Day trip from Olympos to Demre, Myra and Kekova: Boat and ruins

Sunken ruins, a castle on the hill, and a Roman theatre carved into stone

This day trip from Olympos takes you by boat to Kekova Island and the hilltop village of Simena, then by land to the ancient city of Myra near Demre. You cruise past the Sunken City of Dolchiste (flooded in the 2nd century), hike to Simena Castle, swim in three bays, and explore Myra's 5th-century Roman theatre and rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kekova Islandpassing by
2. Myra30m
3. Demre30m

Day trip to Kekova and Demre

• Prepare for tour in Olympos
• Pickup from Olympos meeting point
• Transfer to Demre harbour
• Boat departs to Kekova
• Explore Sunken City of Kekova by boat
• Cruise with glass-bottom boat
• Visit Kaleköy port and castle ruins
• Hike or swim at Simena
• Lunch and swim at Esmeralda Bay
• Swim break at Burç Bay
• Swim and water sports at Gökkaya Bay
• Visit large natural cave
• Turtle watching at Karemlik Bay
• Boat returns to Demre harbour
• Visit ancient ruins of Myra
• Explore Roman theatre and cliff tombs
• Return transfer to Olympos

The experience

You start with a pickup from Olympos and a 14-seater vehicle transfer to Demre harbour, where the boat departs around 10:30–10:45 am. The boat is fitted with a glass bottom so you can watch the underwater ruins of Kekova without entering the water. The site is protected and swimming is not allowed there. The ancient city of Dolchiste sank after an earthquake in the 2nd century, and the ruins remain visible from the surface.

The boat stops for an hour at Kaleköy port, the site of ancient Simena. A short hike up the hillside reaches Simena Castle and a necropolis. If you prefer to stay at water level, you can swim in the bay instead. After that, you have lunch and swimming breaks at Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay (where underground springs keep the water cooler), and Gökkaya Bay, with optional water sports available. Karemlik Bay is where you might spot sea turtles: three of the seven Mediterranean species live here.

Once the boat returns to Demre harbour, the tour shifts to land. You visit Myra, the ancient city's most significant archaeological site, where the main attractions are the Roman theatre (the largest in Lycia) and the eerie rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs above. The whole day runs nine hours from pickup to return to Olympos.

What’s included

• Lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle transfer from Olympos to Demre harbour are included.
• a live English-speaking guide leads the tour throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by SAILNSTAY

Is this one for you?The day combines nine hours of boat time, swimming, a one-hour village hike and walking around two archaeological sites on land, so it suits anyone comfortable with a full schedule and water entry. Children from age 5 are welcome. Entrance fees to Simena Castle (4 euro) and Myra (9 euro) are paid separately at each site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Sunken City of Kekova and why can't you swim there?

The Sunken City is the underwater ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient city that flooded after an earthquake in the 2nd century. The site is protected, so swimming is not permitted. Instead, you view the ruins from the glass-bottom boat.

Can I climb to Simena Castle, or do I have to stay on the boat?

You have an hour at Simena to choose. A hike up the hillside reaches the castle ruins and necropolis, or you can swim in the bay if you prefer to stay at water level.

How many swimming and lunch stops are included in the day?

There are three swimming stops (Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay), where lunch is served. Burç Bay has cooler water from natural underground springs, and Gökkaya Bay offers optional water sports.

What are the rock-cut tombs at Myra, and how old are they?

The rock-cut tombs are carved into the cliffs above Myra's Roman theatre and date back as far as the 5th century B.C. They are part of the ancient city's most significant ruins and are visible from the ground below.

Is there a chance to see sea turtles on this tour?

Yes, at Karemlik Bay you have the chance to look for sea turtles in their natural habitat. Three of the seven known Mediterranean sea turtle species live in these waters.