Demre Myra Kekova tour from Belek

An excursion to Demre-Myra-Kekova from Belek is a fantastic way to delve into the rich history of Turkey. For a relatively affordable price, you can explore one of the earliest centers of Christianity. This pilgrimage takes you to holy places where St. Nicholas the Wonderworker spent his life.

Demre History

The renowned Turkish city of Demre is full of historical sights and precious architectural treasures, as its history spans many centuries. It is rightly considered the cradle of antiquity throughout Turkey. Until recently, the city was known as Kale, but in 2005, the authorities renamed it Demre, though many also call it Myra. The settlement was first mentioned in history in the 4th century BC. Throughout its existence, the city even served as the "heart" of the legendary Lycian Empire.

Evolution of Santa Claus

Demre can rightly be called the home of Christianity. It was here that Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) lived and preached. Visitors have the opportunity to see the ancient Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was once destroyed by an earthquake and later restored from ruins. A marble sarcophagus is located within the church, where, according to legend, St. Nicholas was buried. Tourists can also visit the house where he spent many years.

Travel agency Belek Tours offers the most affordable prices in the city. If you enjoy entertainment tours, consider choosing an excursion to the Waterpark in Belek.

Where is the Temple of St. Nicholas?

The Temple of Santa Claus the Wonderworker is located in Demre because this famous figure was born just 60 km away in the small town of Patara. The church itself is an incredibly valuable historical building from the Byzantine era. Centuries-old frescoes and murals have been perfectly preserved on its walls. The entire floor of the temple is paved with ancient mosaics, and the altar has survived remarkably well.

Many tourists notice card symbolism on the walls of the temple, symbols that are commonly associated with suits in playing cards. It turns out these symbols are tied to the Christian religion: hearts represent the heart of Christ, spades symbolize the spear that inflicted mortal wounds, diamonds represent the wound itself, and clubs signify the crucifixion. This is why playing cards have historically been considered a sin in Christian tradition.

Lycian Tombs in Myra

Myra is an ancient city famous for having the largest Lycian tombs in Turkey. These tombs are unique because they are carved directly into the rocks and were used to bury the wealthiest and most influential inhabitants of the ancient settlement. According to ancient legends, the souls of those buried here ascend directly to heaven. The ruins of the city reflect its former greatness and glory. During the tour, you will be able to see the ruins of the Greco-Roman theater and many other fascinating structures. You can book an excursion to Demre from Belek at a low cost from any hotel in the region.

Kekova: How to Get There

The island of Kekova in the Mediterranean is another highlight of the Demre-Myra-Kekova tour from Belek. In the northern part of the island, you can find the ruins of the ancient city of Dolchiste, which flourished in antiquity but was destroyed by an earthquake in the second century AD. The city's buildings are partially submerged in water, with the upper parts of some structures visible above the sea's surface, while the rest remains hidden. Along the coastline, you will see many artifacts and items from that area.

While cheking the outskirts of Demre, visitors will also reach the legendary island of Kekova, where the ancient city of Dolchiste once thrived. Today, the island still hides many secrets, which divers from around the world eagerly try to uncover. After the devastating earthquake, the city was reduced to ruins, but as you sail along the coastline of the island on a yacht, you can glimpse the remnants of ancient buildings, houses, and shrines.

During the excursion to the "city of the dead" in Turkey from Belek, guests will have a unique opportunity to walk among the ruins while on a yacht and admire the streets, port ruins, sarcophagi, stairs, walls, and columns through the glass windows on the bottom of the ship.