Turkey Demre Tours

Demre Tours cover a small town on Turkey's Antalya coast, known primarily as the burial place of Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop whose legend later evolved into the modern figure of Santa Claus. Set among greenhouses that supply much of Turkey's winter tomato crop, Demre sits along the Lycian coast between Kaş and Kalkan.

Demre forms part of a wider Turkey itinerary along the Mediterranean coast, and is often visited alongside neighboring Lycian towns rather than as a standalone destination.

The Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. Nicholas, largely dating from the 8th century with later Byzantine additions, marks the site associated with the saint's tomb and remains a place of pilgrimage, particularly for Orthodox Christian visitors. Restored mosaics and frescoes survive in sections of the church despite centuries of flooding from the nearby Myros River.

Ancient Myra

Just outside the modern town, ancient Myra preserves rock-cut Lycian tombs carved directly into a cliff face, along with a well-preserved Roman theater that once seated several thousand spectators. The tombs, some resembling house facades, reflect Lycian beliefs about the afterlife that predate the Roman period.

Nearby Kekova

A short drive east, boat trips around Kekova Island pass over a partially submerged ancient city, visible beneath clear water following an earthquake centuries ago. The route often continues to the village of Simena, where a small Crusader castle overlooks the bay.

Getting There

Demre sits roughly 130 kilometers from Antalya's international airport, with most visitors arriving by road along the coastal highway linking the Lycian towns. The drive offers views of the Taurus Mountains meeting the Mediterranean at several points along the way.

Demre Tour Options

Demre is commonly visited as part of a broader Lycian coast itinerary, including options such as a three-day gulet cruise between Kaş and Olympos that passes along the coastline near the town.

Andriake

Myra's ancient harbor at Andriake, a few kilometers from the town center, holds a restored Roman granary that now houses a small museum on Lycian civilization and underwater archaeology.

Best Time to Visit Demre

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures for exploring both the church and the open-air ruins at Myra, while summer heat is more manageable in the early morning or late afternoon. Winters remain mild by regional standards, keeping the town accessible year-round.