{"id":1942,"date":"2021-04-02T18:24:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T16:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/?page_id=1942"},"modified":"2021-06-18T19:14:14","modified_gmt":"2021-06-18T17:14:14","slug":"kekova","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/antalyatouristinformation.com\/d\/things-to-do\/islands\/kekova\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Kekova Island in Demre: Boat Tours, History, and Tourist Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kekova Island is a very popular destination that attracts many tourists every year. It’s Turkey’s <\/strong>largest island in the <\/strong>Mediterranean<\/b>.<\/p>\n

The Island of Kekova <\/strong>and the sunken city<\/strong>, are among the most visited places <\/strong>in the Mediterranean, both are unique historical locations<\/strong> underwater and on land.<\/p>\n

You can visit this area with daily excursion boats and it has the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean as well.<\/p>\n

In this article, you’ll find the details you need to know before visiting the island, including attractions, history, mysterious ruins, tours, and many other tourist tips.<\/p>\n

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What Can I Do on Kekova Island?<\/h2>\n

Kekova Island is a natural beauty, covering about 4.5 square kilometers. The region’s name comes from the island of Kekova, and it stretches across the towns of Kalek\u00f6y (<\/strong>Simena<\/strong><\/a>) <\/strong>and \u00dc\u00e7a\u011f\u0131z (Teimioussa)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There has been no permanent population on the island since about the 1850’s. Although, it’s possible to see many yachts anchored in this area for weeks as it is a very popular destination for sailors, with its unspoiled nature.<\/p>\n

There are many interesting places waiting to be discovered in the Kekova region, such as the ruins of Simena<\/strong> and Teimussa <\/strong>and the ruins of the ancient cities of Aperlai <\/strong>and Dolihiste.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunken City (Dolichiste)<\/h3>\n

You should definitely see the sunken city<\/strong> on the north side of the island overlooking Kalek\u00f6y. The ruins of the old streets and buildings are under the water and can be seen prominently. It’s believed that the ancient city<\/strong> was submerged in the 2nd century BC as a result of a large earthquake (like Aperlai and Simena).<\/p>\n

Tersane<\/h3>\n

Tersane was a former naval shipyard in ancient times<\/strong>. You can see the underwater ruins of a Byzantine church as well. Tersane bay is located on the northwest part of the island. Excursion boats usually stop there to swim and observe. <\/p>\n

The reflection of the sunlight in the blue cave, which is large enough to enter by boat, creates wonderful views.<\/p>\n

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Entrance, Tickets, and Tours<\/h2>\n