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Description
Patara Antik Kenti, or Patara Ancient City, is a fascinating birding and history spot next to the Patara beach. It combines agricultural, marsh, bush and dry rocky habitats, which means a rich diversity of fauna.
The ruins were once Patara city of the ancient Lycian civilisation, and although it is a tourist attraction, it is relatively expansive and generally not so popular or busy. The birds also seem pretty relaxed with humans being around, and one can observe some of them from remarkably close.
This is especially a great place for viewing rock loving birds of south-eastern Europe, such as Northern Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Ortolan Bunting and Western Rock Nuthatch, among many more. In spring-time they hop among the ruins with relatively little fear of tourists. Hooded Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear and Pied Wheatear have also been seen here.
There are several ponds that run north to south along the west of the ruins, from the small town of Gelemis, down to the dunes and amphitheatre, this area was once the harbour of the ancient city. These are surrounded by reedbeds, scattered scrub and trees, and in these environments one can find warblers such as Cetti's Warbler, Moustached Warbler Rüppell's Warbler and Subalpine Warbler, and other birds like Masked Shrike and Syrian Woodpecker.
Many raptors also frequent the area, or pass over during migration, species such as Short-toed Snake Eagle, Eleonora's Falcon and Osprey can be glimpsed.
In the surrounding rural agricultural area, many different sparrows, swallows, pipits and larks can also be found, as well as plenty of tortoises!
Details
Access
The Patara Antik Kenti area is intended to be accessed via the toll gate on the Adnan Menderes Cd. road from Gelemis (see star on the map). Entry costs 15 Euro as of March 2025. One can drive, walk or bike through. Cars can be parked at the main gate entrance, or further down at the rudimentary visitor centre (P on the map.)
The ruins are an easy 15 minute walk from Gelemis, and all the different marsh ponds can be viewed this way. A small public bus, or Dolmuş, that runs from nearby Kinik to Kars, stops in the town, but times can vary.
Note: The area is potentially accessible via other nearby rural roads to the east, or paths through the hills to the west, but this isn't always guaranteed, and would be attempted at one's own risk.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Dunes , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , GrasslandConditions
Flat , Sandy , Hilly , Rocky , Dry , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Spring migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Patara is an alternative stop on the well-known and loved Lycian Way long-distance hiking trail. A stopover day in Gelemis, or wild-camping nearby, with a swim and explore of the ruins is highly recommended!