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

Discovering the Sunken Cities and Ancient Ruins: A Complete Look at the Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip from Alanya

This full-day tour from Alanya offers a fascinating mix of history, natural beauty, and boat adventures. For around $56, you’ll spend 15 hours exploring ancient Lycian tombs, the legendary Church of St. Nicholas, and the submerged city of Kekova—all from the comfort of a guided group. The tour ticks many boxes for those curious about Turkey’s rich past and stunning coastlines, especially if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxing sea swims.

What sets this experience apart? We really appreciate the combination of historical sites with the boat cruise—allowing you to see the sunken ruins up close from the water. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup makes it feel like good value for a full day of exploring.

One potential challenge? The early start—pickup can be as early as 3:45 a.m.—might not suit everyone. Also, reviews mention that some guides’ English can be a bit difficult to follow, and there’s a slight rush at some stops, especially for those wanting more time to explore.

This tour is best for travelers who love history, scenic boat rides, and a well-organized day out. If you’re after a comprehensive experience that combines cultural sights with natural beauty, this could be a strong pick.

Key Points

• Full-Day Experience: Around 15 hours of sightseeing, blending history, boat rides, and swimming.
• Historical Highlights: Visits to Myra’s rock-cut tombs, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Lycian necropolis.
• Unique Boat Trip: Cruise to Kekova Island and the sunken city, with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus included lunch, make the day hassle-free.
• Cost-Effective: For $56, it offers a well-rounded day with multiple highlights, though some extras like entrance fees aren’t included.
• Mixed Reviews: Guides’ English may vary in clarity, and timing at some stops can feel rushed according to past travelers.

An In-Depth Review of the Alanya Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip

How the Day Unfolds

The journey begins early, with pickup from over 17 locations around Alanya—this makes it quite flexible but also means an early alarm. Once on the bus, expect a roughly 1.5-hour ride to Antalya, with a short breakfast break en route. The first stop is the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, where you’ll spend about 50 minutes exploring. This site is a highlight because it’s the original resting place of Saint Nicholas, the real-life figure behind Santa Claus. Although the church itself is modest, the guided explanation offers insight into its significance.

Next, you’ll visit the Myra ruins, including the Greek amphitheater and the Lycian necropolis. These historical sites are impressive because of their age and well-preserved carvings. One reviewer mentioned that the guides knew a lot about the history but that their English could sometimes be difficult to understand. Still, they managed to clarify the key points, like how the rock-cut tombs date back to the Lycian period and how Myra was once an important port city.

Visiting Ancient Sites

What makes these stops worthwhile? The rock-cut tombs are carved directly into the cliffs, giving an eerie sense of age and faith. The amphitheater is surprisingly well-preserved, offering great photo opportunities and a tangible sense of history. And the nearby necropolis at Teimiussa adds a layer of awe, especially since many travelers are intrigued by the Lycian burial practices.

After a quick break and a buffet lunch (described as tasty and satisfying), it’s time for the boat adventure. The boat departs from Ucagiz Village, sailing toward Kekova Island. The boat cruise lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, during which you’ll see the famous sunken city—a ghostly landscape of submerged houses and walls that’s visible from the boat.

The Boat and Swimming

The boat trip is a standout part of this tour. Past travelers appreciated how close they get to the underwater ruins—an unforgettable view from the water. Plus, there are opportunities to swim in the turquoise waters, so don’t forget your swimsuit and towel. The clear waters and scenic backdrop make for some memorable photos.

The boat also visits Kekova Island, where you can walk around or just relax on deck, taking in the views of the rugged coastline and the submerged city’s remains just below.

Return and Reflection

After the boat ride, the group heads back to Antalya Province for a short break, giving time to stretch and reflect on the day. The journey concludes with a drop-off at your original pickup point, usually around 8 p.m., making it a long but rewarding day.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

Transport and Timing

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a major convenience, especially in a busy tourist area like Alanya. The timing is tight—an early start with a full schedule—that means you’ll get to see a lot, but some travelers might find it rushed. The total duration is about 15 hours, so be prepared for a long day.

Cost and Value

Priced at $56 per person, this tour provides access to multiple key sites plus a boat cruise, which if booked independently, would likely cost more. Entrance fees to Myra and St. Nicholas Church are not included, so you’ll need to budget an additional $20 or so if you’re planning to visit them. The included buffet lunch has received positive comments for its taste, adding to the overall value.

Guides and Language

The guides operate in multiple languages—Russian, English, German, Turkish—which offers flexibility for international travelers. However, reviews note that some English explanations can be hard to understand at times. Still, guides are described as helpful and knowledgeable.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack comfortable shoes, given the walking on uneven terrain at the ruins. Sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen is vital, especially during the boat cruise and open sites. Don’t forget your swimwear and towel for the swimming stop, and your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This trip works well for history buffs who want a comprehensive look at ancient Lycian and Greek sites, combined with a scenic boat ride. It’s suitable for those who enjoy long days on the go and don’t mind early mornings or a busy schedule. If you prefer more leisurely exploration or more time at each site, this might feel a bit rushed.

People curious about Kekova’s sunken city will particularly appreciate the boat cruise, which offers a unique perspective impossible to get from land. Plus, the inclusion of the Church of St. Nicholas adds a cultural and religious dimension to the day.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

This tour offers a compelling mix of history, scenery, and relaxation, making it a solid choice for travelers based in Alanya who want a full-day glimpse into the ancient past and the beautiful coastline. While it isn’t a luxurious or relaxed affair, it provides good value for money, especially considering the number of sights covered and the boat trip included.

The stunning views of the Lycian tombs, the underwater ruins, and the turquoise waters make this trip memorable. It’s perfect for those who want to combine cultural exploration with a bit of fun in the sun. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to avoid early mornings, you might want to consider how this schedule fits your travel style.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from multiple locations around Alanya, making it very convenient.

How long does the trip last? The full day lasts approximately 15 hours, with an early pickup time that can be as early as 3:45 a.m.

Are entrance fees included? No, entrance to Myra and St. Nicholas Church are not included; you’ll need to budget around $20 for these sites.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and a camera are recommended to make the most of the day.

Can I swim during the boat trip? Yes, there are opportunities to swim in the clear waters of Kekova Island, so bring your swim gear.

Is the tour suitable for children? While not specifically designed for kids, the tour’s major sights can appeal to older children interested in history and nature, but be aware of the long hours.

How is the guide’s language? Guides operate in several languages, but some past travelers have noted that their English can be a little difficult to follow at times.

What is the overall value? For $56, this tour offers a comprehensive day of sightseeing, includes lunch, and provides a scenic boat ride, making it a good value—though some additional costs for entrance fees or extras may apply.

Final Words

If you’re looking for a packed day of exploring ancient sites and enjoying the seaside, this tour from Alanya is a dependable choice. It offers a well-rounded experience with a mix of history, adventure, and scenic beauty—all at a reasonable price. Just be prepared for an early start, and bring your curiosity and camera for a day full of memorable sights. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a beautiful boat tour, this trip delivers enough highlights to justify a spot on your Turkey itinerary.