Kekova Sunken City, St.Nicolas Demre, Myra Tour From Antalya, Alanya & Side

Exploring Turkey’s Hidden Treasures: Kekova Sunken City, Myra, and Demre Tour

Taking a trip through Turkey’s stunning southwestern coast often means more than just lounging on beaches. For those eager to connect with history, culture, and unique sights, a full-day guided tour covering Kekova Sunken City, Myra, and St. Nicholas Church offers a compelling mix of adventure and insight. While the experience is generally well-received for its authentic stops and knowledgeable guides, it’s worth understanding both the perks and the quirks before booking.

What we genuinely love about this tour is the way it combines amazing historical sites with breathtaking views, all while providing the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The inclusion of a tasty lunch really adds to the value, making it a hassle-free day for travelers seeking a comprehensive cultural experience. However, some may find the long bus rides and mixed reviews on guide language skills to be minor drawbacks.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, curious explorers, and those who want a hassle-free way to see the highlights of Lycia and the ancient underwater ruins. If you’re comfortable spending most of the day on a bus and want a guided trip that hits the main historical points, this could be a good fit.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive day trip exploring ancient Lycian sites and the underwater city of Kekova
• Convenient transportation with hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicles
• Informed guides offering historical context, though some reviews note language barriers
• Included lunch provides good value and a taste of local cuisine
• Boat cruise around Kekova offers memorable views of the sunken city
• Potential for long travel times and occasional delays, so be prepared for a full day

What the Tour Entails: A Deep Dive

This 12-hour adventure begins with hotel pickup in Alanya (and likely other nearby locations like Side and Antalya). From there, the journey is primarily spent traveling through the scenic coast of southwestern Turkey, with the first significant stop at Myra. Known for ancient Greek theatres and Lycian rock-cut tombs, Myra offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The rock-cut tombs, in particular, receive praise; one reviewer mentions that these tombs are “some of the best examples of Lycian architecture,” making them a highlight for history buffs.

The amphitheater in Myra is another draw, with visitors noting how well-preserved and impressive it is in the context of the surrounding ruins. The guide’s narration helps bring these archaeological sites alive, although some reviews suggest that guide language can be an issue — a point to consider if you prefer guides fluent in English.

Next, the tour visits Demre, home to St. Nicholas Church. Here, travelers can learn about the bishop whose legendary deeds inspired Santa Claus. The church itself is a significant religious site and a good spot for reflection and photos. The included lunch in Demre’s city center is often praised for its quality and provides a much-needed break in the day.

From Demre, the trip continues to the Kekova area. This is where the tour shifts from land-based exploration to boating activities, with a cruise taking you over the famous Sunken City. According to guides and travelers, the boat ride is a highlight, offering stunning views of the submerged ruins and the turquoise waters that make this region so special. One reviewer mentions that the boat ride was “very nice,” and that it’s a great chance to see the remains of buildings from the 2nd century after an earthquake destroyed the city.

Exploring Kekova Sunken City

The Sunken City of Kekova is what draws many to this tour. Destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, the remains of submerged houses, walls, and pathways are visible from the boat. Travelers can take photos of the ruins poking out of the water, and some tours even allow for swimming or snorkeling if you bring your swim gear. However, the tour itself primarily provides a boat cruise experience, making this a relaxing yet visually stunning part of the day.

One review mentions that the spectacular underwater city makes the long boat ride worth it, though others note that bringing swim suits is advisable if you want to take advantage of swimming opportunities during the cruise.

The Guide and Group Experience

The overall quality of the guide plays a significant role in how much you’ll enjoy the tour. Reviewers praise guides for their knowledgeable insights and friendly demeanor, but some mention challenges with language barriers, especially if guides don’t speak fluent English. For instance, one guest noted that the Russian guide was “super fantastic” and spoke pretty good English, which was a highlight.

With a maximum group size of 100, expect a lively but sometimes crowded atmosphere. The included air-conditioned transportation is generally comfortable, but some travelers found the bus to be cramped and dark, with delays in pickup times affecting the overall experience.

Pricing and Value

At around $75.63 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering the inclusions of hotel transfers, guiding, lunch, and a boat cruise. However, reviews suggest that some travelers found the experience expensive relative to what they received, especially if they were hoping for a more in-depth guide experience or additional activities like swimming or museum visits (which are not included).

It’s worth noting that entrance fees to the Myra site and the St. Nicholas Museum are not included in the price, so budget accordingly if you’d like to explore those sites further.

The Long Day and Travel Time

One of the consistent themes in reviews is that the day feels long — especially for travelers staying in Alanya or Side — with some saying that most of the day is spent on the bus. As Andrea notes, it’s “totally worth it,” but the rides can be quite lengthy, and the stops are spread out. If you prefer shorter, more concentrated excursions, this might not be your best pick. Conversely, if you enjoy seeing multiple sites in one day and don’t mind the travel, it’s a good way to hit the main highlights with minimal planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history enthusiasts keen to see Lycian ruins, family travelers looking for an easy way to visit multiple sites, and those who don’t mind a full day of travel. The boat cruise offers a relaxing break and photo opportunities with the sunken city and turquoise waters.

Those expecting a luxury experience or an in-depth guided tour might find some gaps, especially if guides aren’t fluent in English or if logistical delays cause a longer day than planned. It’s also suitable for adventurers willing to bring swimwear for optional swimming or snorkeling.

Final Thoughts

In terms of value and authentic sights, this tour delivers on many counts. The stunning ruins, underwater city, and local lunch create a well-rounded day that balances history, scenery, and comfort. The guided commentary enriches the experience, and the boat ride truly is a highlight that makes the trip stand out.

However, the long bus rides and some language barriers could be downsides for travelers seeking a more relaxed, guided experience. It’s most suitable for those who enjoy a full-day adventure and are comfortable with a bus-heavy itinerary.

Ultimately, if you want a hassle-free way to see important Lycian sites and the extraordinary Kekova Sunken City, this trip is worth considering. It offers a good mix of history, scenery, and convenience, making it a solid choice for curious travelers exploring Turkey’s southwestern coast.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient whether you’re staying in Alanya, Side, or nearby.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 12 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and meals.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included, typically served in Demre’s city center. Reviewers say it’s tasty and filling.

What should I bring for the boat cruise?
Bringing swim suits is recommended if you want to swim or snorkel around Kekova. Also, sunglasses and sunscreen are advisable.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Myra and the St. Nicholas Museum are not included. Budget extra if you want to visit these sites.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially if your kids enjoy history and boat rides, but keep in mind the long bus rides and full-day schedule.

How crowded does it get?
With a maximum group size of 100, expect a lively, somewhat crowded atmosphere, especially on the boat and at the sites.

What is the quality of the guides?
Guides are knowledgeable, but some reviews mention language barriers, especially if guides aren’t fluent in English.

Can I take photos at Kekova Sunken City?
Absolutely, the views from the boat provide fantastic photo opportunities of the submerged ruins.

What if the weather is bad?
Most trips are weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This tour offers a compelling way to see Turkey’s ancient Lycian treasures with the added thrill of the sunken city. While it demands a full day and patience for some travel delays, the sights and stories you’ll take home make it well worth considering, especially if you enjoy a guided, scenic experience.