Things to Do in Demre: Myra, Santa Claus & Sunken Cities

Cruising the legendary curves of the D400 highway between Antalya and Kaş, most travelers just zoom past the signs for Demre. Big mistake. This isn't just a pit stop; it’s where history gets real. We’re talking about the original home of Santa Claus (yes, really), rock-cut tombs that look like they belong on a movie set, and the gateway to the sunken ruins of Kekova.

If you are working your way down the Turquoise Coast and have already checked off the things to do in Kaş, you need to pull over here. We’ve gone beyond the standard tourist brochures to bring you a practical, boots-on-the-ground guide to Demre, from hidden swimming spots with ice-cold spring water to the best local eats.

• Ideal Time: You need at least 1 full day to do it justice. If you plan to swim, make it 2 days.
• Best Season: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are perfect. Summer gets seriously hot and humid.
• Pro Tip: Definitely get a Museum Pass. It’s a total game-changer for skipping lines and saving money at Myra, Andriake, and St. Nicholas.
• Getting There: It’s about a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Antalya center, or a quick 45-minute hop from Kaş.

Must-See Historical Sites in Demre

Demre was a metropolis of the ancient Lycian civilization. Here, history isn’t locked away behind glass cases; it’s carved into the mountains and woven into the streets.

Myra Ancient City and the Rock Tombs

As you roll into Demre town center, the first thing you’ll notice is the massive necropolis carved into the cliff face. These are the famous rock tombs of Myra, and they are absolutely striking. It looks almost like an ancient apartment complex built for the afterlife. Myra was one of the six leading cities of the Lycian League and a major political hub of its time.

Once you enter the site, you’ll see a incredibly well-preserved Roman theatre on your left. You can still make out the intricate theatrical masks carved into the stones. The necropolis behind the theatre offers some killer photo ops.

Warning: Walking around here in the summer noon heat can be brutal. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to catch the golden hour. Your Museum Pass works here, and there’s plenty of parking.

Church of St. Nicholas (The Real Santa Claus)

This is the exact spot where St. Nicholas, the man the world knows as Santa Claus, served as a bishop and was originally laid to rest. For this reason, Demre is a major pilgrimage site for the Orthodox world. Architecturally, the church is a stunner, standing as one of the most significant examples of Byzantine art.

Despite centuries of earthquakes and raids, the frescoes and floor mosaics inside are mesmerizing. The section containing his sarcophagus draws the biggest crowds. The church is currently undergoing some heavy-duty restoration, but it remains open to visitors. It’s super close to Myra; you could even walk between the two.

Andriake Ancient City & Lycian Civilizations Museum

This is often overlooked by tour buses, which makes it our favorite spot in Demre. Andriake was the ancient port of Myra, the beating heart of trade in the region. Today, the area has been transformed into a massive open-air museum and an impressive indoor Lycian Civilizations Museum.

The coolest part? They turned a giant ancient granary (grain warehouse) into the museum building. Inside, you’ll find artifacts from Lycian cities, coins, and simulations of ancient harbor life. Outside, taking a quiet walk along the ancient harbor ruins is incredibly peaceful. An entrance fee applies, but again, your Museum Pass covers it completely free.

Beaches and Swimming Spots in Demre

Here’s the thing about swimming in Demre: the water is generally cooler and clearer than the rest of Antalya due to underground spring water (cold water creeks) mixing with the sea. If you are feeling overheated from your list of places to visit in Antalya, these refreshing waters will feel like a rebirth.

Sülüklü Beach

Don't let the name scare you (it translates to Leech Beach, but don't worry, there are no leeches). This is a favorite for families thanks to its fine sand and shallow entry. It stretches right next to the Andriake Ancient City. The sea can get a bit choppy in the afternoon, and amenities are limited, so bring your own chairs and enjoy a quiet sunset.

Taşdibi Beach

As the name implies (Bottom of the Stone), this is a pebble beach. The trade-off is water so clear it looks like glass. Because it’s tucked away in a sheltered cove, the water is usually flat as a sheet. There are both municipal and private facilities along the coast where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. definitely pack your water shoes for the pebbles.

Çayağzı Beach & The Cold Water Springs

This is where the Demre Stream meets the Mediterranean. The mix of icy river water and salty sea water creates a refreshing shock that is an absolute lifesaver in August. This area is also a nesting ground for Caretta Caretta sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might spot one while swimming. Behind the beach, you’ll find rustic local shacks serving fresh gözleme (Turkish pancakes) and tea.

Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path

Want to go where the tour buses don’t? Here are two unique spots in Demre.

The Ancient Quarry (The Secret Pool)

This spot has started popping up on social media recently, but it’s still relatively pristine. You reach it by walking for about 10-15 minutes over the rocks from the far right end of Sülüklü Beach. This was an ancient stone quarry where blocks were cut for construction. The geometric cuts in the rock have filled with seawater, creating a natural, rectangular infinity pool.

Safety Check: The path is rocky and uneven. Do not attempt this in flip-flops; sneakers are a must. Also, the rocks can be sharp, so watch your step when getting in the water. Bring plenty of water with you.

Beymelek Lagoon

On your way in or out of Demre, you’ll see a massive lake-like area on your left. That’s the Beymelek Lagoon. It’s a mix of fresh and saltwater, acting as a sanctuary for migratory birds and endemic fish. The restaurants lining the lagoon are famous for one thing: Blue Crab. It’s a local delicacy you have to try. The reflections on the water at sunset are a dream for photographers.

Exploring the Surroundings

Demre isn’t just a destination; it’s a perfect base camp for some world-class sightseeing nearby.

Simena (Kaleköy) & The Sunken City

Kaleköy is one of the rare coastal villages in Turkey with no road access. You can only get there by boat or a hike. The view from the medieval castle at the top offers one of the most iconic panoramas of the Mediterranean. Swimming among ancient Lycian sarcophagi submerged in the water is a bucket-list experience. If you have time before heading towards your Kalkan travel itinerary, make sure you stop here.

Kekova Boat Trip Details

Leaving Demre without doing a Kekova boat tour is technically a crime (okay, not really, but it should be). Boats usually depart from Çayağzı Port or the village of Üçağız. Gliding over the Sunken City (Dolchiste) in a glass-bottom boat and seeing amphorae and walls underwater is mesmerizing. Tours usually stop for swim breaks at crystal-clear spots like Aquarium Bay, Shipyard Bay, and the Pirates Cave.

Planning Your Trip to Demre

Here are the logistics to make your trip smooth.

What to Eat in Demre?

Seafood rules here. Specifically, the Blue Crab caught in the Beymelek Lagoon is the region's signature dish. The taste is sweet, somewhat reminiscent of lobster, highly recommended. Since this is the citrus capital of the region, you can find freshly squeezed orange and pomegranate juice on every corner. For a solid local meal, try the Antalya-style piyaz (tahini bean salad) and shish meatballs at the local tradesman restaurants (esnaf lokantası).

How to Get to Demre

If you are coming from Antalya center, take the scenic coastal road through Kemer and Kumluca. It’s about a 140 km drive. The road is curvy but beautiful. If you are coming from Fethiye or Kaş, enjoy the 45-minute drive east from Kaş. You can spice up the road trip by stopping at iconic spots like Kaputaş Beach and the Patara Ancient City along the way.