Demre

Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Demre (ancient Myra) is a historically and culturally rich town in Antalya province. Famous as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), Demre is also home to well-preserved Lycian rock tombs, a magnificent Greco-Roman theater, and the historic Church of St. Nicholas. While tourism has flourished since the 1980s, Demre remains deeply connected to agriculture, producing pomegranates, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Traditional handicrafts, rug-making, and even camel wrestling festivals continue to thrive, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

History of Demre (Ancient Myra)

A prominent Lycian city, Myra was a major religious, commercial, and administrative center from 168 BC to 43 AD. Arab raids in the 7th century caused the harbor to silt up, leading to the city’s gradual decline.

Top Attractions & Historical Sites in Demre

Myra: The Lycian City of Rock-Cut Tombs
Just 2 km from Demre’s city center, Myra features some of Turkey’s most spectacular ancient ruins.

Lycian Rock Tombs – Stunning cliffside necropolises, known as:

• River Necropolis
• Ocean Necropolis

Many tombs feature intricate carvings resembling Lycian wooden houses, with inscriptions still visible.

Greco-Roman Theater – One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Turkey, later transformed into a gladiator arena. Explore intact seating, tunnels, and stage ruins, all etched with Lycian inscriptions.

Church of St. Nicholas: The Legend of Santa Claus

The real Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, was born in Patara and became the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. The Santa Claus legend originates from St. Nicholas secretly gifting gold to a poor man’s daughters so they could marry. The original church was built in the 3rd century, becoming a Byzantine basilica by the 10th century.

Stolen Relics – In 1087, Italian merchants raided the church, stealing St. Nicholas’s remains and taking them to Bari, Italy.

Restored by Tsar Alexander I of Russia in 1862, the church is now a UNESCO candidate site and a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.

Annual St. Nicholas Festival (December 6th) attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Cayagzi (Andriake): The Ancient Roman Harbor
5 km from Demre, Cayagzi (ancient Andriake) was a major Roman port for Mediterranean trade.

Though largely destroyed by silt, visitors can explore:

• A Roman granary built by Emperor Hadrian.
• A scenic beach with local boatbuilders at work.

Taurus Mountains & The Lycian Way

• The Taurus Mountains rise behind Demre, forming a natural divide between the Mediterranean coast and Anatolia.
• The Lycian Way, Turkey’s first long-distance hiking trail, passes through Demre before heading toward Finike.
• Erosion from limestone has created waterfalls, underground rivers, and Asia’s largest caves.
• Explore the region via Blue Cruises, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline.

Why Visit Demre?

• A historical treasure trove, featuring Lycian tombs, a Roman theater, and St. Nicholas’s church.
• An essential stop on the Lycian Way, offering hiking, history, and coastal beauty.
• A peaceful retreat, rich in nature and culture, away from Antalya’s bustling tourist hubs.
• Easily accessible via day trips from Antalya, Kaş, or Fethiye.

Step back in time and discover the ancient wonders of Demre today!