Things to Do in Demre: Travel Guide
Demre is the home of ancient Myra and the historical Saint Nicholas — the bishop who inspired Santa Claus. Its compact area packs a famous church, dramatic rock-cut tombs and a Roman theatre, with access to the Kekova sunken city. Demre is best known for Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), ancient Myra rock tombs, Roman theatre, Kekova access, greenhouse agriculture. Right now the sea is around 21°C with high crowds — Reliable sunshine, sea warming up. Excellent all-round touring weather.. Below are the top things to see plus the tours that actually run from Demre.
Top sights in Demre
Church of St. Nicholas — The Byzantine church in Demre where Saint Nicholas — the original Santa Claus — served as bishop and was buried. Myra Rock Tombs — A cliff face honeycombed with elaborate Lycian house-style tombs, above a well-preserved Roman theatre. Andriake / Myra Museum — The ancient harbour of Myra with a granary of Hadrian and a museum of Lycian civilisation. Kekova Sunken City — Submerged ancient ruins reached by boat from nearby Üçağız, on the shore of Kekova island.
Beaches
Çayağzı (Andriake) Beach — A quiet beach at the ancient harbour, the boat departure point for Kekova. Sülüklü Beach — A calm bay near the Kekova boat docks, good for a swim after sightseeing.
Getting to Demre
Demre is about 145 km southwest of Antalya Airport (AYT), roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive along the coast; it is often combined with Kaş and Kekova.
Who Demre suits
• History and pilgrimage travellers • Kekova boat-trippers • Day-trippers from Kaş
Local tips
• Visit the Church of St. Nicholas and the Myra tombs together — they are minutes apart. • Kekova boats leave from Üçağız/Andriake near Demre, not from the town centre. • Demre is inland of its beaches; allow extra time to reach the harbour.
Tours from Demre
Frequently asked questions
Why is Demre famous?
Demre is the ancient city of Myra and the home of Saint Nicholas — the bishop who inspired Santa Claus — alongside striking Lycian rock tombs and a Roman theatre.
Is Demre where Santa Claus is from?
Yes — Saint Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus, was bishop of Myra (modern Demre) in the 4th century AD.
What's the weather like in Demre right now?
Right now the sea is around 21°C with high crowds — Reliable sunshine, sea warming up. Excellent all-round touring weather..
What tours run from Demre?
Popular options include Adrasan Suluada Boat Tour, Antalya Aquarium Tour, Cappadocia Tour (2 Days), Land of Legends Theme Park & Waterpark.