Ancient Simena, now known as Kaleköy, is a small Lycian coastal town and a strategic point that has been inhabited from the 4th century BC to the present day. The most vivid reflection of this feature is the castle that has remained intact until today, from where it is possible to observe the most excellent views of Kekova and its surroundings. Simena is one of the rare settlements in Turkey that can only be reached by sea. The ancient city of Simena, which is located within the Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area, which covers an area of 260 square kilometers, is registered as a first class archaeological site.

Kekova, which gives its name to the region, is the general name of both the 7.4 kilometer long island, the closest point of which is 500 meters from the shore opposite Simena, and the region that includes Simena, Teimiussa (Üçağız), Aperlai (Sıcak) Pier, Akvaryum Bay, Gökkaya Bay. The northern coasts of the island facing Simena are full of traces of civilization, which were partially buried in the water during the earthquakes in ancient times, such as stone stairs, house ruins, pier ruins, half of which are in the water and half of which are out of the water, extending up to 4-5 meters deep in the sea. Simena is located on the peninsula opposite Kekova Island. Üçağız, known as the port city of Teimiussa in ancient times, which was the first land entrance to the Kekova region, was the most reliable corner next to the neighboring Simena, protecting the sailors from the strongest waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Between Kaleköy and Üçağız, the remains of a road and a dock can be seen, which were used as a quarry for sarcophagi that were washed ashore through small islets.

Although the name of the ancient city of Simena was first mentioned by Pilinius (1st century A.D.), it dates back to the 4th century B.C., as evidenced by the inscription written in Lycian script and the silver coin found in Aperlai. The city was a member of a confederation that included Apollonia and Isinda under the presidency of Aperlai. It was represented by the city of Aperlai in the Lycian Union. It is believed that Simena continued its life as an independent city after the region joined the Roman Empire.

The first structure that catches the eye when approaching the shore is the ruins of the Roman bath complex, probably built in 79 B.C., with an inscription that reads "Presented to the Emperor Titus by the people and assembly of Aperlai and other cities of the union". Reaching the castle by a steep path from the coast and in places ancient steps, two sarcophagi attract attention. One is dedicated to the little Exedra and the other to Mentor, son of Idargus. When you reach the castle, the first ruin you will notice is the theater carved in the natural rock, with 7 rows of seats and a capacity of 300 people, one of the most important ruins of Simena. Water cisterns, rock tombs and traces of the religious building, which was first used as a temple, then as a church and finally as a mosque, are among the other ruins of the castle. Sarcophagi of Lycian type, breakwaters and remains of buildings can be easily seen in calm weather. Northeast of the castle is a large necropolis area consisting of sarcophagi and rock tombs. An inscription in Lycian language is remarkable in one of the house-type tombs.

Ancient Simena, now known as Kaleköy, is a small Lycian coastal town and a strategic point that has been inhabited from the 4th century BC to the present day. The most vivid reflection of this feature is the castle that has remained intact until today, from where it is possible to observe the most excellent views of Kekova and its surroundings. Simena is one of the rare settlements in Turkey that can only be reached by sea. The ancient city of Simena, which is located within the Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area, which covers an area of 260 square kilometers, is registered as a first class archaeological site.