From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip with Boat Tour

Planning a day trip that combines history, scenic views, and a bit of adventure? This tour from Alanya offers just that—covering captivating sights like the sunken city of Kekova, the rock-cut tombs of Myra, and the legendary Church of St. Nicholas. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a full day of exploration with a mix of boat rides and historical sites.

What really caught our eye about this experience is the boat trip to Kekova, where you can see the underwater ruins—something that looks out of the ordinary and makes the whole journey feel a bit special. Plus, the visit to St. Nicholas Church ties in some meaningful history, especially for those intrigued by Santa Claus’s roots.

However, a potential downside is the long duration and early start—the tour kicks off with pickups as early as 3:45 a.m., which might be a stretch if you’re not an early riser. Also, some reviews mention that the time at certain sites feels rushed, particularly at the Sinterklaas Museum, where there’s little room for leisurely wandering.

All in all, this trip suits travelers who want to pack a lot into a single day and don’t mind an early start. It’s especially a good option if you’re curious about ancient ruins, enjoy boat trips, and are comfortable with a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary combining historical sites with scenic boat rides.
• Value for money with a full-day experience including lunch and transportation.
• Early pickup times could be challenging but ensure a full day’s adventure.
• Guided tours provide insights into the sites, though language clarity varies.
• Opportunities for swimming at Kekova Island, perfect for cooling off and relaxing.
• Mixed reviews highlight some logistical issues, like communication and time management.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This full-day journey from Alanya is designed to give you a taste of the area’s ancient history and stunning natural beauty, all packed into roughly 15 hours. It begins with a pickup from multiple locations in Alanya or nearby areas, so you’ll want to confirm your pickup point and time beforehand. The early start (some pickups as early as 3:45 a.m.) is worth noting—if you’re not a morning person, it might be tough, but it also means you’ll get the most out of your day.

Morning: The Journey Begins

The day starts with a drive to Antalya, where there’s a brief 30-minute break. This is a good chance to stretch your legs, grab a quick snack, and get ready for a day filled with sightseeing. Afterward, you’ll head to St. Nicholas Church for a guided visit. While the church itself is small, it’s historically significant as the resting place of Santa Claus, which adds a charming element for many travelers.

Following that, it’s onward to Myra, an ancient Lycian city famous for its rock-cut tombs and impressive Greek amphitheater. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, giving you time to explore and take photos. Reviewers note that guides are knowledgeable, even if their English can sometimes be a little hard to understand. Several mention that the guides do a good job of sharing insights despite language barriers.

Midday: The Sunken City and Lunch

Next, it’s time for a relaxing break and a buffet lunch, which is generally well-received for being tasty and filling. After lunch, the tour continues with a boat trip to Kekova Island. This is arguably the highlight for many—sailing over turquoise waters to see the underwater ruins of the sunken city. The boat cruise lasts around 2.25 hours, during which you can admire the scenery and even take a swim if you bring your bathing suit and towel.

The boat stops at Kekova Island to explore the submerged city, which is fascinating—think of it as a window into history beneath the water. You’ll also visit the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa, adding another layer of ancient culture to your day.

Afternoon: Final Stops and Return

After the boat ride, there’s some free time and a brief stop back in Antalya Province before the journey concludes. The drop-off points are spread out across popular hotels and locations in Alanya and nearby areas, making it convenient for most travelers.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Realities of This Tour

While the scenery and history are compelling, the experience isn’t without its hiccups. One reviewer points out that the communication about early pick-up times was late, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to plan your sleep or morning routine. The same reviewer also noted feeling rushed at the Sinterklaas Museum, a reminder that some parts of the schedule might be tight.

Another guest mentioned that some travelers paid less booking through different companies, highlighting the importance of shopping around for the best price. But from a value perspective, paying $56 gets you a guided tour, transportation, lunch, and boat excursions—pretty good for a full day of activities.

