Above & Below: My Solo Adventure in Kekova

#mytraveldiary
I just kayaked over an ancient sunken city in Kekova—where turquoise waters hide stone stairs, crumbling walls, and forgotten sarcophagi beneath the surface. With its silent bays, hilltop castles, and sense of timeless wonder, Kekova was the perfect solo escape for history, nature, and pure magic.

What Makes Kekova Special?

· Sunken City of Dolichiste: Partly submerged Lycian ruins you can see by glass-bottom boat, kayak, or snorkeling.
· Simena Castle: A stunning Crusader-era fortress overlooking the sea and islands—with a tiny theater carved into the rock.
· Kaleköy (Simena): A picturesque fishing village with no cars—only stone paths, Ottoman tombs, and guesthouses.
· Tersane Bay: An ancient Byzantine shipyard where you can swim above ruins.

Why Kekova for Solo Travelers?

· Safe & Serene: Calm waters, friendly locals, and a peaceful atmosphere.
· Easy to Join Group Tours: Boat and kayaking tours are social but not crowded.
· Unforgettable Swimming: Snorkel right above history in clear, protected bays.
· Photography Heaven: Every angle is ancient, blue, and beautiful.

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My Solo Itinerary

Morning: Boat Tour from Demre or Üçağız

· Joined a small group boat tour from Demre or Üçağız Harbor.
· Cruised past the Sunken City—saw outlines of walls, staircases, and tombs under the water.
· Stopped at Tersane Bay for swimming and snorkeling above ruins.

Afternoon: Kaleköy & Simena Castle

· Got off the boat at Kaleköy—explored the village on foot, visited Lycian rock tombs, and hiked up to Simena Castle.
· Enjoyed panoramic views and took photos of the ancient theater with sea backdrop.
· Ate a waterfront lunch of grilled fish and meze at a family-run restaurant.

Evening: Return & Relax

· Kayaked or boated back to Üçağız or Demre.
· Watched the sunset with a cup of Turkish tea at the harbor.
· If staying in Kaleköy, enjoyed the starry silence—no cars, no crowds.

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Solo Traveler Tips

1. Book a Half-Day Tour: Most tours include pickup, guiding, and lunch—easy and affordable.
2. Wear Water Shoes: Protect your feet on rocky shores and ancient steps.
3. Bring a Waterproof Camera: You’ll want photos above and below the water!
4. Respect the Site: Don’t touch or stand on the ancient ruins—preserve them for the future.

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Final Thoughts

Kekova felt like another world—a place where history is not behind glass, but right under your kayak. Gliding over those silent ruins alone, I felt a deep connection to the past and a thrilling sense of discovery. For solo travelers who love adventure with a side of soul, Kekova is unmissable.

#solotravel #kekova #sunkencity #lycia #turkeycoast

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Want to extend your trip to Myra or Patara? Just ask! 🛶🏛️