Patara Holidays

With its long, white sandy beach stretching over 20km long and 50km wide, Patara is deservedly famous for beach holidays in Turkey. The resort is located on Turkey’s south-western Mediterranean coast, and takes just an hour and twenty minutes to reach from Dalaman Airport. Patara is steeped in history, once being the most important port in Lycia, famous for its temple and the oracle of Apollo. Much of the resort’s ancient ruins lies buried beneath the sands, but historical structures that can still be seen include Byzantine basilica, various sarcophagi, a grand Roman-type triumphal arch in exceptional condition, a bath complex, Byzantine basilica, the impressive Granary of Hadrian and an amphitheatre. Somewhat bizarrely, the town is also notable for being the birthplace of Santa Claus; or at least the 4th-century Byzantine bishop St. Nicholas, on whom Santa Claus is based.

The town of Patara itself is a higgledy-piggledy, sprawling resort with small restaurants, cafés and bars of the authentic Turkish variety to cater for visitors. Patara is a great destination for those looking for cheap holidays in Turkey. The traveller on a budget here will find mostly basic pensions and family-owned guesthouses, as well as small selection of mid-range hotels of the 2 and 3-star variety. Nightlife in the town is sedate and relaxed, confined to the bars in the centre of town. This is by no means a major clubbing destination, and those in search of a livelier, club-based break would be better off in bustling Marmaris or Istanbul.
 

Patara Holidays – Great for laid-back sun escapes
In general, Patara is a resort most suited to those on family breaks, mature couples who will appreciate the peace and tranquillity of the area, and people particularly interested in ancient history and culture. Young adults in groups here might find this sleepy village a little too quiet for their liking; nearby Kalkan is a slightly larger resort with more bars and two clubs, and might be a better option for this type of traveller. If you like your destinations sedate and laid-back with plenty of opportunity to sun yourself on the beach, then a trip to Patara is the option of you.