Patara

Patara ancient city is located on the southwest part of the coast of the Xanthos Valley between Fethiye and Kalkan. Xanthos, another ancient city of Lycian Union, is located on the hills of the Patara beach and city. The city's settlement dates back to the 7th century BC. As the birth place of the God Apollon of the Greek Mythology, Patara is one of the most important cities of the Lycian Union. During the course of history, being the only way out to sea from the Xanthos Valley, Patara always was an important city both strategically and commercially. By surrenderin to Alexander the Great, the city was saved from being demolished but after the death of Alexander it was conquered by Antigonos at 315 BC.

The city had 3 votes in the Lycian Union just like Pinara, Xanthos, Olympos and Myra. The Union meetings usually was held in Patara. Patara continued to be an important city also during the Roman Empire. Patara was the capital city of the Lycian and Pamphylia states of Rome. Hadrian, the Roman Empirer visited Patara with his wife and stayed here for 3 days. Patara kept its importance during the Byzantine Empire because St. Nicholas probably Santa Claus) was born in Patara.

The Patara Beach near the Patara ancient city is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterrenean Region of Turkey. The sea is shallow and the beach is about 18 km with going in about 200 metres in some places. Because of the never ending wind, it's very ideal for windsurfing. The beach is under protection because of the Caretta Caretta sea turtles leaving their eggs in the sand in July. The beach is so untouched and huge that it is a favorite place for nudist visitors.