Kas Mediterranean Coast, Turkey Travel Guide
The town's natural harbor, a sheltered bay protected by a curving peninsula, offers safe anchorage for boats ranging from traditional gulets to modern yachts. This geographic feature shaped Kaş's historical role as a maritime hub. Its present-day character as a popular base for boat trips and sea adventures reflects this influence. The clear, calm waters within the bay stand ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the more open sea creates a playground for divers. Travelers explore hidden coves and secluded beaches along the coastline, many only accessible by boat, underscoring the intimate relationship between Kaş and its marine environment. The steep slopes leading to the sea mean that while the town center is easily walkable, many accommodations higher up the hill or on the peninsula present sweeping panoramic views, a direct benefit of the town's vertical layout.
This geography also dictates the kind of activities available. The mountainous terrain welcomes hikers to explore sections of the famous Lycian Way, providing breathtaking vistas. The pristine waters encourage scuba diving, sea kayaking, and snorkeling.
The gentle slopes leading to the sea form a natural amphitheater, where the ancient theatre of Antiphellos commands a view that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Kaş occupies the ancient site of Antiphellos, the port city for the inland Lycian settlement of Phellos. Its history stretches back to the Lycian civilization, an unique culture flourishing in this Anatolian region from the 15th to 6th centuries BC. The Lycians were known for their distinct language, script, and remarkable rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi. Kaş, as Antiphellos, served as a trading port for this civilization. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, connecting the Lycian hinterland with the wider Mediterranean world.
During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Antiphellos continued its prosperity. It became notably known for its timber, sourced from abundant pine forests, and for sponge diving, an industry that sustained the town for centuries. The Hellenistic theatre, remarkably preserved and overlooking the sea, serves as a powerful reminder of this era. Its tiered seating, carved directly into the hillside, once hosted plays and gatherings, presenting a window into the daily life and cultural practices of its ancient inhabitants. Scattered throughout and around modern Kaş, visitors discover remnants of this rich past: distinctive Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above town, and numerous sarcophagi, intricately carved stone coffins, dotting streets and squares. These artifacts furnish a tangible link to the town's deep historical roots, inviting contemplation of the civilizations that once called this place home.
Roots in the 15th-6th centuries BC, as ancient port Antiphellos.
Continued prosperity, noted for timber and sponge diving.
Rise of early Christianity.
Seljuk presence, then incorporation into Ottoman Empire in 15th century.
Architecture reflects layered history, today.
Tourism forms the foundation of Kaş's modern economy. The town welcomes international and domestic visitors with a range of accommodations, restaurants, and activity providers.
The town caters to international and domestic visitors with a range of accommodations, restaurants, and activity providers. It maintains its charm through this service.
Historically, fishing and sponge diving were important industries, shaping the town's identity and livelihood for its inhabitants. While sponge diving has largely faded, fishing continues on a smaller scale, contributing to the fresh seafood found in local restaurants.
The town center of Kaş has a population of approximately 7,500 people. The broader district, which includes surrounding villages, naturally has a larger population. This smaller population aids a sense of community and local charm.
Kaş is a coastal town where mountains meet the sea, creating a captivating natural setting.
Its layered past is visible throughout the town, inviting contemplation of the civilizations that once called this place home.
Pine forests blanket the mountains that rise sharply behind the town.
Shimmering, clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Remnants of rich Lycian, Hellenistic, and Roman past.
Visitors come to Kaş for a variety of reasons, encompassing diving, ancient ruins, and boat trips.
Consider spending a few hours simply wandering the narrow streets of the Old Town. Discover unique shops, pause for a Turkish tea, and absorb the relaxed pace of local life.
Look for the ancient sarcophagi embedded directly into the streetscape, a constant reminder of Kaş's deep history.
