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Museum of Lycian Civilisations access: The official admission list marks the Museum of Lycian Civilisations as closed, although it appears in some official seasonal programmes. A timetable entry or listed ticket price does not confirm access to the museum building. Confirm indoor access with Demre Museum and ask separately which parts of the outdoor Andriake site are available.
Demre, Myra and Kekova 2026Lycian rock tombs, Christian history and a changing coastline
Between Olympos and Kaş, Demre lies amid some of the richest historical landscapes on Antalya's coast. Around the modern town are ancient Myra, the harbour of Andriake and the Church of St Nicholas. To the west, Kekova, Üçağız and Simena, now Kaleköy, form a distinctive maritime world.
A visit moves through Lycian civilisation, Roman and Byzantine history, ancient ports and small villages closely connected with the sea. Rock-cut tombs, a great Roman theatre, a pilgrimage church, harbour ruins, partly submerged structures and a castle above Kekova's waters can all form part of the journey.
Demre is a destination in its own right, rather than simply a stop between Antalya and Kaş.
1. 
Where is Demre?
Demre lies west of Finike and east of Kaş on the D400 coastal road. Travelling from Antalya, the broad sequence is:
Kemer → Kumluca → Finike → Demre → Kaş.
From Kaş, follow the same route in reverse. The town occupies a coastal plain surrounded by mountains, close to the Demre River, ancient Myros.
Over many centuries, river-borne sediment changed the plain and shoreline. Much of ancient Myra now lies beneath these deposits.
2. Myra: the city before modern Demre
Myra was one of Lycia's leading cities. It belonged to the six major members of the Lycian League entitled to three votes, the highest voting allocation within the federation.
Its political and religious importance continued from the Classical period through Roman and Byzantine times. Today, it is best known for its Lycian rock tombs, Roman theatre, surviving urban remains, connection with St Nicholas and historical harbour at Andriake.
3. 
Myra's rock-cut tombs
The cliff face initially resembles a neighbourhood carved into the mountain. These façades are Lycian tombs, designed to imitate the timber houses of the living.
Look for door-like openings, geometric divisions, stone columns and beams, ornament and reliefs depicting some of the occupants and their families.
Lycian funerary beliefs help explain why these monuments occupy such conspicuous elevated positions above the city.
The Lycian rock-cut tombs at Myra.
4. 
The Roman theatre
Below the tombs stands Myra's great Roman theatre. Substantial parts survive, including stone seating, sections of the stage building, carved blocks, decorative theatrical masks and other sculptural details.
One of the most revealing views brings the theatre and cliff tombs into the same frame, showing how different historical traditions occupied the same urban landscape.
5. 
St Nicholas and Myra
A short distance away stands the Church of St Nicholas. Nicholas lived in the fourth century AD and served as bishop of Myra.
After his death, the place became an important Christian pilgrimage centre. The church associated with him developed over his traditional burial place.
Stories about Nicholas spread through Europe and beyond, contributing over many centuries to the modern figure of Santa Claus. The historical saint, however, remains directly connected with Myra and present-day Demre.
Inside the church
The surviving building reflects several phases of construction and restoration. Its features include Byzantine wall paintings, stone arches and domes, historic floors, mosaics, sarcophagi and parts of the basilica.
It is a major example of Byzantine religious architecture in the region. St Nicholas Church has been on Türkiye's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2000; this is a tentative listing, rather than inscription as a World Heritage property.
Stone vaults inside Saint Nicholas Church in Demre.
6. 
Andriake: Myra's harbour
Myra's connection with the sea ran through Andriake, west of central Demre near Çayağzı. Its harbour received trading ships from across the Mediterranean.
The archaeological area preserves harbour facilities, baths, warehouses, religious buildings, squares, streets and other structures associated with maritime trade.
The Museum of Lycian Civilisations
Within Andriake, Likya Uygarlıkları Müzesi occupies an ancient granary. Its collection and interpretation concern the cities of the Lycian League, daily life, trade, architecture and the region's political history.
Its historic setting offers valuable context for visits to Myra, Patara and Xanthos.
7. 
Entering the Kekova region
Travelling west from Demre or taking a boat from a local harbour brings you into Kekova. The name refers to a maritime region as well as its island.
It includes Kekova Island, Üçağız, Simena/Kaleköy, surrounding bays and islands, Lycian and Roman remains, and coastal structures now partly below water.
8. 
What is the “sunken city”?
Along Kekova Island's northern shore, ancient buildings extend from land into the sea. Stone steps descend below the surface, with walls, foundations, harbour remains and other structures visible in clear water.
Ancient earthquakes and geological changes submerged parts of the historic shoreline. Boats pass slowly beside these remains so passengers can observe them from the water.
A protected archaeological landscape
Kekova is subject to archaeological and environmental protection. Clear water does not mean swimming or diving is permitted beside every submerged structure.
Follow official instructions, boat routes and designated activity areas. Restrictions protect the submerged remains from damage.
Ancient shoreline remains beside the clear waters of Kekova.
9. 
