Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Myra Day Trip from Antalya with Lunch
Overview
Kekova Sunken City, Demre & Myra Day Trip from Antalya with Lunch
This full-day tour from Antalya runs along the old Lycian coast. In Demre you see the Church of St. Nicholas, tied to the bishop whose life gave rise to the Santa Claus story, and then walk around Myra, with its Lycian tombs cut into the rock and its Roman theatre.
Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterwards a boat leaves from Kekova and passes over the Sunken City, whose ancient ruins lie along the shore and under the surface, and stops so you can swim in the turquoise sea. The price includes a professional guide, entry fees for the church and for Myra, lunch and hotel transfers.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Church of St. Nicholas, Myra & Kekova Sunken City
- Pick-up from your hotel (a drive of about 2.5-3 hours): a vehicle collects you from selected hotels in and around Antalya, and you follow the coast road to Demre.
- Church of St. Nicholas (guided, around 1 hour): this was the bishop's own church. Hear about its Byzantine past and the man whose story later gave rise to the Santa Claus legend.
- Myra Ancient City (guided, around 1 hour): Lycian tombs carved into the cliff face, and the Roman theatre.
- Lunch (included, around 1 hour): a Turkish meal at a local restaurant.
- Kekova boat trip (around 2 hours): sail over the turquoise water of Kekova and look at the Sunken City ruins on the shore and below the surface.
- Swimming break (around 30 minutes) in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Return to Antalya (around 3 hours): you are dropped at your hotel or at a set drop-off point.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Pick-up and drop-off at hotels in selected Antalya areas
- ✓Air-conditioned transport both ways
- ✓Entry fee for ancient Myra
- ✓Entry fee for the Church of St. Nicholas
- ✓Licensed professional guide
- ✓Boat trip over the Kekova Sunken City
- ✓Time for a swim in the Mediterranean
- ✓Visit to ancient Myra
- ✓Visit to St. Nicholas Church
- ✓Lunch of local Turkish food
- ✓Full insurance for the tour
- ✕Drinks
- ✕Breakfast and Additional Meals
- ✕Personal Expenses and Shopping
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at no charge until 7 days before your tour and you receive a full refund. If you cancel within the final 7 days before the tour, no refund is given. All times shown are local.
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Kekova Sunken City by boat and Myra from Antalya: the essentials
This full-day trip from Antalya runs along the ancient Lycian coast and costs from $120 per person. At Demre you see the Church of St. Nicholas, connected with the bishop who inspired the Santa Claus legend, then explore Myra, known for its Lycian tombs cut into the rock and its Roman theatre. Lunch is at a local restaurant, after which you take a boat at Kekova and sail over the Sunken City, where old remains are visible along the shore and under the water, and stop to swim in the turquoise sea. The price covers a licensed guide, entrance fees, lunch and hotel transfers.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Length | A full day from Antalya, with about 8 hours of touring |
| Price | $120 per person and up |
| Route | Antalya to Demre (Myra), then Kekova, then back to Antalya |
| What's covered | Licensed guide, hotel transfers (selected areas), entrance fees for Myra and St. Nicholas Church, Kekova boat trip, swim stop, local lunch, insurance |
| Not covered | Breakfast and extra meals, drinks, personal spending |
What is the Sunken City of Kekova?
On the coast of Kekova Island are the remains of an old Lycian town that partly sank into the sea after earthquakes in ancient times. The boat lets you see walls, steps and foundations at the waterline and just below the clear surface. To protect the ruins you may not swim right above them, so the swim stop is close by instead.
Who was St. Nicholas of Myra?
Nicholas served as bishop of Myra in the 4th century and was known for his kindness, above all for leaving gifts for the poor in secret. Over hundreds of years his story turned into the Santa Claus legend. The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre stands where tradition places him, and pilgrims and visitors come to it from all over the world.
What is on the day's programme?
| Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Church of St. Nicholas | Byzantine church tied to the bishop of Myra |
| Myra | Roman theatre and Lycian tombs cut into the cliff |
| Lunch | Turkish lunch at a local spot |
| Kekova boat trip | Sailing above the Sunken City |
| Swim break | Swimming in the turquoise Mediterranean |
Should you join a group or go private to Kekova?
| Tour from Antalya | How it differs | From |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | Group trip including boat, lunch and entrance fees | $120 |
| Private tour of Demre, Myra and Kekova | A guide and vehicle only for you | $140 |
| Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall | Ancient cities to the east of Antalya | $90 |
| Boat tour to Suluada island | A day just for beaches and swimming | $50 |
How long is the drive from Antalya to Kekova?
Getting from Antalya to Demre takes roughly two and a half to three hours by road along the coast. It is among Turkey's most scenic drives, with the mountains on one side and the sea on the other.
When should you go?
Go between April and October, when the sea is calm and warm enough to swim. Myra gets hot in summer, so bring a hat and water. Outside the season the historic sites are comfortable, though the water may be too cold for a swim.
What should you pack?
A towel and swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes for Myra, modest clothes for the church, and cash to buy drinks.
How can you reserve?
Pick a date on this page and submit the form, or send a WhatsApp message with the name of your hotel in Antalya. We confirm your place and pick-up time in writing, and payment is only taken once we have confirmed. Browse our tours in Antalya and Turkey tour packages for more ideas.
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