Kekova is one of the beautiful spots on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, famous for its sunken city ruins and turquoise coves. Many travelers going on daily boat tours to Kekova assume that this scenic area is part of Kaş. However, the truth is that Kekova belongs to the Demre district of Antalya, not Kaş. Let’s clear up the Kaş vs. Demre confusion and see what a Kekova boat tour has to offer.
Where Exactly is Kekova?
Kekova Island is a small, rocky island just off the shore of Demre in Antalya province. It spans about 4.5 square kilometers and is completely uninhabited, so any guesthouses or cafes touted as being “in Kekova” are actually located across the water in Kaleköy on the mainland. Kaş is about 36 km west of this area, while Demre is about 33 km to the east. Üçağız village – the main harbor for Kekova boat tours – is almost equal distance from both Kaş and Demre. This geography makes it easy to see why visitors often think Kekova is in Kaş, even though administratively Kekova falls under Demre’s jurisdiction.
Why the Confusion with Kaş?
The misconception mostly comes from Kaş’s popularity and its tour offerings. Many daily boat tours to Kekova are advertised out of Kaş, since Kaş is a well-known tourist base. It’s common for day-trip itineraries to start in Kaş, include Kekova (often with a short drive to Üçağız to catch the boat), and return to Kaş by evening. Because of this, some travel websites and guides describe Kekova as if it’s part of the Kaş region. In reality they’re just referring to the tour route rather than official boundaries. However, make no mistake – Kekova is officially part of Demre district of Antalya.
Üçağız and Kaleköy
To truly understand Kekova boat tours, you should know about Üçağız and Kaleköy (Simena), two charming spots often included in these trips. Üçağız, a small fishing village in Demre, serves as the main launching point for Kekova tours (many trips start from Üçağız harbor, while others depart from Kaş).
Kaleköy (ancient Simena) is a tiny mainland village across from Kekova Island, accessible only by boat. It features a medieval hilltop castle offering panoramic views of Kekova’s turquoise waters and partly submerged ruins. When you climb up to the fortress at Kaleköy, you’ll gaze out over a breathtaking vista of Kekova Island and its sparkling bays, a sight you won’t soon forget.
Highlights of a Kekova Boat Tour
A typical daily boat tour blends history, nature, and relaxation. The star attraction is the Sunken City, an ancient Lycian settlement that partially sank into the sea after earthquakes in the 2nd century. As your boat glides over the ruins, you can peer down through the clear water at stone walls, staircases, and foundations beneath the waves. This area is a protected heritage site, so boats are not allowed to stop for swimming directly above the sunken city. You’ll still be able to take photos and marvel at the ruins from the boat as your guide points them out.
Aside from the sunken city, boat tours make several leisure stops. You’ll drop anchor in beautiful coves with crystal-clear water – perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkel. Kekova’s coast is famous for its unique coves and clear azure waters that captivate every visitor. Popular stops include scenic bays such as Tersane or Gökkaya – perfect for a swim (sometimes alongside sea turtles). Almost all tours also include lunch onboard, so you can enjoy fresh Turkish mezze and grilled fish while anchored in a beautiful bay.
Another highlight is visiting Simena (Kaleköy) during the tour. You’ll usually get a chance to go ashore at Kaleköy, climb up to the castle, and look down at the panorama of Kekova and even see Lycian sarcophagus tombs standing in the water below. You can also wander the little village, perhaps tasting some homemade ice cream or lemonade. The blend of ancient history and seaside charm in Kaleköy is truly unique.
Conclusion
Kekova is a must-see destination on the Turquoise Coast – a place where natural beauty meets ancient history. Now you know that while many people associate it with Kaş, this sunken-city paradise actually belongs to Demre. Whether you set sail from Kaş or Üçağız, a daily boat tour to Kekova will reward you with sunken ruins, secret coves, and unforgettable views. Don’t miss the chance to explore this unique corner of the Mediterranean on your next trip!
References:
Daily Sabah – Özge Şengelen, “Following traces of a sunken city: On the isle of Antalya’s Kekova”
This is Antalya – “Kekova Island Sunken City” (travel blog, 2023)
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