Kekova Sunken City — Boat Trips & Visitor Guide
A Lycian city drowned by earthquakes in the 2nd century AD, its walls and staircases still visible beneath clear water.
Kekova Sunken City: entrance fee Boat trip about €15–30 per person (Simena castle is a separate ticket, €4), opening hours Boats depart between 09:00 and 17:00; season April–October. Suggested time: 4–6 hours including the boat trip. Best time to visit: Morning departures — wind and swell pick up in the afternoon.
The Sunken City stretching along the north shore of Kekova Island is what remains of ancient Dolichiste. Major earthquakes in the 2nd century AD dropped the coastline and left part of the town underwater. Today, as the boat glides over it, stone staircases descending into the sea, house foundations and quay blocks stand out clearly.
Trips usually leave from the villages of Üçağız (ancient Teimiussa) and Kaleköy (Simena). The Byzantine castle above Kaleköy overlooks the whole bay and contains the smallest ancient theatre in Lycia, with sarcophagi standing in the water below. Swimming and diving over the sunken city are prohibited to protect it.
Kekova Sunken City entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | Boat trip about €15–30 per person (Simena castle is a separate ticket, €4) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Boats depart between 09:00 and 17:00; season April–October |
| Suggested time | 4–6 hours including the boat trip |
| Best time to visit | Morning departures — wind and swell pick up in the afternoon |
Fees for foreign visitors are from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism fee list; opening hours from muze.gov.tr. Check again shortly before your visit.
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How do I get to Kekova Sunken City?
There is no road to Kekova; you board at Üçağız or Kaleköy. Üçağız is about 190 km and three hours from Antalya, 25 minutes from Demre and 45 minutes from Kaş. Day trips also run from Demre's Çayağzı harbour and Kaş marina. Coming from Side or Manavgat, a stay in Kaş is far more comfortable than a single long day.
Distances and driving times to Kekova Sunken City
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 178 km · about 2 h 41 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 236 km · about 3 h 24 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 236 km · about 3 h 21 min by car |
| From Alanya | 297 km · about 4 h 4 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Kekova Sunken City
- Choose a glass-bottomed boat — the ruins are far clearer as you pass over them.
- The swimming stop is in neighbouring bays, not over the sunken city itself; pack swimwear anyway.
- Add Myra Ancient City the same day: it is 25 minutes from Demre.
Where is Kekova Sunken City?
Tours & tickets
Kekova Sunken City — frequently asked questions
Can you swim over the sunken city?
No. Swimming and diving are banned over the ruins for conservation reasons. Boats make their swimming stop in the surrounding bays.
How clearly can you see the ruins?
Wall foundations, staircases running into the sea and quay blocks are very distinct in the shallows. Visibility is noticeably better in the morning when the water is calmer.
How long is a Kekova trip?
Standard trips from Üçağız or Kaleköy last 4–6 hours; those leaving from Kaş marina are full-day outings of around eight hours.
How far is Kekova Sunken City from Side?
Kekova Sunken City is 236 km from Side by road — about 3 h 24 min by car without stops.
How far is Kekova Sunken City from Antalya Airport?
Kekova Sunken City is 178 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 2 h 41 min by car without stops.
