Side-Turkey.

Some history trips ask too much of small legs and short attention spans. The Demre, Myra and Kekova route is a happy exception. In a single day your children can stand where the real Santa Claus once lived, peer up at cliff tombs carved by the Lycians, sit in a Roman theatre, and then watch a whole ancient town shimmer just beneath the surface of the sea. It is history they can see, point at and remember, not just read on a sign. Here is how to make the day genuinely enjoyable for the whole family.

Why this trip works so well for kids

The magic of Demre is that the stories are concrete. The Church of St. Nicholas (Noel Baba) in Demre is built over the tomb of the bishop who became the historical Santa Claus, born in nearby Patara and bishop of Myra. Telling a five-year-old that they are standing in "the real Santa's church" turns a quiet old building into the highlight of the year.

A short drive away, the ancient city of Myra delivers two more crowd-pleasers: rows of Lycian rock-cut tombs carved straight into the cliff face like little stone houses, and a large Roman theatre where kids love to clap and listen to the echo. Then comes Kekova, where a boat glides over the famous Sunken City (Batık Şehir) — Lycian walls and steps slipping into clear water off Kekova Island. For most children, "a town under the sea" is pure adventure.

Pacing the day with little ones

This is a long outing with an early start and an evening return, so plan around naps and snacks. Many families find the rhythm works best as: museums and ruins in the cooler morning, lunch, then the relaxing boat section in the afternoon when small children can rest, watch the water and cool off. Bring hats, sunscreen, water and a few snacks; the sun on open archaeological sites can be strong.

What you actually see, site by site

Church of St. Nicholas, Demre

Ask your guide to point out the mosaics and the tomb area, and tell the Santa story in the spot itself — it lands far better than any picture book.

Ancient Myra

The cliff necropolis and the Roman theatre sit close together. Let children spot the tomb "windows" in the rock and find the best seat in the theatre. Pathways are uneven stone, so sturdy shoes beat sandals for older kids and toddlers in carriers.

Kekova & Kaleköy (Simena)

From the boat you look down on the Sunken City; nearby the village of Kaleköy, ancient Simena, is crowned by a small hilltop castle. Swimming may be possible in calm conditions — confirmed at booking / check official site.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A long full day, early morning start and evening return, confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transport and the boat excursion; further inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal extras unless stated — confirmed at booking / check official site.
• Family Friendly: Yes — suitable for kids, with a relaxed boat section in the afternoon.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for milder midday heat; summer also popular.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some uneven stone paths at the ruins.

Related Excursions

• Tours & day trips from Side
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• Excursions from Alanya
• Day trips from Kemer
• Tours from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Demre Myra Kekova trip suitable for young children?

Yes. The mix of a famous church, dramatic tombs and a boat ride is naturally engaging for kids. Plan for an early start and bring snacks, hats and water.

Is this really Santa Claus's church?

The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is built over the tomb of St. Nicholas of Myra, the bishop who inspired the figure of Santa Claus, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Can we see the Sunken City up close?

The Sunken City off Kekova Island is viewed from the boat; it is a protected area, so you observe it from the water rather than walking on the ruins.

How long does the day last?

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

Are entrance fees included?

To stay accurate we do not quote fees here. Inclusions and any site tickets are confirmed at booking / check official site.

Is there swimming on the boat part?

A swim stop may be possible in calm conditions; this is confirmed at booking / check official site.

What should we wear?

Sturdy walking shoes for the uneven ruins, sun protection, and swimwear in case of a swim stop.

Ready to give the kids a day they will actually remember? Book this Demre, Myra and Kekova family trip direct with the Murat Atalay team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct removes agency and OTA commission, and comes with our best-price guarantee.