Aperlai Ancient City is a small Lycian harbour settlement located on the Sicak Peninsula between Kas and Kekova, at the entrance of a long and narrow sheltered bay. Dating back to at least the 5th or 4th century BC, Aperlai later became part of the Lycian League and developed as an important coastal settlement.
The ruins stretch from the hillside down towards the sea, with ancient defensive walls, towers, arches, a church and numerous Lycian sarcophagi still visible today. Some remains, including part of a tomb and the ancient harbour, lie partly submerged in the sea, adding a distinctive character to the site.
Aperlai is particularly rewarding to visit by boat, as the approach from the sea reveals the ancient ruins alongside the peaceful natural landscape. It offers a quieter archaeological experience away from the better-known sites of the region and is an excellent stop for travellers exploring the Kas–Kekova coastline.
