MYSTERIOUS HISTORY OF KEKOVA

Kekova (Dolichiste in Lycian language), which connects its visitors with its extraordinary beauties and embraces its guests from all over the world with its historical and natural miracles, has been the island of travelers from past to present. Kekova Island, which fascinates people with its nature and history, is a special place that holds the hands of its enthusiasts and gives them unforgettable moments.

In the region, the ancient city of Aperlai lies at the Hot Pier, Toprakada at the tip of the peninsula, and Kekova Island after Karaada. BC on Kekova Island. It is known that there was life in the 4th century and the remains of that period have survived to the present day. Although some of the ruins were submerged as a result of the great earthquakes in 141 and 240 AD, this added to the beauty of the island. This place was known as the commercial center of Lycia at that time.

Simena in Kaleköy on Kekova Island, Theimussa in Üçağız, Aperlai in Hot Pier, Sunken City and Istlada on Gökkaya Bay are ancient cities very close to each other in the region. There are also many other ancient cities close to the region. There are Lycian sarcophagus and Lycian rock tombs in the shape of pigeon's nest on the mountain slopes.  Integrating the beauties of history with its nature, Kekova has many different places to visit and see.

Kekova island, which has given its name to all this culture today, is a big island in front of Kale Village. There is an apse of a Byzantine church on the island. At the same time, there are many ruins that are not known to which period they belong to, since they have not been excavated yet. Simena Castle is one of the places frequented by boat tours. Both the ruins of the castle and the nature surrounding it appear as a beauty that cannot be missed. Another thing that makes this place historically valuable is that there is the smallest amphitheater in the world inside the castle.

There are shops left in the sea in Tersane Bay in the ancient city. On the left side, there are structures that are not certain but known to be the remains of foundations belonging to the houses. This magnificent region is an area that was not shared between Italy and Turkey for a while. Kekova Island, which Italy wanted to have after the Italian occupation, was left to Turkey with the agreement in 1932. Kekova and its surroundings open its doors to its enthusiasts as a protected area today.