Ancient writers refer to Patara as the birthplace of Apollo - overlooked by Duman Dağ (Mountain), Patara Village nests in a wonderfully scenic area of Turkey, with an enormous amount of historical value. Patara was once an important sea port and administrative centre in Roman Lycia, and has today many uncovered sites (including baths and amphitheatres) - much more remain to be discovered. It is also famous as the birthplace of St Nicholas (Father Christmas) whose church is in nearby Myra (Demre)

The village is in a wooded valley leading to the sea through the site of the ancient city. The Roman City gate dates to the 1^st  Century A.D.  It has an inscription to the Roman Governor Modestus. It has become the symbol of the Patara site and the village. The !st Century Roman Bath House has a date palm nearby reputed to be 1000 years old.

There is a small charge to enter the site. You can use the regular beach bus or walk and see the ruins on the way to the beach. There is also a path from the Hotel to the beach via the sand dunes, which runs past the ruins. There is always plenty of transport back from the beach.