Patara Beach & Ancient City of Patara
Patara beach is a beautiful 18-kilometer long stretch of sand in Turkey, located on the Mediterranean coast. With crystal clear waters, sand dunes, and stunning sunsets, it’s a must-visit for any beach lover. The beach is also home to the ancient city of Patara, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on Patara beach, including:
1. Swimming: The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and long, shallow shorelines, making it perfect for swimming.
2. Sunbathing: With plenty of space to spread out, you can relax on the soft sand and soak up the sun.
3. Surfing: The beach has good waves, making it popular for surfing.
4. Horseback riding: You can take a ride along the beach on horseback, which is a great way to explore the area.
5. Beach volleyball: Many visitors enjoy playing beach volleyball on the soft sand.
6. Hiking: The area around Patara beach is beautiful and perfect for hiking.
7. Visiting the ancient ruins: The beach is home to the ancient city of Patara, which is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
8. Watching the sunset: Patara beach is known for its stunning sunsets, so be sure to stay until the end of the day to enjoy the view.
The Patara ruins are an impressive collection of ancient structures located in the Patara ancient city in Turkey. The ruins include a well-preserved amphitheater, a temple dedicated to Apollo, a necropolis, and a variety of other structures and artifacts. Visitors to Patara can explore the ruins and learn about the city’s rich history, including its importance as a major port and center of commerce in ancient times.
Patara is believed to date back to the 8th century BCE when it was founded as a city-state by the Lycian people. The city grew in importance over the centuries and became a major port and trading center in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Patara was an important center of culture and education, and it was the birthplace of the famous philosopher and statesman, Apollonius of Tyana. The city was also an important religious center and was home to the famous Temple of Apollo. Patara declined in the Byzantine period and was eventually abandoned in the 11th century CE.
Good to Know
Beach Life
Rich in History
Santa didn't come from North Pole!
Accommodation choices
A Place to Eat
Nearby Patara
There are several interesting sites and attractions near Patara, including:
1. The ancient city of Xanthos, which was the capital of the Lycian League and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Saklıkent Gorge, a stunning natural wonder with high cliffs, icy cold water, and beautiful scenery.
3. The ruins of the ancient city of Letoon, which was an important religious center in the Lycian period.
4. The town of Kalkan, which is a picturesque fishing village with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
5. The Kekova Island, which is home to the ruins of a sunken city and is a popular destination for boat tours.
6. The famous beach town of Ölüdeniz, which is known for its beautiful beaches and paragliding opportunities.
7. The Patara National Park, which is home to the longest beach in Turkey and is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
