Holiday in Patara

What makes Patara special as a destination?

Patara on the Lycian coast combines one of the longest and most beautiful natural beaches in all of Turkey with an ancient city of outstanding historical significance. The 18-kilometer-long golden sandy beach stretches gently to the horizon and is also a protected nesting site for the Loggerhead turtle — which is why it is closed in the evenings and remains wonderfully undeveloped and quiet during the day. The ancient city of Patara was the capital of the Lycian League and the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, who later became the model for Santa Claus as the Bishop of Myra. The uncovered parliament building (Bouleuterion) is considered one of the oldest democratic assembly houses in the world. The monumental lighthouse, the main gate, the theater, and the street of columns convey an impressive picture of this once significant port city. The dunes behind the beach form an almost desert-like landscape that is bathed in warm golden light at sunset — photo opportunities reminiscent of the Sahara. Unlike many Turkish seaside resorts, Patara is still a quiet, unspoiled place: small guesthouses instead of large hotels, family-run restaurants instead of hotel buffets. The nearby Lycian Way leads directly through the ruins and connects Patara with the neighboring towns of Kalkan and Kas. Patara is the perfect destination for those seeking antiquity, nature, and endless beach without mass tourism.