Kekova, Myra & St Nicholas Tour from Antalya: Ultimate Guide to Ancient Ruins & Turquoise Seas
From Antalya's bustling marina, where fishing boats bob beside luxury yachts, you'll embark on a journey that feels like stepping through layers of time. This isn't just another tourist excursion—it's a pilgrimage through civilizations that shaped Mediterranean history. The Kekova, Myra & St Nicholas tour offers something rare: a single day where you'll taste Ottoman village life, sail over submerged Roman ruins, stand where Santa Claus preached, and climb through Lycian tombs carved into cliffs.
As someone who's explored every corner of Antalya province, I can tell you this tour stands apart. While many visitors stick to Antalya's Kaleiçi old town or the Düden Waterfalls, this journey west along the coast reveals Turkey's soul. You'll leave the resort crowds behind and enter a landscape where ancient cities rise from turquoise waters and myths feel tangible. The contrast between Kekova's silent underwater streets and Myra's dramatic cliff tombs creates an emotional resonance that beach holidays can't match.
Why is this specific tour essential? Because it connects three UNESCO-worthy sites most travelers miss, all while showcasing Antalya's diverse geography—from fertile alluvial plains around Beymelek to the rugged Taurus Mountains backdrop of Demre. You're not just checking boxes; you're experiencing how civilizations layered upon each other here, from Lycians to Romans to Byzantines to Ottomans. The boat ride across Kekova's protected bay alone, with ruins visible through crystalline water, justifies the early start from Antalya.
At a Glance
Discover the Magic of Antalya
Kekova Island isn't technically an island but a long, narrow landmass separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. This entire area was part of ancient Lycia, a federation of city-states that maintained independence despite Persian, Greek, and Roman pressures. The submerged ruins at Simena represent one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic examples of seismic activity altering human settlement. The 2nd-century earthquake didn't just flood buildings—it created an underwater archaeological museum where you can literally sail over Roman streets, staircases, and foundations. The water's exceptional clarity comes from protected status since 1990, preventing pollution from development.
Demre (ancient Myra) sits where the Taurus Mountains meet the sea, creating the dramatic cliff faces where Lycians carved their iconic rock tombs. These aren't mere decorations—they reflect Lycian beliefs about the afterlife and social status, with elaborate facades mimicking wooden house architecture. The Church of St Nicholas stands on the exact site where the historical Nicholas served as bishop in the 4th century AD. This location matters: Myra was a major port city on the trade route between Anatolia and Egypt, explaining how Nicholas's fame spread throughout the Mediterranean world. The well-preserved Roman amphitheater here once seated 10,000 spectators, a testament to Myra's importance in the Roman province of Lycia.
What to Expect: The Experience
Boarding the boat at Üçağız harbor, the atmosphere shifts to maritime adventure. As you sail toward Kekova, the water transforms from deep blue to transparent turquoise. Looking down, you'll see the submerged city of Simena materialize beneath you—rectangular foundations, collapsed walls, even ceramic shards visible on the seabed. The captain cuts the engine, and in the silence, you hear only water lapping against stone that hasn't seen air for eighteen centuries. During swim stops (May-October), the water feels like silk—warmer than Antalya's beaches due to shallow, protected bays. Floating above ancient ruins is surreal; you're literally swimming through history.
Lunch at a family-run restaurant in Demre introduces you to Lycian cuisine: grilled sea bass caught that morning, şakşuka (fried vegetables in tomato sauce), and the region's famous pomegranate molasses. The restaurant garden overlooks orange groves that have grown here since Byzantine times. Then comes the emotional heart: the Church of St Nicholas. Despite the crowds, there's a palpable reverence inside the 6th-century basilica. You'll stand before the original sarcophagus (now empty), see Byzantine frescoes restored after centuries buried under silt, and understand how a 4th-century bishop from this remote town became the global Santa Claus.
The climax is Myra's necropolis. Climbing the wooden walkways, you face sheer cliff walls covered in elaborate tomb facades. Some look like Greek temples, others like Lycian houses—each telling a story about the person buried within. The scale is humbling: these were carved by hand, without modern tools, into solid rock. The Roman theater nearby remains remarkably intact; sit on the marble seats and imagine gladiator games or political assemblies. As the sun lowers, casting golden light on the carved tombs, you'll feel the weight of centuries in this place where Lycians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantians all left their mark.
Honest Expectations
What We Love
- Unique combination of sea adventure and archaeological sites in one day
- Authentic local food experiences away from tourist traps
- Expert guides provide deep historical context most tours miss
Good to Know
- Long day with 3+ hours total driving from Antalya
- Can be extremely hot (40°C/104°F) in July-August with limited shade
- Boat portion cancelled in poor weather (roughly 15% of tours)
Logistics & Accessibility
This tour requires moderate physical fitness: you'll walk approximately 3km total on uneven surfaces at Myra (including wooden staircases to tombs), board a boat via narrow gangplank, and navigate cobblestone paths at Beymelek. Bring: swimwear and towel (May-Oct), high-SPF sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes with grip (no flip-flops), light jacket (boats can be windy), Turkish lira for souvenirs/extra drinks. Avoid this tour if: you use a wheelchair (Myra's tombs inaccessible, boat boarding difficult), have severe mobility issues (steep climbs at Myra), are pregnant (uneven surfaces and boat motion pose risks), or dislike long drives (3+ hours roundtrip from Antalya). Children under 6 may struggle with the length and historical focus.
Perfect Pairings in Antalya
Make the most of your day. Here is what we recommend doing right after:
Local Insider Tips
- Tip 1: Sit on the boat's left side facing forward for best views of Kekova ruins—sun position makes them more visible through water.
- Tip 2: At Myra, visit the lesser-known 'Lion's Tomb' behind the main necropolis—fewer crowds and exceptional carvings.
- Tip 3: Buy pomegranate products (molasses, soap) in Demre—cheaper and fresher than Antalya shops, supporting local farmers.
- Tip 4: If boat cancelled due to weather, request Demre Museum's Lycian coin collection—rarely highlighted but fascinating.
Traveler FAQs
"This tour doesn't just show you Antalya's highlights—it immerses you in the layers of civilization that make Turkey's Mediterranean coast extraordinary. From tasting Ottoman village bread to floating over Roman ruins, from touching the stones where Santa Claus walked to climbing past Lycian tombs, you'll return to Antalya with more than photos: you'll carry the weight and wonder of three millennia. As the sun sets behind the Taurus Mountains during your drive back, you'll understand why this corner of Antalya province has captivated everyone from ancient traders to modern travelers—and why this single day might just be the most memorable of your Turkish journey."
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 Antalya. 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.
