Demre Port
Demre Port in Antalya, Turkey - the archaeological zone of Andriake
Demre Port is located near modern-day Demre on the Mediterranean coast, in the area of the ancient harbor of Andriake, associated with the ancient city of Myra. Today, it is not an operating seaport, but an archaeological zone where you can see how one of the important coastal centers of Lycia was organized.
In antiquity, Andriake served as the maritime gateway to Myra and played a significant role in the trade and supply of the region. It is especially famous for its well-preserved Roman granary, built under Emperor Hadrian. After restoration, this building now houses the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, making a visit to the harbor not only a walk among ruins, but also an introduction to the history of Lycia.
Due to river sediment deposits, the ancient shoreline changed over time, and some of the port structures ended up far from the water. The site preserves the remains of piers, storage and utility buildings, cisterns, basins, and other elements of port infrastructure. These ruins provide a clear idea of how an ancient harbor functioned.
Demre Port is usually visited together with ancient Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre. This place will be of interest to those who want to see not only individual monuments, but also a broader picture of life on the Lycian coast - from maritime trade to the everyday economy of an ancient city.
Demre Port on the map
Demre Port - remains of the harbor's piers, warehouses, and cisterns
The history of maritime trade and everyday life in Lycia in one place.
Ancient harbor with a Roman granary and museum
The main landmark on the territory of Andriake is the monumental Roman-era granary, one of the most prominent structures of the complex. Inside is a museum exhibition dedicated to the history of Lycia, maritime trade, crafts, and everyday life in the region. This helps to better understand the significance of the harbor than viewing open-air ruins alone.
During a walk through the archaeological zone, you can see fragments of ancient quays, storage facilities, water-collecting cisterns, and other utility structures. The layout of the harbor is fairly easy to read: from the preserved remains, it is easy to imagine where ships were unloaded, where goods were stored, and how the port operated. A visit usually takes less time than exploring large ancient cities, so it is convenient to include it in an itinerary around Demre.
Nearby are the ruins of ancient Myra with its Lycian rock-cut tombs and ancient theater, while in Demre itself you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas. Andriake is usually reached from the center of Demre by car, taxi, or as part of a tour; the distance is short, and the journey takes just a few minutes.
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