Side to Demre Myra Kekova Tour: Ultimate Guide to Lycian Ruins & Sunken Cities
Waking up in Side, you're surrounded by Roman ruins that whisper of ancient glories, but today you're heading deeper into history—to where the Lycians carved their dead into cliffs and earthquakes swallowed entire cities. This isn't just another day trip; it's a journey through layers of civilization where mythology, archaeology, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes collide. As someone who's walked these paths multiple times, I can tell you this tour offers something rare: the chance to touch history literally carved in stone while swimming in waters that hide secrets beneath their surface.
From Side's bustling resort atmosphere, you'll travel into the rugged heart of ancient Lycia, a region that maintained its distinct identity even under Persian, Greek, and Roman rule. The Demre Myra Kekova tour stands apart because it combines three extraordinary elements in one day: monumental rock-cut tombs that defy time, the birthplace of Santa Claus mythology, and a sunken city visible through crystal-clear waters. This isn't a sanitized museum experience—you'll feel the Mediterranean sun on your skin as you climb ancient theaters and smell the sea salt as you approach Kekova's haunting beauty.
What makes this specific tour essential for anyone staying in Side is its perfect balance of education and recreation. You'll return not just with photos, but with stories—of how the Lycians honored their dead, how a 4th-century bishop became a global Christmas icon, and how nature can both destroy and preserve. The boat trip across to Kekova Island provides that magical Mediterranean moment everyone dreams of, but with the added thrill of peering down at submerged ruins. This is why I recommend it above all other day trips: it delivers cultural depth alongside pure sensory pleasure.
At a Glance
Discover the Magic of Side
Demre (ancient Myra) sits in a fertile alluvial plain where the Myros River meets the Mediterranean, creating the agricultural wealth that supported this important city. The Church of St. Nicholas here isn't just another Byzantine church—it's built on the exact site where Nicholas served as bishop in the 4th century AD. The current structure dates mainly from the 8th century, with significant 11th-century additions, and contains extraordinary frescoes that survived iconoclasm. What most visitors miss is that the original tomb of St. Nicholas was here until Italian merchants stole his remains in 1087, taking them to Bari where they remain today. The empty sarcophagus you'll see still draws pilgrims from around the world.
Kekova represents a different kind of history—one shaped by seismic catastrophe. Around the 2nd century AD, a series of earthquakes caused parts of ancient Simena to sink beneath the Mediterranean. What makes this site extraordinary is how the clear waters preserve daily life frozen in time: staircases leading nowhere, walls defining rooms now inhabited by fish, and pottery shards scattered across the seabed. The Lycians built here because Kekova's natural harbor provided protection from pirates (ironically, it later became a pirate haven). Today, the area is a protected archaeological zone where swimming near the sunken ruins is prohibited to preserve them, but the boat glides right over these underwater ghost towns.
What to Expect: The Experience
Next comes the Church of St. Nicholas, where the atmosphere shifts from pagan to Christian. Inside the cool, dimly lit interior, you'll see Byzantine mosaics depicting the saint's miracles and the empty marble sarcophagus that once held his remains. The guide will share stories of how this local bishop's generosity evolved into the Santa Claus legend—a fascinating case of cultural transformation. You'll have time to light a candle if you wish, joining a tradition that spans centuries.
The afternoon brings the highlight: boarding a traditional wooden gulet at Üçağız harbor for the Kekova boat trip. As the boat glides across impossibly turquoise water, you'll first pass the 'Sunken City' area where clear patches reveal walls, staircases, and pottery just meters below the surface. The captain slows the engine so everyone can peer over the side—it's genuinely eerie seeing a civilization preserved underwater. Then you'll anchor in a sheltered bay for swimming in waters so clear you can see your toes. After the swim, you'll visit Kaleköy (ancient Simena) on the mainland opposite Kekova Island, climbing to a Lycian fortress for breathtaking views across the archipelago. The day ends with the return drive to Side, arriving tired but filled with images of tombs, churches, and sunken cities.
Honest Expectations
What We Love
- Unparalleled access to three distinct historical sites in one efficient day
- The Kekova boat trip offers stunning Mediterranean scenery with unique underwater archaeology
- Expert guides provide deep cultural context you'd miss exploring independently
Good to Know
- Long drive time (5+ hours roundtrip from Side) can be tiring, especially in summer heat
- Summer crowds at Myra can diminish the atmospheric experience, with queues for photos
Logistics & Accessibility
This tour involves significant physical activity: climbing uneven stone steps at Myra's theater (approximately 50 steps), walking on rocky paths at Kaleköy, and getting on/off boats without proper docks. The boat has a ladder for swimming access. You'll be on your feet for 4-5 hours total across the sites. Essential items: sturdy walking shoes (not sandals), swimwear and towel, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water (at least 2 liters), and cash for entrance fees (not always included) and souvenirs. Avoid this tour if: you have mobility issues (not wheelchair accessible), are pregnant (due to boat motion and uneven terrain), have severe back problems (long bumpy drives), or dislike crowded tourist sites. Children under 6 may struggle with the length and heat.
Perfect Pairings in Side
Make the most of your day. Here is what we recommend doing right after:
Local Insider Tips
- Arrive at Myra's tombs early in your site visit—the morning light hits the facades perfectly for photography, and you'll beat the worst crowds
- At Kekova, bring snorkel gear (even basic masks)—while you can't swim over the sunken city, the bay where you stop has excellent visibility and fish
- Wear water shoes for the Kaleköy visit—the path from the boat to shore is rocky and slippery
- Skip the overpriced restaurants near the Church of St. Nicholas and instead grab fresh gözleme (Turkish stuffed flatbread) from street vendors for an authentic, cheap lunch
Traveler FAQs
"The Demre Myra Kekova tour from Side offers more than a checklist of ancient sites—it provides a tangible connection to civilizations that shaped this coastline millennia ago. You'll return with your skin warmed by the same sun that baked Lycian tombs, your eyes filled with the Mediterranean's impossible blue, and your mind expanded by stories of saints, earthquakes, and sunken cities. This is the day trip that transforms a beach holiday into a journey through time, leaving you with memories that linger long after your tan fades."
BenayTur Local Expert Tip
"As a local agency, we know this region like the back of our hand. To get the best out of this experience, we highly recommend booking your spot in advance, especially during the high season in Side. Don't forget your camera, the views are genuinely spectacular!"
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
