With about 12 km of shore, Patara Beach is known as Turkey’s second-longest beach after Hatay-Samandag. It lies in Gelemiş village, about 45 km from Kas, and is famous as a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead turtles.
Kilometres of clean sand still support the region’s sea tourism. Wind-shaped dunes make striking photos. Parts of the beach are reserved for turtles; planting umbrellas in the sand is forbidden in places. Be careful not to harm turtles or nests. The turquoise water is shallow and good for families. The beach helped popularise the idea of an ecological holiday in Turkey and draws visitors from around the world.
.jpg)
The beach takes its name from the magnificent ancient city 1.5 km inland, where you can see major Lycian works. Dating to the 5th century BC, Patara was one of Lycia’s oldest and most important cities and kept its role through the Middle Ages into the Turkish period.
It covers about 10 km² at the southwest end of the Xanthos valley between Fethiye and Kalkan, between the eastern acropolis wall, the western wall on Alakur Hill, Kurşunlutepe at the harbour mouth and the Kisik Pass to the north. Being the only sea outlet of Xanthos kept it important — and contested. In Arabic sources the name appears as Batara.
At the entrance stands a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch (c. AD 100). On the western slope a cemetery of Lycian sarcophagi stretches out. Vespasian Baths, a Corinthian temple, the main street, the harbour and a granary also survive. Myth places the story of Artemis and Apollo here.
The beach is 15 km from Kalkan on the D400. Distances: Kas 45 km, Fethiye 81 km, Antalya 376 km. Without a car, take Fethiye–Kas buses, get off at Ovakoy and walk about 3.5 km.
There are plenty of places to eat. Gelemiş village has restaurants and cafes; pide is the local favourite. Add Gelemiş to your route to swim and to see Patara’s history — and try the kusbasili pide.
