Üçağız BeachTurkey Beach Guide
Sunken Lycian ruins, crystal-clear water, zero sand
About
Uçağız Koyu sits in a quiet cove on the Kekova island channel, part of the Kaleüçağız commune on Turkey's Riviera coast near Kaş. The water is crystal clear — you can peer down from a boat or the rocky shore and watch ancient Lycian stonework dissolve into the blue. There is no sand here; the entry is rocky, and the shoreline has a raw, unpolished character that feels nothing like a resort beach. Kekova island sits directly opposite, and on a clear day the silhouette of Simena Castle rises above the tiny village of Kaleköy. Two distinct zones define the experience: the village cove, where swimming is legal and safe, and the Kekova sunken city zone, where entering the water is prohibited by Turkish law.
How to get there
From Kaş, you can drive to Uçağız village in around 30 minutes — the road is manageable daily. A small free car park sits in the village, but spaces are limited, so arrive early in peak season. Alternatively, take a boat from Kaş harbour — the crossing takes roughly 45 minutes and runs seasonally.
Who it's for
For couples
The romantic vibe here is genuine — a quiet cove, ancient ruins visible beneath clear water, and Simena Castle on the horizon make for an atmosphere that busy resort beaches simply cannot replicate. An evening boat back to Kaş as the light drops over Kekova island is the kind of moment this place is built for.
For families
Families who enjoy history and snorkelling will find plenty to engage older children — the visible ruins and boat trips to Simena Castle are genuinely fascinating. Younger children and anyone unsteady on their feet should be warned: the rocky entry requires water shoes, and the terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Our take
Uçağız Koyu is safe to swim in the village cove — stay there, because the sunken city zone is off-limits by law and that boundary matters. Beyond the legal fine print, this is one of the most historically charged stretches of coastline on the Turkish Riviera: ancient Lycian stonework sitting just below the waterline, a castle on the opposite hill, and water clear enough to make you feel like you're floating over a museum. There is no sand, the entry is rocky, and the terrain is uneven — come prepared, not in flip-flops. June and September are the sweet spots; July and August bring boat-tour day-trippers to the village and accommodation books out fast. It's quiet, romantic, and genuinely unlike a standard beach stop. Worth the detour.
What to do
The Kekova Sunken City, roughly a kilometre away, is the centrepiece — submerged Lycian ruins are clearly visible from a boat, and snorkelling in the legal zones reveals an extraordinary underwater landscape. From Uçağız you can take a short boat trip to Simena Castle above Kaleköy, a Crusader-era fortress with commanding views. Further afield, the ancient Lycian sites of Istlada and Aperlae are within a few kilometres for those who want to extend the archaeology trail. Myra Ancient City and the St Nicholas Church in Demre are about 25 kilometres away — a worthwhile half-day excursion.
The classic frame is from the village cove: crystal-clear water in the foreground, Kekova island across the channel, and Simena Castle crowning the ridge above Kaleköy.
From a boat alongside the sunken city zone, looking down through the clear water at submerged Lycian walls is a shot that needs no filter.
Where to eat
The village has several restaurants within a short walk of the water. Kordon Restaurant, Ibrahim Restaurant, and Gezgin Cafe Restaurant are all within 0.1 kilometres of the cove, and Kekova Fish House is just 0.2 kilometres away — fresh fish is the obvious order this close to the channel. Teras Paradise is a slightly longer walk at 1.3 kilometres but worth considering if the waterfront spots are full.
Where to stay
Hobby House is the closest option at 1.4 kilometres from the cove, making it convenient for an early-morning start before the day-trippers arrive by boat. Hoyran Wedre is about 5 kilometres out, and Likya Yolu Palas Hotel sits roughly 6 kilometres away — both suit travellers who want a quieter base with easy access to the area.
Photography
The best shot in the area is from the village cove looking across the channel toward Kekova island with Simena Castle framed above Kaleköy — early morning light keeps the water glassy and the boat traffic minimal. From a boat alongside the sunken city zone, the Lycian stonework visible through the crystal-clear water is sharpest in strong midday light.
Good to know
Swimming directly over the sunken city ruins is prohibited by Turkish law — the legal swim spot is the village cove, and that rule is enforced. No diving is permitted in restricted zones without a permit, and removing any archaeological material is a serious offence. The rocky entry makes water shoes essential — bare feet on this shoreline will slow you down and hurt. Watch for boat traffic in the channel, especially when swimming near the cove edge.
Map
Nearby places
Kordon Restaurant
Ibrahim Restaurant
Gezgin Cafe Restaurant
Kekova Fish House
Teras Paradise
Hobby House
Hoyran Wedre
Likya Yolu Palas Hotel
Hora Hotel
Habesa Pansyion
Kekova Sunken City
Simena Castle (Kaleköy)
Myra Ancient City & St Nicholas Church
Things to see around Demre
Kekova Sunken City
Submerged Lycian city visible from boat; swimming prohibited over ruins
Simena Castle (Kaleköy)
Crusader-era castle above the tiny village of Kaleköy, accessible by boat from Uçağız
Myra Ancient City & St Nicholas Church
Lycian rock tombs and Roman theatre at Myra; St Nicholas church in Demre
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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