From Antalya: Day Trip to Demre, Myra and Kekova Boat Trip

From Antalya: Day Trip to Demre, Myra, and Kekova Boat Trip
– Location: Antalya Province, Turkey
– Price: $123 per person
– Duration: Approximately 13 hours
– Rating: 4.3/5 based on 7 reviews

This tour offers an engaging mix of ancient history, charming villages, and stunning seascapes. Starting early from Antalya, you’ll spend the day exploring Demre’s archaeological wonders, cruising around Kekova’s famous Sunken City, and enjoying swimming breaks at some beautiful bays. Your guides are friendly, and the itinerary is packed with memorable sights—not to mention a generous boat trip that lasts around 7 hours.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see both land and sea. The boat ride around Kekova is especially enchanting, with spectacular views of submerged ruins that give you a sense of how the sea has claimed parts of the past. Also, visiting the small village of Kaleköy, with its castle ruins and quiet charm, offers a glimpse into authentic local life away from tourist crowds.

A potential downside? The stop at Kekova’s Sunken City is somewhat short, as noted by one reviewer who mentioned the time could be a bit tighter. If you’re keen on spending longer in each location or exploring in more depth, you might find this tour somewhat rushed.

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and relaxing boat time. It suits those who appreciate authentic villages and are comfortable with a full-day commitment. If you’re okay with a packed schedule and want a comprehensive taste of the region’s highlights, this tour will serve you well.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day out combining land exploration and a boat cruise
• Access to ancient ruins, sunken city, and charming villages
• Includes transportation, lunch, and a boat trip for straightforward planning
• Short stops mean you’ll want to manage your time well in each location
• Suitable for active travelers comfortable with walking and swimming
• Great value for the variety of experiences packed into one day

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How the Day Unfolds

This tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup from various points in Antalya, making it convenient whether you’re staying in the city center or nearby resorts. The drive to Demre takes about 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax and get excited about the day ahead. The itinerary is designed to maximize your day, mixing history, scenery, and leisure.

Exploring Demre and Myra

Your first significant stop is the ancient city of Myra, renowned for its impressive rock-cut tombs and Roman theater—the largest in Lycia. Here, you’ll walk through ruins that date back to the 5th century B.C., feeling the weight of history as you explore the remains of temples and necropolises carved into cliffs. One reviewer appreciated seeing these “significant ancient ruins,” which makes the visit especially meaningful for history enthusiasts.

Following Myra, a visit to the Demre Museum adds context, helping you understand the area’s significance. You’ll also have time to see the church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), which is a pilgrimage site for many.

The Boat Trip and Kekova’s Sunken City

The highlight for many is the 7-hour boat cruise around Kekova. Cruising alongside the submerged ruins, you’ll get incredible photo opportunities. We loved the way the boat gently navigates past the ancient remains, giving you a feeling of floating through history. One reviewer, Loic, shared that the landscape was sublime, although he also noted that the stop at Kekova was a little short—a common sentiment among travelers wishing for more time to explore.

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, a tiny village with a castle and a necropolis. The hour-long stop is a chance to stroll through narrow streets, climb up to the castle for panoramic views, or simply soak in the authentic, peaceful atmosphere. Be prepared for some walking uphill if you choose to hike for the views.

Gökkaya Bay offers a relaxing swim opportunity in crystal-clear waters. The bay’s natural beauty is striking, and the chance to cool off with a dip is a much-appreciated break during the day. Water sports are also available if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Pirates Cave and Turtle Spotting

Another interesting stop is Karemlik Bay, home to Pirates Cave—a large, naturally formed cave with a curved entrance, perfect for exploring. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse some of the five turtle species that inhabit the area, which is a highlight for nature lovers.

Return and Reflection

After a full day of exploration and fun, the tour concludes with a return to Demre port and a transfer back to Antalya, usually arriving in the evening. The day’s balance of historical sites, scenic boat rides, and leisure makes it a well-rounded experience, especially considering its moderate price point.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers transportation, a 7-hour boat trip, lunch, and seasonal fruit or dessert. You should plan for extra expenses if you want additional drinks or souvenirs, and remember that entry fees to archaeological sites are not included. The tour is designed for convenience, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and operates in both English and Turkish, ensuring clear communication.

Considerations for Travelers

• Comfortable shoes and swimwear are essential for walking and swimming.
• The tour is quite full, so if you prefer leisurely exploration, it might feel a bit rushed.
• The short stop at Kekova is a common complaint, so if you’re a history or photo enthusiast, plan to prioritize that time.
• Since pets aren’t allowed, make arrangements if you’re traveling with furry friends.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip suits history buffs, sea lovers, and those who enjoy authentic villages and scenic boat rides. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive day out that blends archaeology with leisure, without the need to organize multiple separate tours. It’s also a good option for travelers with limited time in Antalya who want a snapshot of the region’s highlights.

The Sum Up

This tour provides an engaging and well-rounded look at Turkey’s southwestern treasures. With its combination of ancient city exploration, a boat cruise past sunken ruins, and relaxing swimming stops, it appeals to travelers eager to see diverse sights in one day. The inclusion of lunch and hotel transfers adds value, making it a hassle-free way to experience some of the region’s most intriguing spots.

However, keep in mind that the stops are relatively brief, especially at Kekova, so if you’re craving in-depth exploration, you might feel a bit rushed. For most, though, the scenic beauty and historical richness will make this a memorable trip, especially if you enjoy a mix of land and sea adventures.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Turkey, this tour offers a lively, visual introduction to the treasures of Antalya Province—delivering scenic views, ancient history, and a taste of authentic coastal life, all in one satisfying package.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, a 7-hour boat trip, lunch, and seasonal fruit or dessert. Entrance fees to archaeological sites are not included.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and stops along the way.

Is there time to swim or relax?
Yes, you’ll have the chance to swim in Gökkaya Bay and relax during stops at Kaleköy and Karemlik Bay, where water sports are also available.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel are recommended. Pack sun protection and perhaps a camera for the stunning views.

Are there any notable drawbacks?
The main complaint is the short stop at Kekova, which some travelers wish was longer to better explore the ruins and village.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for travelers interested in history, scenic boat rides, and experiencing authentic local villages, especially if you enjoy a full day of outdoor activities and cultural sights.

This tour from Antalya promises a full day immersed in history, natural beauty, and seaside leisure—a well-rounded experience for those eager to see the region’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail.

You can check availability for your dates here: