The small Turkish town of Demre packs a surprising punch with its well-organized tours. Travelers get real value from the 7-hour Kekova sunset cruise, which combines ancient ruins with Mediterranean swimming stops. The 4-hour sea kayaking adventure – my favorite – lets you glide right up to sunken ruins while getting some exercise. History buffs shouldn’t miss the focused St. Nicholas Church and Myra tour, where expert guides bring the Byzantine period to life. For those wanting maximum flexibility, the private boat tour hits all the highlights – Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and Gokkaya Bay – in one efficient day.
Let’s look at the best tour choices in Demre.
Key Points
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The “Kekova Sunset Tour” from Demre is a highly rated 3.5-hour boat tour that offers stunning views of the Kekova archipelago and its sunset.
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The “From Demre: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour” is a 5.5-hour tour that provides a personalized sea kayaking experience suitable for beginners.
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The “From Demre: St. Nicholas Church and Myra Tour” is a 2-hour excursion that features the ancient ruins of Myra and the largest Greco-Roman theatre in Lycia.
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The “Kekova Private Boat Tour From Demre” is a 7-hour private tour that allows visitors to explore Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and Gokkaya Bay.
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The “From Alanya to Kekova Demre Myra Tour” is a 15-hour comprehensive tour that covers the key attractions in Demre, including the Lycian rock-cut tombs and the sunken city of Kekova.
Antalya: Myra Kekova Sunken City by Boat Tours W/Lunch
Situated along the picturesque Turkish Riviera, the Antalya: Myra Kekova Sunken City by Boat Tours W/Lunch offers visitors a chance to enjoy the ancient Lycian history while sailing across the turquoise waters.
Priced at $29.17 per person, this 12-hour excursion includes hotel transfers, a live English and Russian-speaking guide, and a delicious lunch.
Highlights of the tour include visiting the St. Nicholas Church, exploring the 4th-century burial site, and discovering the sunken city of Kekova. Guests can also witness the ancient rock tombs and Greco-Roman amphitheaters.
The tour provides an opportunity for swimming in the sea and shopping. However, the mixed customer reviews suggest some issues with the boat and service quality.
Nonetheless, this tour remains a popular choice for those seeking to uncover the rich heritage of the region.
Read our full review: Antalya: Myra Kekova Sunken City by Boat Tours W/Lunch Review
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From Demre: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour
For those seeking a unique and immersive experience along the Lycian coast, the From Demre: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the picturesque Kekova region. Priced at £42.06 per person, this 5.5-hour tour departs from Demre and takes guests on a scenic drive to the charming village of Uçağiz.
The highlight of the tour is the 4-hour sea kayaking experience, suitable for beginners and novices. Participants will have the chance to paddle through the Tersane Bay, gaze upon the Kekova Island, and visit the Simena Castle and Theimussa Ancient City.
Lunch is provided at Uçağiz, and the tour includes pick-up and drop-off service for travelers staying in Demre. With a maximum group size of 15, this guided tour offers a personalized and intimate exploration of the region’s natural and historical wonders.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply seeking a unique way to experience the Lycian coast, this kayaking tour isn’t to be missed.
Read our full review: From Demre: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour Review
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From Demre: Sunset Boat Tour to Kekova
Complementing the immersive sea kayaking experience, the From Demre: Sunset Boat Tour to Kekova offers a captivating alternative for those seeking to explore the Kekova region from a different vantage point.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 36 reviews, this 7-hour tour departs from Demre and takes visitors on a leisurely boat ride to the Kekova sunken city and other historical sites.
Priced at $37.81, it’s one of the more affordable options in the area. Travelers can expect to witness the serene turquoise waters, marvel at the partially submerged ruins, and capture the enchanting sunset over the Mediterranean.
With a high customer rating and positive reviews, the From Demre: Sunset Boat Tour to Kekova offers an enriching and value-packed experience for those interested in the region’s history and natural beauty.
It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more relaxed and scenic way to explore the Kekova archipelago.
Read our full review: From Demre: Sunset Boat Tour to Kekova Review
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From Demre: St. Nicholas Church and Myra Tour
As travelers embark on the From Demre: St. Nicholas Church and Myra Tour, they’ll discover the rich history and architectural wonders of this region. Priced at $299.32 per person, the 2-hour excursion offers a captivating exploration of Myra’s ancient ruins, dating back to the 5th century B.C.
Visitors will marvel at the largest Greco-Roman theatre in Lycia and uncover the intriguing rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs.
The highlight of the tour is the Santa Claus Museum, originally a 520 A.D. church built in memory of St. Nicholas of Myra, the 4th-century patron saint. With a live English-speaking guide, travelers can skip the ticket lines and explore the fascinating history of this significant site.
The tour also includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience. Whether travelers are history buffs or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the legacy of St. Nicholas and the ancient wonders of Myra.
Read our full review: From Demre: St. Nicholas Church and Myra Tour Review
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From Olympos: Private Tour to Kekova Island, Myra and Demre
Embarking on the “From Olympos: Private Tour to Kekova Island, Myra and Demre” promises an immersive exploration of the region’s captivating history and natural wonders.
This 11-hour excursion from Olympos offers a skip-the-line experience, making the most of your time. You’ll visit the renowned Kekova Island, where the submerged ruins of an ancient city lie beneath the turquoise waters.
