Kekova Sunken City

The northern shore of Kekova island carries the remains of Lycian settlements - Simena's neighbours - that subsided during earthquakes in the second century CE, so foundations, staircases cut in the rock, doorways and quay walls now run from the hillside straight down into and under the water. In calm conditions the submerged courses are clearly visible for several metres below the surface from a boat drifting along the shore, and sea kayaking the same stretch, which operators run from Üçağız, gets you closer and quieter. The water above the ruins is a protected zone: swimming, diving and anchoring over the site are prohibited and enforced, and boats keep to a marked channel. Nearby is Kaleköy, ancient Simena, a village with no road access under a castle with a tiny theatre cut into rock inside it, and Lycian sarcophagi standing in the shallows offshore. It is one of the most photographed stretches of this coast.

What you actually see

• The submerged walls - foundations and stairs running under water.
• The rock-cut steps - staircases ending below the surface.
• Simena castle - the fortress above roadless Kaleköy.
• The offshore sarcophagi - Lycian tombs standing in the water.

When to go

May to June and September to October, on a calm day - wind and chop make the ruins invisible. Mornings are stillest and least crowded.

Honest expectations

Swimming and diving over the sunken city are banned and enforced - you view from a boat or kayak only. On choppy days there is little to see. Boat fares are per vessel and negotiated at Üçağız.

Nearby

Kaleköy and Üçağız are the departure villages; Demre and the Church of St Nicholas are east.