Overview
Kekova is the name of both an island and the surrounding region along the Lycian coast of Antalya province, where the ruins of an ancient city lie partially submerged beneath the extraordinarily clear waters of the Mediterranean. The ancient settlement on the island's northern shore — identified as Dolichiste — sank below sea level following devastating earthquakes in the 2nd century CE, creating one of the most visually spectacular archaeological sites in Turkey.
Visible through the transparent water are the remains of staircases, house foundations, harbor quays, and other structures that once formed a thriving Lycian and Roman coastal town. The gradual submersion preserved architectural details that would have been lost to erosion on land, while the warm Mediterranean light illuminating the submerged ruins creates an otherworldly effect.
"The Lycian coast is rugged, but there are islands close to the mainland, such as Dolichiste."
— Strabo, Geographica (c. 7 BC - 23 AD)
The broader Kekova region includes the fortified settlement of Simena (modern Kalekoy) perched on a dramatic hillside above the strait, with a Crusader-era castle incorporating ancient walls and Lycian rock-cut tombs half-submerged at the waterline. Across the strait, the ancient city of Teimioussa (modern Ucagiz) preserves more Lycian sarcophagi and tomb facades.
The Turkish government designated Kekova as a Specially Protected Area in 1990, prohibiting diving and swimming over the submerged ruins to prevent damage. Visitors typically view the underwater city from glass-bottomed boats or kayaks, observing Lycian and Roman construction techniques frozen in time beneath the surface.
Kekova by Piri Reis | Piri Reis (Public domain)