Cruising around Kekova
From Antalya, we continued our drive through Turkey. Our destination today would be Kas. However, before Kas we’d be spending the day on a boat sailing through the Mediterranean and around the Island of Kekova. It took us about an hour to arrive at the dock, where we grabbed our day bags and boarded the ship. It’s a small boat with an open rear seating area, and a top and front deck for people to hang out and relax.
The Best Grilled Fish Ever!
As we set off, we all took in the beauty of the area. The water was blue and clear and the surrounding islands and landscapes were lovely. After sailing for an hour we stopped in a small bay near some ruins. We were allowed to get onto the island and explore the area, or take a dip in the blue water. Because I’m not a strong swimmer, I decided to stay dry and take a few photos, while Gimpy jumped into the water. Meanwhile the crew was preparing for lunch and grilling fish. As they were cooking the smells were amazing and was drawing a crowd of local goats from the island.
It was lunch time and we all gathered in the back of the boat to have lunch together. Once we started eating, I was amazed at how delicious the whole grilled fish was. I’d even say its one of the best pieces of fish I’ve eaten in years! I wasn’t alone, along the entire table there were comments about how tasty the lunch was.
Kekova
After pigging out we set sail again, this time towards the island of Kekova, which is the site of an ancient city that is partially underwater. The whole island along with some of the water around it is considered a special protected area by the Turkish government. Sailing up to and around the coast of the island is pretty neat. You can see the ruins along the shore and picture what it would have been like when it was actually bustling. Add to that the ruins you see through the clear water and you can really appreciate how unique the place is! Our boat was also equipped with a glass bottom in certain parts, so as we passed over some broken pottery or ruined stone we all flocked to the viewing areas and tried to see it ourselves, but it was a little underwhelming given most of the “cool” things were likely already in museums.
Simena Castle & Kalekoy
Across from the ruined city is a small village called Kalekoy, this was our next stop. At the top of a hill in Kalekoy is this huge byzantine castle. After docking our boat, we made the trek up to the top of the hill and then the castle. Ibo said it was 150 steps to the top, just to test him we counted and surprise surprise it was 147!
The view from the castle was magnificent! It overlooked the entire area and had an amazing 360 degree view! At the time of day we hit it, the sun was starting to come down (not sunset just yet) so we were getting some great light! It was a great time of the day to be up there and enjoying the scenery.
Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, so after spending some time up top we made our way back down. Because we had to wait for some of our fellow tour mates to get back to the ship, I got to snap some photos around our boat and even start to appreciate the setting sun.
After we were all aboard, we headed back to the dock with the sun behind us. We had the music going and people were enjoying the atmosphere and vibe after a great day on the water. The boat returned to our original dock, we boarded the bus and drove a half hour to the city of Kas. We checked into our hotel and after settling down a little, took a short walk to the main part of town for dinner.
Smiley’s
For dinner Ibo had selected a restaurant right by the water called Smiley’s. It was a seafood place, and by now we were all looking forward to it. Because we were now driving along the sea we were excited for all the seafood possibilities. I ordered the sea bass hoping it would be just as good as the fish we had this afternoon. It was good but sadly not AS good, but I was still happy!
After dinner we headed back to our hotel to turn in. It had been a long day and we were looking forward to the free full day tomorrow.
You didn’t mention about the tombs there and why they looked the way they did! When it came to the end of the world their covers would flip around so their bodies wouldn’t fall into the waters!
Oops! But you’re right I think that was the myth/belief for the ancient people!