This is one of the most rewarding day trips on the whole coast, three very different highlights rolled into one. In Demre you visit Myra, with its dramatic Lycian rock-cut tombs and grand Roman theatre, and the Church of St Nicholas, the real-life Santa Claus. Then you sail over the Kekova sunken city, where the ruins of an ancient town slip beneath crystal-clear water. Here is an honest local’s guide to seeing all three.
Book the Demre, Myra & Kekova tour
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Check Price & Availability ›🔵 MYRA ANCIENT CITY
Myra, just outside Demre, is famous for its spectacular Lycian rock-cut tombs carved like house facades straight into the cliff face, right above a well-preserved Roman theatre. It is one of the most photogenic ancient sites in the region and the burial architecture is unforgettable. Allow around an hour to explore.
🔵 THE CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS
In the centre of Demre stands the Church of St Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop whose legend became Father Christmas. This is a genuine early Christian pilgrimage site with beautiful surviving frescoes and mosaics, and a protective modern canopy now shelters the ruins. It is a moving, atmospheric stop with real historical weight.
🔵 THE KEKOVA SUNKEN CITY
The star of the day is Kekova. Boats depart from the little harbours of Üçağız and Kaleköy and glide over the Batık Şehir (sunken city), where staircases, foundations, and walls of an ancient settlement lie just below the surface, submerged by earthquakes centuries ago. You also pass the Byzantine and Ottoman castle above Kaleköy (Simena), often with a swim stop in a quiet bay. Swimming directly over the ruins is restricted to protect them.
| Practical info | Demre, Myra & Kekova |
|---|---|
| Entry fees | Myra and the Church of St Nicholas are separate tickets, roughly €15–20 each; a Müzekart usually covers both. The Kekova boat trip is a separate cost |
| From Kaş / Kalkan | About 40–60 minutes (the easiest base for this trip) |
| From Antalya | A long full day; most people join an organised tour with transfer |
| Time needed | A full day for all three |
Fees change with the season; check muze.gov.tr before visiting.
🔵 LOCAL TIPS
If you are staying in Kaş or Kalkan, you are wonderfully close and can do this at your own pace. From Antalya it is a long day, so an organised tour with transfer is usually the sensible choice. Bring swimwear for the boat’s swim stop, a hat and water for the unshaded ruins, and go early to beat both the heat and the crowds at Myra.
🔵 FAQ INTRO
Quick answers about the Demre, Myra and Kekova trip.
What is the Kekova sunken city?
It is the remains of an ancient Lycian settlement that partly sank beneath the sea after earthquakes. You can see submerged staircases, walls, and foundations through the clear water on a boat trip from Üçağız or Kaleköy.
Is Demre the home of Santa Claus?
Yes, in a sense. Demre (ancient Myra) is where Saint Nicholas served as bishop in the 4th century, and his church still stands there. His legend later evolved into Father Christmas.
Can you swim at Kekova?
Swimming directly over the sunken ruins is restricted to protect them, but most boat trips include a swim stop in a nearby clear bay.
Where is the best place to start this trip?
Kaş and Kalkan are the closest bases, around 40 to 60 minutes away. From Antalya it is a long day, so an organised tour with transfer is usually easiest.