Myra and Demre

Lycian Toombs – Myra



We anchor well clear of the many gullets pulled in here and plan to walk to Myra 6 km away. Deep Blue set off ahead as the Matelot crew are still gathering themselves on board, however this proves to be an advantage because Pippy and Richard are given a lift by a passing good Samaritan and make it to Demre ahead of Andy and Brenda.

St Nicholas' church is very interesting and well worth the 10TKL per person to visit it. Pippy and Richard are more than happy to offer thanks to the patron saint of all sailors! A short 2 km walk from here to the Myra site is soon accomplished and we are astonished at the many ornate Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs in this amazing place, not to mention the huge theatre which was converted by the Romans for gladiatorial events. In its heyday the Lycian population of the whole coast was around 200,000 people and Myra was one of the six major cities of the Lycian League. It was possible in those days to sail right up to the city, but the river has now silted over and created a fertile river plain. The earthquakes have done their work here as everywhere and the tumbled building blocks bear witness to this.

Rock Friezes – Myra – 5th Century BC








On our arrival back on Matelot we find we are side-on to a most uncomfortable swell which rocks the boat so much that we know we cannot spend the night here. We motor approx 2 nm west across the bay to the small group of islands and sheltered water known as Gokkaya Limani, making for the calm and beautiful anchorage close to the “Boathouse” in the north western creek. It is so magical here, we stay two nights, swimming and exploring the ruins ashore.


Matelot and Deep Blue are grateful for this peaceful sheltered anchorage after a very busy and eventful day!


The Lycian Way walkway winds its way along the shore through this bay and we see walkers pass by from time to time and tents popping up at night. We have this anchorage practically to ourselves, but this all changes on 1 May – the official start of the season – when gullets begin to appear. We hope that they are picking up the rubbish that scars the beauty of this place.