A Voyage into a Sunken Kingdom: Discovering the Magic of Kekova
Along the rugged southern coast of Turkey, nestled between the charming towns of Kaş and Demre, lies a region where time seems to have stood still. This is the realm of Kekova, a place of profound beauty and palpable history, where the stories of ancient civilizations are not confined to museums but are whispered by the wind and submerged just beneath the shimmering turquoise waters. A Kekova guide is more than a travel plan; it's a key to a living storybook, a journey into a world where medieval castles rise above Lycian tombs and the ghostly outlines of a sunken city lie waiting to be discovered.
To explore Kekova is to sail through a protected paradise. The entire region is a designated Specially Protected Area, a status that has preserved its pristine natural beauty and its incredible archaeological treasures. For the discerning traveler, a Kekova boat trip is the ultimate way to experience this magic. It's the freedom to glide silently over underwater ruins, to moor in a car-free village that has been inhabited for millennia, and to swim in ancient harbours. This is not just a destination; it's an immersion in a timeless kingdom, and a private yacht is your front-row seat to its wonders.
The Silent Storyteller: The Sunken City of Kekova
The star attraction and the most iconic image of the region is, without a doubt, the Sunken City of Kekova. This is not a myth or a legend, but the tangible remains of the ancient Lycian city of Dolchiste, which was partially submerged by a devastating earthquake in the 2nd century AD. The experience of visiting is both haunting and beautiful.
A Glimpse into a Lost World: The History of the Sunken City
As your yacht cruises slowly and silently along the northern shore of Kekova Island, you become an archaeologist of the eye. The water here is so exceptionally clear that you can gaze down and see the ghostly remnants of a once-thriving settlement. Stone foundations of houses, workshops, and public buildings are clearly visible just a few metres below the surface. Most poignantly, you can see ancient staircases that once led down from homes, now descending into the blue depths. Along the shoreline, half-submerged archways and the remains of the old harbour wall are powerful testaments to the cataclysm that changed this coastline forever.
A Window to the Past: Why It's Unique in Turkey
What makes the Sunken City so unique is the way you experience it. As it is a protected archaeological site, swimming, diving, or anchoring directly over the ruins is strictly forbidden to preserve them. This regulation has turned a visit here into a serene, almost reverent experience. Your yacht becomes a floating viewing platform, gliding over the ruins in respectful silence. This 'boat's-eye-view' of history is unique in Turkey and offers a powerful, non-invasive way to connect with a lost world. It's a highlight of any yacht charter in Kekova and a truly unforgettable moment.
The Castle on the Sea: The Timeless Charm of Kaleköy (Simena)
Rising from a small peninsula directly opposite Kekova Island is the enchanting, car-free village of Kaleköy, the modern-day incarnation of the ancient city of Simena. This is arguably one of the most picturesque and atmospheric spots in the entire Mediterranean. To arrive here by boat is to feel as though you have sailed into a different century.
A Village Untouched by Roads: Castle and Village Highlights
As you approach, the first thing you'll see is the magnificent Crusader-era castle crowning the hill, built upon the foundations of a much older Lycian fortification. The village itself is a charming jumble of old stone houses, draped in bougainvillea, that cascade down the hillside to the water's edge. What makes Kaleköy travel so special is the journey through it. You'll tie up at a small wooden jetty and begin your ascent through narrow, winding alleyways, past ancient Lycian sarcophagi that sit casually among the olive groves. The climb to the castle is rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Turkey, a 360-degree vista of the entire Kekova Sound. Inside the castle walls, you'll even find a tiny, 300-seat theatre-the smallest in Lycia-carved directly out of the rock.
A Taste of Tradition: Local Restaurants and the Charming Harbor
The waterfront of Kaleköy is lined with a handful of wonderful, family-run restaurants that are a destination in their own right. They have built small wooden jetties where visiting yachts can moor for the evening. Dining here is a magical experience. You can enjoy incredibly fresh, locally caught seafood and traditional mezes while sitting just inches from the calm, clear water. The village is also famous for its delicious, homemade ice cream, with flavours like peach, mulberry, and banana-the perfect treat after your climb to the castle.
Your Private Anchorages: The Best Bays Around Kekova
Beyond the famous landmarks, the region is dotted with beautiful and tranquil bays that are perfect for swimming, relaxing, and spending the night. These Kekova bays are the heart of the cruising experience.
A Trio of Tranquility: Üçağız Village, its Harbour, and Island
Just a short cruise from Kaleköy lies the village of Üçağız, the modern name for the ancient city of Teimussa. This is a rustic and authentic fishing village that serves as the main harbour for the region. The harbour itself, sheltered by the adjacent Üçağız Island, provides a perfectly calm and secure anchorage. The village is surrounded by a fascinating Lycian necropolis, with dozens of sarcophagi scattered across the hillside. It's a wonderful place to experience a slice of authentic Turkish coastal life.
Theatres of Nature: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Scenic Stops
The entire Kekova Sound is a playground for water lovers. The clarity of the water makes Kekova snorkeling a fantastic activity in almost every cove. Some of the most popular stops on a Kekova boat trip include:
Tersane Bay: Located on Kekova Island, this was once a Byzantine shipyard. You can swim and snorkel amongst the submerged ruins of the old settlement.
Akvaryum Bay: A stunning cove with water so clear and turquoise it feels like a natural swimming pool.
Gökkaya Bay: A large, protected bay with many inlets to explore, perfect for water sports and known for its rustic, boat-access-only bar.
Charting Your Course to Antiquity: How to Explore by Yacht or Boat
Anchors in History: Mooring Options and Regulations
In Kaleköy and Üçağız, mooring is typically done by taking a line ashore or tying up to the small jetties belonging to the waterfront restaurants. In the more natural bays, you will anchor freely. Remember your captain's instructions regarding the protected status of the Sunken City. A private gulet charter is the classic and most comfortable way to experience the leisurely pace of this historic region.
The Classic Itinerary: Sample Routes from Fethiye or Kaş
While Kekova can be visited on a day trip, a multi-day or week-long charter allows for true immersion. A popular itinerary is a one-week yacht charter from Fethiye that cruises east along the coast, dedicating several days to exploring the Kekova region before returning. Alternatively, charters can begin from the much closer hub of Kaş.
Choosing Your Moment: The Best Time to Visit the Kekova Region
To fully appreciate the serene atmosphere and to comfortably explore the ruins on foot, the shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October are ideal. The weather is beautiful, the sea is warm, and the summer crowds have thinned, allowing for a more profound and personal connection with this incredible landscape.
Your Journey Through Time: Charter Options via Göcek Yachting
Kekova is a destination that captures the imagination like no other. It is a place where every anchorage tells a story, and where the beauty of nature and the echoes of history are in perfect harmony. The only way to truly do it justice is on a private yacht, allowing you the time and freedom to explore its wonders at your own pace. For more inspiration, you can explore our full guide to Turkey's hidden coves and beaches.
Crafting a journey through such a special place is an art. At Göcek Yachting, we are experts in curating bespoke voyages that blend the iconic highlights with the quiet, hidden gems of the Kekova region. We can help you choose the perfect vessel and design an itinerary that allows you to experience the true soul of this living museum. When you are ready to embark on your own journey through time, we invite you to contact us.
