Simena Island, Turkey: Boat-Only Castle Village
Explore Simena Island on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, a remote settlement accessible only by boat. This fourth-century BC castle village is home to just a few hundred residents who rely on school boats instead of buses, offering a glimpse into traditional Mediterranean island life.
- Mode
- place
- Start
- Eskiömerler Mahallesi, Kocasinan
- End
- Eskiömerler Mahallesi, Kocasinan
- Stops
- 1
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Eskiömerler Mahallesi, Kocasinan
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Book a boat sailing trip on the Turquoise Coast for multi-night stays; boats typically have multiple levels with sleeping areas on top deck and communal dining/relaxation spaces below.
- Food
- Boat trips include meals prepared on board by staff; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are cooked for you, including items prepared on boat barbecue grills.
- Tip
- Visit Simena Island, accessible only by boat; the village has a castle dating to the 4th century BC with around 300 steps to reach it. Children attend a primary school and take a school boat instead of a bus.
- Tip
- Swim at Aquarium Beach for exceptionally clear water; the sea is so transparent it resembles a swimming pool and creates illusions of floating boats.
- Tip
- Visit the sunken city of Kekova; ancient ruins date back to the 5th century with buildings partially submerged in water due to land subsidence of approximately 2.5 meters.
- Timing
- Plan boat trips during school holidays if you want fewer crowds; avoid peak times when school is not in session as beaches become crowded with families.
- Tip
- Swim in Tersane Bay before docking; this is a designated swimming stop on the Turquoise Coast sailing route.
- Transport
- After boat tours, buses are available for onward travel; be prepared for long bus rides (9+ hours mentioned) to destinations like Cappadocia.
Video on this route
Living on a Turkish Boat | Sailing in Turkey