Demre

Demre lies between Kaş and Finike on the plain where Myra, one of the most important cities of the Lycian League, once stood. Today it is a quiet district known for greenhouse farming — yet historically it is one of the densest sites in Antalya, usually visited as a day trip from Kaş or Kalkan.

Its best-known building is the Church of St Nicholas. This is where Nicholas, bishop of Myra in the 4th century and the figure who became Santa Claus in world culture, lived and was buried. The frescoes and mosaic floors are significant examples of Byzantine art, drawing visitors from around the world each December.

Myra itself is famous for house-type tombs carved into the rock: dozens of them lined along a sheer cliff face, shaped like temple façades. A well-preserved Roman theatre stands beside them. A few kilometres away, Andriake was Myra's ancient harbour; its Museum of Lycian Civilisations and vast Roman granary (Horrea Hadriani) are skipped by most visitors but well worth the detour.