These ruins are definitely worth the extra effort to visit. Not far from either of the main centres in Fethiye or Kaş, you can easily reach Patara on a day trip. Being here in the off season meant we had the site to ourselves, except for our canine escorts who wandered everywhere with us.The ruins are spread over a reasonable area and all are in remarkable repair. The two different theatres are beautiful examples and give a great feeling of the scale of the site in its hey day.Make the trip and if you can stay in the village of Gelemiş as it is beautiful break from the larger towns surrounding it.
Like many other ruins in Turkey you have much better access to these than in say Italy. We spent about an hour wandering about savouring the atmosphere and admiring some of the reconstruction. Also great about these and others (such as Xanthos) there seems to be plenty of room and crowds do not seems to be a problem, so you can appreciate all the more the glory of these ancient buildings.
The remains of the Lycian city if Patara cover a vast area just behind the famous beach.The ruins range from the well-preserved amphitheatre to mere piles of stones as well as the impressive reconstruction of the assembly building of the ancient Lycian League. Information boards are in Turkish and English so no problems there.At a mere 5TL (£1.40) entry this attraction really is a bargain. You could easily spend a whole day wandering the ruins and walking the shady paths. However facilities are sparse or even non-existent. The day we visited the tiny shop and the toilets were both locked up.
Walked through all the ruins on the way to Patara Beach came back at twilight to sit in the amphitheater and imagine the civilization that once lived there. There were lots of goats roaming everywhere. Patara was Lycia's major port.
Visited the parliament building (the world's first)and amphitheater both just before you get to the beach. They are both in fantastic condition with work continuing. Loved being able to stand in the parliament and sit where once others had done the same thousands of years ago and imagined what that would have been like.
We hired a private trip for 8 of us to see Xanthos, Tlos, Yaka Park, Letoon, Patara and Patara beach. We split the £120 price between us . What a fantastic day well worth it . We booked it through Yavuz at TINY AKROPOL. Try this out wonderful views and that was just the countryside. All of these sites are worth a visit but to do 5 Amphitheatres in one day was brilliant.
Wow, what an amazing city this must have been. So cool to go in the winter with the site empty and you really can appreciate the details and work of arts. Stunning! Check out the Eucalyptus Pension to stay - very warm welcome and good experience.
It was an important big time city. NY of its time. But ruins too much spread out. Take 2-3 hours. as you arrive go south to beach. walk west on beach keeping the watchtower in sight. as you reach the tower, then path takes you around. place looks very deserted but dont be scared. it is safe. all the remainings are worth seeing. collect info on city b4 you go.
A relatively small site but plenty to keep your interest for two or three hours. Some of the monuments have been restored but some are in ruins as found. Worth carrying on to the beautiful beach which is another kilometre or so away.
patara is a little gem nr a fantastic beach, (but please dont tell too many people).. only quiet nature- & archeology-lovers should go..