Patara Beach

 beach, heritage, nature conservation park / area

Nice and long beach where it is allowed to do horseback riding on the sand. Beach is in front of the ancient Patara city.
The beach is a part of a national park as a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles: www.lycianturkey.com/patara-beach.htm

Patara is one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, 18km and totally unspoilt. The sand is almost white, the water crystal clear and unlike much of the Mediterranean, has a tide that allows body surfing. The beach is a nesting place for loggerhead turtles (caretta-caretta) and the dunes and lake behind, a protected area for rare birds.
Building here is prohibited, as the whole area forms part of a National park. Apart from the small beach cafe, shower and toilet facilities (all designed to be in keeping with the beautiful surroundings), there is not a building to be seen. The small cafe is run by the village of Patara, giving employment to local young people and a percentage of the profits goes back into the local community.
Sunbeds and umberellas are available for hire or you can explore the long sandy beach and find your own little piece of paradise. It is so long and wide that it never feels crowded.