KEKOVA DELIGHT      

SEA-KAYAK TOUR AROUND the KEKOVA SOUND

Mini-Bus transfer from Antalya to Ucagiz village (for the group arrivals only) in the Kekova Sound.

Free transfer to Kekova from Kas upon request (17:30).

Overnigth at pension with Dinner.

We start paddling from Ucagiz(Teimiousa) to visit Simena - Sunken City – Tersane (Shipyard) Creek - Degirmenlik Cove respectively and get finished at the bay of Sicak (Aperlai isthmus) (5 hrs paddling).

This is a trip to a magnificent place, Kekova Sunken City (Dolichiste) that can only be reached by sea kayaks or boat. You can discover the magical world of Kekova Sunken City with its ruins just below the sea level and the mysterious chambers, steps, ducts and walls carved directly into the rocks. Kekova is actually a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland. The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. We will take break on Tersane (Shipyard) beach to swim or snorkel. Tersane Creek was a temporary shelter for the ships during the stormy weather. Thanks to the ships taking shelter, Tersane Bay(Xera) became a little settlement which may be understood by the structures like a Byzantine church and its arch.

Then, paddling west-north first we will go into a thin and long inlet called Degirmenlik cove and next, we plan to arrive in Sicak isthmus by the evening. After a swim or a quick shower with spring water, we will walk to Lycian ruins of Aperlai as the second sunken city of the region and watch the sunset with our drinks.

Guided tours tend to ignore the ancient site of Aperlai, located west of Ucagiz on the mainland and accessible only by boat from the sea and by the ancient trail on foot; the effort required to get there has ensured the preservation of another "sunken city" and you can plan some time on land to explore these ruins on foot. We will then have an opportunity to visit Aperlai ruins to witness intact history, after a 2+2-km walk.

Overnight at campsite of Sicak Bay (Isthmus) with all meals.

We will leave Aperlai isthmus(Polemos bay) behind after a nice breakfast and get to the western end of Kekova island passing through little islands circumventing a shallow area called Aquarium as the name implies. We will carry down on the south shore of Kekova Island and on the way we will enter a big sea cave by our kayaks. Then, we keep following the coastal line this time to visit a spiral and peaceful long cove called Karalos. We will go around the Kekova Island’s eastern nose to reach at Gokkaya Bay on the main land. Today, we will see the water-site settlement of Istlada Lycian City. (5 hrs. paddling)

Istlada on Gökkaya Bay is connected to the parts in Hoyran site where there are sarcophagi. You will see a magnificent Lycian tomb carved on a rock in the place called Bucak. This tomb dated to the fourth century B.C. has two figures sitting on top of it. Next to these structures, you will see the apse of a church. It is very easy to climb from Gökkaya Bay to this point. You can reach here by climbing next to the church remains in the bay.This will give you the chance to see works from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods all in a single place.

Overnight at campsite with all meals.

Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.

In the morning we will set off our campsite to paddle around Asirli island with its big sea cave used at one time by pirates and then Kisneli island. Our final break will be in Kalekoy village and Simena castle located on top of it. (5 hrs. paddling)

Kalekoy (Simena) which faces Kekova island is remarkable with its historical cites left from the Lycian era. The Lycian Castle, which has been restored during the Middle Ages, still stands proudly with a small amphitheatre. We will then visit Kalekoy, to witness history and traditional village life intermingles. Getting lost in its narrow streets with traditional houses, stores and natural beauty, we will have our lunch in a local restaurant.

Next, we will paddle back to Ucagiz village. Before getting to our pension, we will have a walk to see ruins of Teimiousa ancient city.

Ucagiz Bay is surrounded with boats and the bay looks like a natural port. The remains in Ucagiz on the north coast of the bay belong to the ancient city of Teimiousa. We know little about the history of this city, but we do know from inscriptions that it existed in the ninth century B.C. There are remains of several tombs here and on the coast of the village, there is a door and the remains of a tower on rocks. Just as Simena in Kaleköy formed a union with Apollania, Isinda and Aperlai, Teimiousa could have formed a union with Myra and Kyaenai and one of these cities was represented in the Lycian Union. On the eastern end of the city, there is a massive dock some 28 meters long and 8 meters wide formed by cutting rocks. Today it is even possible to still see the cut marks on the rocks.

End of the trip after the breakfast at our pension.

Transfer to Antalya airport.

Free transfer to Kas upon request. Post-trip possibilities are available. Please contact us for Extended Itinerary and other options.

Bus transfer from Antalya to Ucagiz village in the Kekova Sound (for the group arrivals only).

Free transfer to Kekova from Kas upon request (17:30).

Overnigth at pension with Dinner.

We start paddling from Ucagiz(Teimiousa) to visit Simena - Sunken City – Tersane (Shipyard) Creek - Degirmenlik Cove respectively and get finished at the bay of Sicak (Aperlai isthmus) (5 hrs paddling).

