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Simena Kalesi

Simena Kalesi: Our most recommended tours and activities

Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour

1. Antalya/Kemer: Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Lycia Day Tour

Explore ancient Lycia on a day trip and yacht cruise from Antalya. See a historic rock tomb from Lycian times, marvel at ancient Greco-Roman amphitheaters, and sail to the beautiful Kekova Island. Meet your driver outside your hotel and begin your adventure with a drive through the ancient state of Lycia. Marvel at an ancient rock tomb from the Lycian times and stop to visit the Greco - Roman amphitheater. Next, visit the church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker in Demre city. This ancient church sits above the 4th-century burial place of St. Nicholas, the original inspiration for Santa Claus. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Kekova Island. Board a glass-windowed-bottomed yacht and sail through pristine waters to reach this fascinating island. Sail by the mysterious sunken city of Kekova, an ancient Lycia city, destroyed by an earthquake. Spot the ruins of the city and the Simena Castle from the side of the boat and under the water through the glass bottom windows. Before heading back, jump into the refreshing water for a swim. Finally, return to your hotel, having experienced Turkey's rich ancient history.

From Kas: Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour With Lunch

2. From Kas: Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour With Lunch

If you are a complete beginner or novice don't worry, this is a physical activity similar to going for a long brisk walk. The tour starts around 8:30 am when everyone gets on the bus in Kaş for the drive to Uçağiz village, which takes about 45 minutes. Kekova Kayak tour begin with a safety briefing and paddle instruction and then the fun begins! You will then enter the water and start your first paddling session from Üçağiz to get accustomed to the kayak and practice proper navigation. We depart Ucagiz at 09:30 am with motorized support vessel to escort us, and paddle southwest down the coast towards the Kekova Island and arrive Tersane bay at 10:15 am and followed by a swimming break. From there the group will slowly paddle over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here. So what better way to explore the Sunken City than by Kayaking alongside the ruins; giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos. After an exciting of adventure, we’ll head to Simena and arrive at 11:30 am, park in Kaleköy (ancient Simena Castle) for 45 mins, giving you time to visit this small authentic village that’s home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. In the afternoon we head back towards Theimussa for an up close view of more impressive Lycian sarcophagi and then return to our Kayak base. Following this you will move on to Üçağiz to enjoy lunch at 13:15 pm

From Ucagiz: Kekova Island and Simena Castle Boat Tour

3. From Ucagiz: Kekova Island and Simena Castle Boat Tour

Ucagiz Village Get ready for your action-packed day on the water! Make your way to Ucagiz Village harbour in time to depart for the boat trip between 10:20 and 10.40 am. Aquarium Bay Cool off during a whopping one-hour swim break in this picturesque bay next to Kekova Island, and be dazzled by its beauty. Turkish tea and biscuits service at Aquarium Bay. Kekova Island and Sunken City Discover the fascinating secrets of Kekova’s history on this unique adventure around the Sunken City. The ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and its resulting underwater ruins never fail to leave an impression. Burç Bay Swim break in Burç Bay. The sea is a little cooler in this area due to the cold underwater natural springs. Pirates Cave Discover this intriguing naturally-formed cave, which is renowned for its large size and curved entrance. Gökkaya Bay Time for a lunch and swim break at Gökkaya Bay, where you can experience the natural beauty of the area and opt to participate in one of the various exciting water sports on offer. Esmeralda Bay We’ll stop to swim in Esmeralda Bay where you can enjoy peace and tranquility during this fun journey. Simena Castle Our boat will drop anchor in Kaleköy port (ancient Simena) for one hour, giving you time to visit this small authentic village that’s home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. Ucagiz Village After an exciting day of adventure, we’ll head back to Ucagiz Village harbour where this memorable boat trip ends. From here you can make your way to the centre for dinner options or continue to your next destination.

