Patara Beach
Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷
Turkey's longest beach — an epic 18-kilometre arc of undeveloped golden sand with ancient Lycian ruins, sea turtle nesting grounds, and natural surf.
Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷
Turkey's longest beach — an epic 18-kilometre arc of undeveloped golden sand with ancient Lycian ruins, sea turtle nesting grounds, and natural surf.
Location
Near Gelemiş Village, Kaş District
Best For
Surfing, Families & History
Water Temp
24–27°C (Jun–Sep)
Surface
Fine Golden Sand
Parking
Car park at beach entrance
Nearest Airport
Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Patara Beach is one of the most remarkable beaches in the entire Mediterranean — an unbroken 18-kilometre sweep of fine golden sand stretching between the ancient Lycian city ruins and the sea. Completely undeveloped along its entire length (hotel and commercial construction is prohibited), it offers a wilderness beach experience almost inconceivable elsewhere on Turkey's coast. The dunes behind the beach shift with the season, ancient columns and stone arches poke through the sand near the ruins, and in season the beach is a critical nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
The beach is officially protected as both an archaeological site and a wildlife conservation area. To protect the sea turtles, the beach closes to visitors at sundown from June to September, and sections near active nests are cordoned off during the day. A ranger station at the entrance collects a small conservation fee — well worth paying to preserve this extraordinary place.
The waves at Patara deserve special mention. Unlike most Turkish Mediterranean beaches which are enclosed and calm, Patara faces open sea from the south and west, generating a reliable swell that makes it one of the few viable surf spots in Turkey. The waves are consistent rather than large — mostly 0.5–1.5 metres with occasional bigger sets — ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. The vast expanse of the beach means even on summer weekends it never feels overcrowded.
From Kalkan (17 km) or Kaş (45 km) by car on winding roads to Gelemiş village, then a short drive to the beach entrance. Dolmuş from Kalkan in summer. Dalaman Airport (DLM) is approximately 80 km northeast. No public transport reaches the beach directly.
May–October. Avoid July–August midday heat (sand surface gets extremely hot). Sunrise visits May–June offer the best experience — no crowds and the chance to see turtle nest activity. Surfing waves are most consistent September–October.
The beach closes at sundown — plan to leave before sunset if you don't want to be ushered out by rangers. Flip-flops are essential; the sand gets burning hot at midday. Bring plenty of water as the beach kiosk has limited stock. The ruins are worth spending an hour exploring.