Round Trip
The Sunken City Odyssey: Kekova's Underwater Ruins & Lycian Castle Villages
Kekova & Ancient Lycia Discovery Yacht Charter Itinerary
The Kekova region represents Turkey's most famous and historically fascinating yacht charter destination, where partially submerged ruins of ancient Lycian cities create unique underwater archaeological sites that have captivated Mediterranean sailors for generations. This seven-day odyssey from the bohemian harbor town of Kaş delivers comprehensive exploration of the protected Kekova Specially Protected Area, combining the legendary sunken city with dramatic castle villages, authentic fishing communities where Lycian sarcophagi stand among modern houses, and pristine coastal wilderness that remains remarkably unspoiled despite the area's international fame.
Sailing conditions throughout the Kekova region are consistently excellent, with the dramatic Taurus Mountains providing spectacular backdrop and creating reliable thermal wind patterns. The protected passages between Kekova Island and the mainland offer comfortable cruising with fascinating navigation through areas rich in ancient history—underwater ruins, scattered rocks, and small islands requiring attentive chart reading while the exceptional water clarity allows visual navigation in most conditions. Strict environmental regulations protect the archaeological sites while allowing spectacular viewing of the sunken structures from boats and designated swimming areas, creating responsible tourism that preserves these irreplaceable heritage sites for future generations.
This itinerary balances the region's world-famous highlights—cruising above the sunken city's haunting underwater streets, climbing to Simena Castle's spectacular heights, photographing sarcophagi standing in turquoise water—with authentic village experiences in Üçağız where traditional fishing life continues unchanged, and wilderness anchorage experiences in pristine bays that reveal the stunning Lycian coast beyond the protected area. By week's end, you will understand why Kekova has become legendary among Mediterranean sailors, delivering bucket-list underwater archaeology combined with authentic Turkish coastal culture and spectacular natural beauty that justifies this region's status as Turkey's most iconic cruising destination.
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Day 1: Kaş to Kekova Sunken City
Nautical Miles: 10
Travel Time: 2 hours
Your Kekova adventure begins in Kaş, the authentic heart of the Lycian Riviera where narrow cobblestone streets, ancient theater ruins, and sophisticated bohemian atmosphere create Turkey's most beloved small harbor town. After completing check-in at the compact harbor and provisioning from Kaş's excellent markets, cast off and set course east along the spectacular Lycian coast. The passage offers stunning views of the dramatic Taurus Mountains descending to the turquoise Mediterranean, passing numerous islands and pristine coves that characterize this legendary coastline.
Approach the protected Kekova region where strict regulations preserve the underwater archaeological sites, reducing speed as you enter the passage along the northern shore of Kekova Island. Here lies Turkey's most famous attraction—the sunken city where ancient Lycian settlements collapsed into the sea following major earthquakes in the 2nd century CE. Cruise slowly along the designated viewing corridor where ancient walls, building foundations, stone staircases descending into water, and scattered architectural fragments create a haunting underwater cityscape visible in depths of just 2-6 meters through exceptionally clear water. While swimming directly over ruins is prohibited to protect the archaeology, the boat viewing and designated adjacent swimming areas provide unforgettable experiences of this unique heritage site. Anchor nearby for your first night surrounded by profound ancient atmosphere.
Route Highlights
- Departing from authentic Kaş harbor and cruising the spectacular Lycian coast toward the legendary Kekova region.
- Cruising slowly above the sunken city where 2,000-year-old Lycian ruins lie perfectly visible beneath crystal-clear water.
- Observing ancient walls, streets, and staircases creating an underwater archaeological wonder accessible from your yacht.
Kekova Kaş
Day 2: Kekova Sunken City to Kaleköy (Simena Castle)
Nautical Miles: 2
Travel Time: 20 minutes
This morning offers a brief passage around the eastern end of Kekova Island to Kaleköy—meaning "Castle Village"—where one of Turkey's most spectacularly positioned ancient sites awaits. The tiny village clusters beneath a dramatic hilltop Byzantine-Ottoman castle that incorporates ancient Lycian walls and contains one of the world's smallest but most dramatically positioned ancient theaters carved directly into rock. Navigate carefully into the protected lagoon-like bay, where numerous rocks near the entrance require attention though the exceptional water clarity allows visual navigation.
