Patara Beach, located 43 kilometers from Kaş, is a significant historical site in Turkey. This beach is part of the Patara Ancient City, situated just one kilometer from the beach. Known for being the longest beach in the world, Patara Beach stretches over 12 kilometers and is 1500 meters wide. The beach is renowned for its fine, sandy texture, and serves as a nesting area for the Caretta Caretta sea turtles. To protect these creatures, the beach is only open to the public from 8 am to 8 pm.
In terms of amenities, the beach has a day-use facility managed by the Kaş municipality. This facility provides beach services, including rental umbrellas and sun loungers. However, the beach retains its natural and untouched atmosphere, being part of a protected area. Windsurfing is popular at the beach due to the open sea and frequent winds, and it offers a stunning view of the sunset.
For those who want to stay near the beach, the closest settlement is Gelemiş Village, which provides a variety of accommodations. To get to the beach, minibusses depart every 20 minutes from the Kaş bus station. Visitors alight at a junction, from where a service is available for the 6-kilometer secondary road. To reach the beach, visitors pass through Gelemiş Village and then the entrance to the Patara Ancient City. An entrance fee is required for the beach, but those who have purchased a ticket for the Patara Ancient City do not need to pay this fee.
The beach also features sand dunes in the middle, which have been seen in many old Turkish movies. These dunes are particularly beautiful during sunset. Additionally, a horse farm at Patara offers 2.5-hour tours in the morning and evening, allowing visitors to explore the ancient site, the beach, and the sand dunes on horseback.
Patara Beach is known for its steep slope near the water, making it a slightly challenging but enjoyable place for a stroll. The beach is peaceful and quiet, particularly beyond the area near the cafe. It is well-maintained, with clean water and sand.
The beach has a large parking lot, providing ample space for visitors to park their vehicles. Facilities available include a cafe, showers, and restrooms. However, the condition of the beach equipment, including sun beds and umbrellas, is reportedly poor. Visitors are advised to bring their own beach umbrellas and refreshments.
Patara Beach is also a nesting site for turtles. There are sections of the beach where visitors are not allowed to sit or lie down during the turtle nesting season, which begins in June. The beach's proximity to the ruins of an ancient city makes it a worthwhile visit for those interested in history and archaeology.
