THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Trace Lycian cliff tombs, step into St. Nicholas’s church, then glide over the submerged ruins of Kekova on a single, story-rich day from Side. This tour blends easy walking, a scenic boat cruise and local village stops.
Trace Lycian cliff tombs, step into St. Nicholas’s church, then glide over the submerged ruins of Kekova on a single, story-rich day from Side. This tour blends easy walking, a scenic boat cruise and local village stops.
A boat slips away from the pier and the coast of Side recedes into a strip of blue; gulls ride the bow wake and the limestone cliffs of the Lycian shore lean toward the sea. On this full-day loop travelers move between carved rock tombs, a Byzantine church and a glass-bottomed glide above submerged walls — an itinerary that stitches together maritime mystery and quiet inland archaeology.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by HARLEY · Demre, Antalya
A boat slips away from the pier and the coast of Side recedes into a strip of blue; gulls ride the bow wake and the limestone cliffs of the Lycian shore lean toward the sea. On this full-day loop travelers move between carved rock tombs, a Byzantine church and a glass-bottomed glide above submerged walls — an itinerary that stitches together maritime mystery and quiet inland archaeology.
The Myra site bears Lycian and Roman layers: a monumental theater that once held thousands, and the dramatic rock-cut tombs hewn into the cliff-face that still stare down at the valley. Nearby Demre hosts the 6th-century Church of St. Nicholas, a pilgrimage site where Byzantine mosaics and serried stonework speak to the region’s Christian history. Off the coast, the Kekova coast preserves the remains of settlements partially swallowed by earthquake and sea-level change; the glass-bottom boat frames staircases and foundations beneath turquoise water, geology and history overlapping.
Locals in Kaleköy (Simena) maintain a slow pace — sample homemade ice cream and watch fishermen mend nets while the village’s castle keeps a quiet watch over the inlet.
Practical guidance: the day includes hotel pickup in Side, mostly easy walking on uneven ancient stone and short boat transfers. Bring sun protection, a light waterproof layer for spray, and comfortable shoes for steps and cobbles. Photography works best in morning light for ruins and midday for underwater clarity. Expect an 8–12 hour outing with moderate time on foot and seated on the boat — a compact but varied introduction to the Lycian coast’s culture and coastline.
easy.
8–12 hours.
Suitable for most travelers; requires standing, short walks on uneven terrain and a few stairs.
The tour runs roughly 8–12 hours depending on pick-up location; pick-up is typically in the morning from hotels in Side — confirm your exact time on booking.
Yes — children can usually enjoy the glass viewing area, but supervise them near railings and check that the vessel meets safety standards.
Entrance to Myra and the Kekova boat cruise are included on this tour; the Church of St. Nicholas may require a separate small admission depending on scheduling.
The tour is rated easy but includes uneven surfaces, steps and boat boarding; contact the operator in advance to discuss assistance and pickup accessibility.
This stretch of the Lycian coast was a crossroads of Lycian, Greek and Byzantine cultures; earthquakes and subsidence contributed to Kekova’s partially submerged settlements.
Kekova lies within protected zones where boat routes are regulated and anchoring is limited to protect submerged archaeology and marine habitats.
HARLEY operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A boat slips away from the pier and the coast of Side recedes into a strip of blue; gulls ride the bow wake and the limestone cliffs of the Lycian shore lean toward the sea. On this full-day loop travelers move between carved rock tombs, a Byzantine church and a glass-bottomed glide above submerged walls — an itinerary that stitches together maritime mystery and quiet inland archaeology.
A boat slips away from the pier and the coast of Side recedes into a strip of blue; gulls ride the bow wake and the limestone cliffs of the Lycian shore lean toward the sea. On this full-day loop travelers move between carved rock tombs, a Byzantine church and a glass-bottomed glide above submerged walls — an itinerary that stitches together maritime mystery and quiet inland archaeology.
The Myra site bears Lycian and Roman layers: a monumental theater that once held thousands, and the dramatic rock-cut tombs hewn into the cliff-face that still stare down at the valley. Nearby Demre hosts the 6th-century Church of St. Nicholas, a pilgrimage site where Byzantine mosaics and serried stonework speak to the region’s Christian history. Off the coast, the Kekova coast preserves the remains of settlements partially swallowed by earthquake and sea-level change; the glass-bottom boat frames staircases and foundations beneath turquoise water, geology and history overlapping.
Locals in Kaleköy (Simena) maintain a slow pace — sample homemade ice cream and watch fishermen mend nets while the village’s castle keeps a quiet watch over the inlet.
Practical guidance: the day includes hotel pickup in Side, mostly easy walking on uneven ancient stone and short boat transfers. Bring sun protection, a light waterproof layer for spray, and comfortable shoes for steps and cobbles. Photography works best in morning light for ruins and midday for underwater clarity. Expect an 8–12 hour outing with moderate time on foot and seated on the boat — a compact but varied introduction to the Lycian coast’s culture and coastline.