Fethiye

KAŞ

Kas was one of the a lot of important cities of Lycia, and is now a baby resort with abundant actual interest. Its bizarre boondocks centre has a bouldered waterfront, with acceptable beaches nearby. There are watersports attainable in the area, like canoeing,jet-skiing, diving and paragliding, additional cave diving, which uses abstruse accessories to analyze the abysmal and aphotic caverns. For those who adulation travelling on the water, the Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage) tours, and added excursions on boats, can be madeto the surrounding islands.

History

Habesos is the age-old accepted name of the age-old city, as accepted from archaeological findings. But the name Antiphellos is far added familiar, and this was the harbour of age-old Phellos. Excavations actuality accept appear a adjustment dating aback to the4th aeon BC, possibly earlier, although it accomplished its acme of accent during the Roman and Byzantine periods, if it was a centre for Bishops. It had aswell been cogent in the angel of sea-faring commerce, and during the Roman era wasespecially acclaimed for its exported sponges. It was attacked by Arabs, again added to the breadth of the Anatolian Seljuks, and took the name Andifli. Afterwards the abolition of the Anatolian Seljuk state, the Ottomans added it to its lands. The name Kas agency ‘eyebrow’, or ‘something curved’,describing the appearance of the boondocks beneath the accomplishments of 500m top cliffs behind.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry in Kas, absolutely archetypal of Mediterranean region, and can ability about 35 degrees during the day. Winters are balmy during the day although can get air-conditioned at night, and can bead beneath 10 degrees.

Where to Visit

Gömbe

An ideal abode to escape the summer calefaction is Gombe, 60km arctic of Kas, in the air-conditioned plateau of the Akdag abundance range. The forest-covered avenue with ache and cedar copse about burrow the village, acclaimed for its cools springs and angel orchards.Akdag is the accomplished abundance in this range, extensive 3024m, and the villages of Yesilgol and Ucarsu are acceptable for trekking. The herbs which abound in this breadth are acclimated in bounded affable and there are several restaurants in the basic square. There is afamous anniversary of the bounded Tahtacis in June, and a farmers’ fair in backward August.

Kalkan (Kalamaki)

A well-maintained and quiet harbour town, Kalkan is 25km west of Kas. It is an adorable town, already a fishing angel active by the Ottoman Greeks. It has become added accepted aback the 1980s, with a huge anniversary angel accoutrement thesouthern hillside. The baby boondocks centre which overlooks the bay is abounding with quaint, acceptable white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies with brilliantly-coloured flowers. The berth caters for the requirements of visiting yachts, aswell as several restaurants and shops in the basic centre.Yacht Berth Tel: (0242) 844 3204, fax: 836 1030.

Saklikent Gorge

Beyond Tlos, Saklikent is a amazing gorge cut into the Akdaglar mountains. 18 km long, the abandon are so abysmal and abrupt that no sun penetrates, so the baptize consistently charcoal icy cold. Access to the alpha of the gorge is forth a board boardwalksuspended aloft the water, again afterwards bridge the river, it is adequately aboveboard to airing through the gorge for 6km. In the summer, there are tours abiding from Kas and Kalkan.Opening hours: Daily 08.00 - 17.00.

ANCIENT CITIES

Antiphellos

This is the aboriginal name of the age-old Lycian town, although there is little larboard of Antiphellos except a well-preserved age-old theatre and Lycian bedrock tombs. One of the a lot of important of these charcoal is the Monument Tomb, a Lychian inscribed tombmounted on a top base, dating aback to 4th aeon BC, aswell alleged King’s Tomb. Addition important account is the age-old theatre, dating aback to 1st aeon BC which already had a accommodation of 4000 people.

This well-preserved theatre is the alone one in Anatolia to be overlooking the sea. It lies 500m west of the basic square.Northeast of the theatre is a house-style tomb dating aback to the 4th aeon BC. It has been complete by acid into the accustomed rock, lies 3.5m top with engravings of 24 girls dancing. Abreast Hastsane Caddesi, on the western bank of the town,there is a temple whose foundations date aback to the Roman era.

