Kalekoy Castle
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Kalekoy Castle

4.7
·301 reviews·, Türkiye

Explore ancient Lycian ruins atop a hill in the charming village of Kalekoy, offering stunning Mediterranean views and a taste of local life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Kalekoy Castle

Kalekoy Castle

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient Lycian ruins atop a hill in the charming village of Kalekoy, offering stunning Mediterranean views and a taste of local life.

4.7
(301 reviews)

"The ruins of an old castle behind the hotel provides a view over the below village as well towards the sea and a nearby island."

Vertical photo
TIP

Boat Tour Essential

Most visitors arrive by boat tour from Kas or Demre. Book in advance for the best experience! ⛵

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The climb to the castle is steep. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the ruins and village. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 301 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Simena Castle Ruins

Simena Castle Ruins

Kalekoy Village

Explore ancient Lycian ruins atop the hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the Kekova bay.

Kekova Sunken City

Kekova Sunken City

Kekova Bay

See ancient Lycian ruins submerged beneath the crystal-clear turquoise waters. A truly unique sight!

Kalekoy Village Charm

Kalekoy Village Charm

Kalekoy Village

Wander through the charming stone houses and narrow alleys of this picturesque Mediterranean village.

Artisanal Goat Milk Ice Cream

Artisanal Goat Milk Ice Cream

Kalekoy Village

Indulge in delicious, locally made goat milk ice cream – a must-try treat with a view!

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Kalekoy Castle

Kalekoy Castle is best reached by boat, often as part of a tour from Kas or Demre. While you can drive to the village, parking is limited. Consider booking a boat trip for a scenic journey and easy access to the castle and nearby Kekova sunken city.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot, but boat tours are abundant. Evenings offer a magical ambiance as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Magical sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Anadolu Görev Grubumuz Adriyatik ve İyon Denizi'nde! 22-26 Eylül 2025 tarihleri arasında icra edilecek NEPTUNE STRIKE-25.3 faaliyetine katılmak üzere; TCG Anadolu TCG Gökova TCG Gökçeada TCG I. İnönü gemilerimiz Aksaz'dan intikale başlayarak Taranto/ İtalya'ya doğru seyrine devam ediyor. Anadolu Task Group is in the Adriatic and lonian
@abdulkerimm63
12.7K likes • 253.8K views

Boat Tour Essential

Most visitors arrive by boat tour from Kas or Demre. Book in advance for the best experience! ⛵

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The climb to the castle is steep. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the ruins and village. :athletic_shoe:

👨‍✈️Dikkat Dikkat ! Kaptanınız Konuşuyor :) . Kalekoy ü bir de benden dinleyin. . . 👨‍✈️Attention please ! Your captain is speaking :) . . #kalekoy #simena #captainergun #turkiye #castle
captainergun
363 likes • 17.3K views
🏛 SİMENA ANTİK KENTİ 🏛 🏛 KALEKÖY 🏛 . . . . . #simena #simenakaleköy #simenakalesi #simenaantikkenti #kaleköy #kalekoy #kaleköyü #kaleköykekova #keşfet #antikkent #ancientcity #antikzamanlar #antiktarih #castle #kültürelmiras #ancient #antikkentseven #antikkentler #antikşehir #kesfet #antalya
antikkentseven
0 likes • 578 views

Try the Local Ice Cream

Don't leave without tasting the famous goat milk ice cream! It's a local specialty. 🍨

Stay for Sunset

The views from the castle at sunset are absolutely breathtaking. Worth staying for! :city_sunset:

Demre /Antalya /Turkey🇹🇷 Simena Castle /Kaleköy 🏰 Kekova-Sunken City🌊🏛🏝 June 2023 ℹ️Information: Simena Castle, also known by its Turkish name ‘Kalekoy’ meaning ‘castle village’, is located on Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast in the Kekova Region between the modern town of Kas and Antalya, the province’s capital city. Once a notable Lycian settlement, the castle remains largely intact upon a...
suleymankutlutravel
162 likes • 755 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Boat Tour Essential

Most visitors arrive by boat tour from Kas or Demre. Book in advance for the best experience! ⛵

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The climb to the castle is steep. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the ruins and village. :athletic_shoe:

Try the Local Ice Cream

Don't leave without tasting the famous goat milk ice cream! It's a local specialty. 🍨

Stay for Sunset

The views from the castle at sunset are absolutely breathtaking. Worth staying for! :city_sunset:

Bring Cash

While some places accept cards, smaller shops and vendors prefer cash. :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(301 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning views from Kalekoy Castle and the charming, romantic atmosphere of the village. The unique goat milk ice cream and the overall tranquility are frequently praised. Some note the steep climb to the castle and limited parking as minor drawbacks.

