What to do and see in Demre (Kale), Turkey: The Best Places and Tips

December 7, 2017 Karren Gelb

Discover the best top things to do in Demre (Kale), Turkey including Myra Antik Kenti, Rock tombs in Myra, Church of St. Nicholas, Castle of Simena, Arykanda, Santa Claus Museum, Kyaneai, Kekova Tekne Turlari, Andriake Ancient City, Demre Tours - Day Tours.
Restaurants in Demre (Kale)

1. Myra Antik Kenti

Demre (Kale), Turkey +90 242 247 76 60
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 293 reviews

Myra Antik Kenti

Reviewed By Rod F - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom

Of ancient Myra, little remains now but the theatre and the rock-cut tombs, but these are exceptional. The theatre is of Roman type, very well-preserved, and with a fantastic collection of theatre mask friezes, although not in situ. The later Church has wonderful frescoes.

2. Rock tombs in Myra

Demre (Kale), Turkey
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 300 reviews

Rock tombs in Myra

Reviewed By monsiserrano - Toronto, Canada

This is one of the interesting places we visited. While Istanbul is far away from Demre and we had to take the plane going to Izmir, and then drive several hours to reach this wonderful place. It's one of a kind and the ancient way of burying the dead would make you imagine how difficult it was for them. Very impressive and it would be good that since you are already in the area to visit the Saint Nicholas of Myra (known as place of Santa Claus) which is just few minutes away. There are Russians selling beautiful ref magnets, medieval knights and other stuff, but a little bit expensive. Try their freshly squeezed pomegranate and you will love it. :-) I really wanted to go up to the tombs but it's restricted.

3. Church of St. Nicholas

Demre (Kale), Turkey +90 242 871 60 01
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 385 reviews

Church of St. Nicholas

Reviewed By Rod F - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom

This ancient and well-preserved church is still a place of pilgrimage for Eastern Orthodox Christians, as it once held the remains of St Nicholas.Be prepared for the throng of pilgrims around his alleged tomb. Very pleasant interior with numerous frescoes.

4. Castle of Simena

Merkez Demre (Kale), Demre (Kale), Turkey +90 242 874 20 22
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 134 reviews

Castle of Simena

Reviewed By Aneesa P - Hawalli, Kuwait

The climb to the castle and back down from it was steep but not the most strenuous. What will make it taxing is the intense summer heat on this tiny, dry little village.
The entry fee is cheap and tickets are bought at the gate. The castle is on the top of the hill crowing the village. There are ruins along the very good path leading to the top of the castle. They are similar to other castle or fort ruins. The highlight of the castle, and what makes it worth the climb, is the magnificent view of Simena village and Kerkova island within the Aegean Sea.

5. Arykanda

Demre (Kale), Turkey
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 75 reviews

Arykanda

Built on a spectacular mountain slope, this ancient city features the well-preserved Roman baths and monumental tombs.

Reviewed By KimMeinertz - Copenhagen, Denmark

A 30 km drive on highway D635 North bound from Finike, you'll find this little gem. Hidden away you'll find this antique city of Arykanda back from 5'th BC. This is a nice place with a fine history, and when you hit the top of the theater, you'll have the most awesome view over the area and valley. The site is still under excavation and development, but you will have it almost for yourself, easy to find. Worthwhile to visit, car is needed.

6. Santa Claus Museum

Muze Cad., Demre (Kale), Turkey +90 242 871 68 20
Excellent
67%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Santa Claus Museum

Reviewed By MindStorm00 - Cuenca, Ecuador

Supposedly the original St Nicholas was entombed here (his bones later removed by grave robbers). Good frescas and views of the ancient church. We went in early April and were almost alone -- one Turkish family was there, who allowed us to photograph their little girl (about 8) walking across the frame.

7. Kyaneai

Yavu Koyu, Demre (Kale), Turkey
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Kyaneai

Reviewed By junior1907 - Istanbul

We have been to this historical site to the courtesy of one of officiers working at an government office in this area and found this place by his help.Otherwise,very difficult to find it out as there is not enough road signs after you exit the highway with the sign to Kyaenai Ancient Site.Look for some locals in the area who can direct you to the correct path.Otherwise,
very nice place to go around and have some picnic here.Recommended.

8. Kekova Tekne Turlari

UCAGIZ koyu, Demre (Kale) 07570, Turkey
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Kekova Tekne Turlari

You can see all the historical and natural beauties of Kekova with the Gonul kuşu 2 and you can go to the sea in the turquoise color of the valley. The boat gonul kusu 2 is a with under glass. You can rent the boat specially and you can keep it as a group of friends at the same time.There are Kitchen, Terrace floor, sunbathing cushions and 220 volt electricity in the boat,Hüseyin captain serves with you with his wife Nesrin.

Reviewed By KayColes - Greater London, United Kingdom

Great trip with Captain Ali Gokkaya around Kekova and the ruins. Ali was such a fine, helpful, interesting and jovial captain who was mainly concerned with us having a unique trip around the area. Well worth the drive to Ucagiz rather than taking a boat from Kas as we saved time and money.

9. Andriake Ancient City

Demre (Kale), Turkey
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Andriake Ancient City

Reviewed By Stlo01 - Crowthorne, United Kingdom

We stumbled on this place and we were glad we did. The site has had a great deal of money invested in it. Great facilities but not yet the cafe. The site paths take you around in a well structured way taking you to a well presented museum where you see artefacts from around the region. At just 5tl to get in its a bargain. Loads of information in Turkish and English (as you so often see it's a shame they don't get the English checked before going to print - but that can add to the humour!). The staff were very pleasant but oddly did not speak much English - but that was not a problem. If you are in the area make this a must

10. Demre Tours - Day Tours

Demre (Kale), Turkey
Excellent
76%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Demre Tours - Day Tours

Reviewed By orhan c - Istanbul, Turkey

Demre is such a great place to rest and enjoy the sun. It's a developing town, not much attraction to do but people are great and nature is amazing. Highly recommend to everyone to visit and do some Kekova tour with Demre Tours.

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