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A principal harbour of
ancient Lycia, Patara is reached by following a winding mountain road before
descending to this important archaeological site and its beach.
The site is scattered
through fields across a large plain.
Highlights include a triumphal arch, a theatre, two bath complexes, a temple
to Athena, a granary built by Hadrian, a lighthouse and many tombs.
A boardwalk leads to Patara beach, rated as the best beach in the world by
The Sunday Times, where 18km of pure white sand stretches as far as
the eye can see.
From May to October this is a breeding ground for turtles so the beach
closes at dusk.
To get to Patara, take
the N-400 road towards Fethiye for 9km and follow the sign-posted turn-off; Patara
is 8km from the turn-off, the beach access is about 1km further. |
