Side-Turkey.

Of all the stops on a Demre, Myra and Kekova day trip, Myra is the one that makes people fall silent. You round a path, look up, and an entire cliff face is honeycombed with tombs cut to look like little temples — a city of the dead carved straight into the rock, with a great Roman theatre resting at its feet. This guide focuses on Myra itself: what you are actually looking at, why it matters, and how to get the most from your time there.

The Lycian Rock Tombs: A City Carved Into Stone

Myra was an important member of the Lycian League, and its people had a striking way of honouring their dead. Rather than building separate mausoleums, they carved tombs directly into the vertical limestone cliffs, shaped like the carved fronts of Lycian houses and temples. The effect is unforgettable: tier upon tier of tomb facades climbing the rock, some with columns and pediments still crisply defined after more than two thousand years.

The river and sea necropoleis

Archaeologists describe two main tomb groups at Myra. The "ocean" (sea) necropolis sits just beside the theatre and is the cluster most visitors photograph. A second, the "river" necropolis, lies a short distance away along the Demre stream. The believers behind these tombs imagined the dead being carried upward, which is why the carvings climb so high.

The Roman Theatre at Myra's Feet

Below the tombs spreads one of the most impressive theatres in the whole Lycian region. Built in the Roman style on the slope, it could seat a large crowd in its day. An earthquake in the 2nd century damaged it, but it was rebuilt, and what survives lets you walk among the seating rows, peer at the carved theatrical masks and decorative blocks scattered across the site, and picture the city that once thrived here. Standing in the orchestra and looking up at the tombs above the stage is one of the great views in Lycia.

Myra, Demre and the Wider Day

Modern Demre (the district of Kale) grew up beside ancient Myra, and the two are usually visited together with the nearby Church of St Nicholas — the Byzantine church linked to the 4th-century bishop who inspired the Santa Claus legend. On the classic excursion, Myra and the church pair naturally with a boat trip out over Kekova and its famous Sunken City, where Lycian ruins slip beneath the clear water. Together they make one of the most rewarding history-and-coast combinations on the Turkish Riviera.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A day that mixes coach travel with a Kekova boat trip, confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Transfers and the Demre, Myra and Kekova itinerary; exact inclusions confirmed at booking
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal spending unless stated — check at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes — children enjoy the cliff tombs and the boat ride
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for mild walking weather; summer is warm and sunny
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — some uneven ancient stone and gentle slopes; wear sturdy shoes

Related Excursions

• Tours from Side
• Tours from Antalya
• Tours from Alanya
• Tours from Kemer
• Tours from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are the rock tombs at Myra?

They are Lycian burial chambers carved directly into the cliff, shaped like the fronts of houses and temples. They form two necropoleis near the theatre and are the most famous sight at Myra.

Can you go inside the tombs?

For conservation, access is controlled and you generally view the facades from designated viewpoints rather than climbing into them. Please follow site signage and staff guidance, confirmed on the day.

Is the Roman theatre still standing?

Yes. It was damaged by an earthquake and rebuilt in antiquity, and a great deal survives — seating rows, carved decorative blocks and theatrical masks scattered around the site.

Is Myra the same place as the Church of St Nicholas?

They are neighbours. Myra is the ancient city with the tombs and theatre; the Church of St Nicholas is in modern Demre nearby, and most day trips visit both.

How much does it cost to enter Myra?

Entrance fees are set by the authorities and can change. Please check the official site or confirm what your tour includes at booking — we never quote invented figures.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable, sturdy shoes for uneven stone, sun protection, water, and a hat in summer. A light layer is handy in spring and autumn.

Is it suitable for older travellers or children?

Generally yes. The main viewing areas are accessible with some gentle slopes; let us know about any mobility needs at booking so we can advise.

Why book this trip directly with you?

Because we are a local operator, booking DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.

Ready to stand beneath Myra's cliff of tombs and sail over the Sunken City of Kekova? Book your Demre, Myra and Kekova day trip DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out agency and OTA commission and back every booking with our best-price guarantee.