Things to Do in Demre

The main square with a small market selling local produce, spices, and souvenirs.

🕐 Daily, 07:00-13:00 (market), shops until late

💡 Best on Saturday morning when farmers bring fresh oranges and pomegranates. Prices are lower than tourist shops near St. Nicholas Church.

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.

A free public beach and a paved path along the coast, popular for evening walks. Views of the Mediterranean.

🕐 Always open

💡 Cleaner than the town beach. Walk east from the main promenade to find quieter spots. Sunbeds are rented cheaply. Best at sunset.

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.

Roman rock-cut tombs and a large theatre. The tombs are carved into the cliff face above the city.

🕐 08:30-19:30 (summer), 08:30-17:00 (winter)

💡 Entrance is about €10 but the tombs are clearly visible from the road for free. Go late afternoon for good light on the carvings.