Sunken City Kekova, Demre & Myra Day Tour

The best part of this day is the change of scene: Lycian tombs and a Greek theater give way to a boat ride over the submerged ruins of Kekova. I like that the tour joins several hard-to-reach sights in one outing, and that swimming or snorkeling adds a welcome break from ruins and bus travel. The main catch is the distance. From Antalya, this can become a very long day, especially with a large group.

I also like the clear historical thread, from Myra, the city of St. Nicholas, to Teimiussa and the sunken settlement of Simena. Guides such as Alp and Natalia have been singled out for warm, lively explanations, but the experience depends on the guide and group organization. Lunch is included, though the quality may be uneven.

Key points before you book

• Kekova is the day’s visual highlight: Sail above the ruins of Simena and take time for swimming or snorkeling.
• Myra combines two major sights: See Lycian rock-cut tombs and an ancient Greek theater in one stop.
• The journey is long but scenic: The coastal road offers fine sea views, with pickup and return in Antalya.
• St. Nicholas Church costs extra: Myra admission is included, but the church entrance fee is not.
• Group size can affect the pace: One departure carried 47 people and involved bus transfers for different language groups.
• The price covers the basics: At $78 per person, transport, guide service, lunch, insurance, taxes, and Myra entry are included.

Why Kekova makes this a memorable history day

Kekova is not just another ancient site with stones on dry land. From the boat, you look into clear Mediterranean water and see the remains of a settlement that slipped partly beneath the sea. The ruins belong to the area around Simena, and the guide explains what you are seeing as the boat moves along the coast.

That viewpoint matters. You do not simply walk up to a wall and read a sign. You see traces of an old settlement in relation to the shoreline, coves, and water around it. The setting gives the history some scale, even though the boat ride itself remains the most relaxed part of the day.

You can swim or snorkel in the water near Kekova. Conditions vary by season. In April, the sea may feel too cold for some people, so bring a swimsuit if you want the option but do not feel obliged to get in. The boat trip remains worthwhile even if you stay dry.

A practical point: the boat ride is paired with several land visits, not offered as a full-day cruise. You will spend much of the day on the road or touring archaeological sites, so pack for a mixed day of walking, sitting, sun, and water.

Myra’s tombs and theater set the historical stage

The first major stop is Myra, located by the Myros River. This ancient Lycian city is best known for its rock-cut tombs and theater, two sights that make the visit feel much more substantial than a quick photo stop.

The Lycian necropolis is carved into the rock face. The tombs sit high above the ground, with details that make them easy to spot from below. Your guide helps explain the Lycian tradition of placing tombs in prominent positions and points out the features that can be missed if you only walk through looking for the best photograph.

The theater gives the visit a different mood. It is an ancient Greek-style performance space, and its surviving structure helps you picture how public life worked here. You get architecture, religion, burial customs, and local history in one compact stop.

Myra also matters because it was the home of St. Nicholas of Myra. The modern image of Santa Claus has traveled far from this Mediterranean town, but the connection gives the site an extra layer for visitors interested in Christian history.

Myra entry is included in the tour price, which improves the value. You are not paying a relatively modest tour fee and then facing a string of large extra charges at the first major ruin. Wear sensible shoes, since the day involves walking around ancient remains rather than simply viewing them from the bus.

The coastal drive is part of the experience

This is a 10-hour outing, and the driving time is a major part of the calculation. The road toward Demre follows the Mediterranean coast for sections of the journey, with winding stretches and sea views. The ride can be scenic, but it is still a long ride.

Pickup is listed for hotels in Antalya, while the outing is also described as a full-day trip from Kemer. That means you should confirm the exact pickup point and starting time before booking, especially if your hotel is in Antalya’s Old City or another part of the region.

One departure picked up from Antalya’s Old City at about 6:30 in the morning and returned after 8:00 in the evening. That is longer than the advertised 10-hour duration, and the difference likely came from hotel pickups, a large group, and transfers between buses serving different language groups.

I would not book this day if you want a slow morning or an early evening back at your hotel. I would book it if you have limited time and want to see Demre, Myra, and Kekova without arranging several separate rides.

The bus is described as comfortable, air-conditioned, and non-smoking. That matters on a hot day, though no coach can remove the basic fact that Antalya to Demre is a long round trip.

Teimiussa adds a quieter Lycian stop

The tour also visits the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. This stop is less famous than Myra, which is part of its appeal. It gives you another look at Lycian burial customs without making the entire day depend on one archaeological site.

