Side-Turkey.

If you only have time for one big history-and-sea day out of Side, the Demre, Myra and Kekova trip is the one most travellers remember long after the tan fades. In a single outing you stand inside the church linked to the real Saint Nicholas, look up at house-shaped tombs carved straight into a Lycian cliff, and then float over a coastline where an ancient settlement slipped beneath the sea. It is a long day with an early start and an evening return, so this guide walks you through what you will actually see and how to make the most of it.

Demre: the Church of St Nicholas and ancient Myra

Demre sits in Antalya province and was known in antiquity as Myra. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Myra was one of six major cities of the Lycian League and later became famous in the Byzantine period as the city of Saint Nicholas, the bishop whose legend grew into the Santa Claus we know today. The Church of St Nicholas (Noel Baba) is the centrepiece, a memorial museum that draws visitors from all over the world.

The rock tombs and Roman theatre at Myra

A short distance away, the ancient city of Myra delivers two unforgettable sights side by side: cliffs honeycombed with Lycian rock-cut tombs carved to imitate timber houses, and a well-preserved Roman-period theatre at the foot of the acropolis. Standing in the theatre with the tombs looming above is the photograph everyone takes home.

Kekova and the Sunken City

From Demre the route continues to Kekova, a protected area recognised by Turkey's Ministry of Culture for both its archaeology and its natural beauty. A boat carries you past the Batık Şehir, the "Sunken City" — Lycian ruins partly submerged in the clear water off Kekova Island, left below the surface by ancient earthquakes. The boat usually pauses at the village of Kaleköy, ancient Simena, crowned by a small hilltop castle reachable on foot.

What the boat section is like

Gliding over the submerged walls and staircases, with the water so clear you can trace foundations beneath you, is the highlight of the day for many guests. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a camera; whether there is swimming time depends on the season and sea conditions, so confirm at booking.

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: Air-conditioned transfer, guiding, Kekova boat section; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal spending unless stated — check official site / confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — suitable for families, though it is a long travel day for small children.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for the calmest seas and pleasant sightseeing.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly walking on uneven ancient ground and a short castle climb at Kaleköy.

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions from Side
• Things to do in Antalya
• Day trips from Alanya
• Excursions from Kemer
• Tours from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Demre Myra Kekova trip suitable for one full day from Side?

Yes. It is designed as a long full day with an early start and an evening return, because Demre and Kekova lie well to the west of Side along the Lycian coast.

Will I actually see the Sunken City?

The boat section passes the partly submerged Lycian ruins off Kekova Island. You view them from the boat, as the protected underwater area cannot be entered.

Is the Church of St Nicholas the original Santa Claus site?

The church in Demre is the memorial linked to Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra whose legend developed into Santa Claus. It is officially recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Can we climb the castle at Kaleköy?

Kaleköy, ancient Simena, has a small hilltop castle reached on foot. Whether the climb is included depends on the itinerary and time, so confirm at booking.

Is there time to swim?

Swimming opportunities depend on the season, sea conditions and the day's schedule. Please check at booking and bring swimwear just in case.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient stone, a hat, sunscreen, water and a camera. The ground at Myra and the castle path are not smooth.

Are entrance fees included?

Site entrance fees may not be included. We do not quote fixed amounts here — please confirm at booking or check the official museum site.

Ready to go? Book this trip direct with the Murat Atalay team and skip the agency and OTA commission. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com for our best-price guarantee and personal local service.