Secure your yacht to waterfront restaurant mooring lines or anchor in the bay's excellent holding, then prepare for the rewarding 15-20 minute climb via steep stone steps to the castle commanding spectacular 360-degree views. The tiny ancient theater within the castle walls seats approximately 300 and offers unique views across the turquoise Kekova region—certainly the most dramatically positioned theater in Turkey. Descend to explore the village where Lycian sarcophagi are scattered throughout streets and gardens, with several iconic tombs standing in shallow water at the harbor edge creating Turkey's most photographed waterfront scene. Spend your afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water, dining at family-run restaurants serving fresh catch-of-the-day, and absorbing the authentic atmosphere of this village accessible only by boat or challenging mountain trails.
Route Highlights
- Navigating into Kaleköy's protected lagoon-like bay beneath the dramatic castle crowning the hilltop above.
- Climbing to ancient Simena Castle and discovering the tiny rock-carved theater with breathtaking Kekova views.
- Photographing iconic Lycian sarcophagi standing in turquoise water—the most distinctive waterfront scene in Turkey.
Aerial view of Kaleköy
Day 3: Kaleköy to Üçağız Village
Nautical Miles: 2
Travel Time: 20 minutes
Another short passage carries you east to Üçağız—whose name means "three mouths" referring to the three channels converging at this location—the Kekova region's most authentic and uncommercial fishing village. Unlike bustling Kaleköy, Üçağız maintains genuine working village character with fishing boats outnumbering yachts, traditional houses rather than tourist accommodations, and local life continuing largely unchanged. The village occupies the site of ancient Teimiussa, with Lycian sarcophagi scattered throughout modern streets creating fascinating juxtapositions of ancient and contemporary life.
Anchor in the bay fronting the village where good protection and moderate depths provide comfortable conditions, then explore streets where ancient tombs stand in gardens and among houses—residents have lived alongside these 2,400-year-old sarcophagi for generations, accepting them as natural landscape features. The modest waterfront restaurants serve genuinely fresh fish caught by village boats and traditional Turkish home cooking rather than tourist-oriented menus, with family operators providing warm hospitality. The absence of hotels, tourist shops, and infrastructure beyond what serves the resident community ensures Üçağız remains authentically uncommercial. Spend your day experiencing genuine Turkish fishing village life, swimming in clear water, and appreciating destinations where ancient heritage integrates seamlessly into continuing community traditions.
Route Highlights
- Anchoring at Turkey's most authentic fishing village where traditional livelihoods continue unchanged by tourism.
- Walking among Lycian sarcophagi standing in village gardens and streets—ancient tombs integrated into daily life.
- Dining on genuinely fresh fish at modest family restaurants serving home-cooked traditional Turkish cuisine.
Kale - Üçağız
Day 4: Üçağız to Gökkaya Bay
Nautical Miles: 18+
Travel Time: 3 hours
Today's passage transitions from the protected Kekova region into the pristine coastal wilderness extending west toward Kaş, offering spectacular scenery and optional exploration of numerous pristine coves along this dramatic shoreline. Set course west along the mainland coast where mountains descend steeply to the sea, passing beautiful anchorages including Karaloz and Büyük Bay that invite flexible midday swimming stops. The lack of road access along this stretch means the coastline remains remarkably undeveloped, preserving authentic Mediterranean wilderness character.
Gökkaya Bay welcomes you with its deeply indented protected anchorage surrounded by pine-covered hills and complete absence of development—no restaurants, no buildings, just pristine forest reaching to the waterline. Drop anchor in 8-15 meters over sand and weed with excellent holding and outstanding all-weather protection from the bay's enclosed configuration. The exceptional water clarity reveals fascinating underwater topography, while the surrounding wilderness creates habitat for diverse wildlife. Spend your evening swimming in crystal-clear water, paddleboarding into smaller coves, and experiencing the profound peace of complete isolation in pristine Mediterranean nature. The brilliant starlit sky without any light pollution provides spectacular nighttime displays for evening contemplation from your cockpit.
Route Highlights
- Cruising the spectacular undeveloped coastline with optional stops at pristine wilderness anchorages along the way.
- Anchoring in Gökkaya's protected bay where pine forests descend to the waterline without any development.
- Stargazing under brilliant Milky Way displays in the complete darkness of this wilderness anchorage.
Location map of Turkey
Day 5: Gökkaya Bay to Limanağzı Bay
Nautical Miles: 8
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Depart Gökkaya and continue west along the pristine Lycian coast toward Limanağzı Bay, another spectacular wilderness anchorage that exemplifies the unspoiled character of this protected coastline. The passage offers dramatic coastal scenery with the Taurus Mountains rising directly from the turquoise sea, creating the rugged topography that has preserved this region from mass development. As you approach Limanağzı, the bay reveals itself as a well-protected indent in the coast surrounded by natural vegetation and offering excellent shelter.
