Patara Photo Gallery
Tours, hotels and attractions in Patara, Turkey
Patara
Patara is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean region, within the Kas district of Antalya province. The town lies close to the Lycian coast - about 45 km west of Kas and roughly 200 km southwest of Antalya. The sandy shoreline and the ruins of an ancient settlement make Patara a notable point on the region's tourist map.
Historically Patara is known as an important Lycian port and trading center, and in some sources as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. In antiquity the city played a role in the political and commercial life of Lycia, hosting government institutions and a seaport. Over the centuries Patara has retained cultural significance as an archaeological site with well-preserved ruins.
Today Patara is primarily seen as an ancient archaeological city that attracts history and archaeology enthusiasts. At the same time it is a popular destination for beach holidays: a long sandy beach adjoins the archaeological zones. Tourism in Patara is diverse - cultural, historical, beach and active recreation are all available here, including hiking on the Lycian Way and nature watching.
Tourist infrastructure includes organized tours to the excavations, information panels on site, small cafes and beach equipment rental points along the shore. Nearby there are hotels and guesthouses in Kas and surrounding settlements, and there are stops for tourist buses and parking for private vehicles along the road.
The climate in Patara is typically Mediterranean - warm dry summers and mild wet winters; the best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable for exploring the excavations and walking along the coast. When planning a trip it is important to consider the seasonality of beach tourism and the nesting period of sea turtles.
Useful landmarks for tourists include the Patara beach area, the coastal archaeological complex and the picturesque rural surroundings. The nearest major transport hubs are Antalya International Airport and Dalaman Airport, from which you can reach Kas and then Patara by bus or rented car.
Patara - sandy beach, ancient ruins and a nesting site for Mediterranean sea turtles.
Patara - Patara Beach
The main attraction of Patara combines archaeology and nature - an extended sandy beach and the adjacent ruins of an ancient city. Patara Beach is considered one of the longest in Turkey; during the summer months nesting Caretta-caretta turtles are protected here. Along the beach you can see the remains of the ancient port and antique fortifications, allowing you to combine swimming with sightseeing of archaeological monuments.
Within the archaeological complex the Roman theater, colonnaded streets, the bouleuterion - the Lycian council building - as well as necropoleis and the remains of bath complexes have been preserved. Visitor routes are laid out between key monuments; some excavations are open for free viewing, while others are fenced off for preservation. Guided tours provide a fuller understanding of the significance of each site and the history of Lycia.
Active recreation in Patara includes walks along the nearby section of the Lycian Way, birdwatching and boat trips from Kas to coastal bays. Photo walks across the dunes and evening visits to the ruins for softer light and cooler temperatures are popular. Small local tour agencies offer combined routes - beach and archaeology in one day.
Coastal cafes serve seafood, fresh salads and Mediterranean dishes seasoned with Turkish spices. The best months for swimming and observing marine life are from June to September, while spring and early autumn are more comfortable for excursions to the ruins and trails.
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