Kas, Turkey

Kas is a "Turkish Delight" city in the very South Mediterranean of Turkey. It also only has a very tiny beach, less than 10 metres wide. However it does have wonderful rock shelves for sea bathing. These are populated by cafes and restaurant who provide free loungers. In return you are expected (but not obliged) to buy drinks etc from them. The town has many decent hotels and restaurants and is a centre for activity holidays. Kas was originally called Habesos or Habesa in the ancient tongue of Lycia and later was given the name Antiphellos. Kas was founded on the ancient town of Antiphellos and the Lycian style sarcophagus at the beginning of the avenue running down to the port is almost the symbol of this lovely town near Antalya in the Mediterranean region south of Turkey. Antiphellos, which once was a member of the Lycian League, is known to have gained reputation and importance as a port town during the Hellenistic period, sustaining its significance as one of the leading towns during the Roman period as well. Today's Kas is a coastal town of the Lycians. "Phellos" is the Greek word for "stony place" and this name is very well suited to Kas. Its well preserved rock tombs and theater are well worth seeing. Kas today is a small and charming coastal resort where many sailing boats anchor in its small marina.