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

Looking for a perfect blend of culture and coastal beauty? This tour from Side takes you to the ancient city of Myra, the famous Church of St. Nicholas, and the legendary Sunken Island of Kekova. Enjoy a scenic yacht cruise and a swim in the turquoise Mediterranean Sea!

Highlights:

• Explore Kekova Island: Discover the sunken ruins and crystal-clear waters
• Learn About Lycian Sarcophagi: Uncover the burial practices of the ancient Lycians
• Visit the Church of St. Nicholas: Step into the world of this iconic saint
• Wander Through the Ancient City of Myra: Walk among ruins that have stood the test of time

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) - from 20 euro (optional)
• Entrance ticket to the Ancient City of the World (for guests over 9 years old) - from 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:

04:00 - 05:00 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 - 20:30 Arrival at the hotel.

Ancient City Side Tour to Kekova and Saint Nicholas

Some trips check boxes, this one genuinely rewrites the list. Departing from Side, this tour sweeps you through the ancient city of Myra, past Lycian rock tombs carved directly into towering cliffs, into the atmospheric Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and finally onto a yacht gliding above the submerged ruins of Kekova. An ancient civilization lies literally beneath your boat, visible through crystal-clear Mediterranean water. The swimming stop in a quiet bay adds real joy after hours of walking ancient ruins. Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide sharing tales of ancient Lycia, this journey balances history, culture, and sea across Turkey's southern coast beautifully.

Tips for a Smooth Tour from Side to Kekova

A little planning makes this long day run effortlessly:

• Pickup from Side starts between 4 and 5 AM, prepare a lunch box from your hotel the night before
• Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, the yacht cruise includes a proper swimming stop
• Wear sturdy walking shoes, the ancient city of Myra and rock tombs involve uneven surfaces
• Bring small euros for optional entrance tickets to the church and ancient city
• Autumn through spring winds may reshape the yacht route, check conditions beforehand
• Pack passports for children aged 6 to 7, required for entry verification

Plan smartly and the day delivers every promise.

More Facts About This Experience

Myra and Kekova carry genuine pop culture weight. The real Saint Nicholas, the historical basis for Santa Claus, was bishop of Myra in the 4th century, and his actual sarcophagus sits inside the church you visit on this tour. UNESCO has placed Kekova on its Tentative World Heritage list, and swimming directly above the sunken ruins is legally forbidden to protect them. Documentaries from the BBC and National Geographic have featured these Lycian ruins extensively. Kekova's turquoise waters also appear constantly across TikTok and Instagram travel reels, making this corner of ancient Anatolia one of Turkey's most recognized destinations.

Complementary Activities Near Side

After this ancient adventure, Side offers plenty more. Booking a private yacht cruise around the harbor of ancient Side itself delivers sunset views, swimming spots, and that rare feeling of having the Mediterranean briefly to yourself. If adrenaline calls, heading into the Green Canyon for a jeep safari through pine forests, reservoir lakes, and mountain villages adds a completely different flavor to your trip.

Who Will Enjoy This Ancient City Side Tour

History enthusiasts, curious couples, and families with school-age children genuinely thrive on this trip. Groups of friends love the yacht cruise and swim stop. Solo travelers appreciate the guided structure and cultural depth. Anyone blending Mediterranean relaxation with ancient ruins will love this.