Simena and Kaleköy
Opposite Kekova Island lies ancient Simena, now the small coastal village of Kaleköy. Houses climb the slope above moored boats, with the historic castle crowning the village.
The traditional visitor approach is by sea. Do not assume you can drive into the historic waterfront; if considering a land approach, check local access and walking arrangements beforehand.
Climbing to the castle
From the landing area, stone lanes and steps lead uphill between the houses. As you climb, views open across Kekova Island, boats in the channel, the village, surrounding hills and Lycian tombs.
The castle viewpoint offers one of the most memorable maritime panoramas in western Antalya.
The small rock-cut theatre
Within the castle area is a small theatre carved into the rock. Its intimate scale contrasts with Myra's great theatre, illustrating the different sizes and functions of settlements along the Lycian coast.
A sarcophagus in the water
Near Kaleköy, a Lycian sarcophagus stands in shallow water. Changes to the shoreline left the tomb visible while the surrounding ground became submerged.
The combination of Lycian monument, turquoise water, castle and boats has become one of Kekova's most familiar images.
10. Üçağız: a practical departure point
Üçağız is a small village and one of the principal starting points for Kekova boat trips. Excursion boats, small accommodation establishments, local restaurants and landing places line the waterfront, with ancient remains and tombs around the village.
From here, a day's excursion can include several places within the Kekova region.
11. Choosing a boat trip
Programmes vary by operator, but commonly include Kekova Island, the submerged remains, Kaleköy/Simena, Üçağız, surrounding bays and permitted swimming stops.
Trips depart from different locations, including the Demre area, Üçağız and Kaş. Compare:
- The length of the excursion.
- Boat type and departure point.
- The number and location of swimming stops.
- Whether there is enough time to go ashore at Kaleköy and visit the castle.
12. 
The published 2026 summer timetable
The Ministry's schedule for 1 May–1 October 2026 listed:
- Myra: 08:00–21:00.
- St Nicholas Monument Museum: 08:30–20:00.
- Simena: 08:00–20:00.
These are date-limited summer hours, retained as a reference for the 2026 season. Do not use them as the current October or winter timetable. Myra’s operating page currently lists opening hours of 08:00–19:00, with the ticket office closing at 18:30. Check Saint Nicholas Church and Simena separately, and confirm any seasonal changes before visiting.
13. 
A day around Demre and Kekova
Early morning: visit Myra's rock tombs and Roman theatre before the strongest heat.
Mid-morning: explore St Nicholas Church and its Byzantine history.
Before midday: add Andriake and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations only if access is confirmed and your timetable allows.
Afternoon: take a pre-arranged Kekova boat excursion, observing the submerged ruins and stopping to swim only in permitted bays.
Later afternoon: go ashore at Kaleköy and climb to Simena Castle if included in your trip.
Evening: return by boat through the changing light over the bays.
This is a full programme. Choose departure times carefully, or divide the land sites and boat trip across two days if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
14. 
Photographic highlights
- Myra's rock tombs.
- The Roman theatre with Lycian tombs behind it.
- Arches and mosaics at St Nicholas Church, where photography is permitted.
- Andriake's harbour remains, subject to access.
- Submerged stone steps beside Kekova Island.
- The view from Simena Castle.
- The Lycian sarcophagus in shallow water.
- Boats between Kekova and Kaleköy.
15. Practical advice
- Heat: Myra and other archaeological areas are largely exposed. Avoid the strongest midday sun where possible.
- Shoes: wear comfortable footwear for ancient surfaces and the climb at Simena.
- Water: carry drinking water, particularly in summer.
- Boat trips: compare routes and time ashore as well as price.
- Conservation: stay behind barriers and do not touch protected objects or remains.
- Kekova: swim or dive only where the activity is officially permitted.
16. 
Allow at least a full day
Few parts of Antalya's coast bring so many historical layers together. Myra's tombs reveal Lycia, its theatre the Roman city, and St Nicholas Church the Byzantine pilgrimage centre. Andriake explains the town's Mediterranean trading connections.
On reaching Kekova, the sea becomes part of the archaeological landscape itself. Simena's castle then provides a panorama over one of the Lycian coast's finest bays.
The road between Olympos and Kaş therefore offers far more than a transfer: Demre, Myra and Kekova together make one of southern Türkiye's most varied journeys.
17. 
Admission charges for foreign visitors
| Site | Charge in EUR | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Myra | 13 | Admission does not necessarily permit entry to every area |
| Saint Nicholas Museum | 17 | Confirm last-entry time and visiting arrangements |
| Andriake and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations | 4 | The museum is listed as closed; ask separately about outdoor access |
| Simena | 4 | The boat excursion is not included in the archaeological-site admission charge |
18. Choosing an itinerary
| Main interest | Suggested stops | Planning consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Land-based archaeology | Myra and Saint Nicholas Church | Begin with the archaeological sights and allow travel and rest time |
| The ancient harbour | Andriake | Confirm access to the site and museum separately |
| Coastal scenery | Kekova and Üçağız | Ask about the boat route, trip duration and sea conditions |
| Village and castle | Kaleköy and Simena | Confirm the boat stop, time ashore and suitability of the steps for your group |
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