Side-Turkey.

Few sights on the Turkish Riviera feel quite as strange and beautiful as Kekova. Glide across the calm, glassy water off Kekova Island and you'll see staircases, foundation walls and doorways resting just beneath the surface - a whole stretch of Lycian town that slipped into the sea. This is the famous Sunken City (Batik Sehir), and the only way to experience it is by boat, drifting slowly above ruins that are roughly two thousand years old. Paired with the rock tombs and St Nicholas Church at Demre (ancient Myra), it makes one of the most memorable long days out from the Side coast.

What the Sunken City Actually Is

The ruins belong to an ancient Lycian settlement once known as Dolichiste. A series of powerful earthquakes in the 2nd century AD caused part of the coastline to subside, and the lower town sank into the sheltered channel between Kekova Island and the mainland. What survives is remarkable: you can make out house walls, harbour structures, cut steps that vanish into the water, and the outlines of buildings that once faced a busy little port.

Because this is one of Turkey's earliest Specially Protected Areas - declared in 1990 - swimming and diving directly over the Sunken City ruins are not permitted. That rule is exactly why the site is still so legible from above: the water stays clear and undisturbed, and the boat becomes your viewing platform. Many trips use glass-bottom craft so you can look straight down into the submerged streets.

Simena, Kalekoy and the Hilltop Castle

Across the water from the island sits the village of Kalekoy, built over ancient Simena. There's no road in for vehicles, so it has kept a quiet, end-of-the-world charm. Crowning the hill is a small medieval castle (Simena Castle), and the climb up rewards you with one of the best panoramas on the whole Lycian coast - the island, the channel and the half-drowned ruins all laid out below. Scattered around the slopes and even half in the sea you'll spot Lycian sarcophagi with their distinctive curved, helmet-like lids.

Pairing Kekova with Demre and Myra

Most Sunken City boat tours are combined with Demre, the modern town built beside ancient Myra. Here you can visit the Church of St Nicholas - the historical figure behind Santa Claus (Noel Baba) - and the spectacular Myra archaeological site, where Lycian tombs are cut straight into the cliff face above a large Roman theatre. It's a full, rich itinerary that blends sea, history and legend in a single outing, which is why it remains a favourite from both Side and Antalya.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A long full day - early morning start, evening return; exact timing confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transfer, guided programme and boat excursion over the Sunken City (inclusions confirmed at booking).
• Excludes: Personal expenses, optional purchases and any site entrance fees - check official site / confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes - relaxed boat trip suitable for most ages; mind little ones near the water.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn, when the sea is calm and the light is clearest.
• Difficulty: Easy overall; the castle climb at Simena involves some uneven steps.

Related Excursions

• Tours from Side
• Tours from Antalya
• Tours from Alanya
• Tours from Kemer
• Tours from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim over the Sunken City?

No. To protect the ruins, swimming and diving directly over the Sunken City are prohibited inside this Specially Protected Area. You view it from the boat instead, often through a glass bottom.

Why did the city sink?

Powerful earthquakes in the 2nd century AD caused part of the ancient Lycian town of Dolichiste to subside below sea level, leaving its lower streets and harbour underwater.

Is Kekova usually combined with Demre and Myra?

Yes - the classic outing pairs the Kekova boat trip with the St Nicholas Church and the rock-cut tombs and Roman theatre at Myra in Demre.

What is there to see at Simena (Kalekoy)?

A roadless village with a hilltop medieval castle, sweeping views and Lycian sarcophagi scattered along the shore and slopes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Generally yes - it's a relaxed boat day, though families should keep an eye on young children near the water and on the castle steps.

Do I need to bring anything?

Sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes for the Simena climb and a camera. Bring swimwear in case the boat stops at a permitted swimming bay nearby.

How much does it cost?

Prices are confirmed at booking. Booking direct with us removes agency and online-platform commissions, and we back it with a best-price guarantee.

When does it run?

It operates mainly in the warmer months when seas are calm; available dates are confirmed at booking.

Ready to sail over the half-submerged ruins of Kekova? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out the middleman, so you get a genuine local experience with our best-price guarantee.