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TÜRSAB licensed · D-12490
Demre✈ 145 km from AYT⏱ 130 min🎟 €5 adult · Museum Pass valid

Private Transfer toSt. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)

The 4th-century Byzantine church of St. Nicholas — the original Santa Claus — in Demre.

From Antalya Airport · per vehicle95EUR
About this attraction

St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)

St. Nicholas Church in Demre is the original 4th-century Byzantine church where St. Nicholas of Myra served as bishop — the historical figure whose legends evolved into Father Christmas / Santa Claus. Restored frescoes, the saint's original sarcophagus (he was later moved to Bari, Italy), and the basilica's intact mosaic floors. Combine with Myra rock-tombs (2 km away) for a half-day Demre trip.

Opening hours
Tue–Sun 08:30-19:00 summer, 08:30-17:00 winter. Closed Mondays.
Entry fee
€5 adult · Museum Pass valid.
What to see / do

Highlights of St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)

Byzantine basilica
4th-century church, partly preserved with apse, side chapels and dome supports intact.
🎨
Restored frescoes
Byzantine wall paintings on the apse and side chapels — recently restored by Turkish archaeological team.
St. Nicholas sarcophagus
The original empty tomb of the saint — relics moved to Bari, Italy in 1087.
🎄
December pilgrimage
Each 6 December, a special service marks the saint's feast day — pilgrims from Orthodox countries especially.
Practical tips

Trip tricks for St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)

🌅
Beat the bus tours
Open at 08:30 — be the first in. Cruise tours arrive 10:30-12:00.
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Pre-read the legend
The St. Nicholas → Santa Claus story is fascinating and makes the visit far richer.
🚐
Combine with Myra
Myra rock tombs and theatre are 2 km away — natural half-day combo.
Pickup from your hotel

Transfer prices to St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)

Fixed price in EUR for a private Eco Van (up to 6 guests) — larger Vito and V-Class options available at booking.

From
Vehicle
One-way
Round trip
Antalya Airport (AYT)145 km · 130 min
Eco Van
95
190
Demre145 km from AYT
Eco Van
95
190
Kaş195 km from AYT
Eco Van
140
280
Kalkan215 km from AYT
Eco Van
153
306
Antalya City13 km from AYT
Eco Van
25
50
Kemer55 km from AYT
Eco Van
55
110

Round-trip includes up to 6 hours wait time. Need longer? Message us for a flat day-rate.

FAQ

St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus) transfer · frequently asked

How much is a transfer from Antalya Airport to St. Nicholas Church?

Around €95 in a Eco Van one-way — 130 minutes via the D-400.

Is it the real Santa Claus?

Yes — St. Nicholas of Myra (4th-century Greek bishop) is the historical figure whose Greek/Russian/Western legends combined into the modern Santa Claus character.

How long does a visit take?

60 minutes for the church. Add 90 min for Myra ruins. Half-day total.

Is it still an active church?

No — it's a museum. The local Greek Orthodox community holds a single service each 6 December (saint's feast day).

Book transfer to St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)

1Trip details
Pickup Date
Pickup Time
2Your details
Estimated
Antalya Airport → Demre
EUR95
No card required · Cash or card on arrival · Free cancellation up to 24 h
TÜRSAB licence D-12490 · €100,000 passenger insurance · Pay the driver on arrival
From AYT · fixed95St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus)
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