Kekova Island - sunken Lycian city
Kekova or Apollonia in ancient times is the name for this entire area of islands including numerous small picturesque islands and natural bays. The main island is inhabited today, and in ancient times was still part of the mainland. Geological activity in the form of earthquakes over the last two thousand years is the reason for changes of land elevation in this region. This has resulted in a lowering of the land beneath sea level, submerging parts of a Lycian settlement including many tombs and sarcophagi forming a necropolis, literally a 'city of the dead'.
Sunken Lycian Tombs near Kekova
Diving in the area is forbidden, although much of the remains can be viewed from one of the many sightseeing boats, as the water is extremely clear. Boats can be hired for this locally and we have our own Kekova and the Sunken City Boat Tour. Away from the main sunken remains swimming is allowed further along the coast but still with some underwater archaeology to explore.
The island is also home to the ruins from a Byzantine chapel.
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