Top Things to do in Patara
Top 10 Things to do in Patara, Turkey
A day trip to Patara, a few miles farther west from Kalkan, offers the chance to combine horseback riding, history and sand surfing. Once an important Lycian port town, legend has it that Patara is the birthplace of Apollo and with certainty it’s the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Horseback riding for riders of all ages and capabilities is available for rides along the 22 kilometers of white beaches. And so is sand surfing.
Restaurants in Patara
1. Patara Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Much of the city of Patara remains buried in sand, which has helped to preserve many of the ruins. Of particular interest are the Amphitheatre, Necropolis and the monumental gate or Arch of Triumph.
Reviewed By Cüneyt K
Greta historical ruins, well in tact. Spectacular views of the artefacts. Not a bunch of stones. It gives you the feeling that you were in that ancient city ones.
2. Patara Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 902 reviews
This 12-mile long beach is also a National Park. Its proximity to the ruins keeps hotels from developing in the area, making it great for uncrowded swimming as well as bird watching.
Reviewed By sweetprince - Portsmouth
Sand dunes and miles of soft sand, visited with friends out of season but would love to visit when warmer, the beach is reached just past the ruins and some very friendly workers gave us some of their vegetables, the freshest broad beans...would love to return.
3. Patara Amphitheatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
One of the city's most important edifices is this theater which today, is partially buried in sand. The building was constructed in 147 A.D. and thought to be dedicated to Emperor Antoninus Pius.
Reviewed By jezz c - Hethersett, United Kingdom
Visited as part of the entrance ticket. It's a nice theatre with Seating for 6000 and set into the hillside. Slightly spoilt for me as a turkish mum and dad were clattering over it with their two kids when one fell over and hurt themselves upon which they had a massive row. Both a couple of pillock for taking little kids up what is a giant rock climbing expedition really. That aside look out for the large inscription on the wall near the entry gate. Lovely place to come.
4. Arch of Triumph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
This triple arched gate, also known as the monumental arch or monumental gate, was built in 100 AD and marks the entrance to the city.
Reviewed By jezz c - Hethersett, United Kingdom
You have to stop beside the road to visit this arch set across the main road into ancient patara. Built in 100AD by the roman governor it is also though to be part of an aqueduct bringing water into the city due to water pipes being found. Quite a plain arch compared to other ones in Rome etc but pretty nonetheless.
5. Simbar & Beanies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Simbar is a popular cocktail bar with an extensive cocktail menu made from fresh ingredients. It is located in the centre of the village next to the PTT. The bar and all Seating are situated outside making the most of the hot summer nights. Beanies is situated in the grounds of Simbar and serves freshly ground coffee. The shop uses coffee beans from a variety of South American coffee farms (Guatemalan, Colombian and Brazilian) and also makes more traditional turkish drinks like çay and Turkish coffee. We sell freshly baked cakes and pastries and guests have the choice to enjoy their drinks at Beanies or take them away. After 5.00pm the signature drink ıs an espresso martini at Beanies to compliment Simbar. We will also sell some local produce at Beanies to support the village. Items on sale include olive oil, olives and walnuts.
Reviewed By Evarich - Birmingham, UK
A great place for coffee or drinks. very good fresh ground coffee, good selection of alcoholic drinks/cocktails. Great company, clean and simple, what more could you want. great place to chill at the end of the day into the evening. Oh and a Post Office too.
6. Patara Wellness Turkish Bath
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Luna W - Frankfurt, Germany
This was my best Hamam experience!!! To lie on the hot marble stone, the very nice body peeling and especially the foam which covers the whole body let me feel totally relaxing. After the Hamam I felt so clean and my skin was so soft....like newborn.
The massage was also fanstastic!!! I had a lot of shoulder and neck pains from carrying my big backpack and it helped me a lot!!!
7. The Necropolis
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
One of the most significant sites of Patara's ruins is the Necropolis with its Lycian sarcophagi and Roman tombs.
Reviewed By F16MD - Columbus, Mississippi
On our way to Demre in the mid-nineties, we happened upon Patara originally thinking we were in Myra. We were pleasantly surprised and spent an hour or two exploring. One of the great "unexpecteds" you find traveling in Turkey without an itinerary! I'll look for some pics - unfortunately most are not labeled and most of the ruins in Turkey all look alike in pictures.
8. Camel bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Nasherc - Bristol, United Kingdom
Went to Patara in the late 90s and had a fabulous time. Lovely beech too. We used to visit Jimmys bar. He was a great character. Don't know if he is still there. Very funny chap. Would love to go back some time. Must have changed a bit since then.
9. Hadrian's Granary
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
A Latin inscription on this enormous structure states that it was erected in the name of Emperor Hadrian. The building, which is mostly intact, contains eight doors leading to eight separate storage areas.
Reviewed By jezz c - Hethersett, United Kingdom
The granary us situated on the other side of the harbour in ancient times. Although silted up the area is still a marshland and the only way to get up close is to take a long walk which my other half didn't want to do in the heat. Large building though.
10. Kirca Travel- Patara Horseriding
Overall Ratings
3 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By holidayfunsters - scotland
After considering this trip and whether it would be suitable for our 7 year old son, our tour rep in town assured us it would be just great for him and he'd get a small horse that would walk only. Well .... Petrifying is the only word, wee lad was meant be with the guy on his horse, attached with a guide rope. His horse bolted with him screaming. My husband and the guy had to chase the horse. Needless to say they went back after that. Daughter and I continued and I'd say that if you've never ridden before then you'd be really scared. Was our second time and we were panicky several times when horses picked up speed. The beach walk is stunning though and if you can ride then definitely go for it. Not for young kids thought
