Side-Turkey.

You will see the Demre, Myra and Kekova excursion on almost every brochure rack on the Turkish Riviera, and the same question always comes up: is it actually worth the early alarm and the long day on the road? As a direct local operator, we would rather give you a straight answer than a sales pitch. The short version is yes, if you like real history and don't mind a long day. Below is the honest breakdown so you can decide for yourself.

What you actually see on this tour

This is a genuine three-in-one cultural day, not a beach hop. In Demre you visit the Church of St. Nicholas, built over the tomb of the bishop who became the historical Santa Claus (Noel Baba). It is a working museum site with Byzantine frescoes, mosaics and a Roman sarcophagus inside, administered by Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

A short distance away lies ancient Myra, one of the most important cities of the Lycian League. Here you stand in front of the famous rock-cut tombs carved straight into the cliff face, alongside a large, well-preserved Roman theatre. Many visitors say this single view is the highlight of the whole trip.

The Kekova boat section

The day usually finishes by the sea at Kekova, a protected area and UNESCO candidate. From a boat you glide over the Batık Şehir, the partly submerged Lycian "Sunken City," with stairways and walls visible just beneath the surface, then pass the village of Kaleköy (ancient Simena) under its hilltop castle. Whether the boat stops for a swim depends on the operator and season, so this is confirmed at booking.

The honest pros and cons

Let's be transparent. The strongest argument for this tour is variety: a church, a Lycian necropolis, a Roman theatre and a sunken city in a single outing is genuinely hard to beat. The history is real and officially documented, not invented for tourists.

The honest downside is that it is a long day with an early start and an evening return, and a fair amount of it is spent travelling. If you are someone who wants to lie by the pool, this is not your day. If you are curious about Lycia, Roman ruins, or the real story behind Santa Claus, it earns its place.

Who is this trip really for?

It suits history lovers, photographers and curious families with school-age children who can handle a full schedule. Couples enjoy the mix of culture on land and calm water in the afternoon. It is less ideal for very young toddlers or anyone who tires quickly, simply because of the day's length and the walking on uneven ancient ground.

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, guide and the Kekova boat segment — exact inclusions confirmed at booking
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal spending unless stated — check at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes, best for school-age children and up
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; summer is hotter on open sites
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — some walking on uneven ancient terrain

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

Is the Demre Myra Kekova tour worth the money?

For travellers who value real history, yes. You get three distinct sites in one day, all officially protected heritage. If you only want beach time, choose a shorter excursion instead.

Is this a full-day tour?

Yes. It is a long full day with an early start and an evening return, so plan a relaxed evening afterwards.

Do you actually swim at Kekova?

A swim stop depends on the operator, boat and season. We will tell you exactly what your tour includes when you book.

Is the Church of St. Nicholas the "real" Santa Claus site?

It is built over the tomb of St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra whose legend grew into Santa Claus. It is a genuine museum site run by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Can you see the Sunken City clearly?

From the boat you can see submerged walls and stairways near the surface around Kekova Island. Diving and swimming over the ruins themselves are restricted in the protected zone.

Is it suitable for children?

School-age children usually enjoy the tombs, theatre and boat. For very young toddlers the long day can be tiring.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water and a swimsuit if your boat allows a swim. Bring a hat for the open archaeological sites.

Why book directly with you?

Booking direct removes agency and online platform commissions, so you deal with the local team running the tour and get our best-price guarantee.

Ready to go? Book the Demre, Myra and Kekova tour directly with Murat Atalay and our local team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. No middlemen, no marked-up platform fees, and our best-price guarantee on every booking. Message us and we'll confirm the details honestly.