The Demre, Myra, and Kekova Tour from Side offers travelers an enriching cultural experience, diving into the heart of one of Christianity’s earliest cradles and its expansive history.
This excursion takes you to the ancient abodes of St. Nicholas among other sacred sites, providing a deep dive into globally recognized historical landmarks with the Demre, Myra, and Kekova Tour from Side. Additionally, the journey is peppered with fascinating attractions along the way! If you’re keen on exploration, get ready to unveil the marvels that await in these storied destinations.
Embark on a Culturally Rich Journey to Demre, Myra, & Kekova
Anyone located in the Side area is invited to join the Demre, Myra, & Kekova Tour. The pickup time from your hotel will vary depending on your exact location. An air-conditioned coach will collect you right from your hotel’s front door to start your adventure.
Your journey begins with a scenic three-hour drive to Ucagiz Village, a picturesque coastal village. Along the way, you’ll pass through the holiday destinations of Kemer, Kumluca, and Finike. The drive offers stunning views of the Taurus Mountains and traditional nomadic settlements on one side, and the pristine Mediterranean coastline on the other.
After a short breakfast halt near Antalya, you reach Ucagiz. From here, you embark on a boat tour to explore the Sunken Cities of Kekova. Aboard a two-story boat, you’ll sail over clear waters, with the opportunity to gaze at underwater ruins through the boat’s glass bottom. The experience of viewing ancient city remains beneath the sea is truly captivating.
Throughout the boat tour, your guide will share insights into the history of Kekova and the coastal city ruins. You’ll also have a chance to swim in a nearby bay close to the Island of Kekova, allowing you to swim above ancient ruins in crystal-clear waters. Following an hour on the boat, you return to the dock and proceed to a local restaurant in Demre for a delicious open-buffet lunch, prepared with fresh ingredients.
The lunch features two main dishes, alongside four salads, rice, pasta, and soup. After lunch, the tour continues to St. Nicholas Church, where you’ll spend around 45 minutes. This sacred site draws numerous pilgrims each year.
The journey then leads to the Ancient City of Myra, famed for its remarkably acoustic amphitheater and stunning mountain-carved rock tombs. Following a restful hour at this enchanting site, you’ll board the bus back to Side, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Demre Myra and Kekova Tour from Side costs (price) 55 € for adults, 30 € for children 4 between 8 years old and children under 4 years old are free.
Side Hotels – 05:00
“Please note that we have no hidden costs”
What do you need to bring with you?
Swimsuits, Sunglasses, Towel, Sun Cream, Hat, Comfortable Shoes, Camera
Our guests often ask about the distance between Side and Demre. It is approximately 216 kilometers, which translates to a travel time of around 3 hours by bus from Side to Demre. The journey shall be quite comfortable, especially in vehicles equipped with air conditioning.
Embarking on a journey from Side to Demre, Myra, and Kekova, travelers will encounter notable sites such as Kumluca, famous for its Tomato Festival, and Finike, renowned for exporting oranges worldwide. The Demre, Myra, and Kekova tour is a must for history and culture enthusiasts, offering insightful revelations about Saint Nicholas and his church that are bound to astonish.
Church of St. Nicholas Constructed in the 4th century, this sacred site dedicated to St. Nicholas, globally known as “Santa Claus,” is a marvel of historical architecture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the church’s captivating murals depicting the life of Santa Claus, enhancing their knowledge of this iconic figure.
Ancient Lycian City of Myra Close to the Church of St. Nicholas lies Myra, the “Land of the Sun,” a title given by the Lycians. This ancient city is home to a necropolis of Lycian tombs, dating back to the fourth century BC, where visitors can experience the essence of ancient times.
The Demre ancient amphitheatre Among the 206 Roman-built antique theatres in the country, the Demre Amphitheater stands out as the fourth largest, with a seating capacity of 10,000 people. Constructed in the second century, it showcases the grandeur of Roman architecture.
The Sunken City of Kekova This island was once part of a vast city connected to the mainland before devastating earthquakes caused it to submerge, leaving Kekova as a solitary island. Referred to as “Turkey’s Atlantis,” this ancient city is now a secluded and uninhabited site of historical importance. Visitors can view the remnants of the Sunken City through the glass-bottom boat, with a guide providing fascinating commentary.
Castle Simena (Kalekoy) – Across from Kekova Island lies Kalekoy Castle, a structure that has withstood the test of time since its erection in the 13th century. Known for its architectural significance and housing a unique Roman theatre, this castle is a highlight for visitors to the area.
Kekova is a must-see region, I recommend it to all travelers. Joinexcursions.com was successful in its business. Would recommend to anyone.
Through joinexcursions.com, we traveled to the birthplace of St. Nicholas. We went to Saint Nicholas Church after hearing the entire story. A lovely piece of art. It is unquestionably worthwhile to pay a visit. Demre, on the other hand, is not a large city, and there are several souvenir shops dotted around Saint Nicholas.
I had a great time on the Demre, Myra, and Kekova tour. The guide was excellent, and we learned a lot about Nicholas and his years in this city. It was an incredible experience!