Set high above the coastline in the hills near Kaş, this location offers a sense of seclusion that feels far removed from the bustle of town. Surrounded by olive groves and rugged limestone peaks, it's a place where silence is broken only by cicadas and the occasional call to prayer drifting up from the valley. The sunsets here are exceptional – casting the sea in copper tones and turning the surrounding cliffs gold as daylight fades.
Despite its peaceful setting, the area is well placed for exploring. A short drive takes you into the heart of Kaş, where you’ll find a lively harbour, boutique shops, rooftop restaurants and local markets. Head inland to discover ancient Lycian ruins, hidden hiking trails and freshwater springs, or take the coastal road to reach beaches like Kaputaş and the sun-bleached ruins of Patara. It’s a base made for those who like to explore by day and retreat in peace by night.
For those looking to explore further afield, the region is rich in cultural and natural landmarks. Take a boat trip from Kaş harbour to the sunken city of Kekova, where ancient ruins lie beneath the water's surface. Visit the hilltop village of Üçağız for its slow pace and traditional charm, or venture to Saklıkent Gorge for a walk through its dramatic, narrow canyon carved by rushing meltwater. For history lovers, the amphitheatre in Kaş and the ancient city of Xanthos offer a glimpse into the Lycian past, both easily reached by car. With so many varied experiences within easy reach, this location serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the best of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
The Region
Kas have become boutique resorts, with cobbled streets and converted Greek houses, which belonged to the Greek merchants before the exchange of population in the 1920’s. Once quiet fishing harbours these days you are more likely to see traditional wooden gulets taking tourists to soak up rays on the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean. A boat trip is a must do, from the boat you can snorkel and usually a delicious lunch is prepared on board. Keen walkers should check out the Lycian way for designated walking paths in the area.
You cannot come to this area without spending some time exploring the many Lycian sights, such as Xanthos, Patara, Myra or the sunken city of Kekova.
Patara is said to be where democracy started (they excavated stone voting block) and is also said to be the birthplace of St Nicholas, who became bishop at nearby Myra. The ruins here include an ancient theatre, city walls, government build and agora. The lighthouse on the site is said to be the earliest of its kind. Visit Patara in the late afternoon and finish the trip with a drink on the sandy beach watching the amazing sunset.
The Salikent Gorge is a great place to visit, especially if you want to cool off in the fresh waters whilst walking up the gorge. For the more energetic there are rafts and rings to ride the flowing waters. Further down you can enjoy a day canoeing toward the beach.
Islamlar sits 8 km above Kalkan. Once the place Kalkan folk went to cool off at one of the trout farms built to make use of the mountain’s springs. Today Islamlar houses many a villa, enjoyed by Istanbul Turks who prefer a holiday in slightly cooler and cleaner air. Here the locals grow grapes and pomegranates, but you’ll mainly see the men sat gossiping next to the local teahouse. The trout farms remain a place to come for a wonderful fresh meal, or a breakfast consisting of fresh local fare. The rocket will be the freshest & most tasty you’ve ever had; and the fresh chips cooked in olive oil take some beating.
By night both Kalkan and Kas come alive. Kas has more of a bohemian feel, people ambling through the cobbled streets, passing the ancient tomb in the street, haggling for textiles, carpets and other goodies, maybe stopping for the traditional Turkish ‘maras’ ice cream, a tulip-shaped glass of tea or a wonderful kebab in the shadow of the mosque. Most of the villas in Kas are just out of town on the Cukurbag Peninsula. A reasonable (5km) taxi or Dolmus (local bus) ride into town. Be sure to try the Piyaz, a white bean salad with tahini sauce.
Travelling along the coast, towards Kalkan you pass the modern marina, the children’s beach park (run by the local hotel school) and halfway to Kalkan the stunning Kaputas Beach, cut in a gorge with all different shades of turquoise in the sea.
Kalkan is a more sophisticated resort, with the villas built onto the mountainside. Evening are spent enjoying the rooftop restaurants, perched on the top of the old ‘konak’ houses. Then wandering to a seaside bar for a cocktail, after shopping for glass lanterns, Iznik pottery, handbags or pestemel towel. Do visit the ‘pastane’, local patisseries which do the most delicious morning pastries and you must try the ‘Gozleme’ pancakes at the Thursday market.
Other things to do in the area include scuba diving as the visibility is excellent, paragliding, horseriding on Patara Beach or kayaking around the sunken ruins at Kekova.
