Kas

This picturesque fishing village situated a the foothills of the Taurus Mountains retains a charm all of its own. This delightful village with its vaguely bohemian atmosphere looks just like a perfect Mediterranean harbour should. Its setting outstanding, encircling a crescent bay at the end of a verdant fjord by the peninsular and sheltered on its seaward side by the lovely Greek islet of Meis.

Kas is one of the oldest settlements in Lycia, the original Lycian name was Habesos, it was later known as Antiphellos. Antiphellos was a small port linked to Phellos which is about 5 miles to the north. Phellos in Greek means' rocky place' and Antiphellos means 'opposite the rocky place'. As trade increased in the region, Antiphellos became an important port for the export of the regions timber.

The ruins of Antiphellos are scattered around the town of Kas. As you head out of Kas towards  the  peninsula, you can see the remains of a temple foundation. This temple, which is constructed of stone, dates to the first century B.C. Further along this road you will come across a lovely amphitheatre of the Hellenistic period capable of seating approximately 4000 people in 26 rows. 

North-east of the theatre there is a tomb of the Doric order, from around the fourth century B.C, carved from rock. The funeral chamber has three benches. This is decorated with a frieze depicting 25 female figures, dancing hand-in-hand. The benches are embellished with oyster shell motifs and rosettes. There are other tombs to the north of the town.

Well worth visiting is the Lycian monument on Uzunçarşı Caddesi, this has become the symbol of Kas, and is carved from solid rock. Above this is the sarcophagus itself, which is cut from a separate piece of stone. There are two lions heads carved on each of the lids two  sides.  On the tombs base is a Lycian inscription. The monument is from around the fourth century B.C.

Click here for street map of Kas.    For further information and travel advice click here.   For our Turkish coffee guide please click here.     For our guide to Turkish proverbs please click here.