The Sunken City is known as Dolichiste in the Lycian language. It is a part of Kekova, a small, rocky island off Kaleköy and Üçağız near the Demre district of Antalya.
Kekova Island, which is a 7.4 km long and 500 meters wide rocky island, gives its name to the whole region. There is no settlement other than pensions, restaurants and cafes. It is possible to see some remnants of the sunken city above the waters on the island, which is only accessible by boats.
On the north side of Kekova Island is the old Kekova City Wreck, known as the Sunken City, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the second century. It is thought that a part of the Sunken City is one of the important trade centers of Lycia. It was flooded after an earthquake in the 2nd century. Today, boat and canoe tours are organized to get a closer look at the city. As long as the right weather conditions are present, it is possible to see the traces of the settlements and the Lycian-type rock tombs as the boat moves slowly on the sparkling and clear waters. There is a ban on swimming and diving around the sunken city in the area. It was declared a protected area in 1990 due to its archaeological richness.
Home to many civilizations, Kekova fascinates its visitors by melting historical and natural beauties in the same pot. The region and the sunken city are also of great importance in terms of underwater archeology, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
