Aperlai, Simena & Teimiussa: Ancient Cities Guide

Picture yourself gliding across the water when, without warning, you spot a stone staircase, a broken column, or a tomb chamber leaning against the hillside beneath the surface. That's exactly the feeling the coast around Kaş gives you. Traces of the ancient Lycian civilization still breathe here, both on land and underwater. Even after crossing the same route countless times each season, I still watch Aperlai's sunken walls or the fortress crowning Simena's hilltop with the same fascination as the very first time. If you're ready for a day steeped in history, where the sound of gulls outweighs the hum of the engine, a Kekova boat tour lets you discover these three ancient cities in a single day. Let's walk through the route, the history, and the practical details together.

Silent Witnesses of the Lycian Civilization: An Overview

The region around Kaş was once home to some of the richest harbor cities of the Lycian League. Aperlai, Simena, and Teimiussa lie close to one another, yet each tells its own distinct story. All three ancient cities stand among the region's most special stops for both their historical texture and natural beauty. As sea levels shifted over thousands of years, some structures were submerged, turning the area into both a historical and an underwater archaeology route.

Aperlai: The Ancient City Beneath the Water

Aperlai takes its name from a Lycian root meaning "far place," and true to its name, it sits within a quiet, secluded bay, away from the crowds. The city's most striking feature is that structures built along the shore in antiquity are now partially submerged beneath the sea. As you approach by boat, you can clearly make out an old fortification wall or column remains through the clear water. On land, the necropolis area, church ruins, and defensive walls are still standing.

Simena: History at the Heart of a Hilltop Village

Simena rises within what is known today as the small, charming village of Kaleköy. Climbing up to the Byzantine-era castle at the village's center rewards you with breathtaking views of both Kekova Island and the surrounding coves. Just below the castle, Lycian sarcophagi carved into the rock along the shoreline catch the eye — some of these tombs are now partially underwater. Simena is one of the region's most photogenic stops, and it's typically where the midday break of the tour takes place.

Teimiussa: A Small but Striking Harbor City

Teimiussa, located very close to Simena, occupies the exact same geographic spot as today's village of Üçağız — in fact, Teimiussa is the ancient name of the city, while Üçağız is the modern name for the same place. Smaller in scale but no less distinctive, Teimiussa's rock-cut tombs and small harbor remains reveal that the city was once an active trading point. Wandering through Üçağız's quiet streets, you'll notice how the ancient harbor ruins blend seamlessly with the fabric of today's fishing village. The stillness here offers visitors a more intimate experience compared to the region's busier stops. Exploring Teimiussa, you almost feel as though you've stepped into a corner where time has stood still.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: To see Aperlai's underwater ruins most clearly, aim for midday when the sun is directly overhead. At that angle, the light sharpens the clarity of the water, making the stone structures look as though they're resting beneath a glass floor.

Üçağız: Where an Ancient Harbor Meets a Fishing Village

Üçağız takes its name from the three narrow water passages along the coastline, and it remains a small, peaceful fishing village to this day. Since the ancient city of Teimiussa sits right within this village, visitors get the chance to experience both present-day village life and thousands of years of harbor ruins in the same visit. The small restaurants lining the village's waterfront have naturally become a favorite rest stop on boat tours. Most of the traditional boat trips heading to Kekova Island and the surrounding sunken cities also depart from Üçağız, making the village an important hub for the region's maritime tourism.

Practical Details of the Route: When and How to Go

The most practical way to see all three ancient cities in a single day is by sea. Traveling by land takes more time and makes reaching certain spots harder, since villages like Simena have no vehicle traffic at all. That's why most visitors choose a route that starts early in the day and works its way through the coves in sequence. A Kekova boat tour departing in the early morning helps you avoid the crowds and catch the best light for photos.

Swimmable Areas and Restrictions

Certain areas within the Kekova region are protected archaeological sites and closed to swimming. However, swimming is allowed across much of the route, particularly in the open waters of Aperlai's bay and around Simena. This turns the tour into more than just a historical excursion — it becomes a relaxing day at sea as well.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: If you're planning to climb up to the castle, wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you. The stairs are steep, so taking it slow, especially in the midday heat, makes the climb both more enjoyable and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to see Aperlai, Simena, and Teimiussa in a single day?

Yes. Since all three ancient cities are located close to one another, they can comfortably be visited on a standard day route. Tours typically start early in the morning, take a midday break at Simena, and return to Kaş close to sunset.

Do I need a guide to visit these ancient cities?

It's not required, but it's recommended. A guide can explain which period each ruin belongs to and what purpose each structure once served, making the visit far more meaningful. Without that context, some stone remains can look like little more than rubble — when in fact, each one carries a story hundreds of years old.

Do I need diving equipment to see the underwater ruins?

No. Most of the submerged structures at Aperlai lie in very shallow water. A standard mask and snorkel are enough, and in some spots, the ruins are even visible directly from the boat's deck.

What's the best season to visit this region?

The period from April to October is ideal in terms of both air and sea temperature. Since July and August are the busiest months, those looking for a quieter experience may prefer May–June or September–October.

Ready for a Day Where History Meets the Sea?

Aperlai's water-submerged walls, Simena's hilltop fortress, and Teimiussa's quiet streets stand among the finest legacies left behind by the Lycian civilization. Exploring all three ancient cities together, viewed from the middle of the sea, turns an ordinary day off into an unforgettable discovery. If you'd like to experience this journey through history yourself, starting your day with a Kekova boat tour is the perfect first step.