Elevation Profile
Route Description
A richly historical stage with four variants. All routes eventually converge on Demre (ancient Myra), home of the spectacular rock-cut tombs and the church of St Nicholas.
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Stage Guide
Everything you need to know before you walk
Stage 18 is historically the richest stage on the entire route. The rock-cut tombs of Myra are among the finest Lycian monuments in existence — two groups of multi-storey tomb facades carved directly into sheer cliff faces, painted in vivid colours in antiquity (traces remain). They are extraordinary.
The Church of Saint Nicholas in central Demre is where the historical Saint Nicholas (the basis for Santa Claus) served as bishop in the 4th century AD. The church is well-preserved and genuinely moving.
Demre itself is a functional agricultural town rather than a tourist destination — it exists to grow tomatoes under glass. But the historical sites make it essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information for hiking Stage 18