Patara Beach and Dunes
Patara Beach boasts 18km of golden sand dunes and ancient ruins, famous for its stunning sunsets and loggerhead turtle nesting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Patara Beach and Dunes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Patara Beach boasts 18km of golden sand dunes and ancient ruins, famous for its stunning sunsets and loggerhead turtle nesting.
"This place is beautiful and the sunsets are amazing, however, I recommend explore all the areas in Patara not just the beach."
Hot Sand Alert! ☀️
The sand gets incredibly hot, especially mid-day. Wear sandals or water shoes to avoid burning your feet!
Explore Beyond the Beach 🏛️
Don't just stick to the sand; the ancient ruins are a must-see! Consider a tour for the full experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Golden Sand Dunes
Patara Beach
Miles of soft, golden sand dunes create a dramatic and secluded landscape, perfect for long walks and stunning photos.
Spectacular Sunset Views
Patara Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Mediterranean Sea and sand dunes.
Patara Ancient City
Adjacent to Patara Beach
Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Lycian city, including an amphitheater and historical structures.
Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Site
Patara Beach
A vital nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, offering a unique chance to see these ancient creatures (seasonal).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Patara
Beyond the Beach: Ancient Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hot Sand Alert! ☀️
The sand gets incredibly hot, especially mid-day. Wear sandals or water shoes to avoid burning your feet!
Explore Beyond the Beach 🏛️
Don't just stick to the sand; the ancient ruins are a must-see! Consider a tour for the full experience.
Sunset Magic ✨
The sunsets here are legendary. Stick around after a day of exploring for a truly unforgettable view.
Turtle Season Caution 🐢
If visiting during nesting season (May-Oct), be mindful of protected areas for turtles.
Tips
from all over the internet
Hot Sand Alert! ☀️
The sand gets incredibly hot, especially mid-day. Wear sandals or water shoes to avoid burning your feet!
Explore Beyond the Beach 🏛️
Don't just stick to the sand; the ancient ruins are a must-see! Consider a tour for the full experience.
Sunset Magic ✨
The sunsets here are legendary. Stick around after a day of exploring for a truly unforgettable view.
Turtle Season Caution 🐢
If visiting during nesting season (May-Oct), be mindful of protected areas for turtles.
Pack Light for the Walk 🚶♀️
You might need to park and walk about 7 minutes to reach the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Patara Beach is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its expansive golden sand dunes and breathtaking sunsets. Visitors appreciate the clear waters and the opportunity to explore the adjacent ancient ruins. However, some find the entrance fee high for the limited amenities, and parking can be challenging during peak times.
"This place is beautiful and the sunsets are amazing, however, I recommend explore all the areas in Patara not just the beach. The best option is getting a tour that includes the historical areas and the beach."
Valeria Estrada
"Mashallah this is a great beach. Amazing views, nice walk here from the sand dunes. Empty beach, clear blue water and nice waves. Parking is limited up top but you can manage to somehow find a spot, just keep waiting. The sand is very hot so make sure to not go down to the beach barefoot!! We made this mistake and would not recommend."
Kai Steinke
"Beach is nice. Very authentic…But 15 euro per person just for the entrance (!!!) it is a bit too much for a wild beach, where there are no proper conditions like shower, changing rooms etc…Also you have to pay extra for umbrella and sunbeds…A simple rip-off((("
NY
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Patara Beach is accessible by car, with parking available nearby, though it can be limited. From the parking area, it's about a 7-minute walk down to the beach.
Many visitors also arrive as part of tours from Fethiye or Antalya.Patara Beach is located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Fethiye, making it a feasible day trip or a stop along the Turquoise Coast.
While you can drive close to Patara Beach, parking can be limited. You may need to park a short walk away and then proceed on foot.
From Antalya, Patara Beach is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive along the scenic coastal road. Renting a car or joining a guided tour are popular options.
Public buses run along the coastal road, and you can ask to be dropped off near the turn-off for Patara Beach. From there, you might need a local dolmuş (minibus) or a taxi to reach the beach and ancient city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Patara Beach and the adjacent ancient city. Some visitors find the price a bit high for a 'wild' beach, especially as amenities like showers and changing rooms are limited.
The entrance fee typically covers access to both the Patara Ancient City and the beach. It's often recommended to explore both to get the most value.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are usually available for rent at Patara Beach, but they come with an additional cost.
The opening hours can vary seasonally, but generally, the site is open from morning until early evening. It's best to check the latest hours before your visit, especially if you plan to see the sunset.
Information on online ticket purchases may be limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance to the archaeological site.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
You can swim in the clear waters, sunbathe on the expansive sands, walk along the dunes, and explore the ancient ruins. It's also a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Patara Beach has clear blue waters and nice waves, making it suitable for swimming. However, be mindful of the currents, especially if you're not a strong swimmer.
Some TikTok videos show people camping and having bonfires at Patara Beach, suggesting it's a possibility, though official regulations should be checked.
While some TikTok videos mention 'nude beach' in relation to the Fethiye area, Patara Beach itself is generally not advertised as a dedicated nude beach.
Loggerhead turtles nest at Patara Beach between May and October. Access to certain areas might be restricted during these times to protect the nesting sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The sand dunes offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ancient ruins also provide a dramatic backdrop.
Yes, drone photography is very popular at Patara Beach, capturing the vastness of the dunes and the coastline.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most magical light for photography, highlighting the textures of the sand dunes and the sea.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of any protected areas, especially if turtles are nesting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive dunes and beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife if you're lucky enough to spot turtles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are some facilities, like Suncity Beach Club mentioned in a TikTok video, offering services. However, for a wider selection of dining options, you might need to visit the nearby village of Patara or head back towards Fethiye.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally a good idea, especially if you plan to spend the whole day. This can also help save money compared to on-site options.
Expect traditional Turkish cuisine in the nearby village, including fresh seafood, mezes, and local specialties.
The vastness of the beach and dunes provides ample space for picnics. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and take all your trash with you.
Some beach clubs or cafes might serve alcohol, but it's not guaranteed. It's advisable to check with the specific establishment if this is important to you.
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In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit