Patara is the beach that people travel to this coast for. A great curve of fine sand runs for roughly eighteen kilometres, backed by dunes, reed beds and pine-covered hills, with no hotel towers on the shore and a feeling of space that is unusual on the Mediterranean. The water is clean and the waves are often large enough for bodyboarding, so it is livelier than the sheltered bays around Kaş. Behind the dunes lies ancient Patara itself, once a capital of the Lycian League and traditionally the birthplace of St Nicholas, so a day here can include swimming, walking among ruins and watching the sunset. Entering the beach normally means passing through the archaeological site and paying an entrance fee, which is modest and covers both the ruins and the sand. The beach is also a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, so in the summer months there are restrictions after dark, and the sand is kept free from large structures. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available near the entrance in season, and a few snack kiosks operate, but away from them you will find nothing but sand and sea.
Getting there
Patara is about forty kilometres from Kaş and about twenty from Kalkan. Dolmuş minibuses run between Kalkan, Kaş and Patara in season, and a taxi or rental car is easy at any time. Parking at the beach is available, and the walk from the car park to the sand is flat but takes a few minutes. Take plenty of water, as the walk to the quiet far end of the beach can be long and shaded places are few.
The ruins
Before you reach the beach, a path leads through Patara's archaeological zone, where a triumphal arch marks the entrance, followed by the baths, a bouleuterion often called the parliament of the Lycian League, a harbour area and a theatre half buried in sand. A lighthouse built in the first century is described as one of the oldest in the world.
Much of the city is still being uncovered, and the site is quiet enough that you can walk its stones almost alone. Allow at least an hour if you want to see the main buildings.
On the sand
The water is cooler and rougher than in the coves near Kaş, with currents on windy days, so keep an eye on children and follow the flags. The sand heats up quickly in summer, and sandals are useful in the middle of the day. For sunsets, find a spot toward the western end of the beach, where the light on the dunes is at its best, and remember that the beach is closed after a set hour in the nesting season to protect the turtles.
Practicalities
The beach has limited shade, so a hat, an umbrella and sun cream are important. Bring food and drink if you plan to stay all day. The nearest restaurants lie in Gelemiş village just before the site, where simple places serve grilled fish, gozleme and cold drinks. Many Kaş and Kalkan visitors combine Patara with a Saklıkent trip or with Xanthos and Letoon, the nearby ancient sites listed by UNESCO. A guided tour of the region can add context, but the beach itself is perfectly easy to enjoy on your own.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through the Patara ruins to a very long sandy beach with a paid site gate, sunbeds near the entrance and wild sand further along.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn for swimming, with sunset the best light of the day.
How long
Half a day to a full day.
Tips
Bring water, a hat and sandals for hot sand, and check closing times in nesting season.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers who want wild, uncrowded sand and ancient ruins in one place.
- Families
- Plenty of room and shallow water near the shore, but watch waves and shade.
- Couples
- Sunset on the dunes after a day among the ruins.
- Pair with
- Saklıkent Gorge, Kalkan old town, or Xanthos and Letoon.
- Time needed
- Half to a full day.
Good questions
Do I have to pay to enter Patara Beach?+
Entry normally goes through the archaeological site, which has a modest entrance fee. Prices and hours change, so check locally.
Can I swim at Patara in the evening?+
The beach is protected for nesting turtles in summer, and there are restrictions after a set hour in the evening.
How far is Patara from Kaş?+
Roughly forty kilometres, around an hour by road. Kalkan is about twenty kilometres away.
Are there facilities on the beach?+
Sunbeds and snack kiosks operate near the entrance in season. Further along there is almost nothing.
Is it suitable for families?+
Yes, with care. Waves and currents can be strong on windy days, and shade is limited.