Antalya was quite an uncomfortable city with an extremely ugly beach and full of buildings. The cost of everything was easily three times what we had before. However, the accommodation was again extremely cheap with maybe around 30€ for an apartment with two rooms. This again saves a lot and was ultimately the reason to stop there. The next day we continued towards Demre. We wanted to see the flames at Mount Chimaera, but some highwaymen wanted money, so we didn’t go. In the end, we could have gone there from another direction. Overall, everything near Antalya and Olympos was extremely touristy and expensive. Later we drove then at Demre still something inland, because there again a famous old city was the free and ultimately only visited by us.
A road trip from Antalya to Demre is one of the most scenic and rewarding journeys you can take along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. This stretch of the Mediterranean is filled with dramatic mountain roads, crystal-clear bays, ancient ruins, and charming coastal towns. In this video, we take you along this unforgettable drive, exploring the highlights, hidden gems, and everything in between.
Our journey begins in Antalya, the vibrant capital of the Turkish Riviera. Known for its historic old town Kaleiçi, lively harbor, and golden beaches, Antalya is the perfect starting point. Before hitting the road, it’s worth strolling through Kaleiçi’s narrow cobblestone streets, where Ottoman-era houses, boutique shops, and cafés create a warm and colorful atmosphere. From the harbor, you can enjoy views of the cliffs and turquoise waters – a little preview of what’s to come.
Leaving Antalya, the coastal road heads west, winding its way between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. This is one of the most beautiful drives in Turkey, with breathtaking views at every turn. The mountains rise steeply to one side while the sea stretches endlessly to the other, dotted with hidden coves and small beaches. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to stop, take photos, or simply enjoy the view.
One of the first highlights on the road is Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city surrounded by pine forests and turquoise bays. Once a thriving port, Phaselis still impresses with its ruins, including a Roman theater, aqueduct, and ancient streets lined with stone arches. The real magic of Phaselis, however, is its location – the ruins lie right next to beautiful sandy beaches, where you can swim among history.
Further along the coast, we reach Olympos, another ancient city hidden in a lush valley near the sea. Olympos is known for its atmospheric ruins scattered through forests, giving the site a mysterious and almost magical feeling. Nearby is the famous Cirali Beach, a long, unspoiled stretch of sand that is also a nesting site for endangered loggerhead turtles. This part of the journey combines nature, history, and relaxation in perfect harmony.
Not far from Olympos, high in the mountains, lies Chimera (YanartaĹź), a natural wonder where flames have burned from the rocks for thousands of years due to escaping natural gas. A short hike brings you to this legendary site, which was once considered sacred in ancient mythology. Watching the eternal flames dance against the night sky is an unforgettable experience.
Continuing along the coastal road, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. The drive passes through small fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves where the turquoise water sparkles in the sun. Every few kilometers there are viewpoints where you can stop and take in the vast beauty of Turkey’s southern coast.
As we approach our destination, the road winds down into Demre, a town that blends history, legend, and natural charm. Demre is most famous for being the home of St. Nicholas, the real-life bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. The Church of St. Nicholas is a fascinating site filled with history and spiritual significance. Just outside town lies the ancient city of Myra, with its incredible Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs and a well-preserved Roman theater.
Nearby, the old harbor of Andriake and the Lycian Civilizations Museum tell even more stories of Demre’s past as a bustling port town. From here, it’s also possible to take boat trips to the Kekova region, famous for its sunken city and the charming village of Simena (Kaleköy).
This road trip from Antalya to Demre is more than just a drive – it’s an adventure through some of the most beautiful and culturally rich parts of Turkey. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient cities, swim in turquoise waters, hike to natural wonders, and experience the authentic charm of small coastal towns.
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