted and abandoned, but once upon a time, life was seething here. The island was closely connected with other settlements in the region - the ancient cities of Simena and Tameoussa. In Kekova Bay, in ancient times, there was a shipyard, somewhere in the north-west of the island of Kekova. The town of Dolikhiste itself did not perish immediately after the natural disaster; for some time, it continued to exist as part of the Byzantine Empire.

In Byzantine times, this island was under siege by the Arabs, and already in the 13th century this territory was conquered by the Turks. At one time, the island of Kekova became the cause of a great dispute between the Turks and Italians, the latter had great views on Kekova. But, according to the 1932 Convention between Italy and Turkey, the island of Kekova remained owned by Turkey.

Now on the island, in its northern part, you can see ruined portals, steps, traces of destroyed piers and streets.

Through the amazingly clear water you can see the ruins of ancient buildings of the 4th-5th centuries AD - stone stairs, sidewalks, house walls, embankment.

Sailing on a yacht or pleasure boat, you have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the majestic ruins. Big interest represent the remains of former underground rooms, connecting walls and stairs, as well as later built-on ruins from small stone blocks of the ancient city of Dolikhiste.

Not far from the island of Kekova, in the very sea, there is the famous Lycian sarcophagus, which looks like an inverted boat - the main historical attraction.

And the greatest pride of this area is nature. The crystal clear sea, numerous bays and lagoons, amazing caves - all this provides the opportunity to sit on the shore for hours and admire this beauty.

Today, these places have become a real paradise for tourists. Kekova Island holds a history of events witnessed by silent landmarks.

Tours to Turkey – special offers of the day

Kekova Island is one of the most beautiful places Turkey. People come here for excursions among ancient ruins and amazing diving. Read more in our review.

Reviews from tourists about the excursion

Positive Negative

Among the advantages of a trip to the island of Kekova, tourists highlight the following points:

• Real ruins of old cities. An ideal place for history buffs;
• Very beautiful nature: bays, cliffs and crystal clear sea;
• If you go with a guide, you can learn many interesting facts.

• The sunken city from a yacht does not look as impressive as it is sometimes said;
• During the high season there are a lot of people, so sometimes the charm disappears;
• If it’s too hot, it can be difficult to enjoy a walk. It is better to stock up on water and sun protection in advance.

On the map of Turkey

Kekova Island is located in the province of Antalya, approximately 120 km from the resort of the same name. Nearest major locality- city of Kas. The area of ​​Kekova is only 4.5 square meters. km. The island is uninhabited. Known for interesting diving and the ruins of ancient cities, much of which is now under water.

Description of the island

The ancient city of Dolicheste is considered the oldest settlement on the island. In the 2nd century, as a result of an earthquake, it was destroyed and partially went under water. For a long time the island was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In the 13th century, the entire surrounding territory and the island itself fell under the rule of the Ottomans. For many years after the end of the First World War, the island was a disputed territory between Italy and Turkey. Kekova finally became part of the Turkish Republic only in 1932.

In 1990, the island of Kekova itself and the surrounding area, including the ruins of four ancient cities, received the status of a protected area where economic activity person. After some time, the ban on swimming and diving was lifted. Currently, tourists have the opportunity to sail around the island by boat, swim and scuba dive in the adjacent waters. Diving is prohibited only in areas located at the bottom of ancient tombs.

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to this place. The nearest international airport is located in Antalya. The distance from the airport to the island is about 120 km. You can get there by car or public transport to the city of Kas. Then take a ferry from Kas or Kalkan. Water transport runs from to. The cost of a round trip is 80-90 Turkish lira. Travel time is about 1 hour.

The most comfortable way is to travel as part of an organized tour. Excursions are offered in many agencies in Antalya, and others. The trip includes a glass bottom boat ride and swimming or diving around the island. Complex excursions are offered, during which tourists visit, in addition to Kekova, other attractions - the cities of Demre and Mira.

Excursions

Attractions

In the northern part of Kekova, the ruins of the ancient city of Dolikhiste, founded by the Lycians, are well preserved. After the earthquake it was destroyed and most of it sank under water. The remains of ancient structures can now be seen both on the shore and under water. Many houses were well preserved and completely submerged under water.