From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

4. From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the lively town of Kaş, exploring the stunning coastline and ancient wonders of Demre. Here's a shortened version of the tour route: Kaş to Demre Harbor: Begin your adventure with a morning transfer from Kaş to Demre harbor, where the boat awaits to kickstart your trip to Kekova. Kekova Island and Sunken City: Cruise along Kekova Island and witness the mesmerizing ruins of Sunken City. Capture unforgettable photos as you glide on our glass-bottom boat, marvelling at the underwater remains of the ancient city of Dolchiste. Simena Castle: Drop anchor at Kaleköy port, also known as ancient Simena. Explore the authentic village, visit castle ruins, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kekova region from atop the hillside. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear blue waters. Esmeralda Bay: Indulge in lunch and swim break at the serene Esmeralda Bay, basking in the tranquillity of this beautiful location. Burç Bay: Experience the cool waters of Burç Bay, enriched by cold underwater natural springs. Take a swim break and soak in the peaceful ambience of the area. Gökkaya Bay: Enjoy another swim break in Gökkaya Bay, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Engage in thrilling water sports activities if you're up for an adventure. Pirates Cave: Explore the intriguing Pirates Cave, famous for its large size and curved entrance, a natural wonder that captivates visitors. Karemlik Bay: Keep an eye out for sea turtles in their natural habitat as you visit Karemlik Bay, where three of the seven known sea turtle species can be found. Demre Harbor: After the boat trip, anchor at Demre Harbor, where your tour continues with a visit to a nearby museum. Optional Stops: St. Nicholas Church: Explore the Santa Claus Museum, originally built as a church in memory of St. Nicholas of Myra. Discover the remains of this ancient church and immerse yourself in history. The Ancient City of Myra: Step back in time as you explore the famous archaeological site of Myra. Marvel at the Roman-style theater, the largest in Lycia, and the eerie rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. Demre to Kaş: At the end of the day, return to the picturesque town of Kaş, where your tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the sights and experiences you encountered.

Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

5. Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

We depart Ucagiz at 09:30 am with motorized support vessel to escort us, and paddle southwest down the coast towards the Kekova Island and arrive Tersane bay at 10:15 am and followed by a swimming break. From there the group will slowly paddle over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here. So what better way to explore the Sunken City than by Kayaking alongside the ruins; giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos. After an exciting of adventure, we’ll head to Simena and arrive at 11:30 am, park in Kaleköy (ancient Simena Castle) for 45 mins, giving you time to visit this small authentic village that’s home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. In the afternoon we head back towards Theimussa for an up close view of more impressive Lycian sarcophagi and then return to our Kayak base. Following this you will move on to Üçağiz to enjoy lunch at 13:15 pm

From Side: Demre, Myra and Kekova Full-Day Tour

6. From Side: Demre, Myra and Kekova Full-Day Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Turkish Riviera and discover some of the most beautiful locations in the Demre province with a guide. Following pickup from accommodation in Side, transfer to the ancient town of Myra on the banks of the River Myros. Visit the ancient Greek amphitheater and see the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis. Stop for a complimentary lunch before sailing over turquoise waters to picturesque Kekova Island. Explore the extraordinary underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena, and visit the noteworthy Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. Swim in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island. End your day trip at the small town of Kale (Demre), and discover the stunning church of St. Nicholas before the transfer back to your hotel.

From Kas Harbour: Private Boat Tour to Kekova

7. From Kas Harbour: Private Boat Tour to Kekova

Spend the day on the water exploring hidden coves and admiring fortresses and Byzantine ruins. Swim in Yaglica Bay, admire the Lycian Royal Tombs in Kaleköy, and enjoy typical delicacies in the all-organic lunch served onboard.  Meet the Capitan in Kas Marina at 9:30 AM and sip coffee and tea as you sail 1.5 hours through turquoise waters to the fist swim spot: Yaglica Bay. Snorkeling equipment, underwater cameras, kayaks, paddleboards, and underwater jets are all available for use during the tour.  At 11:30 AM, set sail for Akvaryum Bay which resembles an aquarium for its depth and clarity. Enjoy the sun or try your luck at catching fish using the fishing sets provided onboard. Enjoy an all-organic lunch of tasty olive oil dishes and grilled meat before heading to the next stop: Tersane Bay.  Get a glimpse of the city ruins submerged 2,000 years ago due to earthquakes. Cruising by the closest point of the sunken city, keep an eye out for the ruins of a Byzantine church at the bottom of the sea.  Next, head to  Kaleköy and admire the grandeur of the Crusader fortress and the Lycian Royal Tombs from the water. Enjoy one last swimming stop in Inonu Bay before sailing back to Kas Marina.

