//
Lycian settlement on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey
Photo: Chescargot, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Patara is in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. In ancient times it was an important city, birthplace of St Nicholas, but was abandoned and lost under sand dunes until rediscovered in the 1980s. Its 8 km-long beach is a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. Accommodation and other facilities are in the nearby village of Gelemiş, which in 2022 had a population of 859.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The main structures within the ticketed area are the triumphal arch, amphitheatre, council house and stoa. These have been restored, some would say over-restored, and parts are replicas. Excavations continue on the site.
Charming inexpensive place near the bus station.
Cheap friendly place with pool, sometimes noisy from nearby bar.
Great reviews for this small hotel up a hill at the top end of the village.
Friendly family-run pansiyon at top end of village..
The nearest airport is Dalaman, 115 km northwest. The airport bus can take you as far as Fethiye.
Read in the guideWalk: from Gelemiş via the ancient city to the beach is 3 km, which might take 30 min.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dalaman · International · DLM
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Patara and Türkiye.
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Turkey right now? Compare safety in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya with official travel advisories, taxi tips, and scam advice.
7 min read
Travel tipsMaster public transport with our Istanbul transit and historic peninsula guide, covering the Istanbulkart, Bosphorus ferries and Hagia Sophia rules.
6 min read
InspirationOur Cappadocia hot air balloon booking guide covers flight costs, seasonal weather rules, cancellations, sunrise viewpoints and safety advice.
6 min read
ItinerariesOur Turkish Riviera Turquoise Coast guide covers gulet cruising, Lycian rock tombs, sunken cities in Kekova and coastal travel from Fethiye to Antalya.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.