Patara Beach is one of Turkey's natural treasures: 18 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand backed by dunes, with the ruins of an ancient Lycian city at its doorstep. It is a protected Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) nesting site, which means no hotels, no beach bars blasting music, and no development along the shore. Just sand, sea, and sky.
Located about 70 kilometres east of Kaş (roughly one hour by car), Patara makes for an unforgettable day trip that combines archaeology, wildlife, and one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
Getting There from Kaş
Patara is approximately 70 km from Kaş, heading east along the D400 toward Fethiye. The drive takes about one hour.
By car
Follow the D400 east from Kaş. After passing through Kalkan and continuing toward Xanthos, you'll see the Patara turnoff on your right. The road leads through the village of Gelemiş to the site entrance and car park. Parking is free and usually has plenty of space, even in summer.
By dolmuş
Direct dolmuş services from Kaş to Patara village run in summer, though they are less frequent than the Kaş–Kalkan route. Check schedules at the Kaş otogar (bus station). From Patara village, it's about a 1.5 km walk to the beach entrance through the ruins.
By organised tour
Several tour operators in Kaş offer day trips combining Patara Beach with the ancient city of Xanthos and the Letoon sanctuary — a convenient option if you don't have a car.
The Beach
Patara's numbers are impressive: 18 kilometres long, up to 400 metres wide in places, with fine white sand that stays relatively cool even in summer. The beach stretches so far in both directions that even on busy days, you can walk a few hundred metres and find complete solitude.
The water is warm, shallow, and gentle — you can wade out 50 metres and still be at waist height. The sandy bottom has no rocks or pebbles, making it one of the most comfortable swimming beaches in the region. Small waves roll in consistently, making it feel more like an ocean beach than a typical calm Mediterranean cove.
Behind the beach, sand dunes rise and roll inland, giving the landscape an almost Saharan quality. The combination of dunes, ancient ruins in the distance, and the empty expanse of sand is unlike anything else on the Turkish coast.
The Ancient City of Patara
Your beach ticket includes access to the ancient city, and it would be a shame to skip it. Patara was one of the most important cities of the Lycian League and later a major Roman port. The ruins are spread across a large area between the car park and the beach.
Key things to see:
- The Parliament Building (Bouleuterion): A remarkably well-preserved semicircular assembly hall where the Lycian League — considered one of the world's first democratic federations — held meetings. Recently restored and truly impressive.
- The Theatre: A large Greco-Roman theatre partially excavated from sand dunes. Ongoing archaeological work continues to reveal more of it each year.
- The Triumphal Arch: A Roman-era triple arch that once marked the entrance to the city. It stands near the main path and is one of the most photographed spots.
- The Lighthouse: The remains of what is believed to be the world's oldest known lighthouse, dating to the Roman period.
Allow 1–2 hours for the ruins. The path from the car park through the ancient city to the beach is about 1.5 kilometres and mostly flat.
Facilities
Despite being a protected site, Patara has reasonable facilities for visitors:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas: Available for rent near the main beach entrance. Prices are modest (around 50–100 TL for a set).
- Café and restaurant: A simple beach café near the entrance serves sandwiches, cold drinks, tea, and basic meals.
- Changing rooms and showers: Available near the beach entrance area.
- Toilets: Located near both the ruins entrance and the beach entrance.
There are no facilities once you walk further along the 18 km stretch. If you plan to explore beyond the main entrance area, bring everything you need.
Wildlife & Conservation
Patara is one of the most important Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. Female turtles come ashore at night between May and October to lay their eggs in the sand. Hatchlings emerge about 60 days later and make their way to the sea.
To protect the turtles, the beach is subject to special rules during nesting season:
- The beach closes at sunset and reopens at 8 AM.
- Sections of the beach may be roped off around active nests. Never cross these barriers.
- No vehicles are allowed on the sand.
- Avoid leaving litter — plastic bags are particularly dangerous as turtles mistake them for jellyfish.
You are unlikely to see turtles during the day, but knowing you are sharing the beach with one of the Mediterranean's most important wildlife populations adds something special to the experience.
Best Time to Visit
Time of day: Morning is ideal. Arrive when the site opens at 8 AM, explore the ruins while it's cool, then head to the beach by 10 or 11 AM. The beach faces west, so afternoon sun can be intense and there is no natural shade on the sand.
Month: June and September offer warm water (24–27°C), good weather, and manageable crowds. July and August are hottest (35°C+) — the beach is large enough that it never feels packed, but the heat can be oppressive without shade. May and October are pleasant for the ruins but the water may be cool for swimming.
Practical Tips
- Combine beach and ruins: Your entry ticket covers both. Start with the ancient city in the morning when it's cooler, then walk through to the beach for the rest of the day.
- Bring serious sun protection: There is zero natural shade on the beach. Pack sunscreen (SPF 50), a hat, sunglasses, and ideally a beach umbrella or pop-up shade. The sun here is relentless.
- Entry fee is approximately 100 TL: Paid at the main gate near the car park. Keep your ticket for re-entry. Cash and card are usually accepted.
- Bring a picnic: The beach café is fine for drinks and snacks, but for a full day, you'll want your own food. There are excellent markets in Kaş to stock up.
- Wear walking shoes for the ruins: The path through the ancient city is sandy and uneven. Switch to sandals or bare feet once you reach the beach.
- Allow a full day: With the drive from Kaş, the ruins, and the beach, a half-day visit feels rushed. This is a place to take your time.
Patara Beach FAQ
What is the entry fee for Patara Beach?
As of 2025, the entry fee is approximately 100 TL per person. This single ticket gives you access to both the beach and the ancient city of Patara. Keep your ticket — you may be asked to show it at the beach entrance. Prices are updated annually by the Turkish Ministry of Culture.
Can you swim at Patara Beach?
Yes, Patara is an excellent swimming beach. The water is shallow for a long way out, the sandy bottom is gentle, and there are no rocks. Waves can pick up when it is windy, but generally the conditions are very good for swimming and safe for children.
When is turtle nesting season at Patara?
Caretta caretta (loggerhead) turtles nest at Patara from May to October. During this period, the beach closes at sunset and reopens at 8 AM. Sections of the beach may be roped off to protect nests. Please respect these barriers — each nest contains around 100 eggs.
How long should I spend at Patara?
Plan for at least half a day. A common schedule is 2 hours at the ancient ruins in the morning, then 2–3 hours on the beach. If you want to explore the full 18km of coastline or simply relax, you could easily spend the entire day. Bring a picnic for a full-day visit.