Nestled away between the karst peaks of the Turquoise Coast  is the ancient village of Simena (modern day Kaleköy). Citrus trees heavy with fruit line the crumbling stairways that take travellers on winding walks across the hillside. Thousand year old olive trees with gnarled boughs and ashy leaves, and a Byzantine castle atop the hill complete the charm.

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Lycian sarcophagi- smashed open and cleaned of its treasure by pirates centuries ago- are scattered around the bay, some half submerged in the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and yachting are popular pursuits.

The pansiyons in the village are well outside the average backpackers’ budget, but the seaside town of Kaş is fairly close by and boasts a huge number of hotels and pansiyons. Simena can be reached overland (dolmuses go everywhere and cost only a few lira) or by boat from both Kaş and Demre.

The richest man in Turkey has a home here. Bring a picnic (or eat at one of the local seafood restaurants near the dock), explore the castle (small entrance fee required) and spend the day the  rest of the day exploring the winding nooks and crannies with the chickens.