🏛️ Lycian Heritage Tour
Free Cancellation
Side to Demre Myra Kekova Tour: Sunken City Boat Trip
Explore the ancient Lycian realm on a full-day guided trip from Side featuring a glass-bottom boat cruise over the Sunken City of Kekova, Myra cliff tombs, and St. Nicholas Church.
Duration
14 Hours
Pickup
05:00
Operates
Wed & Sun
Meeting Point
Demre & Kekova Island, Antalya · Get Directions
Child Price
€50
Experience Highlights
Free hotel pickup and drop-off from all resort areas in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat
Glass-bottom wooden boat cruise over the 2nd-century BC earthquake-sunken Lycian ruins of Kekova Island
Refreshing swimming stop in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of sheltered Aquarium Bay near Kekova
Explore the spectacular Lycian rock-cut cliff tombs and Roman amphitheater at Myra Ancient City
Visit the historic 4th-century Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) in Demre with ancient Byzantine frescoes
See the iconic 2,000-year-old Lycian sarcophagus standing out of the water near Simena (Kaleköy)
Delicious open-buffet lunch included at a local restaurant in Demre
About This Tour
Stretching along the southwestern coast of Turkey, ancient Lycia is one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating regions for history, mythology, and coastal landscapes. Our Side to Demre, Myra & Kekova Tour combines three of the region’s most remarkable experiences in one full-day journey: the ancient Lycian city of Myra, the historic Church of St. Nicholas, and a glass-bottom boat cruise across the sunken ruins of Kekova.
Your day begins with an early morning pickup from the main entrance of your hotel in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, or Manavgat. Travelling by air-conditioned touring coach, we follow the scenic coastal route towards Demre, passing the mountains of Kemer and the citrus-growing landscapes around Finike, with a breakfast stop along the way.
Our first major stop is Myra, one of the most important ancient cities of Lycia. The site is best known for its impressive rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs, together with a large Greco-Roman theatre that once seated thousands of spectators. We then visit the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, a historic Byzantine basilica associated with Nicholas of Myra, the 4th-century bishop whose story later became the inspiration for Santa Claus.
After an open-buffet lunch in Demre, we continue to Üçağız Harbour and board a traditional wooden glass-bottom boat for our Kekova cruise. The route passes directly over the sunken ruins of ancient Dolchiste, where submerged walls, stone steps, and other remains can be seen beneath the clear Mediterranean water. From the boat, you will also have views of Kekova Island, Simena Castle (Kaleköy), and the famous Lycian sarcophagus standing in the sea.
Before heading back, we make a swimming stop at Aquarium Bay, where you can enjoy the clear turquoise water and relax before the journey back. We then return by coach to Side, arriving in the early evening.
What's Included
Round-trip hotel transfers in air-conditioned touring coaches (Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, Manavgat)
Professional licensed historian tour guide
1.5-hour glass-bottom wooden boat cruise along Kekova Island & Sunken City
Official entrance tickets to Myra Ancient City & St. Nicholas Church
Open-buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Demre
All highway tolls, boat fees, and passenger transport insurance
Cold soft drinks, beers, and wine during lunch and boat cruise
Personal expenses, candles at St. Nicholas Church, and souvenir shopping
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Early morning pickup directly from hotel gates across Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat (05:00 to 05:30).
Coastal Scenic Drive
Air-conditioned drive past Antalya, Kemer, and Finike with a morning breakfast stop (approx. 07:30).
Church of St. Nicholas
Guided visit inside the 4th-century basilica in Demre, home to ancient Byzantine wall frescoes and St. Nicholas' tomb.
Myra Ancient City & Cliff Tombs
Explore the towering Lycian rock-cut necropolis carved into vertical cliffs and the Roman theater at Myra.
Open-Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a fresh buffet lunch with cold salads and hot main dishes at a local Demre restaurant (approx. 13:00).
Kekova Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise
Board a wooden glass-bottom boat to cruise over the Sunken City of Kekova, Simena, and underwater ruins.
Turquoise Bay Swimming Stop
Anchor in pristine Aquarium Bay for a 45-minute swim in clear Mediterranean waters.
Return Transfer
Reboard the coach for the afternoon drive back along the coast, returning to your Side hotel by 20:00.
