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Patara Antik Kenti

Kaş, Antalya  >  Turkey

An amazing birding experience among ancient mediterranean ruins, where one can find many bird species at home in wetland and dry environments.

Geplaatst* door Sebastian Warne
Meest recente update 10 april 2025

Beschrijving

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 Tapuit, Izabeltapuit, Blonde Tapuit, Blauwe Rotslijster, Bruinkeelortolaan, Ortolaan and Rotsklever, among many more. In spring-time they hop among the ruins with relatively little fear of tourists. Monnikstapuit, Cyprustapuit and Bonte Tapuit 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 Zanger, Zwartkoprietzanger Rüppells Grasmus and Baardgrasmus, and other birds like Maskerklauwier and Syrische Bonte Specht.

Many raptors also frequent the area, or pass over during migration, species such as Slangenarend, Eleonora's Valk and Visarend 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

Toegang

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.

Terrein en leefgebied

Wetland , Duinen , Rietvelden , Landbouw , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Vijver , Grasland/weide

Omstandigheden

Vlak , Zanderig , Heuvelachtig , Rotsachtig , Droog , Open landschap

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Nee

Telescoop meenemen?

Nee

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Lente , Herfst , Zomer

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Voorjaarstrek

Route

Verharde weg , Breed pad , Onverharde weg

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Fiets , Auto

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Extra 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!

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