From Antalya: Private Tour to Kekova Island, Myra and Demre

Explore the Rich Heritage and Natural Beauty of Antalya’s Coastal Gems

This private full-day tour from Antalya offers an immersive experience of Kekova Island, Myra, and Demre, priced at $703.96 per person. With a duration of approximately 14 hours, the tour combines cultural exploration with relaxing sea activities. It features hotel pickup, a private vehicle, and the ability to customize your itinerary, making it ideal for those who prefer a tailored, less crowded outing.

The tour is particularly praised for its luxurious boat experience and unique stops that most foreign travelers typically miss. The journey begins early in the morning with a private transfer from your hotel, heading straight into the heart of Lycia’s ancient and scenic coast. A highlight is the private boat tour along the coast of Kekova, where you can admire its submerged ruins and rock-cut tombs from the comfort of your vessel. While swimming in protected areas isn’t permitted, cruising past the underwater city offers fantastic photo opportunities.

This experience suits travelers eager for an authentic blend of history, nature, and leisure, with the flexibility of a private tour. Keep in mind, some entrance fees, like Myra’s ancient city (€13) or the Santa Claus Museum (€17), are not included in the base price, giving you control over your budget and stops.

Key Points

• Private, customizable full-day tour from Antalya including Kekova, Myra, and Demre
• Approximately 14 hours of sightseeing, boat rides, and swimming stops
• Price of $703.96 per person, with hotel pickup and private vehicle included
• Highlights include sunken city ruins, castle of Simena, aquarium bay, and ancient Lycian sites
• No swimming in Kekova’s protected areas, but船 cruise offers spectacular views of underwater ruins
• Optional visits to museums, churches, and archaeological sites, with some entrance fees extra

From Antalya to Demre: Easy and Comfortable Transfers

The tour departs early at 7:00 am with a private transfer from your hotel in Antalya. This comfortable vehicle takes you directly to Demre, making the start of your day smooth and stress-free. The drive lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you time to relax before reaching your first stop, Demre harbor.

Once there, you’ll board a private boat that will be your main mode of exploration for the day. The boat ride begins with a 30-minute cruise to the Sunken City of Kekova, where you witness the ancient remains submerged after a 2nd-century earthquake. Although swimming isn’t allowed here, cruising past the ruins provides unforgettable photos and a chance to appreciate the area’s history from the water.

This seamless transfer service and private boat experience are highly praised for their comfort and personalized touch, setting this tour apart from larger group outings.

Discovering Kekova’s Sunken City and Crystal Clear Waters

The highlight of the trip is the boat cruise along Kekova’s coast, which features sunken city ruins, rock-cut tombs, and astonishing natural scenery. The Sunken City of Dolchiste was flooded in the 2nd century due to an earthquake, and today, its ruins lie beneath the turquoise waters, visible from the boat.

While swimming in Kekova’s protected area isn’t permitted, you’ll get close enough for excellent photos, capturing the submerged structures. The boat then proceeds to Aquarium Bay, where a one-hour swim break offers crystal-clear waters perfect for cooling off, sunbathing, or taking in the surrounding scenery.

Next, the boat anchors at Gokkaya Bay, Esmeralda Bay, and Burç Bay for additional swimming and relaxation. In Gökkaya Bay, visitors can enjoy water sports or explore the large naturally-formed cave with its curved entrance. These stops provide tranquil moments and beautiful vistas of the coast.

Exploring the Castle of Simena and its Historic Necropolis

After the swimming segments, the boat arrives at Kaleköy (ancient Simena), where a 30-minute stop allows for exploring the castle ruins, necropolis, and the village’s authentic charm. The castle of Simena offers panoramic views of Kekova and the surrounding sea, and the village’s narrow streets are perfect for wandering and soaking in local life.

A short hike up the hillside during the another 30-minute stop gives access to views over the Sunken City and Kekova region, rewarding those who prefer a scenic look at the area from above. Alternatively, visitors can relax by taking another dip in the blue waters before reboarding the boat.

