Kekova Sunken City & Simena Guide
Plan Kekova and Simena with the protected Sunken City rules, current Simena Castle hours, boat and kayak options, what to see, swim-stop expectations and easy combinations with Myra and Saint Nicholas Church.
Kekova is a coastal region, not just one sunken ruin.
Kekova is the name used for a beautiful protected coastal area west of Demre and east of Kas. It includes Kekova Island, turquoise bays, the partly submerged ancient remains known as the Sunken City, and Simena — modern Kalekoy — opposite the island.
For first-time visitors, the strongest experience is usually a boat or sea-kayak route that slowly passes the submerged shoreline and then stops at Kalekoy. From there, climb to Simena Castle for the wide view over Kekova, the village, sarcophagi and the island.
Allow a full day if travelling from Kas, Kalkan or Demre and including several swim stops. A short private boat from Ucagiz can make the experience more compact if you are already staying nearby.
Five reasons Kekova works so well as a full coastal day.
Sunken City shoreline
Along the north side of Kekova Island, ancient earthquakes left parts of the settlement partly below the water. From the boat you can pick out stairs, walls, house remains and old harbour structures close to the clear surface.
Simena Castle
The hilltop castle above Kalekoy gives the clearest big-picture view of Kekova. The climb is worth allowing time for rather than treating the village only as an ice-cream stop.
Tiny rock-cut theatre
Inside the fortified area is a small theatre carved into the natural rock. The official museum description notes seven seating rows and capacity for roughly 300 people.
Lycian sarcophagi
Stone tombs appear around the slopes and shoreline, including the famous sarcophagus standing in shallow water near Kalekoy — one of the most recognisable images of the region.
Protected bays
Good boat itineraries balance archaeology with swimming in permitted nearby coves such as Gokkaya and other sheltered bays. The exact stops depend on weather, season and operator.
Look at the Sunken City — do not swim or dive over the protected ruins.
Official GoTurkiye guidance states that swimming and diving are not allowed at the Sunken City site. This protects the archaeological remains and explains why boats normally slow down and pass the ruins without letting passengers enter the water there.
This does not mean a Kekova boat day has no swimming. Tours usually make separate swim stops in permitted bays away from the protected archaeological zone.
Sea kayaking can give a lower, closer viewing angle, but protected-area rules still apply. Follow the guide or captain and never climb onto ruins or remove anything from the coast or water.
Simena Archaeological Site is currently listed 08:00–20:00 daily.
The current official Turkish Museums page for Simena Archaeological Site lists 08:00 opening, 20:00 closing and 19:30 ticket-office closing, with the site open every day.
The listed hours apply to the ticketed archaeological area around Simena Castle — not to the sea itself. Boat departure times are set by individual operators and weather/sea conditions.
Kalekoy has no normal road access into the village centre. Most visitors arrive by boat, while hikers can approach through local paths. For a simple first visit, boat access is the easiest option.
Official Simena visitor page →Kas, Ucagiz and Demre each create a different Kekova day.
Full-day boat trip
A popular choice if you stay in Kas. Expect a longer cruise with several bays, Sunken City viewing and usually time at Kalekoy. Check whether hotel transfer is included or you meet at the harbour.
Small local boat
Driving to Ucagiz puts you much closer to Kekova. This is useful for shorter private or small-boat trips and gives more control over time around Simena.
Closer water-level view
Sea-kayak trips can be excellent for active travellers because you move slowly and sit close to the surface. Choose a licensed local operator and respect all protected-zone rules.
History + boat day
Combine a Kekova cruise with Myra and Saint Nicholas Church if you want the strongest archaeology-and-coast day. It is busy, so start early and avoid tours that rush every stop.
Choose based on where you are staying and how much history you want.
Best for a relaxed sea day
If you are already in Kas or Ucagiz, a dedicated boat day keeps the focus on bays, swimming, Sunken City viewing and Kalekoy rather than road transfers.
Best for Myra + Kekova
An organised full-day route can make transport easier if you want the Sunken City, Simena and Myra together. Always compare actual stop times before booking.
Kekova, Demre & Myra day trip from Kas
This tour includes Kekova Sunken City viewing, free time around Simena/Kalekoy, swimming stops and a Myra visit. Check the live itinerary, inclusions and archaeological entrance fees before booking.
Check current tour →Affiliate link: Going2Turkey may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Build the western Antalya coast into one route.
Myra Ancient City
See the Lycian rock tombs and Roman theatre in Demre before or after your Kekova cruise.
Saint Nicholas Church
Add the major Byzantine and pilgrimage site connected with Saint Nicholas of Myra.
Suluada Island
Choose Suluada for a more swimming-focused island day; choose Kekova when archaeology matters as much as the water.
Kas travel guide
Use Kas as a base for Kekova boat trips, coastal drives, beaches and the western Lycian coast.
Kekova and Simena questions.
Can you swim in the Kekova Sunken City?
No. Official GoTurkiye guidance says swimming and diving are not allowed at the protected Sunken City site. Boat tours use separate nearby bays for swimming.
What are the current Simena Castle opening hours?
As reviewed in September 2026, the official Turkish Museums listing shows 08:00 to 20:00 daily, with the ticket office closing at 19:30.
How do I get to Kekova and Simena?
Most visitors come by boat from Kas, Ucagiz or the Demre/Andriake area. Sea-kayak tours are another option. Kalekoy does not have normal road access into the village centre.
Is Kekova the same as the Sunken City?
No. Kekova is the wider coastal region and the name of the island. The Sunken City refers to the partly submerged ancient remains along the island's northern shore.
How long do I need for Kekova?
Plan a full day for a standard cruise from Kas or a Demre history-and-boat combination. A private or small local boat from Ucagiz can be shorter.
Can I visit Kekova, Myra and Saint Nicholas Church in one day?
Yes. It is a common full-day Demre route, but it can feel rushed. Check the actual time allowed at Myra, Saint Nicholas Church and Kalekoy before choosing a tour.