Patara has one of Turkey’s longest beaches and is still relatively unspoilt. The city that gave the beach its name was once powerful; today the shore is a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, which is why it feels more natural than many beaches.
Clear sea and pine forest draw thousands of visitors a year. Start with Patara Beach and Patara Ancient City.
Among Turkey’s finest and longest beaches, close to Kas and Kalkan, and still natural. Barriers separate the ancient city from the sand. Turtle nesting means the beach is protected.
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A famous harbour city of the ancient world, now a place of ruins. It sits between Kalkan and Fethiye and was a key Lycian settlement because it was the only sea outlet of the Xanthos valley. Put it first on a Patara stay.
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A canyon-mouth beach, so the water stays cool even in heat. There are no kiosks; bring what you need. If you do not want to stay only in Patara, go.
One of Lycia’s largest and oldest settlements, once a religious and administrative centre. It saw many wars, yet many remains survive. A good break from sea and sand.
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An important religious centre between Kalkan and Fethiye, with three temples side by side. Do not leave without seeing them.
In Demre. St Nicholas (Santa Claus) lived here. There is a theatre, rock tombs on both sides, and Roman walls. The theatre is still impressive.
Built after the death of St Nicholas, who was born in Patara and spent his life helping the poor and children. Foreign visitors come in numbers. You can combine it with Myra in one day.
