Antalya is a Sheltered Paradise

Kekova is located between Demre and Kaş in the west of Antalya, also an island of the same name and a hidden paradise surrounded by smaller islets.

It has the most sheltered bays of the ancient Lycian region, stretching from Olympos to Fethiye, near Kemer.

Kekova is a place where nature and history are painted in the blue of the sea. This blue is so unique that there is even a colour definition called 'Kekova blue.'

The historical name of Kekova Island is 'Dolichiste.' There are various rumours about where the name we use today comes from. One of them says that it comes from Kekikova (plain of thyme). Because thyme is like natural vegetation in the region, even for commercial purposes, it is brought to the market.

There are two settlements in the bay surrounded by Kekova Island, which is also in Demre District.

First one is Üçağız Köyü (Theimiusa). The second is Kaleköy (Simena), which you can only arrive by sea.

Both settlements are surrounded by centuries-old olive and carob trees (carob) and numerous majestic Lycian sarcophagi. Kekova aims to move from the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List to Permanent List, which it entered with its cultural, historical and natural riches.

Kekova Hosted Various Civilizations

In the region, which was under the influence of the Lycian Civilization and then the Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman Empire for many years, there are small settlements today.

Kekova Has a Rich History

The region hosts inscribed graves written in the Lycian script, Lycian type sarcophagi on the shore, breakwater and building remains, rock-carved theatre inside the medieval castle, rock graves, water cisterns, necropolis area consisting of sarcophagi and few rock graves in the north, flooded dock with ancient tombs, and has a rich historical heritage consisting of centuries-old Ottoman mosques in the old city.