Patara is two destinations in one. On the Lycian coast between Fethiye and Kalkan, an 18-kilometre sweep of white sand meets the ruins of the ancient capital of Lycia — and the whole place is also the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Few sites in Turkey combine a world-class beach with archaeology so completely.
Patara Beach is one of the longest and finest beaches in the Mediterranean, a protected sweep of sand backed by dunes and with almost no development. It is a nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), so sections are fenced off during the nesting season and umbrellas and loungers are limited — which is exactly why it feels so unspoiled. Come early in the morning for the light and the space.
Patara was the capital of the Lycian League, the ancient federation of Lycian cities, and its ruins are among the most rewarding on the coast. Highlights include:
The site is still being excavated, so new finds appear year on year.
St. Nicholas — the historical figure behind Santa Claus — was born in Patara around AD 270 before becoming bishop of nearby Myra (modern Demre), where his church still stands. For more on Turkey's Christian heritage, see our guide to Biblical sites in Turkey.
Patara lies beside the village of Gelemiş, about 15 minutes from Kalkan (Kalkan) and 45 minutes from Fethiye (Fethiye). There is a single combined ticket for the ruins and the beach, and you walk from the village through the ruins to the sand. A car or dolmuş is the easiest way to get there; organised day trips run from the coast.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal — warm sea, softer light and fewer people. Midsummer is hot and busy; the beach is at its best in the early morning and late afternoon.
There is a single ticket that covers both the ancient city and the beach; it is modest and helps fund the conservation of the site and the turtle nesting area.
Yes — the beach is superb for swimming, with a gentle shelf and clear water. Swimming is restricted in the fenced turtle-nesting zones.
Half a day covers the ruins and a swim; a full day lets you enjoy both properly.
Tell us where you want to go and get a personalised itinerary in seconds.