Kekova is a Lycian region that plays host to the ancient site of the infamous sunken city, in an area of outstanding natural beauty along the turquoise coast. Kekova, translating to ‘plain of thyme’, reflects the rolling hills surrounding the idyllic fishing harbour, prone to growing olive trees and thyme plants or ‘kekik’ in Turkish.
The small sleepy fishing village, now called Uçağiz, was once an important crusaders outpost for the Knights of St John in the Byzantine era and you can find sarcophagi littered amongst the olive groves and the remains of a castle here that was once built on the foundations of the Lycians who once dwelled here before.
Many a fishing boat line this stunning harbour front, waiting to take you across the azure bay to the island of Simena. Here you can climb up the rocky staircase to the ruins of another ancient castle, giving you an impressive view point out across this stunning region. Along the shores of Simena, lay the residential ruins that plundered in to the sea in the terrible earthquake of the 2nd century AD. Some of the ruins, including a staircase can still be seen emerging from the waters, or resting under the clear seas, giving the ruins their name of ‘the sunken city’.
The area of Kekova was put under protection in 1990, and maintains a sleepy charm and historic atmosphere. Lying just one hour away from Kalkan, we recommend a trip to this area of unbeatable beauty for a day of exploring on both land and sea. For more details on tours and trips, please speak to your Selective Breaks Representative.