Demre is very popular place among tourists. Often people come here during a day tour "Demre - Myra - Kekova."
There are 2 main attractions in Demre. First one is the Church of St. Nicholas founded in the IV century. Inside stands the sarcophagus with the relics of St. Nicholas. The church was built after his death. However, it is empty, as the relics were taken to Bari by Italian merchants back in 1087.
Church of St. Nicholas ©Yuriy Buriak
The main landmark in Demre is an ancient city of Myra. Here you can see well preserved large amphitheater and rock tombs. There are many similar theaters in other places, but tombs are interesting, as local people buried their dead closer to the sky. Unfortunately, there are a lot of tourists here.
Tombs of the ancient city of Myra ©Yuriy Buriak
Tombs of the ancient city of Myra ©Yuriy Buriak
Entrance to the amphitheater of the ancient city of Myra ©Yuriy Buriak
Amphitheater of the ancient city of Myra ©Yuriy Buriak
The location of the church and city of Myra in Demre ©deeperstudy.com
Getting there: The nearest airport is in Antalya. Demre is located on the road connecting Antalya and Fethiye. The ancient city of Myra is located 1.5 km from the center of Demre. There are buses of Batı Antalya company from Antalya (3.5 hours, $6-7, schedule). With the same bus you can come here from Fethiye (3 hours, $9), Kas (40 minutes, $2) and Finike (20-30 min, $2).
