Alanya/Side: Demre St. Nicholas, Ancient Myra & Sunken City

Discovering Turkey’s Demre: Myra, Kekova & St. Nicholas — A Detailed Review

If you’re considering a day trip from Alanya to explore Turkey’s southwestern coast, this tour through Demre province offers a mix of history, stunning scenery, and a boat ride that many find memorable. While it’s not exactly a hidden gem—since it’s quite popular—what makes this experience appealing is how it combines significant archaeological sites with the chance to see the sunken city of Kekova from the water.

We really like how the tour is designed to give a well-rounded look at the area’s highlights, especially with a knowledgeable guide helping to bring each spot to life. The fact that your transportation, entrance fees, and lunch are all included also makes it a convenient option. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the long bus ride (around 16 hours) can be a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions.

This tour suits travelers who have a day to spare and want a rundown of the region without the hassle of planning each step. It’s a good pick for those interested in history, scenic boat rides, and cultural spots, but perhaps less ideal if you’re after an ultra-relaxed day or traveling with mobility limitations.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines archaeological sites, a boat trip, and scenic views in one day.
• Expert guiding: Knowledgeable guides enhance the visit and make history more engaging.
• Value for money: Includes lunch, entrance fees, and hotel transfers.
• Long day: Expect a 16-hour outing, so it’s best for those comfortable with full-day tours.
• Scenic drive: The route between Demre and Finike offers some beautiful views worth the long ride.
• Limited for mobility: Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itself

Starting Out: Hotel Pickup and Travel Time

The journey kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup from your accommodation in Alanya. The process is straightforward—your guide is waiting at the main entrance or security gate—and then it’s a long, but scenic, drive southward. One of the reviews points out that the bus ride is lengthy, but travelers often agree that the scenic views along the way make it worthwhile.

Arriving in Myra: Ancient Ruins and the Lycian Necropolis

Once you arrive in Myra, you’re greeted by the impressive Greek amphitheater, which still retains its grandeur despite being centuries old. We loved the way our guide explained its history and how it was used in different eras. The site is pretty well preserved, and the rock-cut tombs that line the cliffs above the city are both striking and atmospheric.

The Lycian necropolis with its ancient tombs carved into the rocks is an essential stop for history buffs. In the reviews, travelers mention that the museum of St. Nicholas is well preserved, giving visitors a tangible sense of the saint’s connection to the area. It’s fascinating to see how this site blends religious significance with archaeological intrigue.

Lunch Break: A Welcome Rest

After exploring Myra, the group enjoys a complimentary lunch. While not gourmet, it’s decent and gives everyone a chance to refuel before the next part of the day. Some travelers note that the included meal adds value, especially given the length of the trip.

Boat Trip: The Sunken City of Kekova

Post-lunch, it’s time for the highlight for many — the boat trip to Kekova. This part lasts about an hour and takes you over turquoise waters dotted with the ruins of the sunken city of Simena. The boat ride provides a wonderful way to see the submerged remains that are partially visible through the water’s clarity.

Travelers describe the boat trip as a “wonderful surprise,” and the views of the ruins from the water are often cited as a highlight. The boat allows close-up views of the submerged structures, offering a unique perspective that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Teimiussa & Surroundings

Back on land, the tour visits the Lycian necropolis of Teimiussa, which adds a different archaeological layer to the experience. The combination of underwater and land-based ruins enriches the understanding of the area’s ancient civilizations.

The Town of Kale & St. Nicholas Church

Finally, the trip wraps up in Kale, where you can admire the church of St. Nicholas — a site deeply tied to the legend of Santa Claus. It’s a short visit but often described as a charming spot to reflect on the journey’s spiritual and cultural significance.

Returning to Your Hotel

After a full day of exploration, the return journey begins, and most travelers find the long bus ride somewhat tiring but worth it given the depth of experience they’ve gathered.

What the Reviews Tell Us

One traveler beautifully summarized their experience: “This trip offers only wonderful views!” They appreciated the scenic drive, the guide Margot’s storytelling, and the combination of ancient ruins with boat trips. They also noted that the long travel time was offset by the quality of sights and the guide’s enthusiasm.

Another reviewer felt the attractions themselves were good but pointed out the length of pickups at other hotels as a downside. It’s true — the tour is quite extensive, and the bus might stop at multiple locations, adding to the overall duration.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Cost, and Inclusions

This tour is designed for convenience. The hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to start and end your day without additional logistics. The price covers all the main entrance fees (including the church of St. Nicholas), a lunch, and a boat trip—which many would agree adds value.

For those concerned about costs, think of it as a package deal that saves you the hassle of organizing transport and tickets day-of. That said, drinks are not included, so budget accordingly if you like to stay hydrated or want a coffee or snack during the day.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the feedback and what’s included, this tour offers solid value for those interested in history, archaeology, and scenic boat rides. It’s a busy, full-day experience that’s best suited for energetic travelers comfortable with long hours on the road.

If you’re someone who loves learning about ancient civilizations, enjoys boat trips, and doesn’t mind a packed schedule, you’ll likely find this trip rewarding. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility constraints, it might feel a bit overwhelming.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure-minded travelers eager to see a variety of sights in one day. It works well for those interested in history, archaeology, and local legends. If you’re traveling with friends or a family that enjoys active sightseeing, this will probably suit you.

However, it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues, given the walking involved at archaeological sites and the long bus ride. Also, if you’re not a fan of busy, full-day excursions, you might want to consider a more leisurely option.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Demre, Myra, and Kekova tour provides a comprehensive look at some of Turkey’s most interesting coastal sites. The combination of well-preserved ruins, the legend of St. Nicholas, and stunning boat views makes it a standout choice for many visitors. The guides seem to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic, helping to bring the history alive.

While it’s a long day, the variety of sights and the scenic boat trip make it a well-rounded experience. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want a full immersion into the region’s history and natural beauty without fussing over logistics.

If you’re after an authentic, active, and visually beautiful day out, this could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 16 hours, starting with hotel pickup in the morning. Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and traveling.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide in English or Russian, entrance fees to Demre and Myra, the St. Nicholas Church, a boat trip to Kekova, and a complimentary lunch.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you’ll need to buy your own if you want water, juice, or soda during the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t explicitly designed for young children or those with mobility issues, as it involves walking around archaeological sites and a long bus ride.

How scenic is the drive?
The route between Demre and Finike is described as very scenic, with travelers enjoying the views of the countryside and coastline along the way.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

This tour offers a compelling blend of history, natural beauty, and convenient logistics. It’s a solid choice if you want to get a taste of Turkey’s ancient past while enjoying some spectacular coastal scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: