Destination Guide
Myra is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Turkey — Lycian rock tombs carved into a cliff face in the 4th century BC, an enormous Roman theatre, and the Church of St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus) in nearby Demre. It's a 55 km drive from Kemer (75 minutes) via the D400. A rental car makes visiting easy and lets you combine it with Kekova or Kaş for an epic day trip.
Getting there: take the D400 west from Kemer for 55 km (75 minutes). Myra is located in the town of Demre. Follow the brown 'Myra' tourist signs into the town centre. The rock tombs and theatre share a single site with a car park at the entrance (free, limited spaces — arrive before 11:00 in summer). Entry: ~€8–10. The site is compact — you can see everything in 1–1.5 hours. St. Nicholas Church is 2 km away in central Demre — drive there and park nearby (street parking). Entry: ~€5.
What to see at Myra: (1) The Rock Tombs — the absolute highlight. Dozens of elaborate Lycian tombs carved directly into the vertical cliff face, some with intricate reliefs and inscriptions. The most impressive are the 'Lion Tomb' and the painted tomb chamber. The scale is breathtaking — photos don't do justice to standing beneath a 100-metre cliff covered in 2,400-year-old tombs. (2) The Roman Theatre — one of the largest and best-preserved in Lycia, seating 10,000. Remarkably intact stage building with elaborate carved masks and mythological scenes. Still used for performances today. (3) St. Nicholas Church — the bishop of Myra in the 4th century AD, whose legend of secret gift-giving evolved into Santa Claus. The church contains his empty sarcophagus, beautiful Byzantine frescoes, and is an active pilgrimage site.
Driving tips: the D400 west from Kemer is spectacular — coastal views the entire way. Myra's car park is small — arrive before 11:00 in summer to park easily. Combine Myra with: Kekova sunken city (30 km further, boat trip from Üçağız), or continue to Kaş (30 km further). A perfect day: leave Kemer 08:00, Myra 09:15–10:45, drive to Üçağız (30 min), Kekova boat tour (2 hours), back by 17:00. Or: Myra in the morning, lunch in Demre, Kaş in the afternoon. The flexibility of a rental car makes these combinations possible.
55 km west on D400 to Demre (75 minutes). Follow brown 'Myra' signs. Free car park. Entry ~€8–10. Rock tombs and theatre on one site. St. Nicholas Church is 2 km away in Demre centre (~€5 entry).
Absolutely — they're among the most impressive ancient tombs in Turkey. The scale of the cliff face covered in 2,400-year-old tombs is breathtaking. Combined with the Roman theatre and St. Nicholas Church, Myra is one of the best day trips from Kemer.
Yes — Kekova sunken city is 30 km further (boat trips from Üçağız), Kaş is 30 km, and Demre's St. Nicholas Church is 2 km from Myra. With a rental car, you can see all of these in one packed but rewarding day.
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