Side-Turkey.

Of all the ruins on the Turkish Riviera, few stop visitors in their tracks the way the cliff face at Myra does. Tucked into modern Demre, in Antalya province, this ancient Lycian city pairs two unforgettable sights in one compact archaeological park: a wall of house-shaped tombs carved straight into the rock, and below them one of the finest Roman theatres in the region. If you are joining a Demre Myra Kekova tour from Side or Antalya, Myra is usually the part people remember most. Here is what you are actually looking at, and why it matters.

The Lycian rock-cut tombs: a city for the dead in the cliffs

The Lycians, who controlled this corner of southwestern Anatolia long before the Romans, believed in honouring their dead high up, close to the sky. At Myra they carved tomb facades directly into the vertical limestone, shaping them to look like Lycian houses and small temples, complete with carved beams, pillars and pediments. Myra has two main necropolises: the river necropolis and the ocean (or sea) necropolis. According to the official Ministry of Culture and Tourism record, the carved reliefs on the tombs of the river necropolis are especially noteworthy.

Why the tombs look like houses

Look closely and you will see the tombs imitate the wooden architecture of Lycian homes, with rounded "beam ends" copied in stone. The idea seems to have been to give the dead a familiar dwelling. Most of these rock tombs are generally dated to the Lycian period centuries before the Roman era; for precise dating of individual tombs, the on-site information panels and official sources are your best guide.

The Roman theatre: one of Lycia's grandest

Right beneath the tomb cliff sits the Roman theatre, and the two together make Myra's signature view. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism describes it as one of the few ancient theatres to have survived in such condition to the present day, with the unusual feature of being built up against the rock-tomb cliff. Wander the seating tiers and you can still see carved theatrical masks and decorative blocks scattered among the stones, fragments of the rich stage building that once framed performances here.

A capital city in late antiquity

Myra was no minor town. It was one of the six leading cities of the Lycian League, each holding three votes, and it later rose to become the capital of Lycia, enjoying a heyday in the 5th century AD under the Eastern Roman emperor Theodosius II. The same Demre is where Saint Nicholas, the historical Santa Claus, served as bishop, which is why most tours pair Myra with the nearby Church of St. Nicholas and the sunken city of Kekova.

Quick Facts

• Duration: A long full day, early morning start and evening return, confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel transfers, guiding to Myra and the wider Demre–Kekova route; full inclusions confirmed at booking
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal extras unless stated; check official site / confirmed at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes, suitable for families; the theatre and tombs are a hit with children
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; summer is hot, bring water and a hat
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some uneven ancient steps and stone surfaces

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions from Side
• Things to do in Antalya
• Day trips from Alanya
• Excursions from Kemer
• Tours from Belek
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Myra ancient city?

Myra lies in modern Demre, a district of Antalya province on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It is most often visited as part of a Demre Myra Kekova day trip.

What can I see at Myra?

The two highlights are the Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff and the large Roman theatre directly below them, along with scattered carved masks and architectural fragments.

Why are the tombs carved into the cliff?

The Lycians honoured their dead in elevated rock tombs shaped like their own houses and temples, which is why the facades imitate wooden house architecture in stone.

How big is the Roman theatre?

It is considered one of the grandest theatres of ancient Lycia. For its exact capacity and dimensions, please check the official site information panels.

Is Myra connected to Santa Claus?

Yes. Saint Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus, served as bishop in Myra (Demre), and his church stands nearby, which is why tours combine the two.

What entrance fees apply?

Entrance fees can change, so we do not quote them here; they are confirmed at booking or available on the official site.

How long do I spend at Myra on the tour?

Myra is one stop on a long full-day route that also includes Demre and Kekova; the exact timing is confirmed at booking.

Is the site suitable for children?

Yes. Kids tend to love the dramatic tomb cliff and the theatre. Watch footing on the old stone steps and bring sun protection.

Ready to stand beneath Myra's tomb cliff yourself? Book your Demre Myra Kekova tour direct with the Murat Atalay team, no agency or online travel-site commission in between, and a best-price guarantee. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com and we will sort everything out personally.