The Cukurbag peninsula boasts whitewashed houses, exquisite sandy beaches, and numerous large and small bays. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea offer a picturesque view and are almost within reach of the Greek island of Meis. This stunning scenery greets visitors before they enter the charming town of Kas.
Those who love the Antalya region and the Turkish Riviera prefer to spend at least a day or two in Kas or Kalkan hotels before leaving the area. They do this to fully enjoy a summer holiday lounging on the sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
LOCATION
Kas is located approximately 190 km from Antalya city, and is surrounded by Fethiye to the west, Demre to the east, and Elmalı to the north. The Greek island of Meis lies directly across from Kas, approximately 2,100 meters away. The coast of Kas spans 70 km in length, and there are numerous transportation options available by land or sea.
By road, it takes about an hour to reach Kas from Fethiye, and approximately two hours from Antalya airport. During the summer months, small boats from Fethiye carry visitors to Kas by sea. Kas enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers, and mild and rainy winters. It is the only region in Turkey where the temperature never falls below zero during the winter, making it a year-round tourist destination. The best time to visit Kas and enjoy a holiday is in October and November.
HISTORY
Kas, previously known as Antiphellos in antiquity, was built as one of the Lycian cities dating back to 2200 BC by the Luwians who migrated from central Asia. According to Egyptian sources, the Luwians were known as the Hittites, and Lycia was referred to as the “land of light.” Recent research has shown that Lycia had extensive trade relations with other Mediterranean countries, such as Egypt and other civilizations, as evidenced by the shipwreck discovered in Uluburun near Kas.
During the Persian invasion of Asia Minor in the 6th century BC, the Lycians refused to accept occupation, unlike other regions in Asia Minor.
When Persian troops invaded, the Lycian men chose to set their cities on fire rather than surrender. They even killed their own families and continued to fight until the last of them fell. The Persian rule lasted for about three hundred years, until the time of Alexander the Great. In 334 BC, Alexander conquered Lycian land without any resistance.
After Alexander’s death, the town was taken over by either Ptolemaic or Seleucid kings. Later, it was given to Rhodes, and finally, Roman rule began in the 1st century AD.
During the 1st century AD, the Roman emperor Brutus plundered the town, causing the inhabitants to set Antiphellos on fire as they had done during the Persian period. The town was left devastated and destroyed. However, during the Pax Romana, Augustus, Trajan, and Hadrian made a great effort to rebuild the town. Antiphellos enjoyed a peak period during this time.
In 141 A.D, a massive earthquake destroyed the entire Lycian region. Thanks to the support and assistance of the wealthy Roman Empire, Antiphellos was able to be rebuilt.
One hundred years later, the region was hit by another major earthquake. However, Rome was weak at that time, and by the end of the 4th century AD, it had split into two. The Lycian region came under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. During the Arab invasion in the 8th and 9th centuries, the town was called “Andifli,” and the region was later ruled by the Seljuk Empire.
The Turks, following the collapse of the Seljuk Empire, replaced the name “Asia Minor” with “Anatolia.” The region was then added to the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Yildirim Beyazid in the 14th century AD. During the Ottoman period, Kas was a small settlement in the Teke region, and nomads settled in tribes to survive on their own with flocks of sheep and goats. This area became an important center for the dairy industry.
When the Turkish Republic was founded, the town was incorporated into Antalya city. The tourism industry began to develop after the 1980s when the Turkish government opened up the region to both international and domestic investors.
Kas is known for its beautiful natural scenery, particularly its long sandy beaches. Akçager Beach in Kas is a particularly distinguished location, with small pebbles and large gravel that make it an ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the pristine waters. Another notable beach in the area is Kaputas Beach, which is considered one of the world’s wonders. In addition, there are six caves in the vicinity of Kas, with the most famous one being Pigeon Cave, located about 18 km away.
If you visit Kas, a trip to Kekova is a must-see. The best way to get there is by boat from Kas, which offers views of the magnificent sunken city. Kekova is a rocky island located near the small town of Demre. Although the island has a surface area of 4.5 square kilometers, it is uninhabited and can only be reached by boat. Kekova and its surroundings were declared a protected area by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry on June 18, 1990. Special permission from the Turkish authorities is required to swim and dive around the historical wrecks. In addition to Kekova, there are several other ancient settlements in the region, including Istla, Apollonia, and Kyaenai, as well as many other lesser-known ruins to explore around Kas.
KALKAN
Kalkan, located about 25 km from Kas, is a small coastal settlement with a beautiful bay that is home to numerous boutique hotels, pensions, cafes, and restaurants. The town is known for its pristine sandy beaches, attracting millions of visitors each year. The locals and authorities have taken great care to preserve the town’s unspoiled character, which has made it one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Turkish Riviera. The yachting marina is a favorite spot for yacht owners to hang out. In the past, Kalkan was a small Greek fishing village known as Kalamaki until the 1920s. Today, the only remaining structure from the village is a church that has been converted into a mosque. Visitors to the area can also explore the many historical sites, including Istlada, Apollonia, and Kyaenai, among other lesser-known ruins.
At Tour Maker Turkey, we are passionate about creating unique and unforgettable travel experiences. Our team of experts can help you plan the perfect trip to Kas and Kalkan, whether you want to explore the rich history of the region, relax on the stunning beaches, or indulge in the local cuisine.
We offer a wide range of tours and activities that cater to all interests and budgets. Take a boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova and marvel at the ancient ruins hidden beneath the crystal-clear waters. Or embark on a guided tour of the Lycian Way, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, and discover the breathtaking scenery and ancient sites along the way. For foodies, we offer a food tour of Kas and Kalkan, where you can sample the freshest seafood and traditional Turkish dishes, and learn about the culinary heritage of the region.
We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, personalized service to all our clients. Our team will work with you to create a customized itinerary that suits your needs and preferences, and we will be there every step of the way to ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free.
So why not let Tour Maker Turkey take care of your travel arrangements and make your dream trip to Kas and Kalkan a reality? Contact us today to start planning your perfect adventure.