Patara is a port and trade city located in the south-west of Anatolia and dating back to the Bronze Age. It is believed that Patarus, son of Apollo, founded Patara. Patara, one of the most important cities of the Lycia region, has one of the unique beaches of the Turkish Riviera with its 18 km length. Many famous priests of the early Christian period lived in this region. Patara is the birthplace of St. Nicholas in 270 AD. The ancient city still hosts important ruins.