Unveiling the Enchanting Underwater Realm: Kaş
Despite its modest size, Kaş stands out as one of the western districts of Antalya, inspiring poems and songs dedicated to its beauty. Offering an array of experiences for diverse adventurers, Kaş is renowned for its crystal-clear sea, thriving underwater ecosystem, breathtaking coves, historical remnants, and remarkable tourism potential.
Kaş’s History: Kaş is the ancient Lycian city of Antiphellos, founded in the 4th century BC. It served as the harbor for the city of Phellos situated above it. During the Hellenistic period, thriving trade in cedar wood transformed Kaş into a prosperous port city, eventually gaining independence from Phellos. The remnants of Phellos, meaning “stony country,” can be observed 10 km away from the city center. Additionally, historical treasures from this era include the ancient theater in the city center, the king’s tomb in Uzun Çarşı, various rock tombs, and temple foundations.
Antiphellos, like other Lycian cities, traversed through the Principality, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, eventually being referred to as Andifli Pier in the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire.
Natural Beauties: Kaş and its surroundings are adorned with numerous beaches, caves, canyons, and waterfalls. From the Çukurbağ Peninsula in the town center to the neighboring bays, there are awe-inspiring locations such as Kaputaş Beach, Patara Beach, Hidayetin Bay, Büyük Çakıl Beach, and Küçük Çakıl Beach. Local and international travelers also frequent the Blue Cave and Saklıkent Canyon.
Scuba Diving: Kaş proudly holds its place as one of Turkey’s top diving destinations. Its pristine waters offer excellent visibility, revealing a vibrant underwater flora and fauna thriving amidst the rocky seabed. This, coupled with Kaş’s allure as a holiday destination, contributes to its diving prominence. The declaration of Kaş-Kekova as a Marine Protected Area in 2012 resulted in fishing restrictions in certain regions, aiming to preserve fish populations. Furthermore, Kaş boasts numerous shipwrecks, testament to its historical role as a vital trade route.
Local Flavors: As expected along the Turkish coastline, Kaş is abundant in seafood restaurants. However, being a tourist hub, one can also find a variety of dining establishments serving Italian, French, American, and Mediterranean cuisines in Kaş.