The ancient city of Patara, which is called "Patar" in the Hittite texts of the 13th century BC, has a unique location in the Xanthos Valley and is home to a great richness that carries the traces of history to the present day. Located at the southwestern end of the Xanthos Valley between Fethiye and Kalkan in today's Ovagelemis Village, this ancient city is one of the most important and oldest cities of Lycia.

Patara stood out on the stage of history as the capital of the Lycian Union for a period. Also known as the city where St. Nicholas was born, Patara symbolizes the land where this important religious figure was born. It also fascinates both history buffs and sea lovers with its 12-kilometer beach.

The ancient city of Patara, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, lost its connection with the sea due to the alluvium carried by the Xanthos River over time but was unearthed again with excavations in 1988.

It is one of the most magnificent ancient cities of Anatolia with impressive structures such as five baths, thirteen churches, and temple tombs. The Arch of Mettius Modestus, a 10-meter-high victory monument, was built in honor of Governor Mettius Modestus, who served under the Roman Emperor Trajan. Harbor Street is one of the widest streets of the Lycian period and connects the inner harbor to the agora in front of the Assembly.

Another important point unique to Patara is the ancient ship replica named Abora-IV, designed by German archaeologist Dr. Dominique Gorlitz and made entirely of reed. This 14-meter-long ship, built with the Ancient Age shipping technique, was brought to Patara from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and is exhibited in the city. You can easily reach Patara Ancient City, which is only 15 km from Kalkan, by private car or Patara minibuses.