The excellent, well-protected anchorage of Kekova is one of the highlights of a Blue Voyage. Submerged ancient ruins are clearly visible to the naked eye but snorkeling above them is even more thrilling. The village of Kale has been identified as the Lycian town of Simena where there is still a settlement with stone cottages mixed in with Lycian and Roman remains. Kekova is a name given to the most scenic area in Lycia along the Turquoise Coast. It covers a large area consisting of Kekova Island, and the villages of Kale (Turkish for castle) and Üçağız. The settlements were most likely submerged due to several earthquakes that struck the region.
A Lycian sarcophagus standing in the shallows of the harbor of Simena is the most notable ruin. Other remains in the village are an AD first century Roman bath complex, a medieval castle with its walls still standing to their original height, a small rock-carved theatre that seated approximately 300 people, cisterns and a necropolis with sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs in the walls of the castle.

SIMENA KEKOVA HISTORY
From inscriptions that have been found, we know that the history of the ancient city of Simena goes back to the 4th century B.C. If we go ashore and climb the hill behind the houses, we reach the castle of Simena. In the medieval walls of the inner keep are a few blocks of all that remains of ancient temple. Inside the castle is a small natural theater carved into the rock. This is the smallest of theaters among the cities of Lycia. West of the theater there are rock tombs here and there.
Looking from the castle towards Üçagiz it becomes clear how beautiful and safe a natural harbor this really is. Simena (or Kaleköy, its present-day name) is only a temporary shelter however. The ruins of the ancient city of Teimiussa are located here. Very little is known about the history of the city however. One inscription indicates that its history goes back to the 4th century B.C. The oldest sarcophagus is from the 4th century B.C. and is shaped like a house. Over it is the nude portrait of a young man. The inscription tells us that it belongs to "Kluwanimiye".

As you pass the little Greek island of Meis on your right your boat may take you into the bay that housed the harbor of Aperlae, founded by the Lycians and never a very important city. There's not a lot to see here but its fun to pass over the sunken remains of the harbour buildings.