Top Things to do in Demre (Kale)
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What to do and see in Demre (Kale), Turkish Mediterranean Coast: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Demre (Kale), Turkey including Arykanda, Kekova Island, Rock tombs in Myra, Castle of Simena, Church of St. Nicholas, Kyaneai, Santa Claus Museum, Myra Antik Kenti, Kekova Tekne Turu - Ayla Boat Tours, Andriake Ancient City.
Restaurants in Demre (Kale)
1. Arykanda
2. Kekova Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 911 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
Kekova Sound is on the southern coast of Turkey, protected the open Mediterranean by Kekova Island. As there are few roads traversing the rugged landscape, it is best explored by boat: sailboats, motorized tour boats, glass bottomed boats, canoes and kayaks are all available for hire at the Üçağız village docks. Rocky limestone headlands plunge into the sound, forming little bays, inlets and lagoons perfect for swimming. Occasional fish can be spotted in the crystal-clear water. On the northern side of Kekova Island are the partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste (Greek:Dolikisthe), an ancient town destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century. The town was rebuilt and flourished during the Byzantine Empire period, but abandoned because of Arab incursions. Ancient buildings and walls are visible on the steep shore and submerged under water (the ruins are protected, so shore excursions and swimming are not permitted). The northwest of the island has another abandoned town, Tersane, meaning "dockyard", as its bay was the site of an ancient city Xera and harbor.) It has ruins of a Byzantine church. This area of Turkey is called the "Turquoise Coast", for its beautiful natural landscape and clear waters. I enjoyed a day cruise, watching sea birds from our boat. As i viewed the rugged landscape, I could see why boat traffic connected coastal towns and facilitated commerce. Protected harbors such as Kekova Sound would have been very desirable. Viewing sunrise or sunset reflected in the sound is a sublime experience.
3. Rock tombs in Myra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By 566katit
We visited Turkey with my and my sister's family in 2017 and then I found a private tourguide by googling around for such services. I was not so sure about it, because how do you know, right? The day we had in Perge and Aspendos then gave me full confidence to contact our tour guide Aykut again now that we were coming back. He organized a nice air-conditioned van for all of us (my family has 2 kids, my sister's 3, and we had another friend along this time, so 10 people altogether) to drive to Demre and then on to Kekova, where we had the most lovely boat trip (and lunch on the boat) around the Kekova island turquoise waters. In Demre we visited the "Santa Claus" church (St. Nicolaus church) and Myra Rock Tombs. History and the beauty of nature in a day to remember with a thoughtful and knowledgable guide. I highly recommend Mr. Aykut Altınışık, e-mail: [email protected]
4. Castle of Simena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By inflexible85 - Canakkale, Turkey
Being in Simena (now Kaleköy), an ancient Lycian city, it is a fortress that you must visit with its terrifying location dating back to the 4th century BC. t is one of the rare settlements in Turkey, where you can reach only by water way. Or you need to come to the area from the bay at the back of the castle by a vehicle - there is a cemetery here - and take a short climb to the castle from here. I reached this castle by climbing from this place and as you approach, you see sarcophagi everywhere. I don't remember seeing so many sarcophagi elsewhere together. Even at these points where you approach the castle the view of Kekova Bay is great, you cannot imagine how great from the top of the castle. You can go up to the top parts of this castle, which you can enter with Müzekart as well, and enjoy the eye-catching vie, you do not even want to leave here. I felt regret that I hadn't been here before.
5. Church of St. Nicholas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Reviewed By 1973LYS - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Not too far away from Myra Ancient City, there is Church St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was born and the bishop of Patara known as St. Claus (or Sinterklaas in Dutch). Thus East Roman Basilica church is decorated with beautiful vibrant frescoes of life and miracles of St. Nicholas, amazing architecture, and one of UNESCO tentative heritage sites. There is also a broken sarchopagus which was believed to be the first burial of St. Nicholas.
6. Kyaneai
7. Santa Claus Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By patriciaaaak - Las Vegas, United States
This museum has very nice and interesting things. Entrance price is really cheap. Santa's tomb was here. the monuments and sculptures are very interesting and clean. where is we came Demre loves history. Thanks!!!
8. Myra Antik Kenti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
Reviewed By 1973LYS - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
It is said to be more splendid than Xantos during the Byzantium period. The amphitheatre - characteristic of Roman engineering was the biggest one in Lycia with its rock-cut tombs carved in the cliff above and beside the theatre. Myra was known to be one of five cities in Lycia besides Tlos, Patara, Xantos, Olympos, and Pinara. I took a picture of one interesting reliefs, anyone can tell me what this is?
9. Kekova Tekne Turu - Ayla Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Experience Kekova during this Boat Trip from Demre. On this boat trip, you will cruise the calm waters to Kekova Island. Enjoy an excursion to the sunken city of Simena and savor lots of chances to swim and snorkel along the way. Full-day trip from Demre Harbour, a province on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Sail to Kekova Island, where you will have the chance to swim or snorkel Learn about the sunken city of Simena at Kekova Island
10. Andriake Ancient City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By S7296GJpaule
We visited this site one Morning from kaş, Well worth the visit Brilliant museum on site , Also a good gift shop and small cafe