There are several other interesting attractions in the Kekova area. Opposite the island on the mainland are the villages of Kalekey and Uchayz.

Kalekey is now a small village. People first settled here almost 7 thousand years ago. Leftovers Lycian city Simena is located right on the territory of the modern village of Kalekey. On the hill you can see the remains of a Byzantine fortress, which later came under Ottoman control. At the foot of the walls there are ruins of an ancient temple. To the east of the fortification there is a necropolis with characteristic Lycian tombs resembling houses. On the territory of the fortress there is an ancient amphitheater carved into the rock. This is one of the smallest surviving ancient theaters.

The ruins are preserved on the shore and descend directly into the sea. Fragments of houses and other structures are often found on the personal plots of local residents.

In addition to the sunken ruins of ancient Dolikhiste, Uchagyz Koyu Bay is very picturesque. Here tourists explore the remains of Lycian tombs protruding from the water. Nearby is the settlement of Uchayz. Previously, the ancient Teimussa was located here. Lycian burials are well preserved. The ruins are located 800 meters east of the village of Uchayz. It is easy to get to Theimoussa on foot, along the picturesque Lycian path.

To the west of Uchayz are the remains of the Lycian city of Aperlai. It is located near the ancient Turkish port of Syucak. The remains of the fortress walls, ruins of temples, and fragments of columns are well preserved. Not far from the fortification are the ruins of a Byzantine church. Lycian tombs have survived to this day in in good shape. They are decorated with stone carvings and bas-reliefs.

Sunken City

There are no inhabitants and no tourist infrastructure on the island. Kekova is visited only for tourist purposes as part of day excursions. The most interesting entertainment -

Kekova is a sunken city on the southern coast of Turkey. Located next to modern city Demre. The city was founded by the Lycians a thousand years BC. In ancient times, Kekova was known as Dolihiste. Dolichiste sank as a result of a strong earthquake in the 2nd century BC. The bottom sank several meters and the coast of the city went under water. This is how the island of Kekova appeared. Nowadays, this sunken city is also called the island - Kekova. The remains of the sunken city can be seen not only underwater, but also on the coast of the island. That's where we went.

Helpful information

How to get to Kekova on your own

First, let's try to figure out whether it is possible to explore the sunken city and the island of Kekova on your own or is this only possible as part of an excursion. To explore the island of Kekova on your own, there are 2 options. In the first one, you still need to get to the port in Chalpat Bay and get on the excursion boat yourself. Difficulties may arise here, since boats usually fully book excursion groups and it is not a fact that they will want to take you with them.

The second option is more interesting. First you need to get to the coastal village of Uchagyz. Tourist buses with Europeans definitely go here. How to get here by bus from Demre can be found at the bus station. In general, if you are interested in such places, consider renting a car. It’s not too expensive, and if there are several of you and you plan to actively move around Turkey exploring various attractions, then it will even be profitable. You can rent a car at the airport or at resorts in Turkey inexpensively on the website.

From Uchagyz you will have to walk about 3 kilometers to Simena. In Simena you can rent a kayak. It's best to stay there overnight. Many hotels provide kayaks to their guests free of charge. Do not forget to calculate your strength, the minimum distance from Simena to Kekova is 800 meters. On the western side of the island, in the area opposite Uchagiz, there is a small beach where you can go for a walk around the area and explore the waters of Kekova with the sunken city. Please note that there is heavy traffic of tourist yachts in Kekova Bay, be careful.

Kekova Island on the map of Turkey

You can see where the island of Kekova and the sunken city of Dolihiste are located below on the map of Turkey.

Where to buy an excursion to the island of Kekova

1. From the tour operator. If you flew to Turkey with a large tour operator, then hotel guides will definitely offer you to purchase excursions. Among others, there will definitely be . The advantage of this option is that you don’t have to bother at all, the main disadvantage is the price. Tour operators usually have the highest prices.
2. On the street. Everything is simple here. Look for a travel agency on the street and buy a tour there. The disadvantages here will be lost time and communication with the Turks.
3. The best option where you can buy an excursion to the island of Kekova is the Internet. It is quite reliable and not expensive. For example, excursions in Turkey can be found on the website. You can also find a large selection of excursions around the cities of Turkey.

