Simena (Kaleköy) Transfer from Dalaman Airport: Arrival Guide (1h 58m)

Simena — known today as Kaleköy — is one of the most magical spots on Turkey's Lycian coast: a tiny, roadless village crowned by a medieval castle, looking out over the famous Kekova sunken city. There are no cars; you arrive by boat. A private transfer takes you to the coast at a fixed price to begin the journey.

Reached by boat from the village of Üçağız, Kaleköy clings to a hillside of bougainvillea and stone steps, crowned by a Byzantine and medieval castle that holds the smallest theatre in Lycia, carved into the rock. Below, Lycian sarcophagi stand half-drowned in the clear water, and just offshore lies Kekova island, where the foundations, staircases and walls of a sunken ancient city are visible beneath the surface — submerged by earthquakes centuries ago. Gulet boat trips glide over the ruins, stopping to swim in turquoise coves. It is timeless, peaceful and unforgettable.

The Kekova coast sits between Dalaman and Antalya. A private transfer from Dalaman Airport (DLM) covers about 111 km to the Kekova area in roughly 2 hours, from €61 for a comfortable air-conditioned car. Book your airport transfer to the Kekova coast here. From the shore, local boats reach Kaleköy. Vans are available for groups.

• Kekova sunken city — submerged ruins seen from a boat.
• Kaleköy castle — the rock-cut theatre and harbour views.
• Lycian sarcophagi — tombs standing in the sea.
• Swim stops — turquoise coves on a gulet day trip.

Bring swimwear and a hat for the boat, and good shoes for the steep village steps; mornings are calmest on the water. For the wider area and boat options, see our full Kekova guide; every route is in the Dalaman airport transfers guide.

How do you reach Kaleköy? By boat from Üçağız on the Kekova coast — there is no road into the village. Is the price fixed? Yes — agreed at booking, with flight tracking and free airport waiting time.