· TR

Demre

Demre, Antalya, Turkey

Demre, located in the Antalya province of Turkey, is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for tourists to explore. Formerly known as Myra, Demre is most famous for b…

#Historical Site#Archaeological Ruins#Religious Landmark#Mediterranean Coast#Turkey

1/15

Stay & fly Things to do Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Demre.

Top Hotels in Demre

Top Flights to Demre

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Demre.

Tours

Myra Ancient City Tour

Explore the ruins of Myra, an ancient city known for its rock-cut tombs and impressive amphitheater.

St. Nicholas Church Visit

Visit the historic St. Nicholas Church, also known as the birthplace of Santa Claus.

Shopping

Demre Local Market Shopping

Explore the vibrant Demre Market where you can find local crafts, textiles, and fresh produce.

Outdoor

Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

Take a boat tour to see the sunken ruins of Kekova, once a vibrant Lycian city.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Demre.

Currency

₺ | TRY | Turkish Lira

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Demre, Antalya, Turkey, is around 25,000.

Languages

Turkish, Turkish

Average weather

Demre

Jan

14°5°

Feb

15°6°

Mar

17°7°

Apr

20°10°

May

25°14°

Jun

30°18°

Jul

34°22°

Aug

34°22°

Sep

31°19°

Oct

26°15°

Nov

20°11°

Dec

16°7°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Demre.

What people love

Demre, located in Antalya, Turkey, is a historical and culturally rich destination with several attractions that make it a worthwhile place to visit. Here are some pros of traveling to Demre:

Historical Significance: Demre is the site of the ancient city of Myra, which was an important Lycian city in the Roman Empire. The city is known for its well-preserved Lycian rock tombs and the Roman theater, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Saint Nicholas Church: Demre is home to the Church of St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus Church, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians. The church houses the tomb of Saint Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus.
Beautiful Beaches: Demre is situated on the Mediterranean coast, offering visitors the opportunity to relax on sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the sea. The surrounding coastline is dotted with picturesque coves and bays, perfect for sunbathing and water activities.
Local Culture and Cuisine: Traveling to Demre allows visitors to experience authentic Turkish culture and cuisine. Explore the local markets, taste traditional Turkish dishes, and interact with friendly locals to get a taste of everyday life in this charming town.
Scenic Landscapes: The region around Demre is characterized by stunning natural beauty, including rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, boat tours, and other outdoor activities amidst the picturesque landscapes.

Overall, traveling to Demre offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and relaxation, making it a compelling destination for those looking to explore the lesser-known gems of Turkey.

Enjoy your trip to Demre!

What to know

Demre, located in Antalya, Turkey, is known for being the site of the ancient city of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas, which is believed to be the burial place of the historical figure behind the modern-day Santa Claus. While Demre has its unique attractions and historical significance, there are some potential drawbacks to traveling to this destination:

Limited accommodation options: Demre is a smaller town compared to other tourist destinations in Antalya, so the range of accommodation options may be more limited. This could mean fewer choices in terms of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, potentially leading to higher prices during peak tourist seasons.
Remote location: Demre is not as easily accessible as some of the more popular tourist spots in Antalya. It may require longer travel times and multiple transportation connections to reach the town, which could be inconvenient for travelers looking for a more centrally located base for exploring the region.
Limited dining and entertainment options: As a smaller town, Demre may not offer as many dining and entertainment options as larger cities or resort areas in Antalya. Travelers looking for a vibrant nightlife scene or a wide variety of restaurants and cafes may find the choices in Demre to be more limited.
Seasonal fluctuations: Demre's tourism industry may experience seasonal fluctuations, with some attractions and services being more limited during the off-peak months. Travelers should research the best time to visit Demre to ensure that they can fully enjoy all that the town has to offer.

Overall, while Demre has its unique charm and historical significance, travelers should be aware of the potential drawbacks such as limited accommodation options, remote location, limited dining and entertainment choices, and seasonal fluctuations in tourism.

Demre, located in the Antalya Province of Turkey, is a town rich in history and cultural significance. It is situated on the Mediterranean coast and is known for its historical connection to the ancient city of Myra and as the home of St. Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.

Ancient Myra

Historical Background: Myra was one of the major cities of the ancient Lycian civilization. It was strategically situated on the Lycian Way, a network of trade routes.
Significant Events: Myra was part of the Lycian League, a confederation of cities that is noted for its early democratic practices. During the Roman period, Myra became an important center of trade and culture.
Decline: The city began to decline in the 7th century due to a combination of natural disasters, including earthquakes and flooding, as well as Arab raids.

St. Nicholas of Myra

Historical Figure: St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra in the 4th century and is famed for his generosity and miracles. He became known as the protector of children and sailors.
Legacy: St. Nicholas's reputation spread throughout Christendom, and he became one of the most popular saints in the Byzantine Empire. His life and legendary acts of kindness inspired the figure of Santa Claus.

Key Landmarks

Church of St. Nicholas: Originally built in the 6th century, the church has undergone several restorations. It is a pilgrimage site for those interested in the history of St. Nicholas.
Rock-Cut Tombs: Carved into the cliffs surrounding the city, these tombs are a hallmark of Lycian funerary architecture and are among the most iconic images of Demre.
Roman Theatre: The ancient theatre of Myra is one of the largest and best-preserved in Lycia. It could accommodate thousands of spectators and was used for both theatrical productions and public meetings.
Andriake: The ancient port of Myra, Andriake, was a significant hub for trade and transportation. It is now a site of archaeological interest and contains a granary attributed to the Emperor Hadrian.

Modern Demre

Development: Today, Demre is a small town that thrives on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. It draws visitors keen on exploring its historical sites and enjoying the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
Festivals: The town celebrates the legacy of St. Nicholas with an annual festival that includes religious ceremonies and cultural events.

Demre, with its blend of ancient wonders and religious significance, continues to be a place of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike.