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The Kekova region in Türkiye’s Antalya province has become one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations, attracting visitors with its turquoise waters, submerged ruins, and untouched natural coves.
Tour boats departing from Kaleucagiz and Kas take thousands of local and international tourists daily on blue cruises through a landscape where ancient cities meet pristine bays.
One of the highlights is Kalekoy, a small Lycian coastal town accessible only by sea. Here, travelers can wander through the ruins of the ancient city of Simena or swim near a sarcophagus that lies just below the water’s surface, offering a rare chance to photograph history while floating in the sea.
The “Batik Sehir,” or Sunken City, has been declared a national park due to its Byzantine and Roman remains.
Swimming is prohibited to protect the site, but boats and canoes glide close enough for visitors to see submerged staircases, breakwaters, and building foundations with the naked eye.
Kaleucagiz is also home to Hamidiye Bay, the only cove in the area accessible by land. Visitors can reach it after a short walk from the village.
The bay takes its name from the Hamidiye cruiser, which anchored here in 1913 during the Balkan Wars under the command of Rauf Orbay. Its crystal-clear waters now offer a tranquil swimming stop, blending natural beauty with a touch of naval history.
Demre Mayor Fahri Duran emphasized that Kekova has become a major attraction, with boats carrying about 5,000 guests each day.
He described the region as “the pearl of the Mediterranean,” adding: “Kekova is definitely the rising star of recent times. Those seeking both mental and physical relaxation find in our region the sea, nature, and the history they are looking for.”
Mayor Duran underlined that Demre, already known for its ancient heritage sites such as the Church of St. Nicholas, Myra, and Andriake, aims to shift its focus from agriculture to sustainable tourism.
He stressed that this transformation should not come at the expense of nature: “We want to move forward with tourism that allows our people to benefit from the environment while preserving our forests and landscapes.”
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