From Antalya: Day Trip to Demre, Myra and Kekova Boat Trip

8. From Antalya: Day Trip to Demre, Myra and Kekova Boat Trip

Start with an early morning transfer from your preferred meeting point in Antalya and a relaxing drive to Demre that takes under 2.5 hours. Head to Demre Harbour, where the boat awaits you for your trip to Kekova. Discover the fascinating secrets of Kekova's history on this unique adventure around Sunken City. Cruise alongside the ruins on board a glass-bottom boat, giving you a chance to capture unforgettable photos. Drop anchor in Kaleköy port for one hour, giving you time to visit this small authentic village home to castle ruins and a necropolis. Hike up the hillside and get magnificent views of the Kekova region. Use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. Stop to swim in Gökkaya Bay, where you can experience the area's natural beauty and opt to participate in one of the various exciting water sports on offer. Discover the intriguing naturally-formed Pirates Cave, renowned for its large size and curved entrance. At Karemlik Bay, get the chance to look for 5 out of 8 species of turtles known worldwide in their natural habitat. Drop anchor in Demre port, where your tour continues with a visit to a nearby museum. Discover The Ancient City of Myra, Demre's most famous archaeological site. Observe some of Myra's most significant ancient ruins dating as far back as the 5th century B.C. Explore the two highlights of this stop: a Roman-style theatre (the largest in Lycia) and eerie rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs above. Once all destinations have been explored, head back to the bustling city of Antalya, where your tour ends.

From Kas: 4-Day Private Boat Tour

9. From Kas: 4-Day Private Boat Tour

Spend 4 days on the water exploring the best sites between Kas and Kekova. Explore Lycian history by the sea while your professional Capitan and chef make sure that your journey is comfortable and unforgettable. Day 1 Depart Kas Harbor at approximately 10:00 AM and head to Inonu Bay for a swim in the Mediterranean. Next, sail to Aperlai Bay for lunch onboard with the impressive ancient ruins as a backdrop. Afterward, head to Gokkaya Bay to swim and do water sports. Take a speed boat to see the ancient castle located at the mouth of the bay while the onboard chef prepares dinner. After diner, venture to Korsan Bar – a spot accessible only by boat, to enjoy the local nightlife. Overnight in Gokkaya Bay. Day 2 Enjoy breakfast onboard and set sail for Kekova Island to check out the archaeological remains. Stroll around Kekova learning historical facts about the sunken city before heading to Tersane Bay to take a swimming break. Anchor at the beach and visit the Lycian ruins there. Later, visit Kalekoy, a prominent settlement during the Roman age. Explore the castle and village before returning to the boat for lunch on deck. Next sail to Karalos, renowned for its waters that retain their turquoise color even after dusk, for dinner and overnight.  Day 3 Have breakfast and a morning swim in Karalos and take advantage of the water sports equipment available onboard. Later, sail to Ucagiz Bay to visit the charming village on the waterfront and take a look at the ancient ruins of Lycian including Sarcophagi. After lunch, anchor at Kocakari Bay for the overnight. While the chef prepares dinner, tour Lycian Way with the Capitan. Learn about Teimiussa and its role as the capital of the Lycian state.  Day 4 Salute the sun rising over the horizon at Kocakari Bay. After breakfast in the bay, sail to Kas where you can visit the Lycian Royal Tombs at Harbor Mouth and relax on the beach. See the sunken plane before heading to Guvercin Island for lunch. After lunch, sail back to Kas Harbor with unforgettable memories.

Other Sightseeing Options in Simena Kalesi

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What people are saying about Simena Kalesi

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 47 reviews

Ancient Myra is particularly beautiful. The visit to the Nikolaus Church is unfortunately affected by the general renovation (nevertheless worth seeing). The boat trip to Kekova was a bit disappointing. For one thing, almost nothing can be seen of the sunken parts of the site. On the other hand, the continuous microphone roar of the tour guide of a Russian tour group drowned out everything during the entire trip. This made it impossible to record videos that were effective on their own. Our guide (English/German) was excellent. Thanks again for the good explanations and the exact timing.

The Alp guide was great! Full of interesting information, whether on the culture, the history of the sites or the daily life. Highly recommended outing. Perfect timing. The meal is simple but very good value for money. Driver at the top.

excellent tour, our guide Alp was friendly and very funny. only downside from Belek we make long journeys by car otherwise very well the boat and the visit.

It was the best tour we've ever had the whole trip. Alp, the tour guide, was excellent.

Very nice guide! The highlight was the amphitheater