A day trip to Kekova, Ucagiz and Kale could be the highlight of your stay in Lycia, the region of Turkey roughly between Fethiye and Antalya. Usually reached by boat from Kas or Kalkan, this little bit of the coast is full of surprises and history. Your typical trip will take in the sites of three ancient cities, Aperlae, Teimiussa and Simena (Kale). You really don't need to know anything about the history of the area to enjoy the trip but here's a little background anyway.

As you pass the little Greek island of Meis on your right your boat may take you into the bay that housed the harbor of Aperlae, founded by the Lycians and never a very important city . There's not a lot to see here but its fun to pass over the sunken remains of the harbour buildings.

The island of Kekova will probably be your next stop. As trade between the Lycians and the other Hellenistic Greeks increased so did piracy and many harbours and ports were fortified in the same way that Kekova is. Again you'll see the remains of buildings and walls beneath your boat, and, depending on the knowledge of your guide, various bits and pieces will be pointed out to you. You'll stop a couple of times for swimming and snorkelling, a couple of caveats for you here. You should watch out for the spiny sea urchins that hang out in the ruins and you should be aware that skin diving near the submerged buidlings is prohibited, as is the removal of any old looking stuff that you might find. You will regret it if you don't tyake a snorkel and mask with you but exercise a little restraint, your captain should know where its OK for you to dive.

As you move on to the mainland village of Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass. These are the result of quarrying to the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've been looking at all day. The approach to Kale is delightful. The medieval castle sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city and the climb to the summit, through the little village where you'll probably have lunch, is worth it just to sit in the little theatre and gaze out over the bay to Kekova. The odd Lycian ogival tomb lying around reminds of where you are, you'll see them throughout this part of Turkey, and the village itself is charming in the way that it is built in to the remains of what was here before. Don't forget to check out the other side of the castle with its view to Ucagiz, where you'll probably go next.

The 'three mouths' of Ucagiz are the two openings east and west of Kekova island and the channel to the village itself. Ucagiz is accessible by road from the main Kas - Kalkan highway and is therefore a little more developed although its still fairly sleepy and laid back. There are pansiyons and restaurants here and you could plan to stay a couple of days to take in the delights of the area more fully.

Most people get here on a boat from Kas or Kalkan, we haven't found anyone who does a better Kekova trip than ABI travel, why not email them and let them tell you all about it.