Historically known as the 'Ancient City of Simena' in the Demre district, Kaleköy now impresses with its beauty. Thousands of local and foreign holidaymakers visit Kaleköy, which is connected to the land but has no land transportation and can only be reached by boat.
Kaleköy is a small Lycian city dating from the 4th century BC. It is a first-degree historical and natural site where construction is prohibited. Located opposite Kekova Island, resembling an eagle's nest, Kaleköy, which can only be reached by sea. It is also a perfect place for those who seek silence. Only bird sounds and fishing engines are heard in the morning. A beauty in history and nature welcomes those who come from the sea with yachts of various sizes, especially in the summer months. Stone houses, all of which are historical and date back to the Lycian period. They are the symbols of Kaleköy and the witness of history.
One of the promotional symbols of Turkey in the sea, the Lycian sarcophagus, is the symbol of Kaleköy and the region. The makeshift piers on the shore, fishermen's restaurants and pensions consisting of a few stone houses serve tourism. Domestic and foreign tourists, who come by yachts all day long, pass through narrow streets and ascend to the 400-meter-high Simena Castle. It is where the Turkish flag flutters at the summit. A wooden staircase can reach the summit of the castle. At the summit, there is a magnificent view of the region. Inside the castle is the most miniature amphitheatre of the Roman period. Lycian sarcophagi adorn nature just to the east and below the castle. Tourism is the livelihood of everyone in Kaleköy. In the narrow streets, every woman has a stall where she sells. Women sell what they produce in winter here. The makeshift piers are overflowing with yachts coming from Demre, Kaş and Üçağız District of Demre.
'A Magnificent Place'
Aygün Varol, who came to Kaleköy for the first time, said, "We liked it very much. We came here on a boat tour. It is a magnificent place. Everyone should visit and see it. Its surroundings are also great."
Hünkar Hacıoğlu, on the other hand, said, "Although Kaleköy is a piece of land, it is not connected to the highway. It is a place that should be visited and seen with its natural beauties and historical texture."
Salih Baştürk, who was on vacation in Kaleköy, said, "Kaleköy is a paradise hidden on the slope of a mountain. It is intertwined with its history, nature and sea. It is a wonderful place. It is a paradise that we should all come and see. But most importantly, it is a paradise we should all protect." (Ahmet Acar- DHA)
