Demre is a small coastal town and district located in Antalya Province in southern Turkey, along the Mediterranean Sea. It lies within the ancient region of Lycia and is positioned between the Taurus Mountains to the north and a fertile coastal plain to the south. Although modest in size, Demre holds exceptional historical, cultural, and archaeological significance.
The modern town is relatively low-density and surrounded by extensive greenhouse agriculture, citrus groves, and open farmland. Unlike nearby mass-tourism centers, Demre has retained a quiet, local character and a strong connection to traditional livelihoods. The population is comparatively small, and daily life remains closely tied to agriculture and seasonal tourism.
Demre has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, rainy winters. These conditions support year-round agricultural production, particularly greenhouse vegetables, fruits, and citrus. Tourism in Demre is primarily cultural and historical, attracting visitors interested in archaeology, religious heritage, and the ancient Lycian landscape rather than large-scale resort tourism.
History
Demre stands adjacent to the ancient city of Myra, one of the most important cities of ancient Lycia. Myra was inhabited from at least the 5th century BCE and became a powerful city during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Its location near the coast and fertile hinterland made it a major political, religious, and commercial center.
During Roman rule, Myra flourished, and many of its most impressive structures were built, including the large theater, monumental tombs carved into cliffs, and civic buildings. In the early Christian era, Myra gained international importance as the seat of Saint Nicholas, who served as bishop in the 4th century CE. His reputation for generosity and miracles spread throughout the Christian world and later evolved into the legend of Santa Claus.
In the Byzantine period, Myra remained an important religious center, but from the 7th century onward it suffered from Arab raids, silting of its harbor, and shifting trade routes. Over time, the city was gradually abandoned. The region later came under Seljuk and Ottoman rule, and modern Demre developed as a rural agricultural settlement in the late Ottoman and early Republican periods. Archaeological excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries brought renewed attention to the area’s historical importance.
Geology
Demre’s geological setting reflects the transition between the Mediterranean coastal plain and the Taurus Mountain system. The low-lying coastal area consists mainly of alluvial sediments deposited by rivers over thousands of years, creating highly fertile soils that support intensive agriculture.
To the north, limestone formations dominate the landscape, producing typical karst features such as caves, fissures, underground streams, and steep rocky slopes. These limestone cliffs provided ideal surfaces for the carving of Lycian rock tombs and influenced ancient construction techniques.
The ancient harbor of Andriake, once Myra’s main port, gradually became silted due to sediment carried by rivers from the mountains. This geological process played a significant role in Myra’s decline. The region is also influenced by tectonic activity, as southern Anatolia lies within an active seismic zone.
Things to See
Demre offers one of the most concentrated collections of archaeological and historical sites in southern Turkey:
Archaeological and Historical Sites
- Myra Ancient City, featuring monumental Lycian rock-cut tombs
- Roman theater of Myra, one of the largest and best preserved in Lycia
- Church of St. Nicholas, an important Christian pilgrimage site
- Andriake ancient harbor, including granaries and harbor structures
Natural and Coastal Attractions
- Mediterranean coastline near Andriake
- Coastal plains and agricultural landscapes
- Views of the Taurus Mountains
- Walking paths through archaeological and natural areas
Cultural and Local Life
- Small museums and visitor centers
- Local markets offering regional produce
- Traditional Mediterranean and Lycian-influenced cuisine
- Religious festivals and cultural events linked to Saint Nicholas