Sunken City Kekova Demre & Myra Day Tour from Antalya: Your Ultimate Guide to Kemer's Lycian Coast Adventure
Waking up in Kemer, you're surrounded by the dramatic Taurus Mountains that plunge directly into the Mediterranean's turquoise waters. This isn't just another beach resort town—it's the gateway to one of Turkey's most legendary coastlines. The Lycian Coast, stretching west from Kemer toward Demre and Kekova, holds secrets submerged for millennia and rock-carved cities that whisper stories of ancient civilizations.
As someone who's explored every corner of this region, I can tell you: the Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour isn't just another checkbox on your Turkey itinerary. It's a profound journey through layers of history—from early Christian saints to sunken Lycian cities—that will change how you see this coastline forever. While Kemer offers its own pleasures, this tour takes you beyond the resort bubble into the authentic heart of Turkish history and culture.
What makes this specific tour exceptional is its perfect balance: you get the awe-inspiring scale of Myra's rock tombs, the spiritual resonance of St. Nicholas Church, and the magical underwater archaeology of Kekova—all in one seamless day. Most tours from Antalya rush through these sites, but departing from Kemer gives you earlier access and more intimate moments before the crowds descend. This is the difference between seeing history and feeling it.
At a Glance
Discover the Magic of Kemer
Demre (ancient Myra) sits approximately 2.5 hours west of Kemer along the D400 highway. This isn't just another archaeological site—it's where two world-changing narratives intersect. First, the Lycian rock tombs carved directly into the cliff face represent one of the Mediterranean's most impressive necropolises. Second, this is where St. Nicholas (yes, that St. Nicholas) served as bishop in the 4th century CE, performing miracles that would evolve into the Santa Claus legend. The Church of St. Nicholas here contains his original sarcophagus and Byzantine frescoes that survived centuries of neglect.
Kekova Island and the surrounding area represent a different kind of history—one literally submerged by earthquakes around the 2nd century CE. The sunken city isn't just a few scattered stones; it's an entire Lycian settlement with staircases leading into the sea, foundations of homes, and ancient harbor structures visible through crystal-clear water. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it demonstrates the Lycian adaptation to their environment—building directly into the landscape, only to have that landscape reclaim their creations.
What to Expect: The Experience
Next comes Demre and the Church of St. Nicholas. Stepping inside feels like entering a different world—the cool, dim interior contrasts with the Turkish sun, and the scent of ancient stone and incense hangs in the air. Your guide will point out details most miss: the original 4th-century floor mosaics, the Byzantine frescoes depicting Nicholas's miracles, and the empty sarcophagus that once held his remains (stolen by Italian merchants in 1087). The emotional weight here is palpable, especially when you realize this modest church inspired a global Christmas tradition.
After lunch at a local family-run restaurant (skip the tourist traps near the church—your guide knows better), you'll board a traditional Turkish gulet for the Kekova portion. The glass-bottom boat experience is genuinely magical—not a gimmick. As you glide over the sunken city, you'll see Lycian house foundations, staircases descending into the blue, and ancient pottery shards resting on the seabed. The water is so clear it feels like you're floating over a museum exhibit.
The final stop is Kaleköy (Simena), a village accessible only by boat. Here, you'll climb to a Lycian fortress for panoramic views, then wander through streets where donkeys still outnumber cars. The homemade ice cream from a local vendor is legendary—try the sahlep or mastic flavors. As you return to Kemer by evening, you'll carry with you the sense of having touched multiple layers of Mediterranean history in a single day.
Honest Expectations
What We Love
- Expert guides provide context that transforms ruins from 'old rocks' to living history
- Glass-bottom boat offers unique access to underwater archaeology without getting wet
- Perfect balance between major sites (Myra, St. Nicholas) and intimate experiences (Kaleköy)
Good to Know
- Long drive from Kemer (2.5 hours each way) means significant time in vehicle
- Summer months (July-August) bring extreme heat and overwhelming crowds at sites
Logistics & Accessibility
This tour involves moderate physical activity: climbing uneven stone steps at Myra's necropolis, walking on potentially slippery boat decks, and navigating Kaleköy's steep, cobbled streets. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip—sandals won't cut it. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as shade is limited at archaeological sites. The boat portion is generally calm, but those prone to seasickness should take precautions.
Who should avoid this tour: Travelers with mobility issues (not wheelchair accessible due to ancient sites), pregnant travelers in later stages (due to uneven terrain and long drive), and children under 6 who may struggle with the historical focus and duration. The tour involves significant time in a vehicle—if you get car sick easily, this might not be for you.
Perfect Pairings in Kemer
Make the most of your day. Here is what we recommend doing right after:
Local Insider Tips
- Arrive at Myra as early as possible—by 10 AM, tour buses from Antalya create hour-long lines for the rock tombs
- At St. Nicholas Church, look for the small donation box near the entrance—locals maintain it's where Nicholas secretly gave gold to poor families, inspiring the stocking tradition
- In Kaleköy, buy honey from the elderly woman near the fortress—her family has kept bees in the same hives for generations
- On the boat, ask to sit on the right side facing forward for the best views of the sunken city as you approach
Traveler FAQs
"The Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour isn't just a collection of sites—it's a narrative woven through rock, water, and time. From Kemer's modern comforts to Lycia's ancient wonders, you'll return not just with photographs, but with stories etched into your memory. This is the Turkey beyond the postcards, waiting to be discovered."
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 Kemer. 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.
