Drive to Kekova

Getting there: take the D400 west from Kemer. Drive past Finike (85 km, 1h 20min) and continue to Demre. At Demre, follow signs for 'Kekova' and 'Üçağız' — turn right (south) off the D400. The road to Üçağız is paved but narrow — about 10 km from the turn-off. Üçağız village has several car parks near the harbour (~€2/day). From Üçağız, you can hire a private boat or join a group tour to Kekova Island (1–3 hours, ~€20–40 pp depending on group size and duration).

What to experience: (1) The sunken city — visible beneath the water along Kekova Island's northern shore. You can't swim here (protected zone), but glass-bottom boats offer excellent views of submerged foundations, staircases, and walls from a 2nd-century Lycian settlement destroyed by earthquakes. (2) Simena Castle (Kaleköy) — a Crusader castle on the mainland opposite Kekova, accessible only by boat or a challenging hike. Stunning views from the top. (3) Swimming stops — boat tours include stops at pristine bays around Kekova where you CAN swim. (4) Üçağız village — a sleepy fishing village with excellent waterfront seafood restaurants.

Driving tips: the D400 is excellent all the way — 2 hours of scenic coastal driving. Combine Kekova with Demre/Myra (on the same route) for a packed day: drive to Myra rock tombs (75 min from Kemer), explore for an hour, drive to Üçağız (30 min more), take a boat tour, then drive back. Start early — leave Kemer by 08:00 to make the most of the day. Fill up with petrol in Kemer or Finike — Üçağız has no fuel station.