Just a short distance from the ancient port of Andriake, Çayağzı Beach (also known as Andriake Beach) offers one of the most unique beach experiences on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. With its wide, pebbly shoreline, calm waters, and close proximity to historic and natural wonders, Çayağzı is more than a beach—it’s a living connection between sea, history, and wildlife.
This is also one of the few beaches in the region where, if you’re lucky (and respectful), you may spot the endangered Caretta caretta—also known as the loggerhead sea turtle—during nesting season. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this special coastal gem.
Why Visit Çayağzı Beach in Demre?
Çayağzı Beach stands out for three reasons:
- Its natural beauty and space—perfect for peaceful beach days.
- Its location near Andriake Port, making it an easy addition to your cultural itinerary.
- Its role as a nesting area for sea turtles, giving it ecological significance.
The beach and harbor area form a natural bay where the river meets the Mediterranean Sea, creating a sheltered inlet that has served mariners for thousands of years. This strategic position at the river’s mouth gives the beach its Turkish name “Çayağzı,” which literally translates to “mouth of the stream.”
It’s not just a beach; it’s a spot where ancient Lycian history, local life, and natural conservation coexist.
Where Is Çayağzı Beach?
Çayağzı Beach is located about 5 km southwest of Demre town center, just past the historic ruins of Andriake (Andriake Limanı) and the Lycian Civilizations Museum. It’s easily accessible by car, bicycle, or even boat. See the location of Çayağzı Beach on our Demre Map
How to Get There:
- By car: A 10-minute drive from Demre; parking is available.
- By bike: A scenic ride through fields and olive groves.
- By boat: Frequently used as a launch point for Kekova boat tours.
What to Expect at Çayağzı Beach
Beach Type
- Wide, sandy beach.
- Shallow, calm waters perfect for swimming.
- Surrounded by green hills, ancient ruins, and fishing boats.
The coastal strip extends for about a kilometer, transitioning from the working harbor area with its colorful fishing boats and gulets (traditional wooden yachts) in the east to a more traditional beach experience as you move westward along the bay.
Facilities
- Small seasonal cafés and beach shacks
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (available in summer)
- Restrooms and changing cabins (limited)
- Boat rental and Kekova day trip operators
Importance of the Place
Today, Çayağzı Beach represents a fascinating intersection of Demre’s ancient past and its contemporary identity. As the district’s primary connection to the Mediterranean, it plays several crucial roles:
- It serves as the main departure point for boat tours to nearby attractions like Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and the famous Sunken City
- The harbor supports the local fishing industry, with dozens of traditional vessels bringing in daily catches that supply local restaurants
- The beach area provides recreational space for both tourists and locals, maintaining a tradition of public access to the Mediterranean
- The harbor hosts seasonal celebrations, including the Maritime Festival that honors both St. Nicholas and the area’s seafaring traditions
Environmentally, the Demre River estuary at Çayağzı creates a unique ecosystem where freshwater meets salt water, supporting distinctive flora and fauna in the wetland areas adjacent to the harbor.
Sea Turtles at Çayağzı: A Natural Sanctuary
One of Çayağzı’s most magical features is its role as a nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles. Every summer, these gentle creatures come ashore at night to lay their eggs.
What You Need to Know:
- Nesting season is typically between May and September.
- Eggs are buried under the sand and hatch after 40–60 days.
- Hatchlings make their way to the sea, often at dawn or dusk.
🐢 Important: Do not disturb marked nests or use bright lights at night. Respect turtle zones and follow posted guidelines.
Witnessing a hatchling make its first journey to the sea is one of the most powerful, emotional experiences nature can offer—and Çayağzı is one of the few places in Turkey where this happens.
Who Should Visit Çayağzı Beach?
Çayağzı Beach is perfect for:
- Nature lovers and eco-travelers
- Families looking for a peaceful beach with calm waters
- History buffs, combining a swim with a visit to Andriake
- Boaters and day trippers heading to Kekova Island
- Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot turtles (from a distance)
What to Pack for a Day at Çayağzı
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Swimwear and water shoes
- Reusable water bottles and snacks
- Camera or binoculars for bird and turtle watching
- A beach tent or umbrella (shade is limited)
Activities to Do
Çayağzı Beach offers a diverse range of experiences:
- Swimming: The western portion of the bay features cleaner, more tranquil waters ideal for swimming
- Boat tours: Join half-day or full-day excursions to nearby attractions including Kekova Island and the Sunken City
- Fishing: Arrange impromptu fishing trips with local captains, or try shore fishing from designated areas
- Dining: Experience some of Demre’s finest seafood restaurants lining the harbor front
- Photography: Capture the vibrant colors of fishing boats against the backdrop of mountains and sea
- People watching: Observe the daily rhythms of harbor life from café terraces
- Shopping: Browse local handicrafts and maritime souvenirs in small shops along the harbor
- Sunset watching: Witness spectacular Mediterranean sunsets from the harbor walls
What People Love About the Place
Visitors consistently praise Çayağzı Beach for its authentic harbor atmosphere and the opportunity to experience a working Mediterranean port. Many highlight the distinctive character that sets it apart from purely recreational beaches, appreciating the chance to observe traditional maritime activities firsthand.
The quality of seafood receives particular acclaim, with travelers often noting the unique experience of selecting fresh fish from the morning’s catch and having it prepared to order at harborside restaurants. The connection between sea and table exemplifies the authentic coastal experience that draws people to Çayağzı.
The convenience of boat tours departing directly from the harbor makes Çayağzı an excellent base for exploring the broader coastline, while still offering opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Many visitors mention the perfect balance between activity and leisure that characterizes the Çayağzı experience.
The historical significance of standing at a harbor that has welcomed travelers for over two thousand years resonates deeply with history enthusiasts, who appreciate the tangible connection to the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Whether you’re seeking an authentic glimpse into Mediterranean coastal life, a convenient base for exploring Demre’s magnificent coastline, or simply a place to enjoy freshly caught seafood while watching fishing boats bob in the harbor, Çayağzı Beach offers a multifaceted experience that captures the essence of Demre’s enduring relationship with the sea. Its blend of working harbor character, historical significance, and natural beauty makes it an essential stop on any exploration of Demre’s diverse coastal offerings.
Final Thoughts: Why Çayağzı Beach Belongs on Your Itinerary
Whether you come for a refreshing swim, a boat trip to Kekova, a walk through history, or the chance to witness endangered sea turtles nesting in the wild, Çayağzı Beach offers one of the most complete experiences in Demre.
It’s a place where the ancient world meets the modern traveler, where every footprint in the sand is a reminder that nature still writes its own stories—quietly, patiently, and beautifully.
