Aperlae
Aperlai Antik Kenti
A half-submerged ancient city on the Lycian Way, where city walls, sarcophagi and house foundations in the shallow sea are clearly visible and can be explored by snorkeling.
Aperlae was a small city famed in the Lycian period for its purple dye trade. Earthquakes and rising sea levels submerged its lower town in shallow water, and snorkeling reveals underwater streets, house foundations and a harbor. On land, city walls, a Byzantine church and Lycian sarcophagi survive. There is no road access. Reach it by boat from Kaş (some Kekova cruises stop there), or hike along the Lycian Way for about 1 hour from Suçik Bay near Üçağız. Entry is free; bring snorkeling gear and water.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Üçağız & Teimiussa
- Lycian Way (Kaş–Üçağız section)
- Simena Castle (Kaleköy)
- Kekova Sunken City
- Limanağzı Beach
- Büyük Çakıl Beach
- Kaş Paragliding from Mount Asas
- Phellos