Navigate into the bay where depths of 5-12 meters over sand and weed provide comfortable anchoring with good all-around protection. A single modest seasonal restaurant operates along the shore during summer months, offering basic meals and cold drinks while maintaining the bay's uncommercial character. The exceptional water clarity invites extended swimming and snorkeling sessions, while the surrounding hills provide pleasant walking opportunities for those seeking exercise ashore. The bay's position makes it popular with yachts cruising between Kekova and Kaş, though it maintains peaceful atmosphere and never becomes overcrowded. Spend your day swimming, paddleboarding, exploring the shoreline by dinghy, and enjoying the simple pleasure of wilderness anchorage where nature remains paramount and the pace of life slows to match the gentle rhythm of Mediterranean sailing.
Route Highlights
- Sailing the dramatic undeveloped Lycian coast where mountains plunge directly into the turquoise Mediterranean.
- Anchoring in Limanağzı's well-protected bay with excellent swimming in exceptionally clear water.
- Experiencing authentic wilderness anchorage where nature and peace define the Mediterranean sailing experience.
The Bay of Limanagzi near Kas
Day 6: Limanağzı Bay to Kaputaş Beach
Nautical Miles: 12+
Travel Time: 2 hours
This morning's passage carries you west along the spectacular coastline toward one of Turkey's most dramatically positioned beaches—Kaputaş Beach, where a narrow canyon cuts through towering cliffs to create a stunning crescent of sand and pebble beach accessible from sea or via steep steps from the coastal highway above. The route offers opportunities for flexible stops at various pristine coves along this beautiful stretch of coast, with the dramatic cliffs and clear turquoise water creating quintessential Lycian scenery.
Approach Kaputaş Beach carefully as the canyon creates a relatively exposed anchorage best visited during calm conditions with light winds. Drop anchor in 8-15 meters off the beach, ensuring good holding and adequate scope for the depth, then dinghy ashore or swim to the spectacular beach nestled between towering limestone cliffs. The dramatic setting with cliffs rising on both sides of the narrow canyon creates one of Turkey's most photographed beach scenes, particularly impressive in afternoon light when the sun illuminates the rock faces. The beach attracts day visitors who descend the steep steps from the highway above, creating a social atmosphere particularly during peak season. Spend your afternoon swimming in the brilliantly clear water, exploring the dramatic canyon setting, and photographing the stunning scenery before returning to your yacht for a peaceful evening at anchor with spectacular clifftop sunset views.
Route Highlights
- Cruising the spectacular Lycian coast with optional stops at pristine coves along the dramatic shoreline.
- Anchoring off Kaputaş Beach where a narrow canyon through towering cliffs creates stunning coastal drama.
- Swimming at one of Turkey's most spectacularly positioned beaches nestled between limestone cliffs.
Aerial view of Kaputaş beach Antalya
Day 7: Kaputaş Beach to Kaş
Nautical Miles: 10
Travel Time: 2 hours
Your final morning offers early swimming at dramatic Kaputaş Beach before other visitors arrive, capturing photos of the stunning canyon setting in beautiful morning light. After breakfast aboard while enjoying the spectacular clifftop views one last time, prepare for your return passage to Kaş. The route east follows the scenic coastline you traveled earlier in the week, allowing reflection on the spectacular week exploring Turkey's most famous underwater archaeological region, authentic village life, and pristine coastal wilderness.
Approach Kaş harbor in late morning, navigating past the Greek island of Kastellorizo visible just 4 nautical miles south, and securing your yacht along the town quay for check-out procedures. As you complete your charter and prepare for departure, carry with you unforgettable memories of the Sunken City Odyssey—cruising above Kekova's haunting underwater ruins, climbing to Simena Castle's spectacular heights, photographing sarcophagi standing in turquoise water, experiencing authentic fishing village life at Üçağız, anchoring in pristine wilderness bays, and swimming at dramatic Kaputaş Beach. This classic seven-day route has revealed why the Kekova region has become legendary worldwide, delivering bucket-list underwater archaeology combined with authentic Turkish culture and spectacular Lycian coastal beauty. Until your next Turkish adventure, farewell from the bohemian heart of the Lycian Riviera.
Route Highlights
- Final morning swimming at Kaputaş Beach with stunning canyon scenery in beautiful early light.
- Completing your Kekova circumnavigation and returning to charming Kaş harbor for check-out.
- Carrying memories of the legendary sunken city and authentic Lycian coastal experiences.
Kaputas, Kaş, Antalya
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