Traces of an earthquake
Kekova, known in antiquity as Dolikhiste, lies within Antalya's Demre district. A major earthquake in the 2nd century AD submerged part of the city. Some recovery took place during the Byzantine period, but the settlement was eventually abandoned entirely.
Protected underwater
Kekova's underwater ruins are protected today, and swimming in the area is prohibited. For this reason, visitors typically explore the ancient city by boat tour, observing it from the water.
Neighboring Lycian settlements
Kekova isn't a standalone site — it forms a whole together with several neighboring Lycian settlements. The medieval castle and partly submerged tombs at Kaleköy (ancient Simena), and the fishing-village character and scattered Lycian sarcophagi of Üçağız Village (ancient Teimiussa), are regular stops on the boat tours.
How to get there
Kekova is usually reached by boat tours departing from Üçağız Village. Combined with Myra Ancient City and the Church of St. Nicholas in central Demre, the area can become a comprehensive one-day tour of Lycian civilization.