At Myra, marvel at the well-preserved Lycian rock-cut tombs and the stunning St. Nicholas Church. In Demre, uncover the legacy of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.
With a rating of 5 out of 5 from previous travelers, this private tour provides a comprehensive and seamless experience, complete with pickup and transportation.
Priced at $63,540 per person, it’s an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting region along the Turkish Riviera.
Read our full review: From Olympos: Private Tour to Kekova Island, Myra and Demre Review
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Kekova Private Boat Tour From Demre
Nestled along the picturesque Turkish Riviera, the Kekova Private Boat Tour from Demre offers travelers a chance to uncover the enchanting history and natural beauty of this captivating region.
Priced at $47261 per group (up to 6 participants), this 7-hour excursion takes visitors on a journey to Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and various scenic bays, including the Pirates Cave and Gokkaya Bay.
Highlights include swimming with sea turtles, exploring historical ruins, and enjoying a relaxing lunch in Kekova.
The tour’s inclusions, such as hot drinks, fruits, diesel, skipper, lunch, and drinks, ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour provides ample opportunities for swimming and water sports.
With a perfect 5/5 rating from a previous group of six, the Kekova Private Boat Tour promises an unforgettable adventure along the Turkish coast.
Read our full review: Kekova Private Boat Tour From Demre Review
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Sail Turkey: Turquoise Coast Cruise Tour
What better way to experience the captivating Turquoise Coast of Turkey than on a Sail Turkey: Turquoise Coast Cruise Tour? This 4-day cruise takes travelers from Fethiye to Olympos, allowing them to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich history.
The cruise has a rating of 5 out of 5 from 3 reviews, indicating that it provides an exceptional experience. Priced at $472.61, the tour offers great value for the duration and activities included.
Passengers can expect to visit picturesque bays, explore ancient ruins, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
The cruise is perfect for those seeking a leisurely and immersive way to discover the Turquoise Coast. With its combination of natural splendor, historical sites, and relaxation, the Sail Turkey: Turquoise Coast Cruise Tour is an excellent choice for travelers looking to escape the crowds and fully embrace the beauty of this captivating region.
Read our full review: Sail Turkey: Turquoise Coast Cruise Tour Review
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Demre – Myra Tour From Antalya
Beyond the idyllic Turquoise Coast cruise, travelers seeking to enjoy the historical riches of Turkey’s Antalya region can embark on the captivating Demre – Myra Tour from Antalya.
This 7.5-hour tour, priced from Kč 20,084 per person, offers a guided exploration of the ancient sites of Demre and Myra, including the renowned St. Nicholas Church and the well-preserved Myra Ruins.
The tour includes private pickup from your hotel, entry tickets, a lunch break, and a 2-hour boat tour of the sunken city of Kekova.
With a maximum group size of 8 participants and an experienced, English-speaking guide, this tour promises an intimate and informative experience.
Flexibility is also assured, as the tour can be booked with no upfront payment, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
With a perfect 5/5 rating based on traveler reviews, this tour is suitable for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families alike.
Read our full review: Demre – Myra Tour From Antalya Review
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Kekova Sunset Tour From Demre
This captivating Kekova Sunset Tour from Demre offers an unforgettable 3.5-hour adventure along the stunning Turquoise Coast.
Priced at just $231.06 per group (up to 6 participants), this tour takes you to explore the natural wonders of Pirate Cave, Gokkaya Bay, and Burc Bay, where you can enjoy refreshing swimming breaks.
You’ll also witness the remarkable Sunken City, Kekova Island, and Simena Castle, though without stops.
The highlight of the tour is the breathtaking sunset views as you cruise back to Demre Harbor. Included in the price are hot drinks, fruits, diesel, and a professional skipper.
With a remarkable 5/5 rating based on a single review, this tour promises an exceptional experience.
As one traveler noted, “We saw sea turtles, snorkeled, and the sunken city.”
Secure your spot now and explore the beauty of the Turquoise Coast without any upfront payment.
Read our full review: Kekova Sunset Tour From Demre Review
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From Alanya to Kekova Demre Myra Tour
Travelers embarking on the “From Alanya to Kekova Demre Myra Tour” can expect a comprehensive exploration of some of the Turquoise Coast’s most captivating historical and natural wonders.
The 15-hour tour takes visitors from Alanya to the ancient ruins of Myra, the sunken city of Kekova, and the historic St. Nicholas Church in Demre.
Highlights include a boat tour of the serene Kekova island, where the sunken remains of an ancient civilization can be seen beneath the crystalline waters.
The tour also includes visits to the impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs in Myra and the iconic St. Nicholas Church, known for its well-preserved Byzantine architecture.
With a rating of 4.2 and a per-person price of $82.97, this tour offers an excellent value for travelers seeking to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
Read our full review: From Alanya to Kekova Demre Myra Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Demre offers a variety of captivating tours, including boat trips to the Kekova sunken city, kayaking adventures, and guided tours of St. Nicholas Church and Myra. Visitors can also embark on private tours exploring the Turquoise Coast, Kekova Island, and the historic sites of Demre. With so many options, travelers can easily find the perfect tour to suit their interests and preferences.