Long before he became Santa Claus, St Nicholas was the bishop of Myra, a Lycian city on the coast west of Antalya. Today the town is called Demre, and the church where he served, the Lycian rock tombs and the ancient harbour make it one of the most rewarding day trips from Antalya - especially in December.
Who was St Nicholas of Myra?
Nicholas lived in the 4th century and became famous for secret acts of generosity, especially towards children and the poor. His feast day, 6 December, is still celebrated across Europe, and the legends around him grew over the centuries into the figure of Santa Claus. Myra, where he was bishop, became an important place of pilgrimage.
What to see in Demre
- Church of St Nicholas: a Byzantine church with frescoes, mosaic floors and the sarcophagus traditionally associated with the saint.
- Myra rock tombs: Lycian house-shaped tombs carved into the cliff above a large Roman theatre.
- Andriake: the ancient harbour of Myra, with a restored granary that houses the Museum of Lycian Civilisations.
- Kekova: boat trips from nearby Üçağız pass the partly submerged ancient city and the castle village of Kaleköy (fewer boats run in winter).
Getting there: the coast road west
Demre is about two and a half hours from Antalya along one of the most beautiful coast roads in the country, passing Kemer, the mountains around Olympos, Kumluca and Finike. The road is good all year, but it winds through the mountains, so allow time for stops and do not plan it as a rush.
A day along the coast
- Morning: leave Antalya early and stop for a view over the coast near Olympos.
- Late morning: the Church of St Nicholas before the tour groups arrive.
- Midday: the rock tombs and theatre of Myra, then lunch in Demre or at Andriake.
- Afternoon: a boat trip to Kekova in season, or continue to Kaş and stay the night.
- Evening: return to Antalya, or combine the trip with a few days in Kaş.
Visiting in winter and at Christmas
December is a particularly atmospheric time to visit: 6 December is St Nicholas Day, and around Christmas many visitors combine a stay in Antalya with a trip to the saint's town. Winter days are mild but short, so leave early. The sites are open all year, while Kekova boat trips depend on the weather and the season.
Private transfer to Demre
We run private transfers from Antalya and the coastal resorts along the western coast to Kumluca, Demre and Kaş. With a private vehicle you choose the stops and the pace, and the price is fixed per vehicle, not per person. Tell us your hotel, date and whether you want a return on the same day when you book.