The boat trips add a dynamic element, especially for those who enjoy being on the water. The chance to swim and see underwater ruins makes Kekova a memorable part of this trip. The guided visits to historic sites like Myra and St. Nicholas Church** provide meaningful context, though the quality of guides’ English language skills varies.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who are keen on history and archaeology, especially those interested in the Lycian and Greek civilizations. It’s also perfect if you love boat rides and want to see some of Turkey’s most distinctive coastlines and submerged ruins.

Because of the early start and long duration, it’s better for those who are comfortable with a busy schedule and can handle some rushed moments. If you’re traveling with kids, the boat trips and active sightseeing might appeal, but be prepared for the full-day commitment and early wake-up.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or fewer site visits, this tour might feel a bit packed. But if your goal is to see a variety of highlights in one seamless trip, this offers a practical, engaging way to do it.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The tour kicks off with pickup options from 17 different locations, which is handy if you’re staying in Alanya or nearby. The drive to Antalya is straightforward, with a short break to settle in. The stop at St. Nicholas Church is a meaningful pause—its connection to Santa Claus makes it especially appealing during festive seasons, but it’s also interesting historically any time of year.

Next, the visit to Myra is quite substantial, with the guided tour allowing you to walk through the ancient ruins, marvel at the rock-cut tombs, and appreciate the old Greek theater. This gives you a tangible connection to the past, though some say the guides’ English can sometimes be hard to follow, which might slightly diminish the experience.

Lunch is included in the price, and reviews praise it as a tasty buffet that fuels you for the afternoon ahead. Afterward, the boat cruise introduces a different vibe—being on the water, seeing the underwater ruins, and enjoying the views of the coastline. The stop at Kekova Island to swim and explore adds a leisurely, fun element to the day.

Finally, the trip wraps up with a return drive, dropping you off at your hotel or designated location, giving you plenty of time to unwind and process the day’s adventures.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour provides a well-rounded experience of Turkey’s coastal and historical riches. If you’re eager to cover a lot of ground in one day—seeing ancient cities, underwater sites, and iconic landmarks—then it’s a worthwhile option. The value for money is quite good, considering the included transportation, guided tours, lunch, and boat excursions.

However, be prepared for the early mornings and the possibility of some rushed moments. The experience is lively and busy, which suits travelers who thrive on packed itineraries and enjoy being on the move.

For anyone interested in history, especially the Lycian and Greek sites, and who loves boat trips, this could be a memorable addition to your Turkish adventure. Just keep in mind it’s not a relaxed, slow-paced day—more a whirlwind tour of some of Antalya Province’s most intriguing sights.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
Pickup times start as early as 3:45 a.m., so be ready for an early start. It’s a long day, but it allows for maximum sightseeing.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included in the tour, and it’s generally well-liked by travelers for being tasty and filling.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
Absolutely. There are opportunities to swim at Kekova Island, so don’t forget your swimwear and towel.

How long are the stops at each site?
You’ll have around 50 minutes at St. Nicholas Church, an hour at Myra, and about 2 hours and 15 minutes on the boat cruise, including swimming time.

Is the guide’s English clear?
Guides are knowledgeable and helpful, but some travelers found the English a bit hard to understand. However, they still managed to share useful information.

What are the additional costs not included in the price?
Entrance tickets for Myra (€14) and St. Nicholas Church (€6) are extra, and drinks are not included.

Final Summary

If you’re looking for an action-packed day that combines ancient ruins, beautiful coastlines, and boat adventures, this trip from Alanya offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy structured tours with a mix of history and scenery, and who don’t mind an early start and a full day on the move.

While some logistical hiccups and a busy schedule might not suit everyone, the chance to see the sunken city of Kekova and walk in the footsteps of Saint Nicholas makes this a memorable experience. Just remember to bring your camera, swimwear, and a sense of adventure, and you’re set for a day filled with discoveries.

You can check availability for your dates here: