Kekova, Mediterranean island in Antalya Province, Turkey
Kekova is an uninhabited island along the Turkish Mediterranean coast featuring remnants of ancient settlements, with some ruins on land and others submerged beneath the sea. The clarity of the water allows visitors to see the sunken structures from the surface.
In the 2nd century CE, earthquakes caused parts of the ancient settlement of Dolchiste to sink beneath the Mediterranean, leaving visible structural remains on the seafloor. These events permanently reshaped the coastline.
The island preserves remnants of the ancient Lycian civilization, including distinctive rock-cut tombs with arched ceilings that still shape the appearance of the coastline. These structures tell visitors about the people who lived here centuries ago.
The island is accessible only through boat tours departing from Demre, and swimming or diving near the archaeological sites is prohibited. Visitors should book a tour with a licensed guide to get the best views of the submerged remains.
Stone staircases from ancient buildings descend directly into the Mediterranean, marking where structures once stood before tectonic activity reshaped the shoreline. These remarkable features are striking in their underwater form.
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