Kekova's Hidden Harbor: A Day in Kaleköy (Simena) Between Sunken Ruins and Castle Steps
Float above a sunken city, climb a ruined castle, and taste village life on Turkey’s most poetic stretch of coast.
The first time you round the low headland and Kaleköy slips into view, the village reads like a watercolor memory: terracotta roofs and stone houses stacked against a green slope, a ruined castle perched above them like a weathered sentinel, and the sea—so clear it feels indecent—lapping at a shoreline of ancient pillars and half-submerged tombs. Boats from Kaş and Üçağız glide in with ease; fishermen haul nets; tourists tumble from dayboats to cool off in bays where the ruins fall away beneath your toes. Kaleköy (Simena) is at once a quiet village and a living museum, the kind of place where the present and the Lycian past press close together.
Trail Wisdom
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The water here is crystal clear and fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and avoid skin irritation when swimming.
Wear hybrid shoes
Choose footwear that grips wet decks and uneven stone steps—light hikers or sport sandals with a tread work best.
Time your visit
Aim for early-morning or late-afternoon boat departures to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Carry a dry bag
A small dry bag for phone, jacket and snacks keeps essentials safe during boat transfers and swims.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A quiet cove east of the village favored for late-afternoon swims
- •The small quay-side tea garden where fishermen gather after returning from sea
Wildlife
loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), varied seabirds including shearwaters
Conservation Note
Kekova and surrounding waters are protected zones—operators avoid anchoring in sensitive areas and locals emphasize low-impact tourism to preserve submerged ruins.
Kaleköy sits on the ruins of ancient Simena; earthquakes over centuries partially submerged parts of the town, creating the visible underwater archaeology.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: calmer seas, wildflower-lined walks, mild temperatures
Challenges: cooler water temps, some local businesses still gearing up for season
Spring offers mild weather and fewer boats—great for hiking the castle and early-season swims if you’re brave about the water.
summer
Best for: warm swimming, full boat services, long daylight hours
Challenges: crowds, strong midday sun
Peak season guarantees easy boat access and warm water, but plan for heat and higher visitor numbers.
fall
Best for: snorkeling in clear water, comfortable hiking, fewer crowds
Challenges: shortening days, some operators begin reducing schedules in late fall
Autumn mirrors spring’s advantages with warm seas and lighter crowds—ideal for day trips and photography.
winter
Best for: local life and solitude, birdwatching
Challenges: reduced boat services, cooler, windier weather
Winter turns Kaleköy into a quiet fishing village; many tourist services pause, but the atmosphere is intimate and authentic.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Mask & snorkelEssential
A well-fitting mask makes snorkeling over the submerged ruins far more rewarding than rentals.
Hybrid water shoesEssential
Grip for wet decks and rocky paths—essential for both boat transfers and the castle climb.
Reusable water bottle (1–1.5L)Essential
Stay hydrated on the sun-exposed quay and during hikes; many boats provide refills.
Light wind/rain layer
Useful for open-water crossings and cooler mornings or evenings.
Common Questions
How do I get to Kaleköy (Simena)?
Most visitors reach Kaleköy by boat from Kaş or Üçağız—day-boat charters and private gulets run regularly in season; there’s no road access for cars into the village.
Is it safe to swim over the sunken city?
Yes—water is generally calm and clear; swim within designated areas and follow your operator’s instructions to avoid disturbing archaeological remains.
Can I visit the castle?
Yes—the castle is accessible via a steep walk from the quay (rough cobbles and steps). Wear good shoes and allow 15–30 minutes to climb depending on fitness.
Are there places to eat in Kaleköy?
A few family-run restaurants and cafes sit on the quay; offerings are simple—fresh fish, salads and meze—and peak at lunchtime when boats return.
Do I need to book a boat in advance?
In high season it’s wise to reserve popular departures, especially private charters; public shared day trips can often be arranged the same day from Kaş.
Is Kaleköy protected? Can we anchor?
Much of the Kekova area is a protected archaeological site; anchoring and diving over some zones are restricted—follow local regulations and your skipper’s guidance.
What to Pack
mask and snorkel for clear-water viewing; hybrid water shoes for boat-to-shore transfers and cobbled climbs; reusable water bottle to stay hydrated; reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
Did You Know
Parts of the ancient town visible at Kekova were submerged by earthquakes and gradual sea-level changes during the classical and Byzantine eras; the site is now a protected archaeological and marine zone.
Quick Travel Tips
Book boat departures early in the day; carry cash for small quay restaurants; bring a small towel and swim shoes for rocky shorelines; ask local skippers about protected zones before swimming.
Local Flavor
Kaleköy’s rhythm is maritime and small-scale: family-run pensions, fishermen’s tea on the quay, and freshly grilled fish served with lemon and local herbs—an intimate taste of southern Anatolian coastal life.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest base: Kaş (30–45 min by boat); access: boat only; language: Turkish—basic English in tourist services; money: cash accepted at small eateries; water & swim stops included on most day-boat trips.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that follow no-anchoring practices, carry no single-use plastics, and brief guests on archaeological protections to help preserve fragile underwater heritage.
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