My visit to Simena was brief, and it left me with a lingering sense of regret. After exploring the submerged ruins around Kekova, we arrived in the harbor and made our first stop at a crowded restaurant for cold drinks and homemade ice cream. Soon after, we were back on our way toward Ucagiz.
Also called Kaleköy, Simena is a small, traditional village popular with yacht crews and day-trippers on the Turkish Riviera. Daily boat tours from Kas and Kalkan bring crowds of holidaymakers, and gulet boats often anchor here to enjoy the sheltered bay and scenic coastline.
Many visitors arrive by sea, and with good reason: the coastal cruise is an easy and pleasant way to reach the village. Some routes from the mainland do lead to Kaleköy by land, but those roads and paths are steeper and more demanding than the gentle approach by boat.
Simena is the ancient Lycian name of the place, while Kaleköy is its modern Turkish name. Even if the name is unfamiliar, the photos of Lycian tombs rising from the sea are recognizable to anyone who has read about travel in Turkey. These weathered stone facades stand as reminders of a long and layered history.
So why did I feel regret about my visit?
I couldn’t shake the feeling that I hadn’t truly reached the heart of Simena.
There is more to Simena, aka Kaleköy
Reading more about the village afterwards revealed paths I missed and experiences I didn’t have time for. I didn’t walk up to the small castle that crowns the hill, and I didn’t stay overnight in any of the traditional pensions that line the narrow streets. I didn’t have the chance to chat with locals, explore the old stone houses, or linger at the harbor for a simple, fresh fish dinner watching the sea.
It’s odd to feel drawn back to a place that isn’t flashy. Simena has no grand palaces or luxury resorts—its appeal is its simplicity. What you see is what you get: humble houses, narrow lanes, and a laid-back pace. Still, I know I moved too quickly through the village on my first visit.
Simena was one stop on my tour of Turkey’s southwest coast, a region I find exceptionally beautiful. The coastline offers more hidden surprises and historical sites than many travelers expect. Compared with the Aegean coast, I often find this stretch of shoreline more charming and visually rewarding. It’s easy to get around, and there are still many places I haven’t explored.
Although I spent a month exploring this coast, I’m certain I’ll return until I feel I have truly experienced it all. When I go back, Simena will be my first stop—this time with time to wander its streets, climb to the castle, and savor the quiet rhythms of village life.
Readers Question: Do you enjoy visiting small, rustic places like this?
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