Alanya/Side: Demre St. Nicholas, Ancient Myra & Sunken City

Discover Turkey’s Coastal Treasures on the Demre St. Nicholas, Ancient Myra & Sunken City Tour

A full-day journey through Turkey’s Antalya Province offers a mix of ancient history, stunning scenery, and boat adventures. Starting from your hotel in Alanya or Side, the tour, costing roughly 16 hours, takes you to some of the most captivating sites along the Turkish Riviera. You’ll visit the ancient Lycian city of Myra, famed for its rock-cut tombs and amphitheater, cruise over the wreckage of the sunken city of Kekova, and step inside the church of St. Nicholas in Demre.

What we love about this tour is how it balances impressive historical sites with scenic boat trips — it’s a chance to see a different side of Turkey beyond its beaches. The presence of an engaging guide (like Margot, mentioned in reviews) really enhances the day, making the history come alive and helping us appreciate the significance of each stop. Plus, the inclusive lunch and hotel pickup make it a convenient way to explore without the hassle of planning logistics ourselves.

One thing to consider is the long bus ride, especially if you’re staying in Mahmutlar or farther out. While the scenery along the way, particularly between Demre and Finike, is described as beautiful, the travel time might be tiring if you prefer shorter excursions. This tour suits travelers with good mobility who enjoy history, boat trips, and scenic drives, and who don’t mind a full day on the go.

If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized experience that covers major highlights of the Demre region and offers a mix of land and sea adventures, this trip is a strong choice. It’s especially ideal if you’re excited by ancient ruins and stunning coastlines, and value having knowledgeable guides along the way.

Key Points

• Rich Historical Sites: Visit Myra’s Lycian necropolis and ancient amphitheater, offering insight into early civilizations.
• Unique Boat Experience: Sail over the sunken city of Kekova and explore submerged ruins and a boat trip that’s both scenic and memorable.
• Cultural Highlights: Stop at the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, a site of both religious and historical importance.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a complimentary lunch, making it stress-free.
• Time Investment: Expect a long day, with potential lengthy bus rides, but the scenery and experiences are generally worth it.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides like Margot are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, enriching the visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Demre/Side Tour

What’s Included and How Does It Add Value?

The tour starts with hotel pickup, which is a real time-saver, particularly if you’re staying in Alanya or Side. It’s scheduled for about 16 hours, so plan ahead for an early start and a late return. The package includes all entrance fees to the key sites—Myra, Demre’s St. Nicholas Church, and the boat trip—removing the need for extra spending or ticket lines.

A highlight for many travelers is the boat trip to Kekova, which lasts roughly an hour. This ride offers stunning views of the sheltered bay, with the opportunity to see the underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena. The waters around Kekova are famously clear, and the ruins—partially submerged—are a fascinating glimpse into ancient life. The boat trip is often described as a “wonderful surprise,” and it’s clear that the scenery and tranquility of the water add a peaceful contrast to the historical exploration.

Exploring Myra and Demre

The ancient Lycian town of Myra is the first major stop. We loved the way the guide described the rock-cut tombs, carved into cliffs, which you can see up close. The amphitheater, still remarkably preserved, provides a tangible connection to the past. The museum of St. Nicholas is another highlight, preserving the legend of Santa’s historical roots in this city.

Multiple reviews mention how knowledgeable guides make a difference. For example, one reviewer praised Margot, who brought history alive through her storytelling. The experience becomes more meaningful when you understand the significance of the sites, and guides often share stories that aren’t in guidebooks.

Kekova Sunken City and Teimiussa Necropolis

Next, the boat takes you to Kekova Island, where you can see the ruins of the sunken city of Simena. The waters are so clear that you can often spot the submerged walls and ancient structures just below the surface. Travelers say the boat trip “was a wonderful surprise,” and the scenery is truly stunning. The Lycian necropolis of Teimiussa is also visited, adding a layer of ancient culture to your day. Here, you get a sense of the long history this coast has seen.

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Visiting Kale and St. Nicholas Church

In the later part of the day, the tour visits the small town of Kale, often called Demre today. The Church of St. Nicholas is a focal point, and visitors find it a meaningful place to reflect on the figure of Santa Claus, as well as the town’s religious heritage. The church is well-preserved, and many find it a peaceful spot after a busy day.

Practicalities and Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, some reviews note that the long bus ride can be a drawback. If you’re staying farther from Demre, the journey might feel lengthy, especially with multiple hotel pickups. Be prepared for a full day, but rest assured that the scenic drives and stops help break up the travel.

The tour costs about the price of a nice dinner—but when you factor in the included entries, boat ride, and lunch, it offers good value for history and scenery lovers. It’s not a cheap excursion, but the convenience and comprehensive experience make it worthwhile.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who have an interest in history, ancient cultures, and scenic coastlines. It’s especially suited to those who don’t mind a full day of activity and appreciate having a knowledgeable guide to enrich their understanding. It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer shorter, more relaxed outings. If you love boat trips, ruins, and discover places with stories to tell, this tour will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided visit to Myra, entrance fees for the sites, a boat trip to Kekova, and a complimentary lunch.

How long is the drive from Alanya?
The exact starting times vary, but the full-day nature of the tour means you should prepare for a long bus ride, with multiple hotel pickups involved.

Is the boat trip around Kekova comfortable?
Yes, it lasts about an hour and provides a relaxed way to see the underwater ruins and enjoy the scenic waters. The waters are clear, and the boat ride is generally smooth.

Are all sites accessible?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as some sites involve walking on uneven surfaces or steps.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking at multiple sites. Sunscreen and a hat are also advisable, especially during the boat trip and outdoor walks.

Can I buy drinks during the tour?
Drinks are not included, so you might want to bring water or purchase beverages at the stops.

How much free time do I get?
The itinerary is packed, but you’ll have some time at each site to explore at your own pace, especially around Myra and the church in Kale.

Is this tour good for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, but keep in mind it’s a full day and may not be ideal for very young children or those with limited mobility.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past, stunning coastal scenery, and cultural heritage. It’s best suited for history lovers, scenic admirers, and those eager for a day of discovery beyond the beaches. The combination of guided storytelling, scenic boat rides, and authentic sites make it a worthwhile experience, especially if you want a full, enriching day out along the Turkish Riviera.

You can check availability for your dates here: