Beach

This is the longest (18km) golden sand beach in Turkey.  Renowned for its beautiful sunsets.  Set near the ancient Lycian city of Patara.  A short distance away (10/15min car ride).

This broad strip of gently shelving white sand is not only Turkey’s longest beach, but also its most beautiful. Kids love its warm shallows, the legions of body-surfable waves and the serried ranks of dunes backing it. Development at its stunning south-eastern end has been confined to one very reasonably priced beach café with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire, reached through the romantic remains of a Roman city preserved in the shifting sands.

History

As one of the six major cities of Lycia, Patara had a flourishing trade business and was very wealthy. Its interesting location and prosperity also caught the eye of Alexander the Great, who conquered it and established a significant naval base at the far end of the city. The Roman Governor made Patara his administrative office, and, also during the Roman Era, the city became the capital of all Lycian and Pamphylian provinces.

The Village

Visit this quirky village on the way to or from the beach or ruins.  Stop off at Beanies for a coffee or a cocktail.