Good to Know
The road distance from Side to Demre is approx. 220 km (3.5 to 4 hours drive each way along scenic coastal highways with rest stops)
Swimming directly over the sunken ruins of Kekova is prohibited by law to preserve antiquity, but our boat stops for swimming in nearby Aquarium Bay
Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for exploring the stone terrain of Myra ruins and St. Nicholas Church
Bring swimwear, a small towel, sun hat, and dark sunglasses for the Kekova boat cruise section
Suitable for families, couples, and history enthusiasts; folding strollers and light wheelchairs can be accommodated in bus luggage
Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals for stone ruins at Myra and Demre
Swimsuit and a towel for the Kekova boat cruise swimming stop
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for open-deck boat cruising
Light sweater or wrap for early morning bus departure and A/C coach comfort
Camera or smartphone with full battery for underwater glass-bottom and cliff tomb photos
Cash in Euros, Pounds, Dollars, or Lira for drinks and souvenir icons
Local Tip
When we visit the glass-bottom boat over the Sunken City of Kekova, stand on the lower deck port side near the glass viewing windows for the clearest views of ancient staircases and submerged amphorae. Also, make sure to take a photo of the solitary Lycian stone sarcophagus standing right out of the sea water near Simena (Kaleköy)—it is one of the most iconic views on the Mediterranean!
Guest Reviews (9)
Andrew & Sarah T.
United Kingdom
Absolutely fantastic day trip! The drive from Side along the coast was beautiful, and Myra was even more impressive than we expected. The rock tombs carved into the cliffs are incredible. The swim at Aquarium Bay was the perfect way to finish the boat trip.
Hans & Ursula K.
Germany
Ein wunderschöner Ausflug! Besonders die Nikolauskirche in Demre und die versunkenen Ruinen von Kekova haben uns begeistert. Die Bootsfahrt mit dem Glasboden war wunderschön und alles war sehr gut organisiert.
Elena M.
Netherlands
Such an interesting day from start to finish. Our guide explained the history of Myra and St. Nicholas really well without making it feel like a history lesson. Being picked up directly at our hotel in Evrenseki was also very convenient.
Niall O.
Ireland
What a brilliant day out! The Lycian tombs at Myra are absolutely amazing to see in person. We really enjoyed the boat ride over the sunken city and had a lovely swim in Aquarium Bay. Lunch in Demre was fresh and exactly what we needed.
Sophie & Mark R.
United Kingdom
One of the best excursions we did during our stay in Side. Myra was fascinating, but Kekova was the real highlight for us. Seeing the ancient ruins beneath the water from the boat was something completely different. Great day overall.
Klara W.
Austria
Ein wirklich schöner Tagesausflug von Side. Die Fahrt nach Demre war landschaftlich sehr schön und Myra hat uns besonders gut gefallen. Die Bootsfahrt nach Kekova war entspannt und die Badepause im klaren Wasser einfach herrlich.
Thomas B.
Germany
A very well planned day with a great mix of history and sea. We visited Myra, saw the Church of St. Nicholas and then spent a relaxing afternoon on the boat around Kekova. The pickup from Manavgat was right on time and everything went smoothly.
Laura P.
Spain
We loved how much we got to see in one day. The ancient theatre and cliff tombs at Myra were spectacular, and the Kekova cruise was beautiful. Our guide was friendly and gave us plenty of interesting information without talking too much.
James & Olivia C.
United Kingdom
Definitely worth the early start! Myra and the Lycian tombs were incredible, and seeing the sunken ruins around Kekova was a memorable experience. The swimming stop was lovely too. A long day, but very well organised from pickup in Side to the return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Demre and Kekova from Side hotels and how long is the drive?
Demre is about 220 km west of Side along the coast. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way in our air-conditioned coach with a morning breakfast stop.
Can you swim over the Sunken City of Kekova?
Swimming directly over the ancient submerged ruins is legally forbidden to protect archaeological treasures. However, our boat stops for a 45-minute swim in pristine Aquarium Bay right next to Kekova Island.
Are entrance tickets to Myra and St. Nicholas Church included?
Yes, our all-inclusive tour price covers full admission to Myra Ancient City, St. Nicholas Church, and the glass-bottom boat cruise with no hidden extra fees.
Who was St. Nicholas and why is his church in Demre?
Saint Nicholas was a real 4th-century Christian Bishop of Myra (modern-day Demre) whose secret acts of charity inspired Santa Claus. His original church and tomb are in Demre.
What kind of boat is used for the Kekova cruise?
We use a traditional wooden Turkish gulet equipped with glass-bottom viewing panels, shaded decks, sun loungers, and freshwater showers.
Is lunch included on the Demre Myra Kekova tour?
Yes, an open-buffet lunch featuring warm main dishes, fresh salads, and local appetizers at a restaurant in Demre is fully included in your tour price.
Total
€55