The closest way to get to the island is from Kemer, the farthest from Alanya.

Port in Chalpat Bay

We decided to go with the excursion option. Departure to Kekova for the sunken city takes place from the pier in Chalpat Bay. We got here from a 10 minute drive.

At 10.30 we were already surfing the open spaces Mediterranean Sea.

The easiest way to get on the ship is through an organized excursion.

Kekova Bay

The ship sails along Kekova Bay to the west along the coast. On the right we are guarded by the dull, shabby coastal spurs of the Taurus.

Along the shore there are remains of towers.

Kekova. Sunken city of Dolihiste

After 40 minutes we reach the ruins of a sunken city. Kekova is a small Turkish island with an area of ​​4.5 km. On the northern side of the island are the ruins of the sunken Lycian city of Dolichiste. In the 2nd century AD, as a result of an earthquake, most of the city was destroyed and went under water. The island of Kekova was formed.

For about 10 minutes we move parallel to the shore of the island, sailing along and over the ruins of Kekova.

Of course, you can’t make out anything in the water, despite the fact that it is quite clean and transparent.

Along the water you can see the remains of buildings, walls, stairs and other structures of Kekova.

Our pleasure boat has a small glass bottom, through which, sailing along Kekova, you can observe the ruins of a sunken city.

But from the sea, near the shore of Kekova, the skeletons of houses of the sunken city of Dolikhiste, or perhaps towers, protrude.

Kaleköy, Kekova. Remains of the ancient city of Simena

On the opposite side of Kekov you can see the remains of a fortress of the Knights Hospitaller, however, the fortress was built back in the Lycian period. This is the city of Simena. It was founded on the shores of the Kekova Bay in the 5th century BC.

Below, on the coast of Simena, is the village of Kalekoy with a small pier.

Kaleköy looks very nice; it would be interesting to go ashore here and climb the ruins of ancient Simena.

Sunken cities. From the Black Sea to the Bermuda Triangle Beletsky Alexander

Sunken city of Kekova, Türkiye

Kekova is the name of a small Turkish island near Demre in the Antalya province on the Turkish Mediterranean. It is located in front of the villages of Kalekoy (Simena) and Uchayz (Teimiousa). It has an area of ​​4.5 km2 and is uninhabited.

The island of Kekova is a real archaeologist's dream; so much interesting archaeological material has accumulated here over many centuries that it has not been possible to collect it all until now. The cities located here suffered the fate of the mythical Atlantis. Tectonic movements caused the earth to move, causing the Western Taurus Mountains to rise and some surrounding cities to be under water. People had to flee from here, taking only the most necessary things from their homes, which is why modern archaeologists were left with such a rich ancient layer.

Warm sea waves washing the shores run over the ruins of cities and Lycian tombs in the shape of an inverted boat, which stand in the water and are an eternal symbol of this shore. Kekova Island is the main destination on yachting routes. Visible through the water column, flooded in the 2nd century. BC e. the city makes a lasting impression on tourists. On the banks, the ancient fortress, towering above Calais, competes for the attention of tourists with a theater, ruins of fortress walls and the remains of ancient baths.

In Kekova Bay, more ancient burials of the Lycians are flooded - stone sarcophagi in the shape of a boat facing the sunrise. For funerals, the body was folded into the position of a fetus in the womb, and a coin was inserted into the deceased’s mouth - payment to the ferryman Charon for travel to the kingdom of the dead. A hole was cut out in the lid of the sarcophagus, through which the same eagle would take the soul to heaven. The boat is an unofficial symbol of Lycia, because the main occupations of this people were navigation and trade, in which the Turks excel to this day.

The Lycian state existed in Turkey between the 2nd millennium BC. e. and IV century AD e. and left the largest number of ancient monuments. Lycia (translated as “land of light”) received its name from its neighbors - the Anatolians. The Lycians' own language has not yet been deciphered. It is only known that these people mastered the technologies of writing, navigation, various crafts and money circulation. By the way, their more advanced, in our opinion, contemporaries - the Greek and Egyptian civilizations - introduced money much later.

