Demre, Myra & Kekova Tour from Side – St Nicholas Church, Lycian Rock Tombs & a Boat over the Sunken City
Side shows you Roman stones by the sea; this day goes further back and further west, into ancient Lycia. You stand in the church of St Nicholas in Demre, the bishop behind the Santa Claus story, look up at the rock-cut tombs of Myra and glide by boat over the sunken city of Kekova, with Simena castle above the water.
- Duration
- 18 hours
- Operating days
- Wed, Sun
- Pickup
- 03:30 → 21:30
- Destination
- Demre & Kekova
A long road along the Lycian coast
Demre lies about 220–230 km from Side, beyond Antalya and along the winding Lycian coast, so the coach sets off long before sunrise and you return in the evening. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. It is a long day, though a little shorter from Side than from the Alanya side of the coast. The tour runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, with a breakfast break near Antalya on the way.
Church, tombs and a sunken city
- The Church of St Nicholas in Demre, now a museum, and the icon centre
- Ancient Myra: the Roman theatre and the honeycomb of Lycian tombs in the cliff
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- About an hour by boat from Üçağız over the sunken city of Kekova
- Lycian sarcophagi and Simena castle seen from the water
- The coastal drive back, with a rest stop near Antalya
Tickets, clothing and the sea
You can book with or without the entrance fees for Myra and the church; drinks, breakfast, tips and personal expenses are extra. Shoulders should be covered in the church. Swimming over the protected ruins is not allowed, but depending on the route and the weather there may be a short swim in a nearby bay, so pack swimwear and a towel along with good shoes, a hat, strong sunscreen and a light jacket for the cool early hours. The boat trip depends on the sea. After such a long day, travel home or on to your next hotel in comfort with the Side VIP private transfer.
Highlights
- Church of St. Nicholas – the original Santa Claus
- Lycian rock tombs and Roman theatre of Myra
- 1-hour boat trip over the Kekova sunken city
- Lycian sarcophagi and Simena castle from the water
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Scenic coastal drive along the Lycian coast
Hotel pickup from Side
Pickup times depend on where your hotel is and change from season to season, so we confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking. Please be ready at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Side
- Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
- Club Melas Privé
- Megasaray Resort Side
- Barut Hemera
- Adalya Bliss
- Novum Garden Side Hotel
- VONRESORT Golden Coast & Aqua
- Voyage Sorgun Hotel
- Liu Resorts
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Beach Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
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Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side – we confirm the exact time after booking.
-
Breakfast break
Short stop near Antalya.
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St. Nicholas Church
Visit to the church museum and icon centre in Demre.
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Ancient Myra
Roman theatre and Lycian rock tombs.
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Lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant.
-
Kekova boat trip
From Üçağız over the sunken city (about 1 hour).
-
Return journey
Departure and drive back along the coast.
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Break
Rest stop near Antalya.
-
Hotel drop-off
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Alanya, Side and surroundings
- Air-conditioned coach
- Professional guide
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- 1-hour boat trip to Kekova and the sunken city
- Entrance fees to Myra and St. Nicholas Church (only with the ‘with entrance fees’ option)
Not included
- Drinks
- Entrance fees (with the ‘without entrance fees’ option)
- Tips and personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know
- Runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- The boat trip depends on sea conditions.
- Please dress modestly for the church (shoulders covered).
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and a towel
- Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- A light jacket for the early morning and the air-conditioned bus
- Cash for drinks, breakfast and souvenirs
Frequently asked questions
How far is Demre from Side?
About 220–230 km along the coast via Antalya – plan for a very long day that starts before sunrise.
Are the entrance fees included?
That depends on the option you book: with or without the entrance fees for Myra and the Church of St Nicholas. Lunch and the boat trip are always included.
Can we swim at Kekova?
Not over the sunken city – the ruins are protected. Depending on the route and the weather there may be a short swim stop in a nearby bay.
Is it a good day out with children?
For older children who like history and boats, yes; for small children the long drive can be tiring.
