I had been to Simena before. In 2010, while touring the southwest coast. It is a pretty and traditional village screaming of simplicity and I wanted to explore and find out more. Unfortunately, I was with a sea kayaking group of whom no-one wanted to see Simena castle.
Inevitable I had to go with the group census and we left. This is one of the downfalls of guided tours but I reminded myself that since I was in Turkey permanently, I could go back anytime I wanted.
It took four years to get back there. Time seems to have a habit of flying by lately. Ironically, I also never planned the return trip. It was my friend Ali, who runs a sailing company in Fethiye, who suggested I did a 3 night gulet trip from Fethiye to Olympus, and Simena was on the itinerary.
Facing the sunken ruins of Kekova, most visitors normally arrive by boat, although it can be reached on foot from nearby Ucagiz.
Simena is actually the ancient Lycian name for it. In Turkish, it is known as Kalekoy which translates into “Castle Village”. Therefore, no-one should be surprised to find out the most dominant aspect of Simena is the Byzantine castle standing on the peak.
Other reasons to visit include Lycian sarcophagi dotted over the hill and submerged in water as well as Loggerhead turtles swimming in the bay.
Then, there is the ice-cream. Oh, the delicious ice-cream. Made by the local cafes, it is the best I have tasted in Turkey.
Simena Castle
Anyway, my last visit had left me with an urge to see the castle. Our yacht dropped anchor in Simena bay and the captain gave us three hours free time to explore. Luckily the rest of the group wanted to see the castle, so I was in good company and we began the steep walk up a winding, cobbled path, past houses and locals selling home-made souvenirs.
Half way up, I was sweating and out of breath. The muscles in my legs were beginning to hurt but I finally made it and my reward was a stunning panoramic view over the bay.
The rest of the castle was of no interest to me. Artefacts are non-existent and I couldn’t establish any specific structure because only the exterior walls stand. That did not matter though.
For the rest of my life, I will remember that view.
It was worth waiting four years to see.
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Natalie
I hope you will Jennifer. It is a magical place
Natalie
Can’t believe you did not go to the castle!
Jennifer
I know what you mean about the view. I have a spectacular photo I took there 2 years ago. It is my work screensaver. I look at it everyday to remind myself that there is great beauty in the world and maybe some day I will visit that place again
Deborah Nelson
Great article! I have been to kekova but I have never visited the castle….I can’t believe I missed it…I am a archeo nut! The photos of the bay are incredible! Keep up the great info! I hope to get back to my beloved Turkey/Antalya/Akcay early next year!
Natalie
Later this month, it might be extremely quiet and not even sure if the castle will be open. The yachting season has finished now so cafes may also be shut. Try it but you will have a better time by visiting in summer.
Natalie
There was one building near the entrance Alan but never saw anything that stood out as a house. Kerry says, all the children now get the boat and bus to go to school in Demre!
Natalie
It does take its toll! We are obviously not as young as we used to be!
Emiko
That view is incredible! I can’t believe the color of the water. I’ll have to add it to my itinerary for Turkey later this month.
Alan
. . have the Koç family still got their ‘cottages’ inside the castle? Is the school still in use? J and I spent a lovely few hours in the school with the lone teacher (who lived on site) and the kids.
Jack Scott
The view is gorgeous but I’m not sure my antique legs would get me up there these days!