Where to Stay - Turkey

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Kaş
Kaş is a relaxed harbour town, which until
recently was relatively untouched by tourism.
It is now becoming a firm favourite with older
couples, who love its laid-back atmosphere.
Recently, it has also become a magnet for
those seeking a taste of adventure, as it is a
big centre for scuba diving and also offers
activities such as trekking, canoeing, canyoning
and horse riding. The name Kaş means
‘eyebrow’, describing the curved shape of the
pretty harbour, with its traditional tea garden and
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tiny, whitewashed mosque. Wooden Ottoman
houses, their balconies bright with bougainvillea,
overhang the narrow streets, home to shops,
bars and restaurants. As you wander, you may
come across the ancient sarcophagus, which
is a remnant of the ancient city of Antiphellos,
whose well-preserved theatre has also survived
to the present day. Overlooked by Lycian rock
tombs, Kaş is in a picturesque spot looking out
on the Greek island of Kastellorizo known as
Meis in Turkish, a short boat trip away. There are
a number of pebble beaches in the surrounding
bays, easily reached by the boats which leave
from the harbour and Kaputaş is approximately
20 kms to the west. The stunning Çukurbağ
peninsula, just outside the town, has recently
become home to a number of sophisticated
boutique hotels.
Patara
Patara has the honour of being the longest
beach in Turkey – 22 kms of beautiful white
sand, backed by dunes and mimosa bushes. It
was once the most important harbour in Lycia,
famous for its oracle of Apollo, until it silted
up in the Middle Ages. It was the birthplace of
St. Nicholas and it is known that St. Paul and St.
Luke visited. The site is fascinating, the remains
part buried in the sands, evocative and intrigu-
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5thespectacular sanddunesofPatara
4apartially submergedtombin
thesunkencityofKekova
ing. They include an acropolis, temple, agora,
theatre, baths and the magnificent triumphal
arch. The beach is a nesting place for the rare
caretta caretta turtles and access is not permitted
after dark.
Kekova
Usually reached by boat from Üçağız, the area
of Kekova, named after its largest island, is a
group of islands and bays, home to a number
of ancient Lycian settlements, some of which
are now submerged in the sea. This beautiful
spot is easily visited on a day’s boat trip
from Kalkan or Kaş. The most atmospheric
spot is the ‘sunken city’ or batık şehir, where
ancient houses, stairs and pavements can be
seen submerged in the clear waters. It is now
forbidden to swim here. A boat trip usually
takes in a visit to nearby Kaleköy or Simena
Castle, a charming port overlooked by the ruins
of a Crusader castle, which offers stunning
views of the surrounding scenery.