From Kas: Day Trip To Kekova, Demre And Myra

Exploring the enchanting Kekova region along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is a captivating day trip from the charming town of Kas. Guests will embark on a boat cruise, seeing the area’s rich history and natural beauty. From the submerged ruins of the Sunken City to the impressive castle ruins of Kalekoy, this tour promises a remarkable journey. With opportunities to swim, enjoy a relaxing lunch, and even visit additional sites like the St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra, this day trip offers a well-rounded experience. The true highlight, however, may just lie in the remarkable Pirates Cave – a must-see for any adventurous traveler.

Key Points

Depart from the picturesque coastal town of Kas and journey to Demre Harbor to board a boat for a cruise along the Kekova region.
Explore the Sunken City ruins submerged beneath the crystal-clear waters and the impressive castle ruins of Kalekoy (Simena).
Enjoy a refreshing swim and local Mediterranean cuisine during a stop at Esmeralda Bay.
Discover the natural beauty of the Turquoise Coast, with opportunities to visit sites like Pirates Cave and witness marine life.
Optional visits to historical sites like the ancient city of Myra and the St. Nicholas Church and Santa Claus Museum.

Itinerary Overview

The day trip departs from Kas and travels to Demre Harbor, where guests board a boat to cruise along the island of Kekova and see the ruins of the Sunken City.

They’ll then visit Kalekoy, the ancient Simena, to explore its castle ruins and enjoy a swim.

After a lunch and swim break at Esmeralda Bay, the tour will stop at Burc Bay and Gokkaya Bay for more swimming.

The final stops include a visit to Pirates Cave and Karemlik Bay to observe marine life.

Guests can also opt to visit St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra, featuring a Roman-style theater and rock-cut tombs.

Depart From Kas

The day trip departs from Kas, a picturesque coastal town in southern Turkey. Guests will be picked up from their accommodations in Kas and transported to Demre Harbor, where they’ll board a boat to begin their journey along the Turquoise Coast.

The boat ride offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including:

Dramatic cliffs and coves that dot the shoreline
Lush greenery and pine forests cascading down to the water’s edge
Glimpses of historic ruins and ancient fortifications perched atop the hills
Sparkling turquoise waters that invite you to dive right in

From Demre Harbor, the adventure truly begins as the boat sets sail towards the Kekova region and the first stop on the itinerary – the Sunken City ruins.

Cruise Along Kekova

After departing from Demre Harbor, the boat glides across the serene waters of the Kekova region, where the remarkable Sunken City ruins lie submerged beneath the surface.

As the boat approaches the island, passengers can peer down into the crystal-clear waters and glimpse the remains of this ancient underwater archaeological site.

The Sunken City was once a thriving settlement, but it was abandoned and eventually submerged due to a series of natural disasters centuries ago.

Now, the partially visible structures and artifacts offer a unique window into the past, captivating visitors with the haunting beauty of this watery grave.

The cruise along Kekova provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore this remarkable destination.

Visit Kalekköy

Next, visitors make their way to the ancient town of Kalekköy, also known as Simena, situated on the shores of Kekova.

Here, they explore the impressive castle ruins that once guarded the harbor, marveling at the well-preserved structures that offer a glimpse into the town’s storied past.

Visitors can:

Climb to the top of the castle walls for panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and Kekova’s sunken city.
Discover the remains of Byzantine-era churches and other historical buildings scattered throughout the site.
Wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, imagining what life was like in this once-thriving Mediterranean port town.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the peninsula before continuing on to the next stop.

Lunch and Swim

From the castle ruins, the group heads to Esmeralda Bay for a well-deserved lunch and swim break. They dock their boat and enjoy a spread of local Mediterranean dishes, taking in the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and rugged coastline. Once refueled, they waste no time diving into the refreshing sea, exploring the bay’s serene coves and searching for marine life.

Lunch Highlights	Swimmer’s Delights	Marine Life Sightings
Local Meze	Snorkeling	Sea Turtles
Fresh Seafood	Swimming Coves	Schools of Fish
Homemade Bread	Cliff Jumping	Colorful Coral
Turkish Salads	Kayaking	Dolphins
Baklava Dessert	Floating	Octopus

Swim Breaks

Continuing their day of exploration, the group makes several stops at picturesque bays and coves along the coastline, where they eagerly take the opportunity to cool off with refreshing swims.

The first stop is at Burç Bay, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning backdrop of rugged cliffs.

Next, they head to Gökkaya Bay, known for its lively marine life, where they spot colorful fish and even a few sea turtles.

After a relaxing break, the group continues on to Pirates Cave, exploring the unique geological formations and taking in the serene surroundings.

As the sun beats down, the final swim stop is at Karemlik Bay, offering a peaceful respite before heading to their next destination.

Visit Pirates Cave

After their refreshing swim at Karemlik Bay, the group eagerly heads to Pirates Cave, eager to explore the unique geological formations and take in the serene surroundings.

The cave, carved into the rocky coast, is a natural wonder that has long captured the imagination of visitors. As they step inside, they’re greeted by the sight of towering limestone walls and a tranquil pool of crystal-clear water.

The guide points out the natural skylights that illuminate the cavern, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The group takes time to wander through the cave, snapping photos and marveling at the exceptional beauty of this hidden gem along the Turquoise Coast.

Optional Stops

Along With the main itinerary, visitors have the opportunity to explore two optional stops along the day trip – the St. Nicholas Church, which houses the Santa Claus Museum, and the ancient city of Myra, renowned for its Roman-style theater and impressive rock-cut tombs.

At the St. Nicholas Church, guests can learn about the history and legends surrounding the beloved St. Nicholas, who became the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.

Meanwhile, at the ancient city of Myra, they can wander through the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including: