All About Simena (Kaleköy)

A visit to the castle village of Simena is usually a highlight of our Kekova cruises. Located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast between Kaş and Demre in the Antalya region, and overlooking the Sunken City of Kekova, the village's ancient stone citadel is centred in the the environmentally protected Kekova region – and was once an important watch tower in the battle against pirates in the region.

While Simena has never been a major city like nearby Myra, archaeologists have determined that this stretch of coastline has been inhabited since the 4th century BC – based on the discovery of Lycian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman artifacts. The settlement's main role has been that of a fishing village and harbour.

What Makes A Visit to Simena So Special?

Most would agree that it's the ruins of the castle built into the top of the hill during the Middle Ages, and the surrounding Lycian necropolis. The castle we see today is built in the Byzantine style, but stands on the foundations of an earlier structure built in Lycian times. It was built by the Knights of St. John for monitoring and protecting the coastline from invasion.

Many of the castle's crenelated walls are still standing, and the small theatre carved into the rocks – with a capacity for 300 people, it is reported to be the smallest theatre in the Lycian region – is in remarkably good condition.

The village surrounding the castle also harkens back to ancient times. The village's residents live in small stone houses built onto the hillside, connected by steep, narrow and winding paths and staircases. (During tourist season, they hawk their wares to tourists making the steep climb to the castle.) There are a few bars and restaurants – all of which seem to serve homemade ice cream! – and a few pansiyons for accommodating visitors.

Ancient tombs (sarcophagi) dot the landscape around the village, including an oft-photographed, partly submerged sarcophagus in the village's natural harbour. Just to the east of the castle walls, several impressive free-standing Lycian tombs are still in evidence today. Although they've been damaged by time, weather, and war, the inscriptions are still visible, providing historians with invaluable about the area's earliest residents.

Although there is electricity and running water in Simena, there are few modern conveniences in the community. There is no post office, bank, medical clinic or pharmacy. There are no roads – and therefore no cars. The only way to access the village is on foot (from nearby Üçağız) or by boat. A visit to Simena is truly an escape from modern-day life.

Highlights of Visiting The Castle Village of Simena

The ruins at Simena are part of Turkey's national museum system, so a nominal fee is charged for entry into the castle walls. (The Muze Kart can also be used for entry.) We recommend that all able-bodied guests visit the site at least once – the views of the Kekova region from the top of the castle are incredible! (Unfortunately, Simena is not a good site for anyone with mobility challenges.)

The majority of visitors to Simena arrive by boat. We make a point of stopping by every time we're in the Kekova region – and, weather permitting, try to anchor overnight in the Kekova channel directly in front of the castle. This gives our guests plenty of opportunity to visit the castle ruins and explore the village at their leisure. Waking up to the sight of the morning sun shining on the castle walls is unforgettable!

The channel running between Simena and the Sunken City at Kekova Island tends to be busy with tour boats during the middle of the day, but is quiet in the early morning, late afternoon, and evening, making it a lovely spot for a swim or paddle. The water is clear and clean, and we've spotted plenty of Sea Turtles and a few dolphins in the area.

The Final Word on Simena

Our Blue Cruise holidays along the Lycian Coast to the Kekova region often include an overnight stop at Simena, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of the castle by day and night! Guests can explore the village and surrounding area, visit the castle ruins (a nominal admission required), or enjoy some of the best home-made ice cream on the Turquoise coast while visiting Castle Village. We highly recommend it!

Kekova's Simena Castle and The Surrounding Village: A Photo Gallery

Updated September 26, 2021

Click on any image to expand it.