OUTSIDE KAŞ

Patara (Ovagelemiş)

Once a assumption harbour of age-old Lycia, Patara was the birthplace of Apollo, according to Greek legend. This angel accoutrement a advanced breadth on the eastern allotment of the harbour is 41km from Kas and has one of the best beaches in the area, a white goldenstretch about 20km long. Patara acquired accent during the Byzantine period, because it was the birthplace of St Nicholas, the 4th aeon abbey bigger accepted as his added identity, Santa Claus. St Paul, one of Christ’s disciples, boarded a shipfrom Patara to Rome. The charcoal lie 1km from the beach, and cover several Lycian tombs, a basilica, Corinthian temple and a theatre. Access is attainable by dolmus from a lot of adjoining towns, although not at night. The Lycian Roman monuments can be apparent if entering Patara. From the Vespasianus Hamam, complete amid 69 – 79 AD, the adjoining aisle alcove the main, marble-covered artery of Patara. At the end of the artery are the advanced walls of theByzantine Castle, and east of that is the Corynth Temple. Patara Theatre, congenital in the 2nd aeon BC, is at the basal of the acropolis and had a accommodation for about 10,000 people. It was abounding with wind-swept bank but afterwards charwoman appear its structure, and archaeological excavations are still continuing. The bank is one of the longest in Turkey, with a amplitude of up to 1500m. Declared a Special Environmental Preservation Arena by the Ministry of the Environment, it is a aloft ancestry breadth for the caretta-caretta sea turtles, and during thereproductive division there are carefully activated restrictions to bottle their habitat.

Xanthos

Along the east bank of the Esen River, 45km from Kas, Xanthos was the basic and grandest city-limits of the Lycian Union, but has had a chequered history. Surface allegation from the city-limits acropolis reveals that the adjustment dates aback to the 8th centuryBC. Initial analysis was performed by Englishman Charles Fellows in 1838, which apparently explains why the Nereidler and Harpyler monuments, the Payave Tomb and Aslani Grave were taken to the British Museum in 1842. The city-limits walls were repaired during the Roman and Byzantium periods, and adequate with additions to the width. At the south end, a aboideau dates aback to 2nd aeon BC, and abaft this there is Victory Arch acceptance to Emperor Vesoasianus. To thesouthwest, the aboriginal adjustment of the city-limits is the Lychian Acropolis, now abominably ruined, with a Byzantine Church.

Felen Plateau (Phellos)

The arena of hills over the Felen Plateau, 12km from Kas, was a awful important city-limits during the 4th aeon BC. Antiphellos was the harbour of Phellos, and some of the surrounding city-limits walls still remain. Aswell surrounding the city-limits is a tomb,decorated with reliefs, 4th aeon tombs and rock-cut graves.

Belenli (Isinda)

Isinda, on the hills abreast Belendi angel 13km from Kas, was a baby Lycian city-limits and amidst by ramparts. In the average of the city’s acropolis, two tombs with Lycian inscriptions are the basic attractions. There are aswell abounding Lycian bedrock tombs fromthe Roman period.

Bezirgan (Pirha)

This important plateau angel is 20 account walks from Pirha ruins, an age-old city-limits 850m aloft the sea. There are abounding bedrock graves, all adverse the sea, and the tombs are added anyhow positioned. The statues and reliefs that were baldheaded hereare now in the Antalya Museum.

Sütleğen (Nisa)

80km from Kas, this is addition important plateau village, with charcoal 15 account airing away. Neiseus, the city’s Lycian name, is accounting on the theatre wall. In Nisa, there are age-old charcoal from the Lycian and Roman periods, and on the foreground of some ofthe tombs there are images of spears, shields, women and men. Coins produced during this time are apparent in Antalya Museum.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Diving

Kas has become an important diving centre which in about-face is a cogent allotment of the day-tripper industry for Turkish and adopted visitors. Diving clubs accomplish from the harbour, and attempt with anniversary added for accessing the oldest abysmal charcoal of theMediterranean. The breadth has arguably the best afterimage and array of sea activity forth the Turkish coast, and the almost abbreviate ambit to the dive sites agency that half-day trips are actual popular. Weekends during the summer can get actual busy, asit offers some of the cheapest diving areas in the country. There are abounding absorbing sea caverns about Kas which are attainable through diving. These include: Kekova Island, Asirli Island, Guvercin Inn, and Mavi Cavern, which is the a lot of famous.

Canoeing

The Esen river, 45km from Kas, is a abundant abode for canoeing, with several agencies in the breadth bartering accessories and organising tours. Beginning at the Kinik region, a 15km paddle ends at Parara beach. The river is calm so it is a almost easyjourney, with adorable ambience of copse and foliage. The cruise aswell includes break for food, pond and mud baths. For canoeing in the sea, the best abode is the angel of Ucagiz, attainable from Kas by road. The four-hour organised tripinvolves canoeing accomplished different bays, and the actual sites of the Abysmal City-limits and Simena, with break for pond and food.

