Before begining our visual tour, I would like to introduce you to Fethiye a little bit. Fethiye, one of the popular resorts of Turkey, is famous with its marina. Fethiye, administravely linked to Mugla Province, is located in Aegean region. Even though the population of inhabitants is 70000, this number drastically increases to 500000 and more in summer season. It is mostly preferred by Russian and Scandinavian tourists. The number of Germans and Frenchs are also quite high.

Written sources of scribes have denoted that its history dates back to ancient Lycian times. In the excavations, remains from this culture were found. In history books, ancient Thelmessos refers to Fethiye. The ruins of Hellenistic theatre is the most intriguing historical prosperity of the city. Findings of excavations can exhibited in Fethiye Museum. Sarcopaghi and Fethiye Tower are other historical places in Fethiye.

Belcegiz and Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz) are the most visited places of Fethiye. Blue Lagoon, described as “ the Eden that God granted to the Earth” , is ideal for sports activities like swimming, surfing and diving with its blue crytal water. This bay is also called “Paradise Bay” or “Sea of the dead” . Yachting is also other common activity there.

The layer of the water is always smooth and shines. Great combination of place and time attracts photographers at sunset time. In my opinion, it is the best place to take sunset photos.

Lets start our tour with sunset photos and move to more historical ones.

Sunset photos from Oludeniz (Sea of the dead)

Photo from Paradise Bay

Remains from ancient Lycians, Sarcopaghi.

Fethiye Tower

Every year, millions of tourists come to Turkey to see the natural beauties of my country. Most of these tourists are Russian, German and people coming from North Europan countries like Finland, Sweden and Norway. There are many historical and touristic places in Turkey but most of them are found in Aegean and Mediterranean region. Izmir, Antalya, Didim, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum and Ephesus are all great examples to these beauties. All of these places are located near the sea. Some of them have a historical background while some don't have. This article is about a small town Patara.

Patara is an ancient town in Mediterranean region. It is located in city of Kas which is one of the touristic cities of Antalya Province. According to the historians, Patara is the birth place of Saint Nicholas who is known as Noel Father in Turkish culture. Most of you know him as an old man who drives his deers and gives presents to the children in Noel nights. He lived all his life nearby Patara, in the town of Myra..

Patara was founded by Patarus. So, it is known with his name. Patarus was one of the sons of famous Greek commander Apollo. In the past, Dorians coming from city of Crete lived in this small town. It witnessed many wars of Greek and Egyptians. In 1. century B.C, it was joined to Roman Empire and Rhodians occupied the ancient Patara. It was joined to Pamphylia in the year of 43. According to the quotes in Bible, Paul of Tarsus and Luke changed their ships in Patara.

Patara has a small hill and a ruined temple on one side of the hill. Currently, It is under ruins. Every year, Europan and Turkish archaeologists come to Patara to search about ancient civilizations living in this region. Excavations are made.Most of those excavations are made on the hill and ruined temple nearby. Off-shore part of Patara is under sand. After the latest excavations, archaeologists announced that Patara has a main street and amphitheatre.

One day, if your steps take you away to Turkey, you should visit Patara. Sure that, you can find many interesting things which have not been discovered yet.