Patara beach in Antalya province of Turkey.

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Patara Beach

Turquoise Coast


Backed by large sand dunes, this splendid, 18km-long sandy beach is one of Turkey's best. Due to its length, you can find a quiet spot even in the height of summer. Sunshades (₺10) and loungers (₺10) can be rented and there's a cafe for when you get peckish. Depending on the season, parts of the beach are off limits as it is an important nesting ground for sea turtles. It closes at dusk and camping is prohibited.

You can get here either by following the road for 1km past the Patara ruins to the busy main section of the beach, or by turning right at the Golden Pension in Gelemiş and following a somewhat rough road which heads for the sand-dunes area along the western side of the beach, where it's far quieter. Between May and October, half-hourly minibuses (₺3) run from the highway through the village to the beach. If you plan to visit a few times, buy a multi-visit Plaji Pass long-stay ticket allowing 10 entries over 10 days. In summer, ask your pension owner about accompanying the students who count the turtles' eggs at night.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Turquoise Coast attractions

1. Ancient Patara

0.55 MILES

Patara's grand monuments lie scattered along the road to the beach. The main section of ruins is dominated by the dilapidated 5000-seat theatre. Next door…

2. Mosque

5.71 MILES

Kalkan's mosque is located in the old-town district.

3. Lighthouse

5.71 MILES

Although Kalkan's waterfront is now mainly a hub for pleasure boats, the small lighthouse continues to guard the harbour.

5. Xanthos

6.88 MILES

This ancient Lycian capital is sited above the village of Kınık. From Kınık you pass the old city gates and the plinth where the fabulous Nereid Monument …

6. Kaputaş Beach

7.77 MILES

This perfectly formed little beach, 7km from town towards Kaş, often makes the cover of travel guides and magazines with its dazzling turquoise shallows…

7. Letoon

10.37 MILES

Sharing a place with the Lycian capital Xanthos on Unesco's World Heritage list since 1988, Letoön is home to some of the finest ruins on the Lycian Way.

8. Akçagerme Beach

16.43 MILES

Akçagerme Beach is a small public beach opposite the exit to Gökseki, along the main road west to Kalkan; it's 3km from Kaș.

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