Kekova Island

Kekova Island: Sailing Through the Sunken City of Lycia

Located along the central Lycian coast, Kekova Island is one of the most archaeologically significant and visually stunning destinations in the Mediterranean. The island is most famous for the "Sunken City" (Batık Şehir), where the ruins of an ancient Lycian settlement are visible just beneath the surface of the crystal-clear turquoise water. These stone foundations, staircases, and doorways were submerged centuries ago due to tectonic shifts, creating a hauntingly beautiful underwater landscape that can only be truly appreciated from the deck of a boat on aGulet Cruise Turkeyadventure.

As you sail along the northern shore of the island, the proximity of the ruins to the water's edge offers a unique perspective on the region's ancient maritime history. While swimming is strictly prohibited directly over the archaeological site to protect the ruins, the surrounding bays offer some of the most transparent waters in Turkey. On the eastern end of the island, the remains of a Byzantine church and ancient stone sarcophagi stand as silent sentinels over the sea. This blend of history and nature is a cornerstone of theSail Turkeyexperience, where every mile of coastline tells a story of a lost civilization.

A Protected Haven for Mediterranean Sailors

Kekova Island acts as a massive natural breakwater, protecting the inner channel and the nearby villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız from the open sea. This geography creates a series of exceptionally calm, mirror-still anchorages that are a dream for any sailor. Tersane Bay, located on the northwestern tip of the island, is a popular spot where boats can anchor near the ruins of an ancient shipyard. The water here shifts from a bright emerald to a deep sapphire, providing a perfect setting for a long afternoon of snorkelling and relaxation during yourturkey blue cruise 7 daysjourney.

Beyond the island itself, the entire Kekova region is dotted with hidden coves and rocky inlets that are best explored by sea. For those planning their journey across the southern coast, checking theFethiye Kekova cruiseoptions is an excellent way to see how this legendary island fits into a broader exploration of the coast. If you are travelling with a group, aprivate yacht charter turkeyallows you to linger in these historic waters at your own pace, perhaps enjoying the comfort of anair conditioned gulet turkeywhile anchored under the stars. Whether you are drifting past submerged walls or exploring the hidden inlets, Kekova Island remains an unforgettable highlight of the Antalya sailing region.