Turkey · 2026 itinerary
Demre 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Demre: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The main square with a small market selling local produce, spices, and souvenirs.
🕐 Daily, 07:00-13:00 (market), shops until late
Free entry💡 Best on Saturday morning when farmers bring fresh oranges and pomegranates. Prices are lower than tourist shops near St. Nicholas Church.
Hotels near Demre Town Square & Bazaar →A free public beach and a paved path along the coast, popular for evening walks. Views of the Mediterranean.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Cleaner than the town beach. Walk east from the main promenade to find quieter spots. Sunbeds are rented cheaply. Best at sunset.
Hotels near Çayağzı Beach & Promenade →Likya Restaurant · ££
Palmiye Restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Demre
Ruins of the old port of Myra, with granaries and a small museum in a restored warehouse.
🕐 Open area always accessible; museum 08:30-17:30
💡 Free to wander the site. The museum costs a few lira. Take water; no shade in summer. Accessible by dolmuş from town centre.
Byzantine church built over the tomb of the original Santa Claus. Mosaics and frescoes inside.
🕐 09:00-19:00 (summer), 09:00-17:00 (winter)
💡 Low cost at about €10; arrive before 10am to avoid tour groups. The sarcophagus outside is a replica, the real one is in Antalya.
Hassan Deniz Restaurant
Roma Restaurant
Final Favourites & Departure
Roman rock-cut tombs and a large theatre. The tombs are carved into the cliff face above the city.
💡 Entrance is about €10 but the tombs are clearly visible from the road for free. Go late afternoon for good light on the carvings.
Kekova Fish House
Palm Tree Cafe
Getting Around Demre
Get off at the main highway stop in Demre, not the terminal 1km east. Then take a 10-minute dolmuş (minibus) for 15 TRY to Salih's. Far cheaper than the taxi from the airport.
Agree on the fare before starting. Shared shuttles from the airport might halve this cost; ask at the tourism desk.
Call Salih directly for the local taxi number—he's known here. Payment is cash in lira; don't expect card machines.
Flag the dolmuş anywhere on the main road—drivers stop for anyone waving. Leave from Kaş side street Yat Limanı Caddesi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Demre?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Demre Town Square & Bazaar and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Demre?
See our full best time to visit Demre guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Ekin Pension, WineCity Hotel, Asmaalti. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.