Kaleköy and Kekova: Hidden History and Coastal Beauty Near Kaş

Kaleköy faces one of Kaş’s most iconic sights: the island of Kekova. From its hillside terraces and winding stone paths, the village offers uninterrupted views of the deep blue Mediterranean stretching to the horizon.

Far from any main roads, Kaleköy has preserved its traditional character. For years, the poor road conditions meant locals travelled only by boat—a legacy that continues today. You can visit Kaleköy on one of the daily boat trips departing from Kaş or Demre.

Travel Guide: Where Is Kaleköy?

Kaleköy lies on the coast between Kaş and Demre, roughly 185 km from Antalya. It's part of the Kekova region, which includes the island of Kekova (known in antiquity as Dolichiste), the surrounding bays and coastline, and nearby settlements like Üçağız.

Though often associated with Kaş, Kaleköy technically belongs to Demre. Still, it’s a regular highlight of boat tours from Kaş, and many visitors come to know it through these trips.

What Makes Kaleköy Special?

Kaleköy offers more than you’d expect from a small village. With sunken ruins, ancient Lycian sarcophagi, and tranquil bays, it feels both magical and untouched. There are no cars here—just silence, sea views, and the scent of citrus drifting through the air.

Designated a Specially Protected Area in 1990 and an Urban Archaeological Site in 2016, Kaleköy is under strict conservation laws. New construction is banned, and even hammering a nail into an existing building is illegal. As a result, property prices are extremely high—it’s one of Turkey’s most expensive villages.

The peaceful beauty of Kaleköy draws visitors back time and again. Some even decide to move here. Among those with homes in the village are well-known figures from Turkish business and arts, including Rahmi Koç, who purchased a former madrasa at the highest point of the village in 1986.

A Glimpse Into Kaleköy's Past

Stretching out into the sea like a peninsula, Kaleköy was once home to both Muslim Turks and Christian Anatolians. Following the population exchange in the 1920s, families from Castellorizo, Rhodes, and Lesbos settled here, along with others from Kaş and Demre.

Today, Kaleköy consists of around 30 houses and a population of roughly 120 in summer. Locals make their living through fishing and farming in the winter and tourism in the summer. The village grows olives, lemons, oranges, and pomegranates.

Arriving in Kaleköy

Whether arriving via daily boat tours or private charter, boats anchor offshore, and passengers are taken to the wooden dock by small transfer boats. The first thing you’ll notice? A striking Lycian sarcophagus standing proudly near the dock.

Several waterfront restaurants await with fresh seafood and crisp Mediterranean salads. The narrow stone streets lined with stone houses lead uphill, with small gardens of citrus trees and flowers along the way. None of the single or two-storey homes blocks the sea view. You’ll also find boutique hotels and guesthouses—perfect if you’d like to spend the night.

The Ancient City of Simena

Kaleköy is built atop the ruins of ancient Simena, a Lycian settlement dating back to the 4th century BCE. The name "Simena" first appears in 1st-century texts by Pliny the Elder.

A member of the Lycian League, Simena’s most prominent surviving structure is a restored medieval fortress perched on the hill. A path leads from the waterfront up to the fortress, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Kekova’s shimmering waters—one of the most unforgettable sights in the region.

Inside the fortress is a small theatre with seven rows, seating up to 300 people. Behind it, you'll find a necropolis with numerous Lycian sarcophagi. Looking down from the hilltop, you can also spot more submerged ruins near the bay—including building foundations, a jetty, and another sarcophagus partly underwater.

Opening hours:

• Summer (1 April – 1 October): 08:00–19:00
• Winter (1 October – 1 April): 08:30–17:30
  Entry Fee: 14 TL

Üçağız Village

Just 2 km west of Kaleköy lies Üçağız, a peaceful harbour village with a population of around 500–600. Part of Demre, it sits in a protected natural bay and has largely escaped mass tourism due to its remote location.

The ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Theimiussa begin just east of the village. As you approach the harbour by boat, you'll notice Lycian rock tombs half-submerged in the sea. Around the village, you’ll also see castle remains, stone docks, and several sarcophagi—all hinting at its historic past.

Exploring Kekova: Bays, Islands, and Ancient Ruins

The Kekova region is rich in natural and historical treasures, easily explored by boat from Kaş, Demre, or Üçağız.

• Kekova Island is the largest Turkish island in the Mediterranean—4.5 km long and 500 m wide. Once connected to the mainland, it became an island after a major earthquake in the 2nd century CE. Today, you can still see parts of the ancient settlement submerged just offshore.
• Hamidiye Bay is named after the Hamidiye cruiser that took shelter here during World War I. Led by Captain Rauf Orbay, the cruiser famously disrupted the Greek fleet during the Balkan Wars.
• Gökkaya Bay is a calm, wide inlet sheltered by Kekova Island on one side and the mainland on the other. Known for its tranquil waters, it’s a popular anchoring spot for Blue Cruise boats. Don’t miss Korsan Mağarası (Pirate’s Cave) on the east side—it’s large enough for small boats to enter.
• Aperlai is another ancient Lycian city, located on the Sicak Peninsula near Kaş. Like many sites in Kekova, parts of it are underwater. You can snorkel above its sunken ruins, or reach it by boat from Kaş, Demre, or Üçağız.