Trekking

As Kas and the Lycian cities are abutting to anniversary other, biking is a accepted way of exploring the region, with routes and maps available. Paths attainable for walking will go about the peninsula to Limanagzi, Gedife Hill, Phellos, Gokceoren, Mount Asaz,and the Gombe plateau. Kas is a acceptable abode to alpha the Lycian Way, Turkey’s aboriginal walking trail, which is a 30-day airing about the bank and mountains.

Sailing

Kas is one of the a lot of important stops on the Blue Voyage, as able-bodied as a acceptable starting point, and exploring the bank amid Kas and Bodrum on motor schooner or yacht is accepted with visitors. The boats for appoint about the Kas Harbour are usually wellequipped with water, electricity, gas, battery and laundry account generally provided.

Parachuting

Kas had accepted to be one of the best places in Turkey for hillside parachuting, mainly due to the cartography and climate. There are good, acclaimed companies operating from the town, with avant-garde accessories and able supervisors.

Fishing

Kas has the cleanest and clearest amnion in the Mediterranean with little or no pollution, so fishing has developed into absolutely a advantageous industry. The a lot of accepted in this breadth arelobster, blah and red mullet, lobster, octopus and tuna. Recently,trout farms accept been accustomed about Gombe and Saklikent.

Beaches

Out appear the southeast of boondocks are the beaches of Kucukcakil, Buyukcakil and Akcagerme, which are absolutely stony. One of the nicest in agreement of its agreeable breadth is Limanagzi, attainable alone by boat, and amidst by a tiny anchorage with olivetrees. The tiny bank of Kaputas is 19km away, and lies at the basal of 192 bouldered accomplish from the road, giving it a different ambience if examination it from a distance. It too is absolutely stony, and the accepted can be actual strong, but an adorable andrelatively peaceful abode for picnics and sunbathing.

What to Eat

Eating in Kas is absolutely archetypal of the Mediterranean. Beginning agronomical articles are developed in the arena every season, and the angle is abnormally common. Karakovan honey and ache honey, and molasses fabricated from carob is readily attainable and begin inthe Friday Market. In restaurants about town, there is a abundant alternative of Turkish cuisine and seafood.

What to Buy

Hand-made baby carpets and bolt are produced regionally, abnormally the different barak carpets, and alloyed goat-hair products. Walnut copse are fabricated into affairs chests, rolling pins and board spoons, and are appropriate of the area. There aremany shops forth Uzun Carsi (Long Market) in the boondocks centre, affairs carpets, handicrafts, and artist clothing. The Friday Market, captivated in a ample accessible acreage to the arctic of town, has a abundant alternative of beginning bake-apple and vegetables, cheeses, olivesand honey produced from the surrounding villages, as able-bodied as hand-woven fabrics.

Don't Leave Without

Visiting surrounding caper cities,

Seeing the abysmal city-limits of Ucagiz on a baiter tour,

Trying chance sports like hillsideparachuting and diving,

"Buying locally fabricated barak kilims (small carpets)" ,

Tasting Karakovan Honey, carob molasses,

Shopping for beginning aftermath and fabrics at the Friday Bazaar

KAŞ

Kas was one of the most important cities of Lycia, and is now a small resort with great historical interest. Its quaint town centre has a rocky waterfront, with good beaches nearby. There are watersports available in the area, like canoeing,jet-skiing, diving and paragliding, plus cavern diving, which uses technical equipment to explore the deep and dark caverns. For those who love travelling on the water, the Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage) tours, and other excursions on boats, can be madeto the surrounding islands.

History

Habesos is the earliest known name of the ancient city, as proved from archaeological findings. But the name Antiphellos is far more familiar, and this was the harbour of ancient Phellos. Excavations here have revealed a settlement dating back to the4th century BC, possibly earlier, although it reached its height of importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods, when it was a centre for Bishops. It had also been significant in the world of sea-faring commerce, and during the Roman era wasespecially famous for its exported sponges. It was attacked by Arabs, then added to the territory of the Anatolian Seljuks, and took the name Andifli. After the destruction of the Anatolian Seljuk state, the Ottomans added it to its lands. The name Kas means ‘eyebrow’, or ‘something curved’,describing the shape of the town under the backdrop of 500m high cliffs behind.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry in Kas, quite typical of Mediterranean region, and can reach around 35 degrees during the day. Winters are warm during the day although can get cool at night, and can drop below 10 degrees.

Where to Visit

Gömbe

An ideal place to escape the summer heat is Gombe, 60km north of Kas, in the cool plateau of the Akdag mountain range. The forest-covered route with pine and cedar trees almost conceal the village, famous for its cools springs and apple orchards.Akdag is the highest mountain in this range, reaching 3024m, and the villages of Yesilgol and Ucarsu are good for trekking. The herbs which grow in this area are used in local cooking and there are several restaurants in the main square. There is afamous festival of the local Tahtacis in June, and a farmers’ fair in late August.