The ancient remains here work well as a complement to Myra. At Myra, the theater and dramatic rock tombs create the main visual impact. At Teimiussa, the focus is more directly on the necropolis and its setting near the water.

Your guide is important at both places. The remains are easier to appreciate when someone explains what the tombs were for and how the settlements fit into the wider Lycian world. English and Russian guiding are available, and guide quality can shape the day. Alp has been praised for his friendly manner and clear explanations, while Natalia has been noted for making the historical information engaging.

Do not expect every stop to receive the same amount of time. The schedule has to fit Myra, lunch, the boat, Teimiussa, Demre, and the return drive into one packed day.

Lunch gives you a needed break

Lunch is included and is served after the Myra visit. The meal is described as an open buffet, so you can choose what appeals to you and take more if needed. For a day with substantial driving and walking, that is useful.

The food is the least consistent part of the package. Some people rate the meal highly, while others find it poor and would prefer the restaurant removed from the route. I would treat lunch as convenient rather than as a reason to book the tour.

Beverages are not included, so carry money for drinks. The tour price includes lunch, taxes, insurance, transport, guide service, and Myra admission, but not drinks or St. Nicholas Church entry.

If you have particular dietary needs, the supplied information does not explain the buffet choices or special arrangements. Ask the provider before departure rather than assuming the meal will suit you.

Demre and St. Nicholas Church

The final town visit brings you to Demre, also called Kale in the tour description. Here you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas, the place linked with Nicholas of Myra.

The church is an important stop for anyone interested in early Christian history. Its appeal is not only religious. It also connects the ancient city of Myra with the later identity of Demre and with the long afterlife of St. Nicholas as a cultural figure.

The entrance fee is not included, so budget for it separately. Since the day already includes a lot of sightseeing, check the available time at the church and listen for the guide’s instructions. The stop is most useful when you want the historical connection, not just another quick photograph.

How the $78 price holds up

At $78 per person, the tour offers good value if you want a full day of transport and several admissions bundled together. A private car and separate planning for Antalya, Myra, Demre, Teimiussa, and Kekova would cost more and require considerably more effort.

The inclusions are practical: an air-conditioned bus, professional guide, insurance, taxes, lunch, and entrance to Myra. The boat portion is also built into the day, so you are not arranging transport to Kekova on your own.

The value drops if you dislike long coach trips or large groups. One departure had 47 people, and different language groups required coordination between buses. That can mean waiting and less flexibility at each stop.

The $78 price is strongest for a first visit to the area when your time is limited. It is less attractive if you are already staying near Demre or prefer to explore one site slowly.

Who should book this day tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad introduction to the region in one day. History fans get Myra, Teimiussa, and St. Nicholas Church. Nature lovers get the boat ride and the chance to swim or snorkel at Kekova. Families and mixed-interest groups may like the variety, since the day is not only ruins.

It also suits visitors staying in Antalya who do not want to manage regional buses, boat connections, and admission fees. The guide adds useful context, especially at Myra, where the tombs and theater are easier to understand with explanation.

I would hesitate if you need a relaxed schedule, dislike early starts, or expect a small, intimate tour. The possible 47-person group and language coordination can make the day feel organized but not personal.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, water money, and comfortable shoes. If you are visiting in a cooler month, do not assume the sea will be warm enough for swimming. The boat ride still works as a sightseeing experience.

Should you book the Kekova, Demre and Myra tour?

Book it if you want the most sights for your time and can accept a long day on the road. The combination of Myra’s tombs and theater, the water-level view of Kekova, Teimiussa, and St. Nicholas Church is hard to match in a single organized outing.

Skip it if you want to linger at one site, avoid large groups, or return early. Before paying, confirm your exact Antalya pickup point, the starting time, the church entrance fee, and the language of your group. With those expectations clear, the tour offers a practical and memorable route through one of Turkey’s most interesting coastal regions.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 10 hours, though the full day can run longer depending on hotel pickups, traffic, group size, and bus coordination.

Where does pickup take place?

Hotel pickup is included in Antalya. The tour is also described as a full-day trip from Kemer, so confirm your exact pickup area and meeting details before booking.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and Russian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as an open buffet. Beverages are not included.

Is the entrance to Myra included?

Yes. The entrance fee to Myra is included in the tour price.

Is the entrance to St. Nicholas Church included?

No. The entrance fee to St. Nicholas Church is not included.

Can I swim or snorkel at Kekova?

Yes. The tour provides an opportunity to swim or snorkel in the clear water around Kekova. Sea temperatures can vary, and the water may be cold in April.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.