Panorama of the castle village and Simena castle as viewed from the Kekova channelSimena castle and surrounding village as viewed from the Kekova channelHand-made bedspreads displayed on a brick wall outside the I Am Here Café on the path to castle at SimenaLycian tombs in a grassy necropolis overlooking the Kekova channelSimena castle and the surrounding village as seen from the waterA Lycian rock tomb on the peak of a hill with fluffy white clouds and brilliant blue sky in the backgroundTwo Lycian rock tombs on the crest of a hill in the Kekova region of TurkeyA Lycian rock tomb, its base submerged in a few inches of waterA rowboat floating next to a partially submerged tomb in Turkey's kekova regionA rowboat floating next to a partially submerged tomb in Turkey's kekova regionKekova's castle village and boat-filled harbour as seen from across the channel at the Sunken CitySimena castle and surrounding village on a sunny afternoonSingle Lycian tomb amidst rocky outcroppings on a grass-covered hillLate afternoon sun casting shadows of the Simena castle over the adjacent tomb-filled necropolis.The Kekova castle by nightSunken tomb against a backdrop of flowers and plants at a nearby restaurantSunken tomb in the Kekova region as seen when approaching by kayakPartially submerged tomb in crystal clear water of the Kekova channel in TurkeySunken tomb near Simena village castle as seen when approaching by kayakTheatre seats carved into the rock of the hill upon which the Simena castle was builtTwo rock tombs in the Kekova castle's nearby necropolisGulets anchored in the Kekova channel as seen from the top of Simena castleSoldiers had an impressive view from the top of the castle when trying to protect the region from piratesElaborate brickwork on a floor behind the castleCannon in one of the castle turrets appears to be pointed directly at a gulet anchored in the Kekova channelClose-up of the stonework in the castle wallsTwo rock tombs overlooking the channel running between Simena castle and the Sunken City at Kekova islandClose up of a Lycian rock tomb in a necropolis in the Kekova region. Although eroded due to weather, part of the inscription is still visibleSeveral desecrated tombs in a Byzantine era necropolis. The stone lids have been removed and lay nearbyClose-up of the interior castle walls, showing cut-outs for lanterns or candlesClose-up of the interior castle walls, showing the detail of the crenelated wallsFive people sitting in the small stone theatre in the Simena castleSunset over the Kekova region as seen from the top of Simena castleSunset over Turkey's Kekova region as seen from the top of Simena castleSimena castle and the surrounding castle village (referred to as Kale)Gulets anchored in the Kekova channel in front of the Simena castleAerial view of the Simena castle in Kekova, showing how the castle walls are built around the highest part of the hillAerial view of the Kekova castle and neighbouring necropolis (graveyard)Simena castle and surrounding village as the sun is rising over Kekova regionBird's-eye view of Kekova's Byzantine-era castleSingle Turkish gulet anchored against a small outcropping of rocks at the base of Simena villageSingle Turkish gulet anchored at the base of Simena on a calm summer daySimena castle and its surrounding castle village and Üçağız are visible in an aerial view of the Kekova region, looking west.Simena village on a cloudless summer day.Simena village on a cloudless summer day.Simena castle and the castle village during the golden hourSimena castle and the castle village during the golden hourSimena village castle during the golden hourClose-up, aerial view of Simena castle highlighting the crenelated walls and semi-circular stone theatreClose-up, aerial view of Simena castle highlighting the crenelated walls and semi-circular stone theatre Simena castle and its surrounding castle village and necropolis are visible in an aerial view of the Kekova region, looking east Simena's village lights reflecting on the water as the sun sets in the Kekova regionSolitary rock tomb on the peak of a hill seen at the necropolis at Simena village castleSmall bay where the sunken tomb is located as seen from the top of the Simena castleWoman kayaking into the small bay where the sunken tomb is located as seen from the top of the Simena castleBoats anchored in the Kekova channel between Simena Castle and the Sunken City of KekovaTombs scattered between rocky outcroppings in the necropolis next to Simena castleThe village of Simena as seen when approaching by boat from the west.Simena castle.People standing at the top of the castle at Kekova give perspective to how large the structure actually is.Simena castle as seen during approach by boatTombs in the necropolis at Simena as seen from a boat in the Kekova channelPanorama of the peninsula housing Simena castle and surrounding villageHand-painted wooden signs pointing towards the sunken tomb at SimenaLittle wooden rowboat floating next to a partially submerged Lycian tomb at SimenaClose up of a partly submerged Lycian rock tombSmall theatre carved into the rock foundation of the castle at SimenaView of Kekova region from the top of the castle at SimenaSetting sun shining on the side of an ancient Lycian tomb in the necropolis at Simena, Turkey