The end of Lycia, alas, is sad: after the fall of Troy, on whose side the inhabitants of this country fought, the Hittites and ancient Persians (by the way, both of them are the ancestors of today’s Turks) surrounded Lycia. In order not to surrender to the enemy, the Lycians committed mass mystical self-immolation, finally leaving messages for their descendants that have not yet been solved.

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Kekova is rarely indicated on the map of Turkey. This island is so small that it is depicted only on topographic plans of the city of Kasha. The dimensions of this piece of land are simply tiny - only four and a half square kilometers. At the same time, it is one of the most visited islands in Turkey by tourists. What is it that attracts them so much? Our article will talk about this. We will tell you many secrets: how to get to Kekova, where to stay and what to see. But in order to see what you should, you need to know the history of this place. Without this, the island will remain in your memory as a rock dried by the sun and salt spray, like other uninhabited ones. We will tell you the story of Kekova, which ended in tragedy in the seventh century AD. But it was the earthquake that destroyed the ancient city (and noticeably “cut up” the area of ​​the island) that gave archaeologists such rich material for research.

How to get to Kekova

Many yacht excursions in Turkey (reviews on this issue are unanimous) include a visit to this island in their program. And a lone traveler is better off joining one of them. It is better that the excursion is not on an ordinary yacht or boat, but on a boat with a transparent bottom. They go here from Kemer. Ships also depart from other resorts on the Mediterranean Riviera of Turkey to Kekova. Sometimes trips are dedicated only to this island. But most often the excursion is called “Demre - Mira - Kekova” and involves visiting all these places in turn. The cost depends on the point of departure. For example, from Goynuk it costs about 25 dollars. But reviews claim that the sea excursion is worth the money. This price includes lunch and snorkel equipment rental. Separately, you need to pay extra for entrance to the Church of St. Nicholas in Myra. The island administratively belongs to the Turkish city of Kas. Ferries to the island run from May to October. Travel time is an hour, cost is 85 liras for a round trip.

Where to stay

The city of Dolihiste is also not on the map of Turkey. Officially, the island is considered uninhabited. However, in the summer (or rather, while the ferry is running), small family pensions with a gorgeous view from the windows operate on Kekova. They are very expensive and cater mainly to divers. Scuba diving in the waters of Kekova Island has been prohibited since 1990, when the ruins of the ancient sunken city were recognized as a state-protected area. But now this ban has been partially lifted. Swimming, and especially snorkeling with scuba gear, is only prohibited directly in the ruins of a sunken city. But in the vicinity of the island there are many other equally interesting dive sites. In addition to ancient cities, here you can swim on the decks and cabins of the Iberian Coast ship that sank in 2003.

Kekova Island (Türkiye): history

What happened here, why did the residents of the city, taking only the most necessary things, leave the island in such a hurry? To do this you need to know the history of these places. On the northern side of the island was the city of Dolikhiste, founded by the Lycians. It was advanced civilization. In the city there were two and even three-story houses, baths, water collection tanks, sewerage. During the time of Alexander the Great, the residents of Dolikhiste supported the young king. Archaeologists have established that at first only military men lived on the island and in the city. After all, Dolikhiste was a fortified port. The garrison families lived on a nearby island.

But after the campaigns of Alexander the Great, Dolikhiste turned into a full-fledged city. Beautiful buildings decorated with mosaics began to be built. The first cataclysm occurred in the second century AD. The city was significantly damaged, and part of the island went under water. But life did not stop here. Although the heyday is over. Christianity even came to the city. At the southern tip of the island of Kekova you can see the preserved apse of a Romanesque basilica. But in the seventh century the city came to an end. A new earthquake, even more powerful, completely destroyed Dolihiste. Residents fled in fear and never returned to their homes.

Further history of Dolihiste

For some time, the depopulated island was inhabited by Hermites - Christian hermits. The island officially belonged to Byzantium. But between the first and second earthquakes, the city had already lost its former significance. In addition, these lands became the target of attack by the Arabs.

