Andriake was the port of the ancient city of Myra, at the point where the Demre river empties into the sea. It is still used as a pier where many tourists visit to embark on boat tours to discover the surroundings.
In this article, you will find all the important information you need to know before visiting the ancient city of Andriake, including history, activities, location, tours, and access.
Let's discover Andriake in Demre!
What Can I Do In Andriake?
Andriake is located in the Demre district in Antalya. It served as the harbor for the ancient city of Myra.
At this ancient site, you will encounter a bath complex, an agora, workshops, a synagogue, a church, honorary monuments, and a cistern. The historical granarium structure (granary) has been turned into a museum about the Lycian Civilization.
Lycian Civilization Museum
Lycian Civilization Museum is located in this ancient city and you can visit both the ancient city of Andriake and the museum with a single ticket.
At the entrance to the museum, there is a short informative film about the Lycian Civilization. In the museum, you should definitely see the simulation of a ship docked in a Lycian city.
The museum building was built after the restoration of the Granarium (Imperial Silo), which was built in 129-130 AD. It consists of 8 sections arranged on behalf of the cities in the Lycian League and is 2,307 m2.
Boat Tours to Kekova from Andriake (Cayagzı)
This is the best starting point for daily boat trips to Kaleköy, Kekova - the Sunken City, Uçağız, and Tersane Bay. Here, you can rent a boat with your own small group or join a mixed group.
On these tours, you have the chance to see ancient structures submerged under water. It takes about 25 minutes to reach Kekova Island. Once you arrive on the island, there is about one hour of free time to visit the Kaleköy settlement. The trip continues with swimming breaks in the beautiful bays of the Mediterranean.
Cayağzı Beach
Çayağzı Beach, with its shallow and clear water is especially suitable for families with small children.
Entrance, Tickets, and Tours
The price for this excursion is about € 17.84 per person and it lasts about 8 hours. The excursion boat departs from the Andiake harbor and sets off for Kekova Island.
While cruising along the sea and relaxing on the sunny deck, you can see the ruins of the sunken city of Simena and see Kaleköy's Byzantine castle from a distance.
How to Get to Andriake
Andriake is located between Kekova and Demre. It's the in the Demre district, west of Antalya and about is 5 km away from the center of Demre and 45 km from Kaş.
By car: The brown that says "Cayagzı-Andriake" on the Kaş-Demre road, will direct you to the ancient city.
By bus: You can reach Çayağzı, where Andiake is located, with a public bus departing from the Demre bus station.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Andriake is located between Kekova and Demre. It's the in the Demre district, west of Antalya and about is 5 km away from the center of Demre and 45 km from Kaş.
By car: The brown that says "Cayagzı-Andriake" on the Kaş-Demre road, will direct you to the ancient city.
By bus: You can reach Çayağzı, where Andiake is located, with a public bus departing from the Demre bus station.
At this ancient site, you will encounter a bath complex, an agora, workshops, a synagogue, a church, honorary monuments, and a cistern. Also, the historical granarium structure (granary) has been turned into a museum about the Lycian Civilization.
The price for the entrance to Andriake is 12.5 TL in 2021. You can visit Andriake and the museum inside with a single ticket. The Museum Card is valid for Andriake.
The History of Andriake
There was a settlement in Andriake as a small Lycian city, although it was famed as the harbor of Myra in the ancient times. Anrdiake was an important port in the Lycian region, similar to the ancient cities of Patara and Phaselis.
Myra was very important city where the church of St. Nicholas was located. Nicholas of Myra, was the bishop and the church is where the saint's tomb is located. As the port for this important and rich city, Andriake participated heavily in trade.
