Kekova, located in the Demre district of Antalya, is the name of an area rather than a city or ancient city. Kekova, which gives its name to the region, is the largest island in the region. Kekova Island extends to the shore, forming a strait. It is located approximately 200 kilometers west of Antalya and 250 kilometers east of Fethiye. Kekova is a collection of picturesque islands and numerous bays. The whole area is full of ancient ruins from the Lycian period.
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Many sunken cities surround Kekova Island. The region has a rich historical heritage with tombs with inscriptions written in Lycian script, Lycian type sarcophagi in the water on the shore, breakwaters and building ruins, a theater carved into the rock inside the medieval castle, rock tombs, water cisterns, a necropolis area consisting of sarcophagi and a small number of rock tombs in the north, and the archaeological settlements of Üçağız (Theimiussa) and Kaleköy (Simena) right next to it.
In addition to its cultural features, Kekova has a unique natural beauty with its very important geological formations, corrugated coastline, hydrobiological features and vegetation. Kekova, which is recommended as a world heritage with its historical, cultural and natural features, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List since 2000.
Apart from Kekova Island, there are İç Island, Toprak Island, Aşırlı Island and Kişnali Island in the area. The area has been declared as Kaş-Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area and taken under protection. Sea transportation to the coasts of the region, where land transportation is limited, is provided by boats.
Sources:
GoTürkiye Antalya website. “Mediterranean Türkiye UNESCO Heritage Sites and Routes.”
General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums website. World Heritage Tentative List, “Kekova (Antalya).”
Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, General Directorate of Protection of Natural Assets website. “Kaş-Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area.”
Source: Antalya Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate
