The Sunken Island of Kekova, the Ancient City and the Church of St. Nicholas from Alanya

Discover the magic of Kekova from Alanya! This exciting day trip combines the ancient Lycian city of Myra, the historic Church of St. Nicholas, and a relaxing yacht cruise around the mysterious Sunken Island with a stop for swimming. Pure history meets stunning sea views!

Highlights:

• Visit Kekova Island: Explore the ruins of this sunken gem
• Learn About Lycian Sarcophagi: Discover the fascinating burial practices of the ancient Lycians
• Discover the Church of St. Nicholas: Step into history at this iconic site
• Enjoy a Scenic Boat Cruise: Relax and soak in the stunning coastal views

Includes:

• Transfer from / to your hotel or meeting point
• Lunch (drinks not included)
• Yacht cruise (with a swimming stop)
• Professional guide
• Insurance policy

Not included:

• Entrance ticket to the Church of St. Nicholas the Saint (for guests over 9 years old) - 20 euro (optional)
• Entrance ticket to the Ancient City of the World (for guests over 9 years old) - 13 euro (optional)
• Breakfast (take a lunch box with you at the hotel)
• Drinks

Please note: Child price: 4-7 yo.

• Please be aware that the tour includes shopping stops, where you can learn about the traditional crafts and historical trades of the region.
• Weather and wind conditions during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons may affect the yacht cruise (it is not always possible to know about this in advance).
• The order of the tour sites may change depending on the weather or other factors. The final decision is made by the tour guide based on the local conditions.
• If you are traveling with children aged 6-7 years, please make sure to bring their passports (they may not be allowed entry with a free ticket without a document).
• Children under 3 years old are not provided with a separate seat in the bus. You need to book a ticket with a seat (paid).

Itinerary:

01:45 - 03:45 Pick-up from hotel

08:30 Stop in the mountains for breakfast

09:30 Visit to the Icon Shop of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

10:00 Visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (1 hour)

• Viewing the frescoes in the Church of St. Nicholas
• Viewing the floor mosaics in the Church of St. Nicholas
• Pilgrimage to the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

11:30 Visit to the Ancient City of Myra (1 hour)

• Exploration of the Lycian rock tombs
• Visit to the amphitheater of the Ancient City of Myra

13:00 Lunch stop

14:00 Yacht cruise + swimming stop (2 hours)

• View of the Simena Peninsula from the boat
• View of the Sunken Island of Kekova from the boat
• Swimming stop in the bay

16:30 Departure on the return journey

20:30 - 21:30 Arrival at the hotel.

Sunken City Turkey Tour from Alanya That Feels Unreal

Some day trips are just nice. This one hits differently. The Sunken City of Kekova tour from Alanya combines ancient Lycian ruins, Byzantine history, and a yacht cruise across turquoise Mediterranean water into a single experience. You visit the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, walk through the rock tombs and amphitheater of ancient Myra, then board a boat gliding over the submerged ruins of a 2nd-century city swallowed by earthquakes. A swimming stop in a hidden bay seals the deal. History, scenery, and sea breeze blend naturally here, turning a long day into something genuinely memorable across Turkey's southern coast.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip to Kekova Island

A bit of planning keeps this long day easy:

• Pickup starts between 1:45 and 3:45 AM, pack a lunch box from your hotel and sleep early
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, the boat stop includes actual swimming time
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the ruins of Myra and climbing uneven stone paths
• Carry small euros for optional entrance tickets to the church and ancient city
• Autumn through spring winds may shift the yacht cruise route, check weather the day before
• Bring passports for children aged 6 to 7, they are required for entry

Plan these basics and the day unfolds beautifully.

More Facts About This Experience

Kekova's underwater ruins are genuinely rare. UNESCO has placed the sunken city on its Tentative World Heritage list, and swimming directly above the ruins is strictly forbidden to preserve them. Ancient Myra served as a key filming inspiration for documentary series on the BBC and National Geographic exploring Lycian civilization. The Church of St. Nicholas is considered the original burial site of the real Saint Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus, making the stop surprisingly meaningful for travelers. Kekova's dreamy turquoise waters also appear regularly across TikTok and Instagram travel reels, pulling millions of views globally.

Complementary Activities Near Alanya and Side

If this tour leaves you wanting more, the nearby coast delivers. Spending a day swimming alongside real marine creatures inside a massive aquarium pool complex feels genuinely surreal, kids and adults both love it. For adrenaline, white water rafting through the canyons of the Köprülü River offers a wild contrast to the calm boat cruise around Kekova island. And if you enjoy live animal performances, catching a dolphin show in the area adds a family-friendly afternoon to round out your trip along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline.

Who Will Enjoy This Kekova Tour

History lovers, couples, and families with curious kids all thrive on this trip. Groups of friends enjoy the relaxed yacht cruise and swimming break. Solo travelers appreciate the guided structure and conversational atmosphere. Anyone who enjoys mixing culture with sea views will find this Sunken City adventure hits every right note.