8 MAGAZINE | THE BEACH
Gemiler Beach; below Kaya and opposite St Nicholas Island.
Dolmus services run as far as Kaya Village. The beach is 5 km
further, reached by a winding asphalt road. You might do well to
take a taxi from Oludeniz.
There is an entrance charge. Water sports and jet-skis are
available. The beach is sandy with a small jetty, backed by a few
basic restaurants. Since the shingle beach is only 500 meters in
length it does tend to get crowded in summer months.
One can hire a motor boat to cross to St Nicholas Island where it is
also possible to bathe. There are seldom waves. Avoid the island
at midday when daily boat trips moor there. Local boats motor
round offering ‘gozleme’ pancakes and melons filled with vanilla
ice-cream…delicious.
“
Explore StNicholas Island; climbing up the steep path where on the summit stands a basilica dedicated to St Nicholas. This
and much of the area surveyed by the University of Osaka between 1980 and 1990. From the basilica a processional way runs right
down the hill to the embarkation quay opposite Cold Water Bay. This coastal area was visited by early pilgrims on their “touristic”
journey to Jerusalem. Little was written on the area. It was deserted after the beginning of 7th Century AD until 13th Century AD
when the island was known as “Isola di Perdiaki”. Now known to have two churches dedicated to “St Nicholas” (one being he who
inhabited Myra was probably present at the first council of Niceaof 325 AD. The island is called “St Nicholas” or “Aya Nicola”. The local
boatmen think of it as a pirate island (Korsan Adasi) - more exciting - and maybe true between 7th and 13th Centuries.
Gemile Beach (Kabak Cove)
12 km from Oludeniz, reached by a winding asphalt road via Butterfly Valley passing the attractive little village of Faralya.
Dolmus services run 4 times a day. There is no direct access to the beach which is a 20 minute walk from the car park.
The valley is very attractive and of great botanical importance. The beach itself is shingle and shaded by pine-covered
slopes to the east. Du to proximity to the Lycian Way many walkers visit. It is also popular venue for yoga courses. With
numerous campsites and more recently a larger complex, the beach area may become crowded in high season. The
restaurants are passable, though you might enquire about prices before eating. There are also restaurants and pensions
further up from the beach.
PATARA BEACHES
he sands run for 18
km right across the
width of the plain
which is di-sected
by the estuary of the
Esen Cay (ancient Zanthus River).
On the west the beach area is
approached from Karadere and
known as Karadere beach. With
fine sand and a fresh water creek
the beach is mainly visited by
locals though safari jeep trips
arrive here in late afternoon.
There is no entrance fee and the
T
large shaded cafeteria has good
facilities. The central estuary
beach is approached from
Kumluova town and known
as Kumluova or Letoon beach.
There is some natural shade
from the Akasya bushes and a
basic cafeteria. The most popular
beach area lies at the east end
of the sands, where the port of
Patara once stood and some 3 km
from the inland village of Patara.