A CULTURE-FILLED DAY TRIP

An enjoyable and culture-filled Spring day trip leads you to the areas surrounding Demre.

Hop in the car, and get on the main road heading towards Antalya. After the Opet petrol station, follow the road to the right. Between the villages of Yavu and Davazlar, you drive through scenery dotted with small valleys. After the Gurses junction, and some sharp bends in the road, you reach a hill with a scenic view of the Demre plains.  Head south from here, and turn right when you see a sign for “Andriake”.Park at the Museum of Lycian Civilizations. This museum was founded a only a few years ago, and contains some of the best examples of restored artifacts in Turkey. The building of the museum is an enormouse warehouse, located at the ancient port town of Andriake. The warehouse was used to store grain that was eventually exported to Rome. This valuable, cultural heritage spot was made possible by the work of archaeologist Prof. Nevzat Celik, and his dedicated team. It puts you in awe of Lykia, the unique cradle of civilization. The museum is both open-air and enclosed, and throughout, there are chronologically ordered works, interactive exhibits, and a replica of a Bronze Age cargo ship, anchored in the restorated port. and Yerebatan’s magical underground cistern.

If you are feeling hungry after you finish the tour, head to Suluklu Beach. Kumsal Restaurtant, with it’s thatched roof, inviting ambience, and tasty food is the perfect place for a mid-day break. After your meal, you can take on the crashing waves, bask in the sun while listening to  background music, take a walk on the beach, or simply be thankful for the drops from the sea that touch your face.

If you have time on the way back, a trip to the magnificent Myra amphitheatre is highly recommended.

Myra Antique City is particularly well-known for the Lycia era sarcophagi, the Roman period amphitheatre, and the Byzantine period Saint Nicholas Church (Santa Claus). The sarcophagi, Lycia scriptures and coins show that Myra continued to exist at least from the 5th century BC onwards.

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