Demre-Kaş Lycian Civilizations Route

The Route and Why This Order

This route combines the Lycian remains of Demre and the coastal stretch of Kaş district; given the total distance, it should be planned as a full-day car tour. It begins at Myra Ancient City in Demre; with its rock-cut tombs and large theatre, Myra — one of the important cities of the Lycian League — forms the route's historic opening. From there it's a short trip to the Church of St. Nicholas, about 1.6 km away; the two stops were planned back to back knowing that one is an ancient city and the other a religious/monumental site. The transfer to Andriake, Myra's ancient harbor, is brief; with Hadrian's Granary converted into a museum, this stop shows how trade functioned in the Lycian-Roman period. From there the route follows the coast to the Kekova area and Üçağız Village; touring Kekova — partly submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD — by boat offers the day's most distinctive experience. The route closes in the town of Kalkan in Kaş district — a modern holiday town well suited to a calm evening close after a day dense with ancient sites and a boat tour.

Duration, Distance and Getting Around

The total distance between stops is about 73 km; adding the Kekova boat tour, the route fills a full day of roughly 7-8 hours. Myra, the Church of St. Nicholas and Andriake are close enough to walk between; a car is needed for Kekova/Üçağız and Kalkan.

Best Time to Go

Visiting Myra and Andriake early in the morning helps avoid the heat at these shadeless sites. Kekova boat tours can also run in the afternoon; arriving in Kalkan near sunset is ideal for catching the town's evening atmosphere.

A Local Tip

The small fish restaurants in Üçağız Village are both more affordable and considerably calmer than the more touristic spots around Kekova — a good place to unwind after a long day.