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Kekova is the biggest
island of Turkey on the Mediterrenean coast. Kekova island lies
parallel to the coast thus forming a calm sea in between. The
islands north coast is a complete ancient city with the most part
submerged underwater.
 Kekova dates back to the 5th century BC, when
Lycia was an important
kingdom in this region. The ancient city of Simena which now lies in
Kekova was once of two parts
- an island and a coastal part of the mainland. Across the bay, along
the island are the half-submerged ruins of the residential part of
Simena, caused by the downward shift of land by the terrible earthquakes
of the 2nd century AD. As you slide over the calm waters, you can see
the remains of buildings and walls beneath your boat - staircases to
nowhere - which feels very strange. Foundations of buildings and the
ancient harbor are also seen below the sea.
One of the most
interesting activities of the Kekova Region is canoeing and schnorkel
diving. With a canoe you can visit places where no water vehicle
can get near. Schnorkel diving is great for watching the
tremendous views of the underwater city ruins of the Kekova island.
 The ancient city of
Simena lies on the eastern
peninsula of Tristomas Bay. The site of ancient Simena which dates back
to the 4th
century BC usually has to be reached by boat. The castle was built on
the foundations of an ancient citadel. Part of Simena can be found
inside the castle walls alongside the remains of an ancient temple. Below the
fortifications stands a seven-tiered theater with space for more than 300
spectators which shows that the Simena was a rather small city. To the west is
the town and in the water on the shore line underwater) lie the
well maintained ruins of the Titus Baths (AD 78-82). Further west can be
found a necropolis which contains mostly Roman sarcophagi in the Lycian
style. More sarcophagi and other ruins are to be seen underwater.
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