# Patara Beach (Patara Plajı) — Massive Sand Dunes and Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Patara Beach is an epic 18-km sandy coastline with desert-like dunes, protected as a Caretta Caretta sea turtle nesting site and part of an ancient city.

This endless stretch of soft golden sand, up to 300 meters wide in some areas, forms picturesque dunes that have been used as desert backdrops in cinema. Patara blends archaeological wonders, coastal beauty, and conservation.

Natural Attractions and Turtle Protection

The main natural highlight of Patara is its rolling sand dunes, which catch the golden light at sunset, offering one of the most stunning sunset walks on the Lycian coast. The sea here faces the open Mediterranean, meaning it is often windy with big waves. The entry into the water is very gradual and sandy, though swimmers should be careful of undertow currents.

As a crucial nesting ground for endangered Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta), the beach is a strictly protected nature reserve. Between May and September, the beach is closed to visitors from 7:00 PM to 8:00 AM to allow the turtles to lay their eggs undisturbed. Nest sites are marked with protective cages, and sunbeds or umbrellas cannot be placed near them.

Access and Facilities

The beach is situated near Gelemiş village. Accessing the shoreline requires passing through the Patara Ruins archaeological site, meaning a combined admission ticket must be purchased. There is only one developed area with a municipal cafe, restrooms, changing cabins, and sunbed rentals near the parking lot. Walking just a short distance from the entrance reveals miles of completely wild, untouched beach.

Practical Information

• Location: Kaş region, about 43 km west of Kaş town center, near Gelemiş village
• Road: Asphalt (well-signposted roads from the D400 highway through Gelemiş). Regular minibuses (dolmuş) run from Kaş bus terminal in summer.
• Infrastructure: Municipal cafe, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, sunbed and umbrella rentals at the main entrance (the rest of the beach is wild)
• Entrance: Paid. The combined ticket for the ancient city and the beach costs €15 for foreign tourists (free with Museum Pass Türkiye).
• Tip: Visit the dunes in the late afternoon to take sunset photos. Because of the constant wind, fine sand can blow into your eyes, so bring sunglasses. Note that the beach closes strictly at 7:00 PM.