It's time for all to know where Santa Claus actually came from! (No, not the North Pole)

The facade of Christmas will always be followed by thoughts of Christmas movies, Christmas carols and, most importantly, Santa Claus riding in his sleigh from the North Pole with his reindeers bringing joy and presents to all around the world amidst falling snowflakes and blankets of snow covering roofs and grounds. However, did you know Santa Claus, or more historically known as Saint Nicholas, actually hailed from the land of legends (and the only Transcontinental country), Turkey, or, more specifically, the little town of Patara instead of the North Pole like how myths portray?

WHAT IS PATARA?

When people think of Turkey, the cities that come to mind are Istanbul or Cappadocia, and the main attraction being Hagia Sophia and even for some, the Turkish Grand Prix that recently took place in Istanbul or the popular hot air balloons. However, tucked away on the Mediterranean coast lies a little gem known as Patara. A wondrous city of Turkey full of historical significance, Patara is a rustic town located in the Antalya province, blessed with a gorgeous beach and historical ruins once roamed by various empires. With an abundant marine life, mountains draped in lush greenery and traces of a richly layered history, the city of Patara has always been known to be a place of inspiration and sociability of its people. Through the ages, the city stood strong and blossomed robustly, supported by nature and loved by all who visited - making Patara one of the must-explore places for a dauntless adventure in Turkey.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO TURKEY DURING THIS TIME?

For those who are feeling optimistic that borders will open for travelling soon and have already started researching safe destinations for future trips (fingers crossed!), Turkey can be one of the countries to consider thanks to their Healthy Tourism Certification programme. An initiative by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey, the certification ensures visitors a peaceful mind when exploring different restaurants, hotels and tourist spots.

WHAT ARE THE ATTRACTIONS OF PATARA TO VISIT?

Here are some must-visit locations in Patara, Turkey recommended by the Turkish Embassy Tourism & Information Office for an adventurous yet insightful expedition, and for you to add more into your bucket list to make Turkey into a bigger trip than planned - giving you more time to think and put a solid itinerary in place.

1. The Birthplace of Santa Claus

The City of Myra – Patara

From setting up the Christmas tree to getting the presents you always wanted from Father Christmas, many people, especially young children will start asking questions about the main character himself, Santa Claus. Most people will imagine Santa Claus as an old man in his signature red-and-white suit driving his sleigh, led by a team of reindeer carrying gifts to children, as to how the media incepted us to think. However, the legends and traditions around Christmas that we are so familiar with today all come from a humble man named Saint Nicholas – Santa Claus, who was born in the ancient city of Patara to a wealthy family and, at a very young age, became the bishop of Myra.

Before embarking on a journey to the Roman town of Myra, Saint Nicholas with his inheritance helped thousands of the poor and sick in Patara. Instead of dropping presents through the chimney, the truth behind this legend is that he would stop by houses and slide small bags of gold coins down the chimneys to help the needy. Adjacent to the Gelemis village of the Antalya province, Saint Nicholas spent most of his youth in Patara where it was the capital city of the Lycian League.

Saint Nicholas has deeply instilled and impacted many childhood memories for the past few decades, especially during the Christmas season. Although there are not much of his traces and personal objects left in Patara, travellers could still follow the footsteps of Saint Nicholas by visiting all the aesthetic and monumental settlements, collonaded high streets, numerous chapels while drinking in the natural beauty and historical heritage that Patara has to offer.

2. Patara Beach

Patara Beach

Feel the soft sand beneath your feet, a breath-taking panoramic view to contend with as the ears tune in to the majestic waves continuously crashing towards shore. As the cool breeze gently strokes the face and neck, the feeling of bliss sinks in. What an absolute joy to be at Patara Beach!

Stretching 18 kilometres in the length of gorgeous golden sand, Patara Beach is the longest beach in Turkey. Situated by the Turkish Riviera at the easternmost point with a rocky outcrop overlooking a spectacular cover, Patara Beach is also known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.

The sand dunes and dramatic waves not only attract beach lovers but also the endangered loggerhead turtles as well. These extremely unique turtles often look for sandy environments away from shiny lights to do their nesting, making Patara beach the perfect sanctuary for them to lay their eggs at.

The months of July and August are recommended to visit Patara Beach, especially for windsurfers and boogie boarders as the waves are more powerful and ideal for extreme water-sports. Beach lovers are recommended to take a stroll towards the south-east end of the beach and admire the distant towering limestone peaks of Lycia. To complete this therapeutic day, dine in at the restaurant near to the entrance of the beach, where a scrumptious meal and refreshing beverages are all ready to be served at your request.

3. The Ruins of Patara

The Grand Amphitheatre of Patara

Overview of Patara’s Amphitheatre

Turkey, with its deep history of overlapping eras and empires, is like an open-air museum. In the early days, the ancient city of Patara was a huge parliamentary force in the Lycian Empire and is considered to be the first excellent republic governing known in history. During the ruling of the Lycian Empire, Patara was the capital city and the only city that was able to make three votes compared to the rest of the cities (this was considered to be something of a huge deal back then!). Safe to say, without the Lycian Empire and all it embodied, there would be no distinguished nor dignified ruins that Turkey is known for, and till today, Patara is still renowned for these ruins due to the prominent parliamentary landmarks that are spread all over in large broad areas.

From picturesque hills to enormous mountains, Patara’s scenery and history, particularly the ruins often tempt travellers to explore more. It is highly suggested to dedicate at least half a day to venture the ruins of Patara as this journey is proven to be worth your while.

Starting from dawn, explorers can begin their voyage by heading towards the eastward of the river Xanthus located by the sea-shore and marvel at the remains of the grand amphitheatre, which is excavated in the northern side of a small hill. Built from the sands, this theatre dates back to the Hellenistic period where it was carefully modified during the Roman Empire. It is said that many who have visited can still feel the thrilling echoes of the past when standing in the middle of the theatre. Visitors are encouraged to carefully observe the military symbols that are beautifully carved on stone poles.

Arch of Mettius Modestus

Apart from the grand theatre, you will also notice an iconic temple which was built for Apollo, one of the Olympian deities (in both Greek and Roman mythology). The other fascinating ruins that can be spotted is the triumphal Arch of Mettius Modestus which was seen as a symbolic gateway for many citizens around the globe. While there are many beautiful views to immerse in Patara, to visit these ruins is a must for explorers as these are the ruins that you will always remember in the end.

4. Patara’s Ancient Lighthouse

The Ancient Lighthouse of Patara

While a lighthouse may be common, this lighthouse in Patara is unlike any other. Possibly the oldest lighthouse in Turkey (or maybe around the world), aged more than 2000 years old, the ancient lighthouse of Patara was constructed under the order of one of the most famed emperors in Roman history, Nero. This lighthouse was more than just a lighthouse. With its powerful foundation, this well-preserved building was regarded as a strong symbol of democracy and ancient glory found within the great city of Lycia. Not only that, it was also a large natural harbour many years ago.

Today, it stands overlooking a field of lush grass and broad savanna filled richly with harvested grains. Visitors are encouraged to feel the powerful breeze from the blue ocean wind while gazing ahead at the view. It is also recommended to take a deep breath, and make the best of the silence, reflect on life (especially with the bumpy challenges faced this year) and appreciate serene moments like this.

The above attractions are just a few of the suggested highlights by Turkish Tourism, and there are plenty more adventurous sites for visitors to admire and be mesmerised in Patara. Although there are still doubts and hesitation in some to travel in this uncertain time, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Turkey has pledged to ensure travellers to Turkey are able to wander the country in a safe and hygienic manner while feeling at ease during their visit. With this commitment, many more various landmarks in this magnificent city of Patara are waiting to be explored safely thanks to Turkey’s initiative in ensuring Safe Tourism for all.