Turkey · 2026
Weekend in Demre
How to spend 2 days in Demre — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Demre Town Square & Bazaar
Free 100m from centreThe main square with a small market selling local produce, spices, and souvenirs.
Tip: Best on Saturday morning when farmers bring fresh oranges and pomegranates. Prices are lower than tourist shops near St. Nicholas Church.
Çayağzı Beach & Promenade
Free 1.5km from centreA free public beach and a paved path along the coast, popular for evening walks. Views of the Mediterranean.
Tip: Cleaner than the town beach. Walk east from the main promenade to find quieter spots. Sunbeds are rented cheaply. Best at sunset.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Andriake Ancient Port
Free Open area always accessible; mRuins of the old port of Myra, with granaries and a small museum in a restored warehouse.
Tip: Free to wander the site. The museum costs a few lira. Take water; no shade in summer. Accessible by dolmuş from town centre.
St. Nicholas Church
0 09:00-19:00 (summer), 09:00-17Byzantine church built over the tomb of the original Santa Claus. Mosaics and frescoes inside.
Tip: Low cost at about €10; arrive before 10am to avoid tour groups. The sarcophagus outside is a replica, the real one is in Antalya.
Myra Ancient City
0 08:30-19:30 (summer), 08:30-17Roman rock-cut tombs and a large theatre. The tombs are carved into the cliff face above the city.
Tip: Entrance is about €10 but the tombs are clearly visible from the road for free. Go late afternoon for good light on the carvings.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Demre
Antalya Bus Terminal → Demre town centre (3 km from Salih's House)
Antalya Airport (AYT) → Salih's House, Demre
Demre town centre (main square) → Salih's House
Kaş town centre → Demre town centre (stop near Likya restoran)
Where to Stay for a Demre Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Demre — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Demre?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Demre. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Demre?
See our full best time to visit Demre guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Demre?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Demre for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Demre for a weekend?
The main transport options in Demre include Antalya-Demre Coaches (Güney Akdeniz or similar) and Antalya Airport Taxi. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.