KEKOVA ISLAND
Kekova, also known as Caravola, is a small Turkish island near Demre. The island has an area of 4.5 sq
km and is not inhabited. The name ‘Kekova’ means ‘Plain of Thyme’. The northern side of the island has
partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste/Dolikisthe. This is an ancient town that suffered damage at the hands of
an earthquake during the 2nd century. It was rebuilt during the Byzantine period. The Kekova region was a specially declared area in 1990 and was off-limits for swimming and diving activities but the
prohibition was lifted off from all areas except the sunken city part.
The Kekova Island can be visited by car by turning off the main Kas-Finike highway and driving 19 km in
the direction of Üçağiz. In Üçağiz, you may hire a boat or join a boat tour. Featuring a lot of
seafood restaurants, Üçağiz itself is a good place to be. It has many old whitewashed buildings steeped
in flowers and bougainvillea. Kekova can also be reached directly by boat from Kas. A private boat tour
from Kas to Kekova, inclusive of BBQ can cost you around $92. Although it takes a lot of time but you will
be left mesmerized by the breathtaking view of ancient sunken walls and buildings seen from the glass
bottomed double decker boats.
There are several seafront cafes where you can grab chilled beverage
and take in the finest of nature. From seeing dolphins and turtles in the sea, to hiking up to the castle on
the top of the island to diving and snorkeling, there are quite a few activities to do here. At some spots,
you can also go swimming in the crystal clear, bluest blue waters.
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