Patara
At 10 km on the way to Fethiye from Kalkan, there is a crossroad. When you turn left, the way directly goes to Patara. Just after 6 km, after passing Gelemis Village you will reach ancient city Patara. Patara beach is on the 7th km.
Ruins of Patara starts to appear before arriving Gelemis Village. This area is thought to be the necropolis of Patara. Some of the ruins you can find are Lycian tombstones and Roman mausoleums. Gelemis is a touristic village now. Once the villagers were engaged in growing greenhouse fruits and vegetables. Currently they are running mostly restaurants, pensions and souvenir shops.
Patara was a Lycian city, probably the most important one. Meetings in the Lycian Union were mostly held in Patara and votes from this city were considered more valuable. According to to a belief, Patara was founded by water fairy Lykia and Apollon's son Patarus. It was also an important city in the times of Byzantine and Rome and used as grain reservoir. It is told that Saint Nicholas is from Patara.
One of the most magnificent ruins of Patara is Roman Arch of Triumph near Gelemis Village. If you proceed to the hills from Arch of Triumph, you will see Byzantine Basilica, Temple of Athena and ancient theatre. Patara Beach is the longest beach of the region. It is 18 km long and has fine sands. Patara has shallow sea but it is very windy. Due to windy weather, some people prefer Patara Beach for windsurfing.