Patara, once an important port but now the river has silted up, is fantastic for bird watching. The area is rich in ancient Lycian and Roman ruins to explore as you follow the river. Sit in the amphitheater and soak up the surroundings.
The beach is amazing! 17 km of soft pale sand, probably the best in Turkey, with only one restaurant and a few sun loungers at one end, it is a nature reserve for loggerhead turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs.
Patara village is ramshackle, with demolition orders on most buildings but charming none the less. The locals are very friendly. Perfect if you need to find the real Turkish way of life.
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