Patara Archaeological Site

Patara appears as Patar in Hittite texts of the 13th century BC. It survived for centuries because it was the only harbour in the Xanthos Valley that opened onto the sea. Excavations have run since 1988, and the city also matters to Christians: Saint Nicholas, the figure behind Santa Claus, was born here, and Saint Paul is known to have boarded a ship here on his way to Rome.

The Seleucid kingdom took control at the start of the 2nd century BC, and Patara came to be treated as the capital of Lycia. This became official in 167–168 BC, when it gained autonomy from Rome and independence from Rhodes. Under Roman rule it kept its importance as a seat for the governors' court cases and as a naval base linking the eastern provinces. It was also a port where grain from Anatolia was stored before shipment to Rome.

Patara was known too as a prophecy centre, with an oracle of Apollo. The setting adds to the visit: ruins, dunes and a long open beach sit together, so it is possible to combine history and a swim in one trip.