Patara Beach, an expanse of pristine sand and lagoons on the south of Turkey is one of the finest stretches of sand in the region. With stunning Roman ruins set inland from the beach, it’s a perfect place to stop off for a couple of days before moving onto the larger resorts closer to Antalya or Fethiye. Straddling the Roman ruins, the cozy little village of Gelemis offers family run guesthouses and restaurants sourcing the freshest food from local farms.
Patara beach is world famous with its 18 km of golden sands which forms scenic sand dunes and gorgeous beach which is voted as one of the best beaches in many different media. Strict laws kept Patara beach unspoiled by forbidding to build around. It is all white sands even a bubble can not be found.Patara beach is so special, it is a good place to rest and enjoy nature and also it is home to the Caretta Carettas. The only man-made thing at the Patara Beach is the Beach Café which is run by local governorship to promote local facilities.
Caretta Carettas are beautiful sea turtles which can weigh up to 180kg. They come to Patara beach at night in summer months to lay their eggs. New turtles come after 55–60 days and they head to the reflection of moonlight in the sea.Most interesting thing is they come back to the same beach to lay their eggs from thousand km away. In order to keep this species, Patara beach has to be protected.
Lycian Civilization is one of the oldest Mediterranean civilization and Patara was the capital of Lucian league. According to mythology, It is the birthplace of Apollo and it is known that St. Nicholas was born here. Excavations show that Patara ancient city is older than 2000 years and it has many monuments to light ancient history. Some of the most interesting findings in the city are The Theater, Bouleuterion, Ancient lighthouse, An amazing main baths, street and temples.
Patara was the harbor of the Lycian league and the place for league conferences. in Roman times Patara was still important as it was a port which contacts Rome to the eastern provinces and also it was the seat of the Roman provincial governor.
The grain stores which are built in the reign of Emperor Hadrian are still standing. It is believed that Patara was one of Apollo’s soothsaying centre Temple of Apollo in Patara said that has the equal reputation of that in Delphi and it is believed that omens spend winters in Patara and summers in Delos.
Patara kept its importance in Byzantine period too. St. Nicholas which is a real person was born to a rich family from Patara and later he went to Myra and became Bishop over there.