This is a trip to a magnificent place, Kekova Sunken City (Dolichiste) that can only be reached by sea kayaks. You can discover the magical world of Kekova Sunken City with its ruins just below the sea level and the mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks. Kekova is actually a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland. The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. We will take break on Tersane (Shipyard) beach to snorkel. Tersane Bay(Xera) was a temporary shelter for the ships during the stormy weather. Thanks to the ships taking shelter, Tersane Creek became a little settlement which may be understood by the structures like a Byzantine church and its arch.

Then, paddling westward first we will go into a thin and long inlet called Degirmenlik cove and next, we plan to arrive in Sicak isthmus by the evening. After a swim, we will walk to Lycian ruins of Aperlai as the second sunken city of the region and watch the sunset with our drinks.

Overnight at campsite of Sicak Bay (Isthmus) with all meals.

We will leave Aperlai isthmus(Polemos Bay) behind after a nice breakfast and get to the western end of Kekova island passing through little islands circumventing a shallows called Aquarium as the name implies. We will carry down on the south shore of Kekova Island and on the way we will enter a big sea cave by our kayaks. Then, we keep following the coastal line this time to visit a spiral and peaceful long cove called Karalos. We will go around the Kekova Island’s eastern nose to reach at Gokkaya Bay on the main land. Today, we will see the waterside settlement of ancient Lycian city Istlada. (5 hrs. paddling)

Overnight at campsite with all meals.

In the morning we will set off our campsite to paddle around Asirli island with its big sea cave used at one time by pirates and then Kisneli island. Our final break will be in Kalekoy village and Simena castle located on top of it (5 hrs. paddling).

Getting lost in its narrow streets with traditional houses, stores and natural beauty, we will have our lunch in a local restaurant.

Next, we will paddle back to Ucagiz village. Before getting to our pension, we will have a walk to see ruins of Teimiousa ancient city.

Today is allocated for sightseeing and relaxing with Demre round trip. We will visit Lycian metropolis Myra, The church of St. Nicholas (Father Christmas) then we will have a delicious Lunch at Beymelek Lagoon, a peculiar geographical feauture of the region. We will have an opportunity to swim on hidden Suluklu beach.

Myra, which is famous for its striking rock tombs. Myra was an important Lycian city in the Middle Ages and St. Nicholas (Father Christmas) served as a bishop in the city. Lycia means “the place of the sacred Mother Goddess.” Myra, or “Myrrh” in the Lycian language, was set up on the coastal side of the mountains with a wall on the north-western side of the Demre valley. First, the city that was built on today’s rock tombs on top of the hill expanded towards lower parts of the hill and it became one of the most important six cities of Lycia. The first coins of the city in the fourth century B.C. bore pictures of the Mother Goddess. Although old sources date Myra to the first century B.C., it is understood from coins and rock tombs that the city existed as early as the fifth century B.C. During the time of Theodosius II (408-450), when St. Nicholas served as an archbishop, Myra was the capital of the Lycian region. Starting in the seventh century, the city was raided by Arabs until the ninth century. Finally in 809, one of the commanders of the Caliph Harun el-Rashid gained control of the city. The Church of St. Nicholas was demolished in 1034 during an attack of Arabs from the sea. Myra’s splendid theatre has survived to our day and it is still in good shape. Behind it, the cavea of the theatre located on the steep side of the mountain is mostly carved into rocks. The theatre was later used as an arena, and so some changes were made to it.  

Visiting Myra ruins, we will get to our pension. Return Kas overnight at pension.

DAY 6 Free day in Kas.

Extra activities are available upon request. Lunch and Dinner are not included.

Those who want to extend their journey or wish to spend one more day in Kas can wander around pretty streets of Kas and do shopping or participate in another acitivity to put an energetic end to journey such as scuba diving, day hiking, day cruise trips, horse riding, canoeing along the Xanthos river, tandem paragliding and many more. We can help you arrange your post trip connection, You can contact us in advance to book your extra accomodition and excursion receiving special discounts.

Kas, the closest spot to Meis(Kastelorrizon) island, is a heaven for visitors who are fond of historical sites. The Cukurbag Peninsula stretches into the sea and there are modern hotels built on this peninsula. The peninsula is also an ideal three-kilometre-long walking track which offers beautiful views along its path. Kas was established on top of the old city of Antiphellos in Central Lycia. From an inscription written in two languages, we can see that the city under Kas was Antiphellos. But the old name of Kas is Habesos. In the ninth century B.C., Antiphellos was a very small settlement unit and it was the port of Phellos, which is a bit north of Kas. As the Hellenistic age began, Phellos lost its importance while Antiphellos developed and came to the fore. This situation also continued in the Roman era and Antiphellos developed further by cedar tree trade and sponge fishing. At that time, the city was no longer a port of Phellos but rather a rich and self-sufficient city.

End of the trip after the breakfast at our otel. Transfer to Antalya Airport.

prices are subject to change without notice

Notes:

Grading the sea-kayak trips

Uzuncarsi Caddesi No: 15, KAŞ

07580, Antalya – TURKEY

                Phone: + 90 242 836 3614,  Fax: + 90 242 836 3615