Kalkan (Kalamaki)

A well-maintained and quiet harbour town, Kalkan is 25km west of Kas. It is an attractive town, once a fishing village occupied by the Ottoman Greeks. It has become increasingly popular since the 1980s, with a huge holiday village covering thesouthern hillside. The small town centre which overlooks the bay is filled with quaint, traditional white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies with brilliantly-coloured flowers. The marina caters for the requirements of visiting yachts, aswell as several restaurants and shops in the main centre.Yacht Marina Tel: (0242) 844 3204, fax: 836 1030.

Saklikent Gorge

Beyond Tlos, Saklikent is a spectacular gorge cut into the Akdaglar mountains. 18 km long, the sides are so deep and steep that no sun penetrates, so the water always remains icy cold. Access to the start of the gorge is along a wooden boardwalksuspended above the water, then after crossing the river, it is fairly straightforward to walk through the gorge for 6km. In the summer, there are tours arranged from Kas and Kalkan.Opening hours: Daily 08.00 - 17.00.

ANCIENT CITIES

Antiphellos

This is the original name of the ancient Lycian town, although there is little left of Antiphellos except a well-preserved ancient theatre and Lycian rock tombs. One of the most important of these ruins is the Monument Tomb, a Lychian inscribed tombmounted on a high base, dating back to 4th century BC, also called King’s Tomb. Another important item is the ancient theatre, dating back to 1st century BC which once had a capacity of 4000 people.
This well-preserved theatre is the only one in Anatolia to be overlooking the sea. It lies 500m west of the main square.Northeast of the theatre is a house-style tomb dating back to the 4th century BC. It has been constructed by cutting into the natural rock, lies 3.5m high with engravings of 24 girls dancing. Near Hastsane Caddesi, on the western coast of the town,there is a temple whose foundations date back to the Roman era.

OUTSIDE KAŞ

Patara (Ovagelemiş)

Once a principle harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara was the birthplace of Apollo, according to Greek legend. This village covering a wide area on the eastern part of the harbour is 41km from Kas and has one of the best beaches in the area, a white goldenstretch around 20km long. Patara gained importance during the Byzantine period, because it was the birthplace of St Nicholas, the 4th century bishop better known as his other identity, Santa Claus. St Paul, one of Christ’s disciples, boarded a shipfrom Patara to Rome. The ruins lie 1km from the beach, and include several Lycian tombs, a basilica, Corinthian temple and a theatre. Access is possible by dolmus from most adjacent towns, although not at night. The Lycian Roman monuments can be seen when entering Patara. From the Vespasianus Hamam, constructed between 69 – 79 AD, the adjacent footpath reaches the main, marble-covered street of Patara. At the end of the street are the wide walls of theByzantine Castle, and east of that is the Corynth Temple. Patara Theatre, built in the 2nd century BC, is at the foot of the hill and had a capacity for around 10,000 people. It was filled with wind-swept sand but after cleaning revealed its structure, and archaeological excavations are still continuing. The beach is one of the longest in Turkey, with a width of up to 1500m. Declared a Special Environmental Preservation Region by the Ministry of the Environment, it is a major breeding area for the caretta-caretta sea turtles, and during thereproductive season there are strictly applied restrictions to preserve their habitat.

Xanthos

Along the east coast of the Esen River, 45km from Kas, Xanthos was the capital and grandest city of the Lycian Union, but has had a chequered history. Surface findings from the city acropolis reveals that the settlement dates back to the 8th centuryBC. Initial research was performed by Englishman Charles Fellows in 1838, which probably explains why the Nereidler and Harpyler monuments, the Payave Tomb and Aslani Grave were taken to the British Museum in 1842. The city walls were repaired during the Roman and Byzantium periods, and strengthened with additions to the width. At the south end, a gate dates back to 2nd century BC, and behind this there is Victory Arch belonging to Emperor Vesoasianus. To thesouthwest, the original settlement of the city is the Lychian Acropolis, now badly ruined, with a Byzantine Church.

Felen Plateau (Phellos)

The region of hills over the Felen Plateau, 12km from Kas, was a highly important city during the 4th century BC. Antiphellos was the harbour of Phellos, and some of the surrounding city walls still remain. Also surrounding the city is a tomb,decorated with reliefs, 4th century tombs and rock-cut graves.

Belenli (Isinda)

Isinda, on the hills near Belendi village 13km from Kas, was a small Lycian city and surrounded by ramparts. In the middle of the city’s acropolis, two tombs with Lycian inscriptions are the main attractions. There are also many Lycian rock tombs fromthe Roman period.

