General Information
Demre; one of the most beautiful provinces of Southern Turkey, one that has survived from ancient times, the homeland of Santa Clause.
Demre was one of the most important cities of Lykian civilization with its earliest settlements dating back to 5th century. Today it is a location that enchants its visitors with its historic remains and its natural beauty.
Warm throughout most of the year, this interesting place where the sun sheds light on history welcomes visitors throughout the year.
Attractions
Once one of the most important six cities of Ancient Lykia, Demre today as well, is one of the most important provinces of Antalya, the pearl of Southern Turkey.
Set at the foot of the Taurus Mountains next to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, Demre is also known as “the Castle of Santa Clause”
Demre, where St. Nicholas; known throughout the world as Santa Clause, spent most of his life and passed away, is famous for the church and museum of St. Nicholas. The museum holds a historic church and a chapel where a sarcophagus believed to belong to St. Nicholas is placed.
The ancient city of Myra is another important place with amazing historic remains. Famous for its rock graves, the city welcomes thousands of people interested in history. This city is also where St. Nicholas served as a bishop. An ancient theater, a basilica and a necropolis are among the most interesting historic pieces you can see in Myra which means “Divine Mother Goddess”.
The historic remains of Andriace, the coastal town of Mira are situated at the foot of the mount at the mouth of the harbor. The agora, a silo building and aqueducts are among the historic pieces you can see. The beach in Myra where the blue waters of the sea meet the sun, is also a habitat for the caretta carettas.
The sunken city of Kekova is one of the most interesting places to discover in Demre. The Kekova Island, the ancient city of Aperlai, Toprakada and Karaada are the residential areas. A favorite destination of blue voyages, Kekova is a unique place with its amazing nature and historic pieces.
Theimussa, known locally as the Üçağız Bay, is an ancient city which is also a natural harbor. Most of the historic remains in this area are ancient graves belonging to the Hellenistic and Roman times.
The ancient city of Sura, close to Myra, is accepted as one of the oracle places of Apollo. Here you can also see remains of the Temple of Apollo and the acropolis.
Demre hosts many ancient cities to visit. In the ancient city of Kyaenai situated steep rocks, you can visit an ancient theater, an acropolis and a necropolis alongside sarcophagi dating back to Roman times. The Demre Castle, Asar Castle, the Vicarage, Içme Suyu and the Cave of Pirates are among the authentic and historic places you must visit.
Demre, situated in Antalya, one of the most beautiful regions of Mediterranean, is looking forward to sharing its beauties dating from ancient times.
Events
Demre as the home land of St. Nicholas--, who is better known as Santa Clause-- where he had lived and died, is the center of both historic structures and cultural activities.
The Festival of Call for World Peace with Santa Clause is an international annual event organized every year on December 1-7. This festival which brings many different cultures together promises many enjoyable activities.
How can I get there?
Antalya is one of the cities with the most advanced transportation means and it offers many different options for you to get to Demre in a short time.
The shortest way to get to Antalya would be flying into one of the two airports in the city. Antalya is within reach from anywhere in Turkey via highway, and your journey from Antalya to Demre will be a very pleasant one on a highway surrounded by pine trees.
There are many daily busses that take visitors from Antalya to this amazing place in a very short time.
If you are interested in taking part in this great experience, book your tickets now!
Source: http://goturkey.com/
