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The Demre, Myra and Kekova tour packs a lot into one outing: the Church of St. Nicholas (Noel Baba), the Lycian rock-cut tombs and Roman theatre at ancient Myra, and a boat ride over the Sunken City off Kekova Island. Because it blends open-air ruins with time on the water, the season you choose really changes the experience. Here is honest, weather-led advice on when to go — no marketing gloss, just what helps you enjoy the day.

How the Seasons Shape This Tour

This is an outdoor day. You walk among cliff tombs at Myra, stand in an open Roman theatre, and then spend part of the day on a boat reading the ruins of the Sunken City off Kekova. That means three things matter most: comfortable air temperature for walking the ruins, gentle seas for a smooth and clear boat ride, and good light for photos of the tombs and turquoise water.

Spring (April–June)

Spring is widely regarded as one of the finest windows on this coast. The Mediterranean climate brings mild, pleasant days, the landscape around Myra is green and often flowering, and the ruins are easy to explore before the deep heat arrives. Seas tend to be calm and the water is strikingly clear over the Sunken City. Crowds are lighter than midsummer, so the Church of St. Nicholas and the Lycian tombs feel less busy.

Autumn (September–October)

Autumn is the other standout. Temperatures ease back to comfortable levels, the sea is still warm from summer, and the light turns golden — ideal for photographing Kekova. October in particular offers calmer crowds and a relaxed pace, with only the occasional shower. For many travellers this is the sweet spot for combining sightseeing with a pleasant boat ride.

Summer (July–August)

Summer is the busiest and hottest stretch, often reaching the mid-to-high 30s °C. The walking sections at Myra — exposed tombs and an open theatre — feel intense in the midday sun, so a hat, water and sun protection are essential. The upside is reliably calm, swim-friendly seas and long daylight. If you visit in summer, an earlier start helps you beat the heat at the ruins.

Winter (November–March)

Winters here are mild compared with much of Europe, but this is the rainy season, and cooler, wetter days can affect both the open-air ruins and boat conditions. Some itineraries run less frequently in low season. If you travel in winter, build in flexibility and confirm operating details before the day.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Long full day — early morning start, evening return; confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transfer and guiding for the Demre–Myra–Kekova route; boat ride over the Sunken City — exact inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal extras unless stated — check official site / confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — suitable for families; mix of easy walking and boat time.
• Best Season: Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) for mild air, calm seas and clear water.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — some walking on uneven ancient ground; long day overall.

Related Excursions

• Tours from Side
• Tours from Antalya
• Tours from Alanya
• Tours from Kemer
• Tours from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single best time for the Demre Myra Kekova tour?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the strongest picks: mild temperatures for the ruins, calmer seas and clear water over the Sunken City.

Is summer too hot for this tour?

Summer is hot, often in the mid-to-high 30s °C, and the ruins at Myra are exposed. It is still very doable with a hat, water and sun protection, and seas are reliably calm for the boat part.

Can the tour run in winter?

Winters are mild but rainy, and schedules may be reduced. Confirm operating days and conditions before booking, as weather can affect the open-air sites and boat.

Can you swim at the Sunken City?

No. Kekova is a specially protected area and swimming and diving are not allowed over the Sunken City itself; the boat passes slowly so you can view the ruins from the deck.

What should I bring whatever the season?

Comfortable shoes for uneven ground, sun protection, water, and a light layer for the boat. In spring and autumn an extra layer is wise for breezy stretches at sea.

Does the Church of St. Nicholas (Noel Baba) get crowded?

It can, especially in midsummer. Spring and autumn, and earlier visits, generally mean a calmer experience at the church and the Lycian tombs.

How long is the day?

It is a long full day with an early start and evening return; exact timing is confirmed at booking.

Ready to pick your perfect month? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out agency and OTA commissions, and we back it with a best-price guarantee — message us for current dates and details.