Difference between revisions of "Patara"

Revision as of 22:01, 14 August 2012

Patara is in Mediterranean Turkey.

Understand

Homesick Australians will rejoice at the sight of eucalyptus trees and a sandy beach (Turkey's longest). Everyone who visits here will appreciate the relaxed relaxed atmosphere both in town and on the beach. Patara as it is known to everyone in Turkey, is the name of the former Roman city once found here. Google Maps will tell you that you are in Gelemis. 

Get in

Busses run regularly between Fethiye and Antalya. Those coming from Antalya may have to change at Finike. Make sure that your bus is stopping in Patara as there are some express services.  From the bus stop there are dolmuses into town that run regularly (2.5TL) or you can walk or hitchhike with ease. Note that the town is about 3km from the beach and the land between the beach and the town is protected from construction so don't expect to find any pensions closer to the beach than this. 

Get around

Within the village shops and restaurants are all within walking distance. The beach is a 15 minute walk past the Roman theatre and other ruins. There is also a shuttle which runs regularly (2TL) to ferry people between the beach and the town. The walk back to town at sunset is worth the extra effort and taxis are waiting in the parking lot for those not willing to wait for the shuttle. 

See

The roman theatre and other city ruins are well worth the visit. As they are beyond the entrance to the beach you will need to pay to visit them as they do not distinguish between the two.

Do

Swim at the beach. Pricing is strangely divided into two tickets. Single person 5TL. Groups or people planning on visiting the beach more than once can buy the 5 day ticket for 7.5TL (for everyone). Kind travellers may give you their valid ticket upon their departure. Topless sunbathing is accepted along the entire stretch of beach but those wanting to leave all clothes behind can do so a short walk from the cafe where the families tend to congregate.  A local travel agency hire quad bikes canoes and organise horse riding for those that want to explore the region in a more extreme or romantic way. 

Buy

Local shops sell the usual handmade jewelry. 

Eat

Local restaurants serve a variety of Turkish food and seafood as other towns nearby. Most restaurants do little to distinguish between each other although there are a few that will make gozolme in the front of the shop and encourage a more bohemian vibe.  There is also a small cafe on the beach. 

Drink

There a a few local bars with water pipes and local beer in the centre of town.  There is also a reasonably priced bar on the beach.  The Bar - Head towards the beach and the last building before the beach is 'the Bar'. Cross the drawbridge and Ates (owner and resident barman) will greet you with your drink of choice, a friendly smile and good conversation. Add an extra day to your stay in Patara to spend nestled in the olive trees of this special place. 

Sleep

Even during peak season you will have no trouble finding a suitable pension here. Your best bet is to turn up and find one that suits your needs and budget. There is also a hotel a few kilometers from the main town catering to the local religious crowds. 

• Likya pension and Apartment (gamze.patara@hotmail.com), ☎ 02428435188. A friendly family run pension with a big pool, outdoor living space, kitchen and air conditioned rooms; each with its own balcony. Breakfast included and homemade dinners are a highlight (additional 5TL). All rooms are tripple and cost the same regardless of the number of people. WiFi available. The family also has a house in Antalya which you can arrange to stay in on your way in and out of the region. They can arrange transport between the two cities or dalaman airport at cheap rates

Contact

This website has an old map that should give you an idea of the layout of the town. http://www.kircatravel.com/patara_village.html

Get out