Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City

Exploring the Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City Tour: A Deep Dive into Turkey’s Coastal Treasures

Our review of the Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City Tour paints a picture of a full-day adventure that combines history, scenic beauty, and relaxing boat rides along Turkey’s famed Turquoise Coast. Priced at around $86 per person and rated 4.5 out of 5 from 38 reviews, this tour appeals to travelers eager to see a mix of ancient ruins and natural phenomena without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

One of the standout features we love is the comfortable round-trip transfer from Antalya hotels, making the journey seamless and stress-free. The boat tour to the Sunken City of Kekova offers a unique chance to see submerged ruins, while the stops at Myra’s rock-cut tombs and the Church of St. Nicholas add layers of historical richness. However, a note of caution: some reviews mention long travel times and uneven group experiences, particularly with language barriers or uncomfortable bus conditions. Still, this tour suits those who want an authentic, all-in-one day out that balances history, scenic views, and leisure.

If you enjoy combining cultural exploration with a touch of adventure, this is likely a trip for you. Be prepared for a full-day itinerary packed with sights, stories, and swimming opportunities, making it perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip: Combines ancient ruins, boat rides, and scenic coastal views.
• Hotel pickup included: ensures a hassle-free start and end to your day.
• Authentic experiences: Visit sites like Myra’s rock-cut tombs and Kekova’s sunken city.
• Boat tour with swimming: offers a refreshing break and a chance to see submerged ruins up-close.
• Value for money: includes lunch, guide, insurance, and entrance fees for Myra.
• Group size: small group (max 27), which can mean more personalized attention but also busier moments.

Detailed Review of the Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City Tour

Departure and Transportation: Setting off in Comfort

The tour kicks off bright and early at 7:00 am, with hotel pickup from Antalya — a major plus for travelers who dislike logistical hassles. The transportation is typically via a multi-lingual guide-led coach, with most reviews emphasizing the professionalism of the driver and the comfort of the ride. That said, some guests note that the pick-up process can involve multiple stops, sometimes taking up to an hour to gather everyone, especially if staying outside the city center.

On the positive side, the scenic drive offers glimpses of Turkey’s charming villages, giving a sneak peek into rural life away from the tourist hotspots. One reviewer appreciated the “nice little villages along the way,” which added a touch of local flavor to the journey.

First Stop: Demre (Kale) and Myra’s Ancient Ruins

Your first substantial stop is Demre, home to the ancient city of Myra. Here, you’ll have around 75 minutes to explore the Lycian rock-cut tombs and the remains of the Roman theater. The Myra site is famed for its cliffside tombs carved into the rocky hillside, which are strikingly well-preserved and provide excellent photo opportunities.

One reviewer, Anja_R, praised the knowledgeable guide and described her as “very helpful,” noting that the guide knew multiple languages, which is especially beneficial for international groups. The entrance fee for Myra is included, so you won’t be surprised by additional costs here, making it good value for those interested in history.

Kekova: The Sunken City from the Water

Next, you’ll hop aboard a boat for about 75 minutes to see the Sunken City of Kekova. This is the star attraction — a submerged Lycian town that sank after earthquakes, leaving only the houses’ ruins and walls visible beneath the water’s surface.

The boat is usually equipped with a guiding crew, and you’ll have a chance to swim, which many find refreshing and memorable. As one reviewer pointed out, “the boat trip out to the sunken city was beautiful,” and the clear water makes for stunning photos.

However, some guests noted that the boat guides often spoke only Russian, which limited understanding for English-speaking travelers. If language is important to you, consider this when booking. A few reviews described the boat trip as relaxing and scenic, with the opportunity to enjoy peaceful views and water activities.

Visiting the Church of St. Nicholas

Finally, a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas is optional. The church is famous as the inspiration for Santa Claus and is located in Demre. Entrance fees are not included, and some travelers opt to skip if they’re eager to maximize sightseeing time or are concerned about extra costs.

Reviews are mixed here — some loved the historic significance, while others found the visit rushed or optional. If you’re a fan of religious or historical sites, it’s a worthwhile stop; otherwise, you can enjoy the other highlights without feeling you’re missing out.

Lunch and Rest Break

The tour includes a buffet lunch in Demre, offering Turkish cuisine that many review as satisfying if not gourmet. Some mention that the meal is rushed due to tight scheduling, but overall, it’s a decent refreshment to power through the rest of the day.

Final Return and Reflection

The return journey begins mid-afternoon, and most guests arrive back in Antalya by early evening. The experience, while packed with sights, does involve a lot of time on the coach — some reviews mention this as a downside, especially if you’re looking for more leisurely pace or shorter days.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Myra’s ruins; some terrain is uneven.
• Bring swimwear and a towel for the boat stop — swimming here is a definite highlight.
• Consider extra cash if you want to visit the Church of St. Nicholas, as entrance is not included.
• Pack sunscreen and water — the day can get hot, and the boat has limited shade.
• Expect a multilingual guide: most operate in Russian and English, but be aware some parts of the commentary may be limited for English speakers.
• Be prepared for a long day — the tour lasts around 11 hours, so rest early the night before.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers, and those wanting a comprehensive taste of Turkey’s coastal culture and ancient sites in one day. It’s particularly good if you’re comfortable traveling in a group and don’t mind some bus time. Families with older children and travelers eager for a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural education will find this offers excellent value.

However, if you’re sensitive to long hours on a coach or prefer smaller, more personalized tours, you might want to consider alternative options or prepare for a potentially busy day.

The Sum Up

The Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City Tour offers a solid combination of scenic beauty, history, and leisure. The inclusion of hotel pickup, a boat ride, and visits to significant archaeological sites makes it a convenient choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded experience of Turkey’s coastal treasures. While some reviews point out issues with language barriers and bus comfort, many highlight the professionalism of guides and the stunning views.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see a variety of sights without the hassle of planning, especially if you’re excited about ancient ruins and underwater archaeological sites. It delivers good value for its price, especially with lunch, entry fees, and transportation included, making it a practical choice for a full day of adventure.

In short, if you’re after an authentic, scenic, and educational day on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, this tour stands out as a worthwhile option — just go prepared for a full day of sightseeing and enjoy the stunning snapshots of history and nature.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start and end of your day very convenient.

How long is the overall tour?
Approximately 11 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and boat time.

What sites will I visit?
You’ll see Demre (Myra’s ruins), Kekova’s Sunken City by boat, and the Church of St. Nicholas (optional).

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is provided in Demre, offering Turkish dishes.

Are entrance fees included?
The entry ticket for Myra is included; the Church of St. Nicholas is optional, and its fee is paid if you choose to visit.

Can I swim during the boat tour?
Yes, swimming is an option—bring your swimwear and towel.

What languages does the guide speak?
Most guides operate in Russian and English, but some reviews note limited English commentary.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, older children who enjoy history and swimming generally like this trip, but consider the long travel time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, swimsuit, towel, and some cash if visiting the church.

Are there any complaints?
Some travelers mention long coach rides, bus discomfort, and language barriers during the boat trip, so plan accordingly.

Overall, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenic boat rides, and coastal charm — ideal for travelers seeking an active and culturally enriching day in Turkey’s beautiful south.