From Antalya: Day Trip To Demre, Myra And Kekova Boat Trip

From the bustling coastal city of Antalya, travelers can embark on a captivating day trip that takes them to the ancient wonders of Demre, Myra, and the enchanting Kekova region. This comprehensive tour immerses visitors in the rich history and natural beauty of this remarkable destination, offering the chance to explore well-preserved remnants, marvel at impressive archaeological sites, and discover charming villages. Whether you’re drawn to the sunken Lycian city, the impressive Roman-style theatre, or the crystal-clear waters of Gökkaya Bay, this journey promises to uncover the stories that have shaped this captivating corner of Turkey.

Key Points

This full-day trip from Antalya explores the ancient Lycian sites of Kekova Island, Sunken City, Simena Castle, and Myra Archaeological Site.
The tour includes a 7-hour boat trip to Kekova Island, where visitors can observe the well-preserved remnants of a submerged Lycian city.
Visitors can swim in the tranquil waters of Gökkaya Bay, explore the charming village of Kaléköy, and visit the Byzantine-era Simena Castle.
The Myra Archaeological Site features a well-preserved Roman-style theatre and intricately carved rock-cut tombs, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
The tour is priced from €91.70 per person, including hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat trip, lunch, and a seasonal salad, fruit, or dessert.

Trip Overview

This day trip from Antalya to Demre, Myra, and Kekova lasts approximately 13 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a 7-hour boat trip, lunch, and a seasonal salad, fruit, or dessert. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

The boat trip explores Kekova Island and the Sunken City, visits Simena Castle and Kalelköy, and offers opportunities to swim in Gökkaya Bay and see the Pirates Cave.

At the Myra Archaeological Site, travelers can discover the ancient Roman-style theatre and rock-cut tombs.

The trip is priced from €91.70 per person, with availability and starting times to be checked before booking.

Exploring Kekova Island

The boat trip allows visitors to explore the enchanting Kekova Island, home to the sunken ancient ruins of the Lycian city. As the boat glides along the turquoise waters, passengers can peer into the depths to see the well-preserved remnants of the once-thriving settlement. The highlights of the Kekova boat tour include visiting the small village of Simena, with its Crusader-era castle, and swimming in the calm, clear waters of Gökkaya Bay. Visitors may even spot turtles in the tranquil Karemlik Bay.

Kekova Boat Tour Highlights
Explore Kekova Island	Visit Simena Castle	Swim in Gökkaya Bay
See Sunken Lycian Ruins	Spot Turtles in Karemlik Bay	–

Sunken City of Kekova

One of the highlights of the Kekova boat tour is the opportunity to gaze upon the well-preserved remnants of the sunken Lycian city, which lies submerged just beneath the turquoise waters surrounding the idyllic Kekova Island.

Visitors can observe the ghostly outlines of collapsed buildings, staircases, and other structures that were once part of this ancient coastal settlement.

The sunken city dates back to the 2nd century BC and was partially submerged due to a series of earthquakes.

Today, the serene waters of the Kekova region offer a unique glimpse into the past, allowing travelers to imagine what life was like in this once-thriving Lycian port town.

Simena Castle and Kalelköy

Visiting Simena Castle and the nearby village of Kalelköy offers travelers a chance to explore the region’s rich history and glimpse traditional Lycian architecture.

The castle, perched atop a steep hill, dates back to the Byzantine era and provides panoramic views of the Kekova region.

Wandering through the village below, visitors can see the remnants of ancient rock-cut tombs and explore the charming streets lined with whitewashed houses.

The boat tour allows time to disembark and spend an hour exploring the castle and village at a leisurely pace.

This stop provides a glimpse of the area’s cultural heritage and the opportunity to experience an authentic Lycian settlement.

Gökkaya Bay and Pirates Cave

After traversing the sapphire waters of Kekova, the boat tour arrives at the secluded cove of Gökkaya Bay, where travelers can enjoy the scenic splendor.

The crystal-clear waters invite swimmers to take a refreshing dip, while the nearby Pirates Cave beckons explorers. This natural grotto, carved into the cliffside, was once a hideout for seafaring outlaws. Visitors can venture inside the cave and imagine the tales of plunder and adventure that once echoed through its halls.

Above the cave, the rugged coastline offers breathtaking vistas, creating the perfect setting for travelers to pause and soak in the serene beauty of this remarkable natural wonder.

Myra Archaeological Site

The Myra Archaeological Site, Demre’s most famous archaeological attraction, awaits visitors with its impressive Roman-style theater and rock-cut tombs carved into the surrounding cliffs.

Travelers can wander through the ancient ruins, imagining the vibrant city that once stood here. The theater, one of the best-preserved in the region, offers a glimpse into Myra’s prosperous past.

Nearby, the rock-cut tombs provide a fascinating contrast, with their intricate carvings and glimpses into the burial practices of the time.

Whether exploring the ruins or simply taking in the breathtaking setting, the Myra Archaeological Site offers a compelling look into the history and heritage of this remarkable destination.

Roman-style Theatre and Tombs

Nestled amidst the ancient ruins of Myra, visitors often marvel at the well-preserved Roman-style theatre and the intricate rock-cut tombs that dot the surrounding cliffs.

The impressive amphitheatre, carved directly into the mountainside, once served as a hub for cultural and social activities in this ancient Lycian city. Its tiered seating and impressive acoustics still impress modern-day travelers.

Nearby, the rock-cut tombs showcase the skilled craftsmanship of Myra’s stonemasons, who carved elaborate facades and intricate designs into the limestone cliffs. These ancient burial chambers provide a glimpse into the funerary practices and beliefs of the Lycian people who called Myra home centuries ago.