From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Traveling around Turkey’s stunning coastline often means seeking out those memorable, meaningful experiences, and this day trip from Kas really hits the mark for many. It’s designed to give you a taste of ancient history, natural beauty, and fun water activities—all in one long, satisfying day.

What we like most about this tour is how smoothly it combines boat rides with sightseeing, making it an easy way to see some of Turkey’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious lunch and hotel transfers adds to the convenience.

That said, it’s worth noting that some travelers found the boat a bit crowded at times, and entrance fees for certain sites aren’t included in the upfront price—something to keep in mind if you’re watching your budget.

This tour tends to suit travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and water fun, and who don’t mind sharing a group experience with others. If you’re looking for a packed, well-organized day out that covers a lot of ground, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Well-organized logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off make the day hassle-free.
• Includes a tasty lunch and multiple scenic stops, offering good value.
• Excellent for history buffs and nature lovers eager to explore ancient ruins and stunning coastlines.
• Reliable group size generally around 15-75 travelers, ensuring a lively yet manageable experience.
• Some site entrance fees are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, with a few mentioning crowded boats or communication issues.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This trip kicks off early in the morning, with a pickup from Kas, one of Turkey’s most charming towns. The town itself is worth a quick exploration before heading out, thanks to its lively center, boutique shopping, and stunning sunset views. The tour’s starting point at Smiley’s Andifli is convenient, and from there, it’s about a 45-minute transfer to Demre harbor, where the adventure begins.

Visiting Kekova and the Sunken City

Once aboard the boat, the first major highlight is Kekova, famous for its Sunken City of Dolchiste. This site is quite special because it was flooded by an earthquake in the 2nd century, and the underwater ruins are now visible from the boat. Many reviews mention how impressive it is to see the submerged remains from a boat with glass panels, although some travelers found the actual boat to be quite crowded. The boat cruise along Kekova Island offers stunning views, perfect for photos, even if swimming isn’t permitted in the protected area.

Exploring Kalekoy (Simena) and Castle Ruins

Next, the boat drops anchor in Kalekoy harbor, also known as Simena. Here, you get about an hour to explore the small, authentic village. The highlight is visiting the Castle of Simena, which offers panoramic views of the region—if you’re up for a quick walk uphill. The castle ruins and necropolis are included in the visit. Reviews hint that this is a charming spot, but the entrance fee of around 4 euros is not included in the tour price.

Scenic Water Breaks and Lunch at Esmeralda Bay

After the sightseeing, it’s time for some relaxing stops at beautiful bays. The tour includes Gökkaya Bay, Burç Bay, and Esmeralda Bay, offering a chance to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Bay of Esmeralda gets high praise, often described as tranquil and picturesque.

For those who enjoy water activities, Gökaya Bay allows for optional water sports, adding an extra layer of fun. The rest of the bays tend to be more about unwinding and soaking in the scenery.

The included lunch is served at a small restaurant near Gökaya Bay, with options like fish or chicken. Several reviews mention the food being good quality and plentiful—definitely a highlight of the day.

Visiting the Ancient City of Andriake and Turtle Spotting

Further along, you’ll stop at Karemlik Bay, a known habitat for sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might spot these majestic creatures in their natural environment. It’s a peaceful break with a chance for some wildlife viewing, which many travelers find memorable.

Demre, Santa Claus, and Myra

The journey continues on land at Demre, where the boat docks for a quick visit to the Santa Claus Museum. Originally built in 520 AD, this museum offers a look into the life of St. Nicholas, the ancient figure behind Santa Claus. It’s a small, interesting site, but note that the museum is not included in the tour fee, and some reviews mention ongoing renovations.

Right after, you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas and explore the rock tombs in Myra. These ancient Lycian rock-cut tombs and the Roman-style theatre are quite impressive—especially if you’re a history buff. Many reviews praise these sites, though some mention they wish they had more time to explore thoroughly.

Finally, the tour wraps back in Kas, about 45 minutes from Demre, giving you a chance to reflect on a day filled with history, scenery, and aquatic fun.

What’s the Value Here?

At around $77 per person, this tour offers good value considering the extensive itinerary. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full day of sightseeing, lunch, and multiple scenic and historical stops. The price itself doesn’t include site entrance fees—like the castle or Myra ruins—but these are relatively modest, around €4-12.

While some travelers mention feeling the boat was a bit crowded and that the tour was quite packed, most appreciate the variety packed into a single day. The reviews highlight that the guides are knowledgeable, the food is surprisingly good, and the scenery is stunning.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of organizing different activities. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with group tours, don’t mind some walking and boat time, and want a mix of history, scenery, and relaxation.

If you’re interested in seeing ancient ruins, enjoying scenic bays, and learning about Turkey’s Lycian heritage, this tour hits those points well. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy a good meal and scenic boat rides, though anyone looking for a very relaxed, less crowded experience might find it a little busy.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Kas offers a lively, diverse day that balances sightseeing with leisure. It combines boat rides, historic sites, and tranquil bays, making it a well-rounded experience for many types of travelers. With knowledgeable guides and a good-value price, it’s one of those trips that leaves you with plenty of photos and stories.

However, keep in mind the potential for crowds on the boat, extra costs for some sites, and the fact that it’s a full day — so good stamina and patience will serve you well. If you’re someone who enjoys packed but organized days that cover a lot of ground, this will probably suit you perfectly.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
It begins at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup arranged from Kas.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and transport you back at the end of the day.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including transfers, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is provided, with options like fish or chicken at a small restaurant during the day.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees?
Entrance fees to sites like Simena Castle (€4), Myra (€9), and St. Nicholas Church (€12) are not included—budget for these separately.

Is swimming possible in Kekova?
No, swimming isn’t permitted in the protected Kekova area, but you can enjoy photos from the boat cruise.

Can children join this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full, active day involving boat travel and some walking.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is dependent on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people typically join?
This tour can have up to 75 travelers, but most reviews suggest a manageable group size, often around 15-20.

This trip is a solid choice for anyone wanting a full, scenic, and historic day in Turkey’s Lycian coast—just be ready for a busy but rewarding adventure.