Demre, Kekova & Finike: Lycian history on the water
Between Olympos and Kaş the coast becomes the heartland of ancient Lycia. Demre has the famous rock-cut tombs of Myra and the church of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus; offshore, the Kekova boat trip glides over ruins half sunk into a turquoise bay. Most people see it on a day trip, but it rewards a night or two.
Where to stay
Accommodation here is small-scale: pensions, village houses and a few hotels rather than resorts.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finike | Orange-growing market town with a marina; practical base for Limyra and Arykanda | Long town beach of sand and pebbles | Sailors, independent travellers | 2 h 5 min |
| Demre | Busy agricultural town among greenhouses with Myra and the St Nicholas church | Çayağzı beach by ancient Andriake | Sightseeing on a budget | 2 h 30 min |
| Üçağız & Kaleköy (Kekova) | Fishing villages on the Kekova bay; Kaleköy is reachable only by boat or on foot | Swimming from rocks and jetties, very clear water | Romantic stays, sea kayaking, total quiet | 2 h 30 min |
Times are from Antalya Airport. Kaş is about 45 minutes west of Demre; see our Kaş guide.
Things to do
Myra
Just outside Demre, the cliff face above a Roman theatre is carved with dozens of Lycian house-shaped rock tombs, one of the most photographed sights in Türkiye. The theatre is well preserved and decorated with carved theatre masks. Go early; tour coaches arrive late morning.
Church of St Nicholas
Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra, is the saint behind Santa Claus. His Byzantine church in Demre has frescoes, mosaic floors and the sarcophagus long associated with him. Expect visitors from Russia and Greece in particular; it is a place of pilgrimage.
Kekova and the sunken city
Boat trips from Üçağız (or from Kaş and Demre) cruise along Kekova island, where the foundations, stairs and walls of an ancient town lie just beneath the surface. Swimming over the sunken ruins is not allowed, but the boats stop in nearby bays. The trip usually ends at Kaleköy (Simena), with Lycian tombs in the water and a castle above the village.
Sea kayaking
Kayak tours over the sunken city are the best way to see it closely and quietly. Half-day tours leave from Üçağız, often with a transfer from Kaş.
Andriake and the Lycian museum
Myra's ancient harbour at Çayağzı has a large Roman granary that now houses the Museum of Lycian Civilisations, a good introduction to the region, next to a sandy beach.
Limyra and Arykanda
Near Finike, Limyra has tombs and a theatre on a hillside above a river with turtles. Arykanda, an hour inland, is a terraced mountain city with one of the most spectacular settings of any ruin in Türkiye and very few visitors.
Getting there
From Antalya Airport it is about 150 km to Demre, around 2.5 hours via Kemer, Kumluca and Finike on a coastal road with many curves. Intercity buses between Antalya and Kaş stop in Finike and Demre. Many visitors instead base themselves in Kaş and come on a day trip; see our Kaş guide and day trips.
When to go
April to June and September to October are best for sightseeing and kayaking. Boat trips run from spring to late autumn. Midday in July and August is very hot at Myra. Monthly figures in the weather guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim over the sunken city of Kekova?
No, the sunken ruins are a protected archaeological zone. Boats and kayaks pass over them, and swimming is allowed in the nearby bays.
Is St Nicholas really buried in Demre?
His remains were taken to Bari in Italy in 1087. The church in Demre was his church as bishop of Myra and still holds the sarcophagus associated with him.
How do I get to Kaleköy?
Only by boat or on foot. Boats run from Üçağız in a few minutes; the Lycian Way also passes through.
Is Kekova a good day trip from Kaş?
Yes, it is the classic day trip from Kaş, by boat, by kayak tour, or by car to Üçağız and a short boat ride from there.