Patara is 41 km. away from Kas. Antic city is covering a wide area at the east part of the
harbor. City and its harbor is at the entrance of the approximately 3 km. long valley. When
Patara Harbor is filled with the alluvions collected by Xanthos (Esen) Stream, it had gained
its today's view. Name of the city is firstly mentioned by Herodotos. According to the rumors
Patara, is the place where founder of the city, Superisi Lykia and Apollon had been born. Today
history of the city could reach to VIth and Vth centuries B.C. City had gained an important
position during Byzantium Period. Because "Father Christmas (Santa Claus)" named Saint-Nicholas
is from Patara. Saint Paul, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, had boarded to a ship for
going to Rome and Patara, was the Bishop center during early Christianity Period.
Patara Beach, is the longest coast holding beach of Turkey with its 18 km. length (narrowest
part is 280 m. and widest part is reaching to 1500 m.). Patara beach, which is announced as
"Special Environmental Preservation Region" by Ministry of Environment, is the reproduction
area of the Caretta - Caretta sea turtles. For continuance of ecological environment of the
turtles during the reproduction period of Caretta - Carettas, preservation measures are
strictly applied within the region. There are lots of resort places, hotel, motel, boarding
houses, shopping centers and tasteful regional meals cooked restaurants in Patara, which is a
touristic place. Also green houses are very improved.
The holiday resort of Patara is situated on the southwest Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Patara is easily reached from the two near by airports of Dalaman and Antalya. It is widely regarded as having the best sandy beach in the area, stretching for some 18 km with a shallow shelf making it ideal for both adults and young children. The beach is also well known for its Caretta turtles that lay their eggs in the sand at night. Being a former port area during Roman times it has many interesting Lykian and Roman historical sights, many of which are still being discovered buried in the sand. The Roman Arch of Honor and the Lykian Tombs are examples of local historical sights.
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