Patara and the Lycian Way

Patara, forty-five minutes from Kaş, was the main port of ancient Lycia and the meeting place of the Lycian League, a federation of cities whose assembly is often mentioned as an early example of representative government. The day starts with a guided walk of about six kilometres on a section of the Lycian Way, through pine and maquis with views of the coast, coming down into the ancient city.

An archaeologist guide shows the restored assembly hall, the theatre, the colonnaded main street and the lighthouse, one of the oldest surviving in the world. The guide talks about how the League voted and settled disputes, which makes for a good conversation for a leadership team.

Lunch is in Gelemiş village, and the afternoon is free on Patara beach, a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. The beach closes at sunset in summer to protect the nests, so we plan the return before dusk.