Bezirgan (Pirha)

This important plateau village is 20 minutes walks from Pirha ruins, an ancient city 850m above the sea. There are many rock graves, all facing the sea, and the tombs are more irregularly positioned. The statues and reliefs that were uncovered hereare now in the Antalya Museum.

Sütleğen (Nisa)

80km from Kas, this is another important plateau village, with ruins 15 minutes walk away. Neiseus, the city’s Lycian name, is written on the theatre wall. In Nisa, there are ancient ruins from the Lycian and Roman periods, and on the front of some ofthe tombs there are images of spears, shields, women and men. Coins produced during this time are exhibited in Antalya Museum.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Diving

Kas has become an important diving centre which in turn is a significant part of the tourist industry for Turkish and foreign visitors. Diving clubs operate from the harbour, and compete with each other for accessing the oldest submerged ruins of theMediterranean. The area has arguably the best visibility and variety of sea life along the Turkish coast, and the relatively short distance to the dive sites means that half-day trips are very popular. Weekends during the summer can get very busy, asit offers some of the cheapest diving areas in the country. There are many impressive sea caverns around Kas which are accessible through diving. These include: Kekova Island, Asirli Island, Guvercin Inn, and Mavi Cavern, which is the most famous.

Canoeing

The Esen river, 45km from Kas, is a great place for canoeing, with several agencies in the area supplying equipment and organising tours. Beginning at the Kinik region, a 15km paddle ends at Parara beach. The river is calm so it is a relatively easyjourney, with attractive surroundings of trees and foliage. The trip also includes breaks for food, swimming and mud baths. For canoeing in the sea, the best place is the village of Ucagiz, accessible from Kas by road. The four-hour organised tripinvolves paddling past unique bays, and the historical sites of the Submerged City and Simena, with breaks for swimming and food.

Trekking

As Kas and the Lycian cities are close to each other, trekking is a popular way of exploring the region, with routes and maps available. Paths available for walking will go around the peninsula to Limanagzi, Gedife Hill, Phellos, Gokceoren, Mount Asaz,and the Gombe plateau. Kas is a good place to start the Lycian Way, Turkey’s first walking trail, which is a 30-day walk around the coast and mountains.

Sailing

Kas is one of the most important stops on the Blue Voyage, as well as a good starting point, and exploring the coast between Kas and Bodrum on motor schooner or yacht is popular with visitors. The boats for hire around the Kas Harbour are usually wellequipped with water, electricity, gas, shower and laundry service often provided.

Parachuting

Kas had proved to be one of the best places in Turkey for hillside parachuting, mainly due to the geography and climate. There are good, reputable companies operating from the town, with modern equipment and qualified supervisors.

Fishing

Kas has the cleanest and clearest waters in the Mediterranean with little or no pollution, so fishing has developed into quite a lucrative industry. The most common in this area arelobster, grey and red mullet, lobster, octopus and tuna. Recently,trout farms have been established around Gombe and Saklikent.

Beaches

Out towards the southeast of town are the beaches of Kucukcakil, Buyukcakil and Akcagerme, which are quite stony. One of the nicest in terms of its tranquil location is Limanagzi, accessible only by boat, and surrounded by a tiny cove with olivetrees. The tiny beach of Kaputas is 19km away, and lies at the bottom of 192 rocky steps from the road, giving it a unique setting when viewing it from a distance. It too is quite stony, and the current can be very strong, but an attractive andrelatively peaceful place for picnics and sunbathing.

What to Eat

Eating in Kas is quite typical of the Mediterranean. Fresh agricultural products are grown in the region every season, and the fish is especially common. Karakovan honey and pine honey, and molasses made from carob is readily available and found inthe Friday Market. In restaurants around town, there is a great selection of Turkish cuisine and seafood.

What to Buy

Hand-made small carpets and textiles are produced regionally, especially the unique barak carpets, and woven goat-hair products. Walnut trees are made into dowry chests, rolling pins and wooden spoons, and are characteristic of the area. There aremany shops along Uzun Carsi (Long Market) in the town centre, selling carpets, handicrafts, and designer clothing. The Friday Market, held in a large open field to the north of town, has a great selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olivesand honey produced from the surrounding villages, as well as hand-woven fabrics.

Don't Leave Without

Visiting surrounding antic cities,

Seeing the submerged city of Ucagiz on a boat tour,

Trying adventure sports like hillsideparachuting and diving,

"Buying locally made barak kilims (small carpets)" ,

Tasting Karakovan Honey, carob molasses,

Shopping for fresh produce and fabrics at the Friday Bazaar