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"KEKOVA - SUNKEN CITY"
Usually reached by
boat from Kas or Kalkan, this little bit of the coast is full of surprises and
history. Your typical trip will take in the sites of three ancient cities,
Aperlae, Teimiussa and Simena (Kale). 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.
The island of
Kekova will probably be your next stop. As trade between the Lycians and the
other Hellenistic Greeks increased so did piracy and many harbours and ports
were fortified in the same way that Kekova is. Again you'll see the remains of
buildings and walls beneath your boat, and,
depending on the knowledge of your guide, various bits and pieces will be
pointed out to you. You'll stop a couple of times for swimming and snorkelling,
a couple of caveats for you here. As you move on to the mainland village of
Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the unusual shapes of the islets and
outcrops that you pass. These are the result of quarrying to the water line to
provide stone for the buildings you've been looking at all day. The approach to
Kale is delightful. The medieval castle sitting high on the hill is surrounded
by the remains of the ancient city and the climb to the summit, through the
little village where you'll probably have lunch, is worth it just to sit in the
little theatre and gaze out over the bay to Kekova. |
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The odd Lycian ogival
tomb lying around reminds of where you are, you'll see them throughout this
part of Turkey, and the village itself is charming in the way that it is built
in to the remains of what was here before. Don't forget to check out the other
side of the castle with its view to Ucagiz, where you'll probably go next. The
'three mouths' of Ucagiz are the two openings east and west of Kekova island
and the channel to the village itself.
Ucagiz is accessible by road from the main Kas - Kalkan highway and
is therefore a little more developed although its still fairly sleepy and laid
back. There are pansiyons and restaurants here and you could plan to stay a
couple of days to take in the delights of the area more fully. taken from
hitit.co.uk |
