Kaleköy (Simena)
The only inhabited village in Kekova, built on a Lycian city and with no road to it. Most of our tours stop here.
What Kaleköy is
Kaleköy is a small village built on top of the ancient city of Simena. Lycian remains stand between the houses — not brought there later; the village settled on top of them.
The village has no vehicle road. It is the one settlement in Kekova nobody can drive to the door of: you arrive either by boat or on foot.
What there is to see
- Simena Castle Simena Kalesi on the map
- Simena necropolis Simena Nekropolü on the map
- The King’s Tombs Kral Mezarları on the map
The way up to the castle runs through the village, on a stepped path. From the top the whole archipelago is in view — including wherever your boat is lying.
Which tours call at Kaleköy
6 of our tours stop here:
- Full-Day Private Kekova Tour
- Full-Day Kekova with Dinner
- Moonlight Tour
- Marriage Proposal Tour
- Birthday on Board
- Demre Cultural Short Tour
On the shared tour and the winter culture tour there is an hour ashore at Kaleköy — enough for the castle, the sarcophagi and a swim. On the private tours there is no time limit at any stop: how long you stay is your decision.
Can you get there by land
You can, but the last stretch is on foot. From Kaleüçağız to the Kaleköy walking point there is 2.3 km of asphalt; the car stays there and you walk down to the village on a ten-minute path.
Can you reach Kaleköy by land? — the directions in full
Do not confuse it with the Sunken City
Kaleköy and the Sunken City are not the same place; they are neighbours. At Kaleköy you go ashore and swim; along the Sunken City stopping and swimming are forbidden, and boats only pass slowly.