Side-Turkey.

If you only have time for one history-rich day out on the Turkish Riviera, the Demre, Myra and Kekova trip is hard to beat. In a single loop west along the Lycian coast you stand inside the church linked to the original Saint Nicholas, gaze up at cliff tombs carved by people who lived here thousands of years ago, and glide by boat over a city that slipped beneath the sea. We run this excursion as a direct local operator, so here is an honest, practical guide to what the day actually involves.

Three sites, one Lycian story

The trip strings together three places near the modern town of Demre (the district of Kale), each very different in mood.

Demre — the Church of St Nicholas

Demre is home to the Byzantine Church of St Nicholas, often called Noel Baba. It is tied to the 4th-century bishop whose generosity grew into the Santa Claus legend known around the world. Inside you can see worn frescoes, old mosaic flooring and the layered stonework of a building restored many times over the centuries. It is a quiet, atmospheric stop rather than a flashy one.

Myra — rock tombs and the Roman theatre

A short distance away, ancient Myra rewards you with one of Lycia's most striking sights: house-shaped tombs cut straight into a vertical cliff face. Beside them sits a well-preserved Roman theatre. Together they give a vivid sense of how grand this city once was.

Kekova — the Sunken City

The day's highlight for many is the boat trip over Kekova bay. Here lie the partly submerged remains of an ancient Lycian settlement — the Sunken City, or Batık Şehir — with walls and steps visible just below and along the clear water. Kekova has been a Specially Protected Area since 1990, so swimming and diving directly over the ruins are not allowed; instead the boat cruises slowly above them for the best view. You also pass Kaleköy (ancient Simena), crowned by a small castle.

How the day flows

The excursion mixes coach travel between the inland sites with a boat trip out over Kekova. Expect comfortable road sections to reach Demre and Myra, then a transfer to the water for the Sunken City cruise. Exact timings, the order of stops and any swim stop in nearby coves are confirmed at booking, since they shift with the season and conditions.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A day excursion combining coach travel and a Kekova boat trip; exact length confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transport, the Kekova boat trip and guiding; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal spending unless stated — check at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — suitable for most ages, with a relaxed boat segment.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for the calmest, clearest boat conditions.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some walking and steps at the historic sites.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim over the Sunken City at Kekova?

No. Kekova is a Specially Protected Area, so swimming and diving directly over the ruins are not allowed. The boat cruises slowly above them so you can still see the remains clearly.

Is this the church of the real Santa Claus?

The Church of St Nicholas in Demre is linked to the 4th-century saint whose generosity inspired the Santa Claus legend. It is a Byzantine church, not a modern shrine.

What are the famous tombs at Myra?

They are Lycian rock-cut tombs carved directly into a cliff face, sitting beside a well-preserved Roman theatre.

Is the trip suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. It suits most ages, though there is some walking and there are steps at the historic sites. The boat section is relaxed.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water and a camera. Swimwear is useful if the day includes a swim stop in a permitted cove — confirmed at booking.

How long does the day take?

It is a day excursion combining road travel and the Kekova boat trip; the exact length is confirmed at booking as it depends on season and conditions.

Why book direct with you?

Booking direct with our local team removes agency and OTA commission from the price, and we back it with a best-price guarantee — so you deal straight with the people running the trip.

Ready to see St Nicholas, the Lycian tombs and the Sunken City in one day? Book direct with Murat Atalay's local team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. No middlemen, best-price guarantee, and real answers from the people who run the tour.