The sunken city of Kaleköy in Simena

The ancient city of Simena, known today as Kaleköy, was an ancient site of rock tombs and ruins, which today can only be reached by boat from Kaş, Demre and Üçağız. Parts of the small coastal town of Lycian, inhabited since the 4th century, were buried underwater because of the earthquake. Thus, the city becomes an island. At a height of one meter below the water, many ancient ruins and harbor are clearly visible. In the city, charming alleys with old stone and cobblestone walls invite you to stroll, while the medieval castle offers a spectacular view of the island of Kekova.

Simena is a small Lycian coastal city that has been inhabited since the 4th century. Today it is known as Kaleköy, one of the rare settlements in Turkey that can only be reached by sea. Among the ruins of Simena that are preserved to this day, you will find a 300-seat theater, temples and Lycian tombs. The Greek Theater in Simena is the smallest of all the Lycian cities with a capacity of only 200 spectators.

In Kaleköy, stone houses built within the walls harmonize with their surroundings. Medieval castle with spectacular views of Kekova Island, this castle was built to protect its inhabitants from the pirates who inhabited Kekova Island.

One of the structures below the sunken city is the basilica building. If you join a boat tour, you can see the sunken basilica with a bas-relief in the shape of a cross in the middle of its gate.

Lycian dolmens can be seen in abundance both underwater and on the coast with Lycian inscriptions. Tons of sarcophagi can be seen throughout the ancient site, especially on the left slope of the castle.

There are ruins from the pier, houses and stone stairs in the old city. Very interesting to see a huge city almost submerged in water. Settlements near the city's ancient harbor appear to have been submerged underwater by the earthquake, turning the area into an island. Many ancient ruins and harbors are clearly visible under one meter of water.

Admission, Tickets and Tours to Simena (Kaleköy)

Simena can be visited from 08:00-19:00 in summer and from 08:30-17:30 in winter.

Admission: The entrance fee to the old city of Simena is 14 TL in 2021. If you have a Museum Pass, you can visit the site for free.

Sightseeing tours: Kaleköy (Simena) can only be reached by sea. You can visit Kaleköy by joining boat tours that depart from Üçağız. These tours include swimming breaks in the aquarium bay and other bays, then you'll see the famous stone-cut tombs, the sunken city, and finally Kaleköy.