And in the 13th century the island was conquered by the Turks. They named him Karavola. But no one inhabited the ruins of the half-submerged city. This was another gift to archaeologists. After all, when new houses are built on ancient ruins (often from old building materials), it is then difficult to determine how it all looked in ancient times. And here a small piece of land passed along with the mainland coast from one state to another, but neither side of the military conflicts really used it.

After World War I, the island of Kekova and its sunken city became the subject of disputes between Turkey and Italy. According to the 1932 Convention, this territory was ceded to the first state.

Modern Kekova Island

It’s strange, but archaeologists have not yet studied these places sufficiently. Excavations were carried out, but somehow sporadically. To protect these priceless artifacts from “black archaeologists,” the Turkish government banned swimming and diving there. But this limitation applies only to a small area. However, the sunken city of Dolihiste cannot be called such in the full sense of the word. Some part of it, albeit insignificant, rises above the surface of the water. The island after the earthquake is a narrow strip of land stretching for seven kilometers. The highest point is 188 meters above sea level. But many attractions were under water.

What can you see today

Some cities are very ancient. But you won’t notice this under the asphalt of the new boulevards. Is it worth going somewhere to see the sign “There was a medieval rampart here” or a modern reconstruction of an ancient gate? But this is not the case with Kekova Island! The sunken city appears before the eyes of amazed tourists in all its ancient splendor.

Dolihiste occupied a small mountain. Therefore, its upper part did not sink, but still rises above the surface of the water. Street-staircases go into depth in steps. The sea here is so transparent that you can see all the artifacts resting on the bottom. And the earthquake caused a considerable depth - seven meters near the very shore of the island. A ship with a transparent bottom floats over the main street of the city. She once walked along the side of a hill. You can see baths with washing cabins, ruins of houses and even tiled fragments of amphorae in which residents stored olive oil and wine. Very close to the shore, at shallow depths, you can see the port. The harbor was once protected from storms by a stone breakwater in the shape of the letter L. Sailing over the city, you can see statues, sidewalks, and embankments.

Diving

We mentioned that diving near Dolihiste is strictly prohibited. But this is not the whole island of Kekova (Türkiye). As a result of earthquakes, interesting underwater caves were formed. There are several interesting dive sites here.

When Yves Cousteau was filming his famous series, near Kekova he found the remains of an ancient ship that plied the waters of the Mediterranean Sea back in the 14th century BC. A priceless artifact was raised from the bottom.

But divers have a new object for research - a 72-meter-long ship that sank in 2003. At the dive site The Wall, in addition to interesting marine life, you can see almost complete antique amphorae.

There are many cliffs and caves in Antrum. The most interesting of them is Blue, with many passages and halls filled with a marvelous blue color.

If you drive away from the island of Kekova (Turkey), you will find yourself in the Lighthouse diving site. Here you can also see many amphorae, anchors, and other artifacts from antiquity. Colorful fish, crabs, octopuses and turtles can be seen at sites off the southern tip of the island.

Ancient heritage

The sunken city on Kekova is not the only historical attraction of these regions. On the shore of the mainland, not so far from Dolikhiste, there were other ancient cities: Simena (now the village of Kalekoy), Teimussa (Uchayz) and Aperlai. They survived earthquakes, but from large cities they turned into small villages.

Scientists give Kaleköy seven thousand years. The Lycian necropolis has only partially sunk, and the lids of the tombs of ancient Simene can be seen sticking out above the water. The Roman amphitheater in this city was carved right into the rock. The ruins of a pagan temple have also been preserved. And on the top of the hill rises a Byzantine fortress.

Lycian sarcophagi can be viewed for free in Uchayz. To do this, you need to walk less than a kilometer east from the village.

In the bay of the city of Kasha there is another ancient city - the once powerful Aperlai. Since then, the ruins of the fortress, walls, columns and sarcophagi, decorated with inscriptions and bas-reliefs, have reached us. The Byzantine Empire left its mark here in the form of the ruins of a church and three watchtowers square shape.