Myra Ancient City is one of the important cities of the Lycian League located in the Demre district of Antalya; it is known for its rock tombs, Roman-era theater, and as the place where Saint Nicholas served as bishop.
Myra is an ancient Lycian city founded on the west bank of the Myros River (today's Demre Stream), right in the center of the Demre district, which is part of Antalya province. In ancient times, it was one of the six great cities of the Lycian League; it was at the heart of the region both politically and religiously. The city's name also appears in Lycian inscriptions and coins, clearly demonstrating Myra's deep-rooted past.
Upon entering the area, the first structures to greet you are the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs. The facades of these tombs, adorned with reliefs, are considered among the best-preserved examples in the Mediterranean basin. The Roman-era theater rising right next to the tombs was one of the largest stages in the region in ancient times, with a capacity of approximately 11,000 spectators. Myra's place in Christian history is also important: Saint Nicholas, who was the bishop of the city in the 4th century, eventually became the inspiration for the Santa Claus legend; the church built in his name still stands in Demre today.
Andriake, Myra's port, was one of the important trade points of the Eastern Mediterranean in ancient times. The granary built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian proves how strategic this port's location was. With all these layers, Myra is not merely an archaeological site; it is a vibrant historical stage where Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations intertwine.
Related discoveries: Antalya attractions, Historical Sites, Antalya historical sites, Lower Duden Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Myra Ancient City is a medium-sized archaeological site located approximately 3 km inland from the main road. The vast majority of visitors consider the amphitheater and rock tombs as the prominent features of the area. You can examine the arches and decorations of the amphitheater up close; the height and craftsmanship of the rock-cut tombs evoke deep curiosity and admiration in many visitors.
The site generally gives the impression of a well-preserved ancient city. Considering that temperatures can be quite high in summer, it is recommended to plan your visit for the morning hours. Several comments also point out that the entrance fee is considered high relative to the visit duration.
- Maintenance deficiencies: It is stated that some stairs and sections are poorly maintained, which is not befitting an official cultural site.
- Entrance fee and duration balance: There are visitors who find the entrance fee high due to the relatively small size of the area; knowing in advance that it can be explored in a short time can help shape your expectations.
- Restoration concerns: At least one visitor conveys an impression questioning whether some structures are original or reconstructed.
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Myra is between April-June and September-October. During these periods, the weather is very suitable for walking, and the crowds are relatively smaller. In July and August, Demre's temperature can approach 40 degrees Celsius; the paths leading to the rock tombs and the theater area are unshaded. If you are coming in mid-summer, prefer early morning or late afternoon hours. In winter, the site is open, but closing times are earlier, and transportation options to surrounding villages are more limited.
How to Get There?
Myra Ancient City is located right in the center of Demre district, which is part of Antalya province. If you are traveling from Antalya, you can find direct bus services from Antalya Bus Terminal to Demre; the journey takes approximately 2 hours. For those coming from Kaş or Kalkan, Demre is about 45-60 minutes away, and there are minibus (dolmuş) connections. If you are coming by car, you can follow the D400 highway to Demre town center and use the parking lot at the site entrance. Transportation from the Fethiye direction is also quite easy; it takes about 1.5-2 hours. Daily tours combined with the Kekova region also include Myra in their itinerary.
Suggested Itinerary: Myra and Surroundings
If you allocate a day to Demre, we recommend spending the morning at Myra Ancient City. First, examine the rock tombs up close; it's worth taking some time to see the details of the reliefs. Then, move on to the Roman theater. In the afternoon, visit Saint Nicholas Church; the church is within walking distance of the ancient city. If you have time, spend the rest of the day at Andriake ancient port. The Hadrian granary and surrounding ruins here offer a separate discovery. If you want to add Kekova and Üçağız to your plan, it is possible to combine Demre with boat tours in the region.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
Demre is not a major gastronomy center; however, there are various restaurants and cafes around the ancient city in the town center. The region is known for its tomato and citrus production; it is possible to taste fresh vegetable-based Mediterranean cuisine here. Grilled fish, village breakfast, and homemade gözleme are among the options you can choose. If you are planning a long visit, we recommend taking water and light snacks with you; this small precaution is especially useful in summer, as sales points within the area are quite limited.
Where to Stay?
There are boutique hotels and guesthouses in Demre town center; the region has a calm structure, away from large resort tourism. If you are looking for wider accommodation options, Kaş or Kalkan would be a good choice; both are approximately 45-60 minutes away from Myra. There are also small guesthouses in Üçağız village near Kekova, which are gaining increasing interest among travelers who love the tranquility of the region.
Photo Spots
Myra's most iconic photo angle is the frontal view of the rock tombs carved into the cliffs. In the early morning hours, as the light comes from the east, the reliefs on the tomb facades appear much more distinct. Photos taken with the stage wall of the Roman theater in the background also yield very powerful shots. Wide-angle shots taken from the plain in front of the tombs, encompassing the entire necropolis area, are the photos that best reflect the true scale of the place. The granary in Andriake is also a strong shooting point for architectural photography enthusiasts.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The area is largely open-air, and the ground is uneven and stony in places; comfortable walking shoes are essential. In summer, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water should be with you. Wheelchair or stroller use is quite difficult due to the topography of the area. Museum Pass holders can enter the area without paying an entrance fee. For those who want to visit Saint Nicholas Church on the same day as Myra, there is walking distance between the two areas; however, the church is subject to a separate entrance fee. Photography is allowed within the area, but you may need to obtain prior permission for drone flights and flash use.
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