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Kekova is a magnificent region full of historical riches and natural wonders, offering visitors an unforgettable travel experience. With the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, historical ruins and calm bays, this special place is an attractive destination for both sea and history enthusiasts. This guide we have prepared for those planning a Kekova trip includes all the details about the region.
Where is Kekova, where is it connected?
Kekova is a historical region covering an island and the surrounding coastal area connected to the Kaş district of Antalya in southwest Turkey. Known for its magnificent views of the Mediterranean and crystal clear waters, Kekova is especially famous for its underwater historical and natural beauties. Kekova island and its surroundings are located approximately 180 km from Antalya city center and 35 km from the Kaş district. In addition, the region is very close to the Demre district.
How to Get to Kekova?
Kekova is connected to the Kaş district of Antalya and is a region famous for its natural and historical beauties. There are several different routes and methods to reach Kekova. Depending on where you start your journey and your preferences, you can use land, sea and air options. Here are the most common ways to reach Kekova:
From Antalya: 180 km (approximately 3 hours) – D400 highway
From Kaş: 35 km (approximately 45 minutes) – D400 highway
From Dalaman Airport: 2-2.5 hours
Closest Point: Üçağız Village (from here you can reach Kekova by boat)
The closest airports to Kekova are Antalya Airport and Dalaman Airport.
Antalya Airport: You can rent a car or get a transfer service to reach Kekova, which is approximately 180 km away from Antalya city center, from Antalya Airport. You can reach Kekova in approximately 3 hours by following the D400 highway with the car you will rent from the airport.
Dalaman Airport: You can also reach Kekova via Dalaman Airport. You can reach Kekova by going from the airport towards Kaş and taking a journey of approximately 2-2.5 hours.
It is quite easy to reach Kekova by road. You can go to Kekova by private car or bus, especially from the surrounding cities and big cities.
By Private Vehicle: It is quite practical to reach Kekova by private car from Antalya or Kaş. Those who set off from Antalya will follow the D400 highway and proceed westwards and see the signs for Demre. After reaching Demre, you can reach Kekova in approximately 30-40 minutes by following the signs for Kekova and Üçağız Village. Those who set off from Kaş can reach Kekova in approximately 45 minutes by using the D400 highway again and proceeding towards Üçağız Village.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from Antalya and the surrounding cities to Kaş or Demre. First, you can reach Kaş or Demre by bus and then take minibuses to Üçağız Village. Üçağız Village is the closest land point to Kekova.
Reaching Kekova by sea is one of the most popular ways to visit the region.
Boat Tours: Boat tours organized from Kaş or Demre are the most enjoyable way to visit Kekova. You can explore Kekova Island and the surrounding bays with daily boat tours organized from Kaş. Likewise, it is possible to reach Kekova by boats departing from Çayağzı Port in Demre. Boat tours usually start in the morning and continue throughout the day.
By Boat from Üçağız Village: Üçağız Village is the closest settlement to Kekova. After reaching Üçağız by land, you can go to Kekova Island with small boats departing from here. Boats departing from Üçağız take you to Kekova's bays, Sunken City and Tersane Bay.
You can easily plan your transportation to Kekova according to your preferences and location and start exploring this uniquely beautiful region.
Where Does the Name Kekova Come From?
The name Kekova dates back to ancient times. It is thought that the origin of the name is based on the word "Kekova" in the Lycian language, meaning "flat roof". This name may have been used to describe the flat and wide structure of the island. Over time, Kekova came under the rule of various civilizations and its name has been preserved and has survived to the present day.
Where and What to Eat in Kekova?
You can find unique flavors of seafood and fresh Mediterranean cuisine in Kekova and its surroundings. Especially the restaurants in Üçağız Village offer visitors a delicious experience with fresh seafood and local appetizers. The venues in Kaleköy offer both the opportunity to eat with a sea view and serve local flavors prepared with herbs collected from the thyme-scented mountains. In addition, village breakfasts are also quite famous; you can start the day with a breakfast full of organic olives, goat cheese and homemade jams.
What to Do in Kekova? Activities in Kekova
Kekova offers many activity options, especially for nature and sea lovers. Here are the activities you can do in Kekova:
Boat Tours: Kekova is one of the most beautiful regions where you can join boat tours to explore the surrounding bays and historical ruins. You can visit the sunken city ruins, Tersane Bay and Simena Castle with boat tours departing from Üçağız Village or Kaş.
Diving: Diving in the clear waters of Kekova is a great option for those who want to see the historical and natural beauties underwater up close. The sunken city ruins in particular offer an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts.
Swimming and Snorkeling: The pleasure of swimming and snorkeling in the quiet bays of Kekova is completely different. Tersane Bay and Aquarium Bay are ideal places to swim in crystal clear waters and observe underwater life.
Where to Stay in Kekova?
Boutique hotels and guesthouses stand out among the accommodation options in Kekova. You can find simple and friendly accommodations, especially in Üçağız Village, surrounded by nature. In addition, the guesthouses in Kaleköy are also preferred for their magnificent views and historical atmosphere. While staying in Kekova, you can have a peaceful holiday in nature and history, and enjoy the day by entering the sea from your hotel's pier.
Kekova Boat Tours
Kekova boat tours are one of the most popular activities in the region. Daily boat tours departing from Kaş, Demre or Üçağız Village take you to the unique bays and historical riches of Kekova. You can visit places such as the ruins of the sunken city, Tersane Bay, Simena Castle and Aquarium Bay on these tours. Boat tours usually start early in the morning and end in the evening. There are swimming breaks during the journey and you can enjoy swimming in the cool waters of the Mediterranean.
Kekova Beaches: Enjoy the Sea in Unique Bays
Kekova is famous for its natural beauties and historical ruins, as well as its beaches and bays that offer visitors an unforgettable swimming experience with their calm and clear waters. Although there is no specific beach in Kekova that can be called a public beach, there are magnificent bays that you can reach by boat tours and where you can be alone with nature. Here are some special bays and beaches where you can enjoy swimming in Kekova:
Tersane Bay
Tersane Bay, one of the most famous swimming spots in Kekova, attracts attention with both its historical ruins and crystal clear waters. The bay got its name because it was used as a shipyard in ancient times. This bay, which is a stop during boat tours, is ideal for swimming and snorkeling thanks to its clean and shallow waters. It is possible to see ancient ruins underwater while wandering in the waters of Tersane Bay.
Aquarium Bay
Aquarium Bay, one of the most beautiful bays of Kekova, is famous for its clear waters that resemble an aquarium. This bay, which is visited during boat tours, is a great spot especially for those who want to snorkel and dive. The water of the bay is quite calm and clean; thus, it is quite enjoyable to observe the underwater life.
Üçağız Village Bays
Üçağız Village, one of the closest settlements to Kekova, is known for its natural and calm bays. There are many small bays around the village where you can enjoy the sea and nature. You can swim in these and enjoy the sea to the fullest. Those staying in Üçağız Village can enjoy a peaceful sea in these bays in the early morning hours.
Pirate Cave
Another special swimming spot in Kekova is the Pirate Cave. This cave, which is usually on the route of boat tours, attracts attention with its clear water and mysterious atmosphere. You can swim to the inside of the cave and enjoy the cool waters. However, it should be noted that the inside of the cave can sometimes be dark and caution should be taken while swimming.
Simena Kaleköy Bays
Simena Kaleköy is a magnificent area where the historical and natural beauties of Kekova come together. The small bays around Kaleköy are great spots for swimming and enjoying the sea. In these bays where you can swim around the castle, you can both swim among historical ruins and cool off in the clear waters of the Mediterranean.
