Visiting Patara
How to get to Patara
Hey, do you want to go to Patara, the famous beach and the ancient town near Kalkan?
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There is actually a really cute village there too. Its called GelemiÅŸ
A few cute coffee shops, a couple of nice bars, a few inexpensive restaurants as well as many small hotels and pansiyons.
But how to get there?
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Here are some choices to consider:
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Some people walk and bike there, its just 15km away and also on the Lycian Way, the long distance 500km trail from Antalya to Fethiye.. Perfectly doable for fit individuals but not practical in the heat of the summer.
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Some people thumb a ride since the road to Patara has many cars heading that direction and picking up a ride is easy but not to everyone's taste nor sensibilities.
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If you have a rental car, you can drive there in about 15 mins. Lots of free parking around there.
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There are many boats in the harbour, big and small. Speedboats, traditional gulets and small fishing boats. Any one of them can be hired for a few hours to take you over to Patara and back
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Taxi's are also a sensible options for visitors. Clean, cool, comfortable. Ask your favourite taxi driver and he'll arrange to get you there. Expect to pay somewhere around £15 each way.
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Last but not least, public minibuses are also a very viable option. Inexpensive (less than £2), frequent minibuses go from out from Bus Station/Otogar and KaÅŸ town. You can also catch this minibus in town, right in front of the Migros Jet, on the upper roundabout. Picture shows the Migros to wait at. The noted times are from the otogar. Subtract 5mins from that time, for Town stop.
Sections of Patara Beach
Patara Beach is a beach located near the ancient Lycian city of Patara, tucked away behind the village of GelemiÅŸ, an area very easily reachable from Kalkan.
Backed by large sand dunes, this splendid, 18km-long sandy beach is one of Turkey's best and due to its length, you can find busy as well as quiet spots even in the height of summer tourist season.
Whether you are there for sunrise, sunset, the main beach or to walk the entire length of it, its an area of beauty that should not be missed.
If you wish to visit Patara Beach, you will find 5 main ways to do so, some more adventurous than others.
If you are looking to visit in July & August, please keep in mind the sand can be extremely hot, especially for little ones. Bring beach shoes or consider going to Kalkan's pebbly town beach instead.
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Option 1: Main beach and ancient town
You can take a taxi, drive or grab dolmus to the main entrance.
For foreigners: there is an entry fee of €15 per person (includes museum, ancient city, beach), you can get optional heaphones too. Alternatively you can buy a beach only 10pass for €55, useful for families but does not include the antiquities.
There are also options to a 7 day (€90) or 14 day (€165) Turkey wide museum pass
Kids under 8 get in free.
Sunbeds & umbrellas are extra.
Food/drink available.
Option 2 : The dunes
You can get a taxi or drive to the dunes, from there beach access is free.
There is usually a few guys selling tea/drinks but keep expectations low and bring your own picnic.
No sunbeds, no umbrellas and you have to cross the dunes to get to the beach. Suitable for those with good fitness as the dunes can be a challenge.
You might also find some horses once you get there if you dont wish to walk.
Option 3&4 : the 2 sides of EÅŸen/Xanthos River
Its quite isolated and pretty but there are no facilities at all.
But you have access to the very cold river as well as deserted beach as far as the eye can see.
No public transport, only taxi, private car or your feet can get you here.
You'll usually find campers and few families picnicking and from time to time, fishermen.
Similar to the Dunes, you can walk from here to the main beach (about 5km one way) but make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen, its a beach walk, fully exposed.
Location of the South side of the river
Location of the North side of the river
Option 5: Karadere stream
Out at the very far end of the beach, free access and very limited facilities exist. There may be food and drink during the summer season. Accessible by car and taxis and on foot, it is another very pretty section of the beach - the very end of it.
Location of Karadere ​
Things to do in GelemiÅŸ village
Gelemiş ıs a small village that has grown around the tourism attracted by the ancient site of Patara and the spectacular unspoiled beach.
Unlike Kalkan, it has kept a bit of a boho feel to it that reminds us of tourism in the 70’s. Small streets with little shops, lemon trees and bougainvilleas that will charm the nomad soul. The village's gardens are filled with fig, mulberry, pomegranate, peach, apricot, and pear trees, alongside grape vines, offering fresh fruit to enjoy when in season.
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GelemiÅŸ provides easy access to Patara's ancient ruins as well as the ancient city and the longest beach beyond, home to caretta caretta.
Buses and taxis are available from the village center to the beach, as well as nearby coastal towns like Kalkan and KaÅŸ for further exploration.
For those interested in hiking, GelemiÅŸ is a part of the Lycian Way, with routes passing by the Delikkemer Roman aqueduct.
GelemiÅŸ and the surrounding area hosts many small pensions and campsites catering to walkers of the lycian way, the town being a major stop off point.
There are lots of quaint little eateries with traditional local eats such as Turkish gözleme, or home cooked dishes and a pide oven.
For a slightly more sophisticated meal, there is the St. Nicolas restaurant and Sailing restaurant at very reasonable prices.
There is a selection of bars as well. SimBar & Beanies has a nice garden atmosphere and if you're timing is right, you may be able to taste one of Olivia’s homemade cakes.
Then at the heart of the town there is the famous Medusa bar.
Standing strong and serving the community over 3 decades, the place feels like a time machine that brings you back to the 70’s. As Medusa is also a camping site, you will find a very eclectic range of guests, from around the globe, mixing many languages.
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Pamir, the owner, has a very interesting and varied taste in music and will present you with something different every time. There is also regular live bands that rock the place - just ask for details at the bar.
