Kalkan
|
Continuing west of Kekova,
you come to Kas, a lovely spot surrounded on three sides by mountains.
The friendly local fishermen are happy to run a water-taxi service
to take you a favorite bay.cove or beach along the coast. The swimming
and diving, are excellent in the clear cool water around Kas.
Kas was founded in the 4th
century BC as Antiphellos. Now only the Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi and
a theater are left. But the charm of the town remains and it is a pleasure
to wander through the streets, stopping tp examine souvenir shops that
offer |
Turkish handicrafts, leather
godds, copper and silver items, cotton clothing and the inevitable handmade
carpet.After shopping stroll along the flower-lined Akldeniz Promenade
opr relax under the shade of a palm tree. The mountains that surround the
town provide their share of activites and sights while the bars and restaurants
offer plenty of night life.You can walk through forested hills to visit
remote villages and ancient ruins. The energetic may want to attempt the
highest peak in the area, Mt.Kizlar Sivrisi (3.086 meters) opr the second
highest Mt.Akdag (3.030 meters). |
Kaputas
|
Along the scenic Kalkan road,
Kaputas, has a beautiful beach, at one end of which is the Turquoise Grotto.
A little distyance to the west is Kalkan, a lovely small hilltop town that
overlooks a tiny bay. Its quanit, traditional, white-washed houses, shuttered
windows and balconies with brillant flowers that cascade to the streets
bekow, make it the ultimate in a peaceful holiday town. Narrow winding
streets lined with souvenir shops lead down to the charming marina. Every
morning boats are busy taking tourists to one of the nearby beaches
or small bays. As the sun sets it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof terraces
for a drink before dinner and enjoy the comings and goings of the yachts,
the business of the marina and the panoramic view.
Letoon
|
Patara
|
Once a principal harbor of ancient
Lycia, Patara is now reached by follwing a winding mountain road before
descending to the site. According to Greek mythology Apollo was born here.
More concrete history reveals that this town was the birthplace of St.Nicholas.
The ruins are of course, numerous and interesting. A second century AD
theater has been partially axcavated and there is a gate with three arches
built in 100 AD. But Patara is also a place of beach lovers. Its 22 km.
of pure white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, making it a natural
choice for all types of beach sports. The remoteness of this undiscovered
corner makes it feel like a private gateway.
Kas
|
Xantos
|
The ancient Lycian capital
of Xanthos, today in the Turkish village Kinik, lies 18 km. north of Patara.
The theater, Tomb of the Harpies, Nereid Monument, agora and Inscribed
Pillar, among a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times,
create a special atmosphere at this site. At the Lycian cultic center of
Letoon, six km. farther, three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis,
familiar gods of mythology, await the exploring tourist. |
