Demre, Antalya — Turkey's Mediterranean Hidden Gem☀️24°C Sunny
Demre, where nature meets history!
Ancient Lycia · Mediterranean Coast · Turkey

Demre, where nature
meets history!

From ancient Lycian tombs and sunken cities to the legendary home of St. Nicholas, quiet beaches, and orange-scented markets, Demre is where time slows down and stories come alive. Whether you're a history lover, a coastal wanderer, or a traveler seeking peace off the beaten path, Demre offers a rare kind of beauty—raw, real, and unforgettable.

Myra Ancient City Kekova Sunken City St. Nicholas Church Andriake Harbour Simena Castle Lycian Way Tasdibi Beach Kalekoy Village Ucagiz Bay Cayagzi Beach Myra Ancient City Kekova Sunken City St. Nicholas Church Andriake Harbour Simena Castle Lycian Way Tasdibi Beach Kalekoy Village Ucagiz Bay Cayagzi Beach
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Location
140km West of Antalya
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Nearest Airport
Antalya (AYT) / Dalaman (DLM)
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Best Time
April–June & Sept–Oct
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Travel Style
History, Sailing, Nature
About Demre

A Timeless Mediterranean
Sanctuary

Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the turquoise Mediterranean, Demre is where 2,500 years of history breathe alongside unspoiled nature.

Once the great Lycian city of Myra, Demre is home to monumental rock-cut tombs, a magnificent Roman theatre, the church where St. Nicholas — the original Santa Claus — served as bishop, and the hauntingly beautiful sunken city of Kekova. Today, this Cittaslow-certified town invites travelers to slow down and discover a Mediterranean coast untouched by mass tourism.

2,500+
Years of History
329
km² to Explore
200+
Sunny Days / Year
Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff face at Myra, Demre
Turquoise waters of Kekova bay with traditional boats along the Mediterranean coast
Orange groves and greenhouse fields in Demre's coastal plain with Taurus Mountains behind

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

— Jacques Cousteau

Interactive Map

Navigate Demre
Like a Local

Explore every landmark, beach, restaurant, and hidden gem on our interactive map. Plan your route, find distances, and discover places you won’t find in any guidebook.

Open Map
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Interactive Map
History

2,500 Years of Story

5th Century BC
Ancient Lycia — The Birth of Myra

Myra rises as one of the six leading cities of the Lycian League, a democratic federation of city-states that would influence Western political thought for millennia.

1st–2nd Century AD
Roman Golden Age

Under Pax Romana, Myra flourishes. The grand theatre and harbour at Andriake serve as vital links between Rome and the eastern Mediterranean. St. Paul passes through on his journey to Rome.

4th Century AD
St. Nicholas — The Original Santa Claus

Bishop Nicholas of Myra becomes legendary for his generosity and miracles. His legacy transforms Demre into one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites.

Byzantine & Beyond
From Empire to Cittaslow

Through Byzantine splendour, Ottoman rule, and into the modern era, Demre preserves its heritage while earning recognition as a certified Slow City.

Full History
2,500+
Years of Heritage