Kas is a charming coastal town located in southern Turkey. It attracts visitors from all around the world with its crystal clear waters, ancient ruins, and stunning natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to Kas, here are the top 10 places that you should not miss:
1.Patara Ancient City
Patara Ancient City is a super old town in Lycia. It's between Kalkan and Demre in Ovagelamis Village. This place is important because of nature and history. Endangered Caretta Carettas lay their eggs on the safe beaches here.
You can get to Patara by small buses from Kalkan and Kas. It's open from 8 AM to 7 PM so you can't visit at night. In winter, it closes at 5 PM.
2. Marina
If you feel like going for a walk with the salty sea breeze and hanging out at nearby restaurants or stores, go to the marina. The marina has great views of the sea and sky, especially at sunset, and is a place to meet people.
3. Antiphellos Ancient City
Antiphellos was once a significant city in the Lycian Cities Union. It thrived during Roman times, but now it's in ruins. The old theater and rock tombs are still standing despite the years. Sometimes, there are concerts in the Ancient City of Antiphellos. If you see one, go check it out!
4. Kekova
Kekova is a great place to visit in Kas. It's a hidden paradise with natural beauty. Kekova is a small part of Antalya, an island you can reach by boat from Kas. Sit in the simple fish restaurants by the beach and time feels like it stops. There's an old city underwater here. You must check it out!
5. Xanthos Ancient City
Xanthos was a big city with around 40,000 people in the past. Now, it's a place where history fans from everywhere meet up. People tell stories about Xanthos, an old city linked to the Lycian King Sarpedon. You can see some old stuff found here in the British Museum.
6. Kalkan
Kalkan is a lively area near Kas that's very popular with tourists. It has lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Kalkan is also close to ancient cities like Letoon, Simena, and Xanthos. If you plan to visit Kalkan, you'll find many places to stay. For a big group vacation, think about renting a villa by the beach with your friends or family.
7. Kalekoy (Simena)
Simena, a small ancient city in Lycia, is now called Kalekoy. It's a place without roads, perfect for folks tired of big city noise and crowds. If you seek peaceful nature moments, just hop on a boat to get here. The city is home to the Simena Castle, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the sea and surrounding islands. You can also visit the ancient Roman theater and Lycian necropolis here.
8. Demre
Demre has the Santa Claus Church. It's a small and nice area in western Antalya. Demre is an old place with a lot of history and is known for its clean sea. It's also a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians due to the presence of St. Nicholas' tomb in the Santa Claus Church.
9. Blue Cave
Located 18 kilometers from Kas, the Blue Cave was found in 1972 by Geologist Dr. Temucin Aygen. It's called the Blue Cave because of the blue lights inside. The cave has inner and outer parts. The front is good for beginners, but diving inside needs professional skills.
10. Aperlai Ancient City
Aperlai is an old city between Kas and Kekova. It used to be a port city, but now it's mostly underwater. You can see the city remains in shallow parts of the sea. Swimming here feels like time traveling. To reach Aperlai, take a boat tour. Many boats stop here for a while during tours to ancient sites and islands. Visitors can swim in the area.
In short, Kas is a beautiful place to visit with nature, history, and different cultures. It's good for people who want both adventure and peace. You can see the Blue Cave, walk in the old city of Aperlai, and relax in Kaleköy. Each spot gives you a special time. Whether you like diving, history, or just want a break from busy life, Kas is waiting for you to explore its beauty and make memories.