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| View of Patara Beach |
Patara beach is stunning and makes an enjoyable visit as well as the nearby ancient site of Patara, with its gorgeous landscape and great swimming. Part of a national park, it is a key biodiversity area, rich in birdlife and the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle (caretta caretta). Luckily the beach has been declared off-limits for development because of the turtles, they are nearing extinction and protection of their nesting sites on the Turkish coast is very important. The beach is closed after sunset from May to October to give the turtles peace in which to lay their eggs as it is the second most important turtle nesting beach in Turkey.
The beach is an 12 kilometer-long strip of sand bordered on its ends by mountains and along its length by sand dunes and the large marshy area which once was the harbour of Patara. Voted as one of the top beaches in the world by Times Online, Best of 2005 and known as the "widest beach of the northern Mediterranean. Only about a 15 minute stroll from some of the major ruins, even in the height of summer it is never crowded. The absence of development and no water sports means that it is always peaceful. There is only one café near the end of the path to the beach, it also rents out sunbeds and umbrellas.
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| Beautiful Patara Beach |
Building here is prohibited, as the whole area forms part of a National park. Apart from the small beach cafe, shower and toilet facilities (all designed to be in keeping with the beautiful surroundings), there is not a building to be seen. The small cafe is run by the village of Patara, giving employment to local young people and a percentage of the profits goes back into the local community.
To reach the beach from the hotel it is a beautiful 30 minute walk through the archaeological site of Patara (fee payable) or a 40 minute walk through the forest and over the sand dunes. Alternatively use the mini bus service running from the village centre or for guests staying at the Golden Lighthouse hotel there is a complimentary shuttle service.Labels: Place of Interest
