Demre, Turkey Travel Guide
Demre, Turkey
Demre is a town in Antalya Province on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, west of Kemer and Antalya on the coastal route toward Finike and Kas. It combines a small-town setting with coastal scenery, archaeological sites, and visible agricultural land covered with greenhouses, so visits usually involve short drives between sites and time on foot at each stop.
Demre is best known for the ancient city of Myra, where visitors can see a Roman theater and Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. The Church of St. Nicholas is another major landmark and an important religious site associated with St. Nicholas of Myra, who served here as bishop in antiquity. Visitors also head to Andriake, the ancient harbor of Myra, where the Likya Uygarliklari Muzesi focuses on Lycian civilization. Demre is also used as a departure point for boat trips toward Kekova, and Cayagzi Beach is one of the district's best-known seaside spots.
Road access is the main way to reach Demre. Visitors usually arrive by road from Antalya and Kemer or from Finike and Kas, while Antalya Airport is the nearest main air gateway, with the journey continuing overland. Intercity buses and minibuses connect Demre with towns across the Antalya region.
Demre on the map
Demre attractions and places to see
Rock tombs, greenhouse plains, and quiet harbor roads by the sea
Main places to visit in Demre
The main sights in Demre are closely tied to its history. Myra is the best-known site, with its Roman theater and Lycian rock-cut tombs. The Church of St. Nicholas is one of the town's most important historical and religious landmarks. In the coastal area of Andriake, visitors can see the ancient harbor of Myra and the Likya Uygarliklari Muzesi, which focuses on Lycian civilization. Cayagzi Beach is one of the district's better-known coastal places to visit.
Demre has a mixed atmosphere shaped by archaeology, everyday local life, and agriculture. Greenhouses and farming are a visible part of the landscape around the town. The setting is practical rather than resort-focused, and visitors often move between St. Nicholas Church, Myra, and Andriake in a single day trip. Walking is useful within each site, while the overall visit usually involves road travel between the main stops.
Beyond the main attractions, Demre also functions as an ordinary local town. The area combines archaeological tourism with daily local activity rather than nightlife or resort entertainment. It is often used as a departure point for boat trips toward Kekova and the nearby coast. Evenings are generally quiet, and Demre is more significant for culture and excursions than for late-night activity.
Best tours and travel experiences across the continent
Guided tours, popular attractions, and top-rated hotels across the continent
