Simena Castle above Kaleköy, overlooking the sheltered waters and islands of the Kekova coast.
Kekova & Simena form one of the Turquoise Coast’s most distinctive archaeological and maritime landscapes, where ancient Lycian settlements meet exceptionally clear Mediterranean water, rocky islands, sheltered channels, and small coastal villages. Much of the area remains accessible primarily by boat, giving the coastline a comparatively secluded character. The landscape centres on Kekova Island and the historic settlement of Kaleköy, built on the site of ancient Simena beneath a hilltop castle. Earthquakes and changes in sea level left sections of ancient settlements partly submerged, with walls, foundations, stairways, and other archaeological remains visible along the shoreline and beneath the water. Beyond the archaeological sites, the area is defined by narrow channels, limestone headlands, islands, quiet bays, and largely undeveloped shores. Changing water conditions, seasonal vegetation, atmospheric haze, and Mediterranean light continually alter the colour and appearance of this intricate coastal landscape.
Gallery
Key POIs in Kekova & Simena
Nearby Places
View all on mapKaş
landmark — 20.2 km
Turquoise Coast
Kaputaş Beach
landmark — 37.7 km
Turquoise Coast
Kaş & Kalkan
area district — 41.9 km
Turquoise Coast
Patara Beach
landmark — 52.6 km
Turquoise Coast
Babadağ
landmark — 72.6 km
Turquoise Coast
Butterfly Valley
landmark — 74.9 km
Turquoise Coast
Ölüdeniz
landmark — 79.5 km
Turquoise Coast
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
area district — 81.4 km
Turquoise Coast
Overview
The landscape is structured around the protected waters surrounding Kekova Island and the rocky peninsulas and islands of the Lycian coast. Kekova’s long narrow shoreline faces a sheltered channel where submerged archaeological remains can be seen through remarkably clear water, while Kaleköy rises from the opposite shore beneath the ruins of Simena Castle. Human history is embedded throughout the landscape. Lycian tombs, stone foundations, submerged structures, ancient stairways, and later village buildings occupy the margins between land and sea. Kaleköy’s stone houses and waterfront sit beneath the castle ridge, from which elevated viewpoints reveal a complex pattern of islands, channels, rocky headlands, and distant Mediterranean mountains. Photographically, Kekova & Simena works through the relationship between water, archaeology, settlement, and elevation. Boat-level perspectives reveal submerged ruins beneath turquoise water, while the climb towards Simena Castle opens increasingly broad views across the islands and sheltered channels. Early and late light brings warmth to the limestone and stone buildings, while reflections, calm water, haze, and sunset can simplify the intricate coastline into layered Mediterranean compositions.
Key photography subjects
- Submerged Lycian ruins beneath clear Mediterranean water
- Simena Castle and panoramic views across the Kekova coast
- Kaleköy stone houses, waterfront, and historic village
- Rocky islands, sheltered bays, and turquoise channels
- Lycian tombs, ancient foundations, and archaeological remains
- Traditional boats and maritime life among the islands
- Sunset, reflections, haze, and changing Mediterranean light
Workshops in Kekova & Simena
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