"Beautiful hotel in the heart of Kalekoy.
We experienced a great hospitality, very clean rooms and garden. Beside, the breakfast was the top notch!
Thank you and looking forward to visiting you again!"

Giuseppe Esposito

"I had a wonderful experience staying here with my boyfriend. It’s romantic and quite place that made you forget all your troubles. 🐒I love the vintage/old places and this hotel was the perfect place🤩 Every staff member I encountered was so friendly and eager to help. The gardens are a dream and provided such a tranquil setting to relax and take in the wonderful views. 🌺💐I will be back for sure"

Hilal Erenköylü

"This rustic hotel is run with care and excellence. The stone buildings, along with the well cared plants brings a wonderful, relaxing harmony. The ruins of an old castle behind the hotel provides a view over the below village as well towards the sea and a nearby island.

The hotel is run by a lovely family, who are always present, truly warm and attentive. You truly feel a guest rather than a client, while your privacy is always ensured. Totally recommended!"

Diogo Correia

What People Like

Breathtaking panoramic views
Charming and romantic village
Delicious goat milk ice cream

What People Dislike

Steep castle climb
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way to reach Kalekoy Castle is by taking a boat tour from nearby towns like Kas or Demre. These tours often include stops at the Kekova Sunken City. You can also drive to Kalekoy village, but parking is very limited. Some visitors arrive with their own boats or by renting one. Instagram+1

There are no direct buses to Kalekoy itself. You would typically take a bus to Demre or Kas and then arrange a boat tour or local transfer to Kalekoy. Instagram

Yes, you can drive to Kalekoy, but be aware that parking is extremely scarce. It's often recommended to park in a nearby town and take a boat. Instagram

Kas and Demre are the primary starting points for boat tours that include Kalekoy and the Kekova Sunken City. These tours offer a scenic way to experience the region. Instagram+1

While you can walk within Kalekoy village, reaching it from other towns on foot is not practical due to the coastal terrain and lack of direct paths. Boat access is the standard. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically a small entrance fee to access the Kalekoy Castle ruins. It's advisable to check current prices upon arrival or with your tour operator. Instagram

The castle is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific timings can vary, especially outside of peak tourist season. It's best to confirm locally. Instagram

Boat tours often bundle the visit to Kalekoy Castle and the Kekova Sunken City. Individual tickets for the castle itself are usually purchased on-site. Instagram+1

There is no admission fee to enter Kalekoy village itself. The fee is for accessing the historical castle ruins. Instagram

Yes, you can visit Kalekoy Castle independently if you drive or arrive by boat. However, many visitors opt for organized boat tours for convenience and to see the surrounding attractions. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

At Kalekoy Castle, you can explore the ancient ruins, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Kekova bay, and wander through the charming village. Don't forget to try the local ice cream! Instagram+1

The climb to the castle can be challenging for very young children, but the village itself is generally safe. Many families enjoy boat trips and the unique experience. Instagram

The top of the castle offers incredible views of the bay and the sunken city. The narrow village streets also provide picturesque photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the castle ruins, wander through the village, and enjoy a treat. If part of a boat tour, factor in the total tour duration. Instagram

Yes, Kalekoy village has small shops, cafes, and restrooms available for visitors. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The absolute must-try is the artisanal goat milk ice cream, famous in Kalekoy. You can also find local seafood and traditional Turkish dishes in the village cafes. Instagram+1

Many cafes and small restaurants in Kalekoy offer stunning views of the Kekova bay, making for a memorable dining experience. Instagram

Prices can be slightly higher due to its remote location and popularity with tourists, but it's generally considered reasonably priced for the experience. Instagram

While seafood is common, you can usually find vegetarian mezes and other plant-based options at local eateries. Instagram

Lunchtime can be busy, especially when boat tours arrive. Consider an earlier or later lunch to avoid the peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed meal. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photos of the castle and the bay. Midday can be harsh. Instagram+1

Expect stunning panoramic shots of the Kekova bay, the sunken city from above, charming village scenes, and ancient stone ruins. Instagram+1

Drone regulations can be strict in historical and protected areas in Turkey. It's best to check current rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A zoom lens can be useful for details within the ruins or distant islands. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the castle ruins. Be mindful of any signage regarding restricted areas and respect the historical site. Instagram

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