PATARA BEACH

Patara is not far from Letoon and Xanthos and was the principal naval and trading port of the Lycian empire, located at the mouth of the Xanthos River. A national park, rich in birdlife, Patara beach combines a picturesque 12 km-long beach, Turkey’s longest continuous beach, with several significant historical sites of interests. It is a must-do excursion from Fethiye!

It was believed that the Greek God, Apollo, lived on the Greek Island of Delos during the summer but spent his winters at Patara. A large bust of Apollo discovered on the hill beyond the City Gate indicates the existence of an Apollo temple. Still, the temple is yet to be found.

Much of Patara remains undiscovered, buried beneath the shifting sands. However, excavations are ongoing, revealing many structures previously hidden under the dunes. Among them is the parliament building where elected representatives of the Lycian League would have met. Its stone-vaulted main entrances remain intact as does the throne-like perch, where the elected Lyciarch would have sat. Another discovery is the remains of a lighthouse, thought to be the oldest in the world, built around 60 AD.

Nicholas of Myra, otherwise known as Saint Nicholas, is said to have been born in Patara in 270 AD.

Patara is the ideal spot to mix ruin rambling and sun-worshipping but don’t forget to take some refreshments with you, as there are limited facilities at the beach.