Visiting Demre’s Ancient Sites and Churches

Returning to Demre, the tour includes optional visits to Karemlik Bay to search for sea turtles, with three of the seven Mediterranean turtle species present in the area. Afterwards, the boat docks at Demre harbor, where a gap of about 30 minutes is available for visiting local museums and archaeological sites.

The Likya UygarlIklarI Muzesi showcases artefacts from Lycian cities, including a 2nd-century ancient granary, while the Church of St. Nicholas, built in 520 A.D., is a significant religious site. Both are optional stops requiring an entrance fee, with the church being especially meaningful for those interested in the story of Santa Claus.

The Santa Claus Museum and St. Nicholas Church further connect visitors to the legend of the 4th-century saint revered across Christian traditions. The Myra Ancient City showcases well-preserved ruins, including a Roman theatre and rock-cut tombs, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Greek and Lycian civilizations. Some sites, like Myra Antik Kenti or rock tombs, are optional, with entrance fees extra.

Enjoying Lunch and Relaxed Swimming Breaks in Beautiful Bays

Midday, the tour offers lunch included in the fee, combined with a swim break at Gökkaya Bay or other nearby coves. Esmeralda Bay provides a peaceful environment to relax, while Burç Bay offers cooler waters thanks to underwater springs.

The two-hour stop at these bays is flexible, allowing plenty of time for sunbathing, water sports, or simply soaking up the peaceful surroundings. The natural caves and bays along the coast enhance your day with picturesque scenery and opportunities for leisure.

Final Stops at Demre and Antalya’s Historic Sites

The journey concludes with a visit back to Demre, where additional optional stops include the Church of St. Nicholas, the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, and the ancient city of Myra. These sites are perfect for history enthusiasts and provide deeper context about the region’s past.

The tour ends with a 2-hour transfer back to Antalya, giving you time to unwind after a long day of exploration. The private nature of this tour ensures a relaxed pace and personalized experience, ideal for those who value comfort and flexibility.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private tour is perfect for travelers wanting an intimate, customizable experience of Antalya’s coastal and archaeological highlights. It suits those interested in history, scenic boat rides, and relaxing swims, all in a single day. The inclusion of optional museum visits and archaeological sites offers flexibility for different interests.

While it’s a lengthy day, the comfort of private transportation and small-group boat ride make it manageable. Be prepared for some entrance fees if you choose to explore additional sites, and note that swimming in Kekova’s protected area isn’t permitted, although the cruise offers plenty of photo opportunities.

The Sum Up: A Cultural and Scenic Day from Antalya

This full-day private tour delivers a balanced blend of history, scenic beauty, and leisure. The personalized experience and exclusive boat ride make it stand out from larger group options, giving you time to appreciate the area’s ancient ruins and natural bays at your own pace.

The stunning views of the sunken city, relaxing swimming stops, and visits to historic churches and museums offer a comprehensive look at Turkey’s Lycian coast. The tour’s flexibility and comfort are notable strengths, though some sites require additional entrance fees.

This tour is well-suited for history buffs, nature lovers, and travelers seeking a relaxed but informative day. It promises a memorable exploration of Turkey’s coastal treasures, all with the ease of private transportation and customized stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup, private transfer, a private boat tour, and lunch. Entrance fees to sites like Myra, the Santa Claus Museum, and Simena Castle are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 14 hours, starting early at 7:00 am and ending with a return to Antalya around 9:00 pm.

Can I swim in Kekova?
Swimming in the protected Sunken City area isn’t allowed, but you can enjoy swimming at Aquarium Bay and other bays along the coast.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s length and private setting make it suitable for families, especially those interested in history and scenic boat rides.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, some optional sites such as Myra’s ruins (€13) and church entrance (€17) require extra fees, which should be budgeted separately.

What is the rating of this tour?
The tour holds a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, praising its luxurious boat experience and personalized service.

Is the tour customizable?
Absolutely, the private nature allows for itinerary adjustments based on your interests, making each experience unique.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private boat, flexibility, and stops in less-visited sites provide an enriching, comfortable way to experience Turkey’s coastal history and scenery.