Myra

Myra lies on the northern edge of Demre, a small town on the coast road between Antalya and Kaş. Most visitors come for two things: the Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff face, and the large Roman theatre right below them.

Head to the theatre first. Among the fallen blocks of the stage building look for the friezes carved with theatre masks, the most photographed pieces on the site. Then walk to the sea necropolis west of the theatre, where the tomb facades imitate timber houses. The best view of the tombs is from the path below, standing back a little. The river necropolis on the east side is quieter. A visit takes an hour to an hour and a half.

There is little shade, so avoid the midday heat in summer and bring a hat and water. Tour coaches arrive through the day, so early visits are calmer. In the centre of Demre, the Church of St Nicholas, the bishop who became the model for Santa Claus, is a separate museum with its own entrance. A few kilometres south, the ancient harbour of Andriake and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations inside it make a good second stop. Check the hours on the museum page.