Kekova Travel Guide – Attractions, Transport, Best Time to Visit

Last update February 12, 2026

Kekova Island is a small coastal island located in Antalya Province, in the Mediterranean region of southwestern Turkey. It is part of the Demre district and lies off the Lycian coast near the town of Üçağız. Known for its underwater ruins and natural harbor, Kekova Island is accessible mainly by boat and preserves archaeological and natural features significant to the area’s history and marine environment.

The island sits within a protected marine area, recognized for sunken Lycian settlements and its largely uninhabited landscape. Kekova Island’s location on the Mediterranean coast places it in a region with a typical Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Reasons Travelers Visit Kekova Island

• Presence of Lycian sunken city ruins visible only by boat or snorkeling
• Protected marine park with clear Mediterranean waters and diverse marine life
• Traditional Mediterranean coastal ecosystem and small uninhabited island environment
• Proximity to historical sites such as Simena (Kaleköy) and Lycian tombs
• Opportunity for boat tours and water-based transportation due to lack of road access

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kekova Island is during the dry season from April through October, when weather conditions support outdoor and water activities. Summer months tend to be hot with average highs of 30-34°C. Spring and autumn offer slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 20-28°C, and fewer crowds. Winter months are cooler and wetter, with limited tourism infrastructure operating seasonally.

Season	Months	Weather	Crowd Levels
Spring	April – June	Mild, 20-28°C, low rainfall	Moderate
Summer	July – September	Hot, 30-34°C, dry	High
Autumn	October	Mild, 20-26°C, occasional rain	Moderate
Winter	November – March	Cool, 10-15°C, high rainfall	Low

How to Get There

Kekova Island does not have direct land access and is reached primarily by boat from nearby coastal towns. The nearest major city is Antalya. Travelers typically use Antalya, Kaş, or Demre as starting points. Transportation involves flights, car rentals, buses, and boat trips.

• Access by boat from Demre or Üçağız harbor
• Nearest airports: Antalya Airport (about 150 km east)
• Road access to Demre and Kaş from Antalya via car or bus

From Istanbul

• Flight from Istanbul to Antalya Airport (approx. 1.5 hours)
• Drive or bus from Antalya to Demre or Kaş (approx. 2.5-3 hours, 150-200 km)
• Boat transfer from Demre or Üçağız to Kekova Island (approx. 15-30 minutes)

From Izmir

• Flight from Izmir to Antalya Airport (approx. 1 hour)
• Drive or bus from Antalya to Demre or Kaş (approx. 2.5-3 hours, 150-200 km)
• Boat from Demre or Üçağız harbor to Kekova Island (approx. 15-30 minutes)

From Antalya

• Drive or bus from Antalya city center to Demre or Kaş (approx. 2.5-3 hours, 150-200 km)
• Boat trip from Demre or Üçağız harbor to Kekova Island (15-30 minutes)

From Ankara

• Flight from Ankara to Antalya Airport (approx. 1.5 hours)
• Drive or bus from Antalya to Demre or Kaş (approx. 2.5-3 hours)
• Boat transfer from Demre or Üçağız to Kekova Island (approx. 15-30 minutes)

Getting Around

• Boat is the primary mode of transportation between Kekova Island and nearby coastal villages
• Walking is possible on Kekova Island, which is small and mostly uninhabited without roads
• Nearby towns such as Üçağız and Simena offer walking access to local attractions and boat docks
• Distances between major sites on the island are generally under 2 km

Top Attractions in Kekova Island

Sunken City of Kekova

Submerged Lycian ruins including walls, houses, and sarcophagi visible through clear water. Classified as archaeological ruins with limited physical access. Typical visit duration: 1-2 hours via boat or snorkeling.

Simena (Kaleköy)

Small coastal village opposite Kekova Island featuring Lycian tombs and a Byzantine castle ruin. Classified as a historic site and village. Typical visit duration: 1-2 hours exploring ruins and village.

Natural Harbor and Coastal Scenery

Protected marine and coastal environment with clear waters, cliffs, and Mediterranean flora. Considered a natural site. Typical visit duration: Flexible depending on boat tours or hiking.

Common Visitor Activities

• Boat tours around Kekova Island and the sunken city ruins
• Snorkeling or swimming in designated areas with underwater ruins
• Visiting Simena village and nearby Lycian tombs
• Hiking along coastal trails near Üçağız and Kaleköy
• Photography of archaeological and natural landscapes

Suggested Kekova Island Visit Duration

A half-day visit can cover a boat tour around the sunken ruins and nearby coast. A full day allows adding Simena village exploration and swimming or snorkeling. A 2-3 day itinerary provides time for multiple boat excursions, hiking in adjacent areas, and relaxed cultural visits.

Nearby Destinations

• Demre – approximately 10 km / 15 minutes by car and boat harbor access
• Kaş – approximately 60 km / 1.5 hours by road
• Antalya – approximately 150 km / 2.5-3 hours by road
• Myra archaeological site – approximately 10 km from Demre

Practical Information

Climate	Mediterranean; hot dry summers, mild wet winters
Seasonality Notes	Tourism peaks in summer; some boat tours seasonal
Crowd Levels	Moderate to high in summer; low in winter
Constraints or Limitations	No road access to Kekova Island; reliant on boat transport; limited facilities on island; heat can exceed 30°C in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of travelers visit Kekova Island?

Kekova Island attracts:

• Cultural heritage enthusiasts interested in Lycian ruins
• Nature travelers seeking marine and coastal environments
• Visitors looking for boat and water-based activities

It is not suited for travelers requiring extensive urban infrastructure.

How many days are needed to visit Kekova Island?

Visitors require:

• At least half a day for a boat tour around the sunken city
• A full day to include visits to Simena and snorkeling
• Two to three days if combining hiking, multiple boat trips, and local explorations

Longer stays depend on personal itinerary preferences.

Is Kekova Island safe for tourists?

The island is considered safe due to:

• Low crime levels and minimal population
• Stable natural environment and regulated marine activities
• However, medical facilities are limited on the island, so basic precautions apply

Visitors should prepare accordingly for water and boat activities.

What is the best time to visit Kekova Island?

The best time is between April and October when weather supports outdoor and water activities. Avoid winter months due to cooler, wetter conditions and reduced service availability. Spring and autumn offer lower crowds and moderate temperatures.