From Antalya: Day Trip to Demre, Myra and Kekova Boat Trip

Discovering the Charm of a Full-Day Trip from Antalya to Demre, Myra, and Kekova

This well-rounded day trip from Antalya offers a taste of Turkey’s stunning coastline, ancient ruins, and charming villages. It’s a carefully curated experience by SAILNSTAY that packs in boat excursions, archaeological sites, and authentic small villages—perfect for those wanting a comprehensive look at this part of Turkey without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What I find particularly appealing are the chance to cruise around Kekova’s sunken city—a true highlight for anyone interested in maritime history—and the visit to Demre’s ancient city of Myra, with its impressive Roman theatre and cliff-carved tombs. Both spots showcase Turkey’s ability to blend natural beauty with archaeological marvels.

One possible consideration is the length of the tour, which clocks in at around 13 hours. While it’s a long day, the variety of stops and activities makes it worthwhile—just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your swim gear. One small drawback mentioned in reviews is that the stop on Kekova Island can feel a little rushed, which might leave you wishing for more time to explore the sunken city and the picturesque village of Kaleköy.

This trip offers good value for its $123 price tag, especially if you’re eager to cover a lot of ground in one day. With a mix of scenic boat rides, cultural sights, and leisure time at Gökkaya Bay, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet authentic experience.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic villages like Kaleköy give insight into local life and history beyond the typical tourist spots.
• Boat trip around Kekova provides unique views of the sunken city and submerged ruins—ideal for photos and history lovers.
• Gökkaya Bay offers a relaxing swim in clear waters and opportunities for water sports, making it perfect for a leisure break.
• Visit to Myra unveils impressive Roman ruins, including a large theatre and cliff-carved tombs, illustrating the area’s ancient significance.
• Tour duration and logistics mean early pickups and long hours, but the itinerary is packed with highlights that justify the effort.
• Tour guides and tips like the review mentioning “the landscapes are sublime” and the short stop on Kekova remind you to manage expectations and plan extra time if needed.

Exploring the Highlights: A Full Breakdown of the Day

Early Morning Pickup and Drive to Demre

The day begins with pickups from various central Antalya points between 6:45 and 8:40 AM, depending on your location. The drive to Demre takes about 2.5 hours, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. This is a smart logistics choice, as it avoids the hassle of navigating yourself and ensures you arrive prepared for the day ahead.

Boarding the Boat at Demre Harbour

Once in Demre, you’ll board a boat that will be your vessel for the next seven hours. The boat trip is the core of this experience, offering a chance to see Kekova from the water, which is by far the most scenic perspective. You’ll cruise past the Sunken City, where ruins lie beneath the waves, visible from the water, making for some truly memorable photos. One review highlights that “the landscapes are sublime,” though some find the stop on Kekova a little too brief, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re eager to explore every inch of this submerged site.

Exploring Kekova Island and Sunken City

The highlight for many travelers is the cruise around Kekova’s Sunken City. This area features ancient Lycian ruins that have been submerged for centuries, giving the landscape an eerie, otherworldly feel. The boat’s proximity allows you to photograph the ruins from different angles, but note that there is no glass-bottom section on the boat, which some might expect. If you’re particularly interested in underwater views, you might need to seek additional tours specifically focused on snorkeling or diving.

Kaleköy Village and Simena Castle

After about an hour in Kaleköy, a tiny, authentic village with a castle ruin and necropolis, you have time to wander, take photos, and hike up the hillside for panoramic views. The village’s charm lies in its unspoiled character—no commercialized tourist hustle here, just narrow lanes and old stone houses. You can explore the ruins, enjoy the vistas, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Swimming at Gökkaya Bay and Karemlik Bay

Next, you’ll stop at Gökkaya Bay, a gorgeous spot for a swim in turquoise waters. Many travelers use this opportunity for a relaxing break or water sports—some waterski or paddleboard, while others just float and enjoy the scenery. The nearby Karemlik Bay is notable for harboring five of the eight turtle species found worldwide. This is a good reminder of the area’s ecological richness and the importance of respecting the natural habitat.

Pirates Cave and Natural Wonders

The boat continues past Pirates Cave, a naturally-formed cavern with a large curved entrance—an exciting photo opportunity. The guide might share stories about pirates or local legends, adding a layer of intrigue to your trip.

Demre and Myra’s Archaeological Marvels

In the afternoon, the tour heads to Demre to visit the ancient city of Myra. Here, you’ll see the massive Roman theatre, the best-preserved in Lycia, and the cliffside tombs carved into the hillside. These ruins date back to at least the 5th century B.C., and standing among them, you get a sense of the area’s ancient importance. One review describes the experience as “very interesting,” though some wish for longer stops to explore more thoroughly.

Returning to Antalya

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll head back to Antalya, arriving in the evening. The drive offers a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Who This Tour Really Suits

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of the Antalya region’s coastal and archaeological treasures without the hassle of organizing multiple separate activities. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, ancient ruins, and charming villages, you’ll find it very satisfying. It’s particularly suitable for those with a day to spare, comfortable with long hours, and eager to experience both natural beauty and history in one go.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more leisurely exploration or less time on a boat, you might find the schedule a bit rushed, especially the brief stop at Kekova. Also, if underwater viewing is a priority, note that the boat does not feature a glass bottom.

Pricing and Value

At $123, this tour offers a solid value considering the length, variety, and inclusions like lunch and hotel pickup. The trip covers a lot—scenery, history, and relaxation—which makes it a good choice for those wanting a wide-angle view of this region. Keep in mind, additional expenses like site entrance fees and extra food aren’t included, but the main highlights are covered.

The Sum Up: Is This Trip Right for You?

If you’re eager to see a blend of ancient ruins, scenic boat rides, and authentic Turkish villages in one day, this trip offers a highly organized and enjoyable way to do so. The experience suits travelers with a sense of adventure and curiosity about Turkey’s coastal history, especially because of the chance to float over the Sunken City and walk through Myra’s impressive ruins.

The tour’s length and packed schedule might not suit those seeking a more relaxed pace or focusing solely on one aspect—be it archaeology or leisure. That said, for most, the opportunity to cover Kekova’s sunken ruins, the charming village of Kaleköy, and the ancient city of Myra in one day makes this a worthwhile, memorable excursion.

For travelers wanting a practical, well-rounded adventure that balances scenic beauty, history, and authentic local culture, this trip from Antalya hits the right notes—just come prepared for a full day and plenty of memorable sights.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire trip lasts about 13 hours, including pickup, travel, and sightseeing, so it’s a long but rewarding day.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickups are available from several central locations in Antalya, starting as early as 6:45 AM, with most pickups between 6:45 and 9:15 AM.

What’s included in the price?
The price of $123 covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a 7-hour boat trip, lunch with seasonal salad and dessert or fruit, and a guided experience.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, additional food and drinks beyond lunch and entrance fees for archaeological sites are not included.

Is swimming included?
Yes, you can swim at Gökkaya Bay, and water sports are available; it’s a good break to relax and cool off.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

This trip offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation—perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the fuss of planning every detail.