Patara Beach from Antalya: Planning a Trip to the Lycian Coast’s Longest Sands
Patara has one of the longest beaches in Türkiye – a wide sweep of sand backed by dunes – and an ancient Lycian city right behind it. It is about 226 km from Antalya’s old town, so most visitors come from Kaş or Kalkan, or stay a night nearby.
Distances
- From Kaleiçi: about 226 km, around 3 hours 15 minutes.
- From Antalya Airport: about 235 km, around 3 hours 10 minutes.
- From Kalkan: about 20 minutes; from Kaş: under an hour.
The beach
Patara is a protected nesting beach for loggerhead turtles. The beach closes in the evening and there is no building on the sand. Facilities are simple: a café, sunbeds and umbrellas near the entrance. Walk a few minutes along the shore and you have space to yourself.
The ancient city
On the road to the beach you pass the ruins of Patara: a colonnaded street, a theatre and the restored assembly building where the Lycian League met. The entrance ticket covers the ruins and the beach.
Planning
From Antalya, Patara is a long day: about six and a half hours of driving there and back. It works better as a stop on the way to or from Kaş or Kalkan, or as a day out if you are staying there. Bring shade and water; the dunes get very hot.
Turtle season
From late spring to early autumn, turtles nest on the beach. Leave the marked nests alone, do not dig deep holes in the sand, and leave the beach when it closes in the evening.
Booking a driver
Book on the booking form and choose “Return” with a time later the same day; both legs are paid together, with a discount on the return. Fares are per vehicle and shown before you pay. For the airport, Kaş and Kalkan have a fixed fare of €120 per vehicle from Antalya Airport.
Combine with
Saklıkent gorge and the ruins of Xanthos are both inland from Patara. See Saklıkent from Antalya, Kaş airport transfer and Kaputaş beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Patara from Antalya?
About 226 km, roughly three hours and a quarter.
Is the beach open at night?
No, it closes in the evening to protect nesting turtles.
Is Patara a day trip from Antalya?
Possible, but long; it is easier from Kaş or Kalkan.
Are there sunbeds?
Yes, near the entrance.
Can I visit the ruins and the beach together?
Yes, they are on the same road.
