Demre Myra Kekova from Side

• Early hotel pickup: Departure from Side hotels around 04:30–05:00 in the early morning.
• Drive and breakfast stop: Scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains with a breakfast stop near Kemer.
• Üçağız village & Kekova boat trip: Arrival at Üçağız harbor and boarding a glass-bottom boat around 10:30 for a 1-hour cruise over the sunken city by Kekova Island. See the submerged ancient ruins and hear informative commentary from your guide. Enjoy a swimming break in a calm bay during the boat tour.
• Lunch: Open buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Demre.
• St. Nicholas Church visit: Visit the Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) in Demre (optional entry, ticket not included) and brief free time for exploration.
• Myra Ancient City visit: Explore the ancient city of Myra, including its Roman theater and Lycian rock tombs (approximately 1 hour of free time to wander).
• Return to Side: Depart Demre and arrive back at Side hotels around 18:30–19:00.

General Description: This enjoyable journey into the mysterious lands of Lycia begins in Side and offers the opportunity to discover the historical and natural treasures of Demre, Myra, and Kekova. Throughout the tour, you will immerse yourself in ancient sites against the backdrop of the Mediterranean’s stunning landscapes, witnessing stories that have lasted for thousands of years. The distance from Side to Demre is about 200 km. As you travel along the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and the coastal road, you’ll be treated to diverse scenic views of the region. The route passes through resort towns like Kemer, Kumluca, and Finike, offering a glimpse of Antalya’s western coastline. Our tour departs early in the morning in comfortable vehicles, and we make a short breakfast stop along the way to energize you for the day ahead.

Myra Ancient City and Lycian Rock Tombs

Myra was one of the most important cities of the Lycian civilization and today fascinates visitors with its impressive rock-cut tombs and large ancient theater. The ornate Lycian tombs carved high into the cliffs reflect the beliefs and artistry of the Lycians, who preferred to bury their dead high in the rocks. According to local legend, the higher a tomb was carved, the closer the deceased would be to heaven. Right beside these monumental tombs stands Myra’s Roman-era ancient theater. With a capacity of about 10,000 spectators, this theater is one of the largest structures in the Lycian region and has survived in a remarkably well-preserved state. Its excellent acoustics and intricate stone carvings shed light on the entertainment culture of the ancient era. As you explore the ruins of Myra, your guide will share detailed information about Lycian civilization and the city’s history, helping you better understand the significance of this ancient city in the Mediterranean world. According to biblical records, the Apostle Paul visited Myra on his journey to Rome, changing ships here – indicating that Myra was a place of importance even in the early Christian period.

Kekova Island Boat Trip and Sunken City

Kekova is a Mediterranean paradise near the village of Üçağız, surrounded by small islands. Here, our boat tour is the most enjoyable way to discover the partly submerged ancient city along the shores of Kekova Island. Thanks to the glass-bottom boat, you’ll have the chance to observe the ancient ruins beneath the crystal-clear waters. You will see traces of a Lycian settlement that partially sank underwater due to earthquakes in the 2nd century AD – including the ancient city of Simena (Kaleköy, dating back to the 4th century BC) and ruins along the coast of Kekova Island. Among this “sunken city,” you can spot foundations of buildings, staircases, and harbor structures. Some rock tombs and stone sarcophagi are still visible at the water’s edge. During the boat trip, your guide will tell you about the history of the region and the story of the submerged city. The Kekova cruise also includes a stop in a tranquil bay for swimming, so you can enjoy the refreshing Mediterranean waters. You’ll have panoramic views of the medieval Simena Castle perched above the village of Kaleköy and see Lycian sarcophagi along the shore – adding another historical layer to observe. Simena Castle was built in the Middle Ages to protect the area from pirates, and a half-submerged sarcophagus at its base has become an iconic sight of Kekova. This boat trip, which combines history with leisure, will surely be one of the tour’s most unforgettable experiences. After the boat tour, we take a break for a delicious open buffet lunch at a restaurant in Demre. This lunch featuring Turkish cuisine will help you recharge after the eventful morning.

Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus Museum)

Demre is most famous for the Church of St. Nicholas, known worldwide as the home of Santa Claus. This ancient basilica, built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, once housed the tomb of Saint Nicholas of Myra. Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop of Myra who became renowned for his generosity and aid to those in need; he was especially revered as the patron saint of children, sailors, and the poor. The legends of Nicholas’s benevolence and miracles inspired the figure of Santa Claus, the jolly gift-bringer of Christmas. In the church, you can see the ancient stone sarcophagus believed to be Saint Nicholas’s tomb, as well as centuries-old frescoes and architectural details of the Byzantine era. Each year, thousands of tourists and pilgrims come to Demre – Saint Nicholas’s hometown – to visit this sacred site and pay respects. Today, the church functions as a museum and is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List. In 1087, Saint Nicholas’s relics were stolen by Italian merchants and taken to the city of Bari in Italy. Thus, while some of the saint’s remains are now kept in the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, the original church and tomb in Demre continue to honor the memory of the saint in his homeland. Your guide will explain the history of the church and the life of Saint Nicholas, giving you a deeper understanding of this fascinating place.

Who is Santa Claus?

The figure of Santa Claus originates from Saint Nicholas of Demre. Who is Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas was born in Patara in the late 3rd century AD and later served as the bishop of Myra. He became famous for his generosity and for secretly giving gifts to those in need, especially children. Over the centuries, his benevolence transformed into the legend of Santa Claus – the kindly figure who delivers gifts at Christmas in many cultures. Today, Santa Claus is a beloved symbol of holiday gift-giving, but by visiting the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, you can discover the true historical figure behind the legend.

Legacy of the Lycian Civilization

The Lycian civilization was one of the most intriguing of the ancient world, with its own unique language, culture, and system of governance. Myra was one of the brightest cities of this civilization and played an important role in the Lycian League of city-states – even serving as the league’s capital for a time. The Lycian League is recorded as one of the first examples of a democratic federation in history. The areas you visit on this tour, such as Myra and its surroundings, are living examples of Lycia’s cultural heritage. From the rock tombs to the monumental structures, all these details reflect Lycian aesthetics and beliefs, shedding light on the lives of the people who once lived on this land. Among other popular excursions from the Side region is a trip to Cappadocia. If you’re seeking a new adventure after this tour, consider joining our Cappadocia Tour from Side to witness Cappadocia’s enchanting fairy chimneys. The Side to Cappadocia tour is a two-day journey that will allow you to collect unforgettable memories in the dreamlike landscapes of Central Anatolia. Throughout the trip, our experienced guides share the history and legends of these places and answer your questions. The Demre Myra Kekova tour from Side offers an educational yet entertaining day. By the end of the tour, as you leave Lycia’s magical atmosphere behind, you will return to your hotel with vivid memories, new insights, and plenty of wonderful photos of the Lycian coast.