Kas Things to Do

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Xanthos was the name of a city in ancient Lycia and was the centre of culture and commerce for the Lycians and in turn for the Persians, Macedonians, Greeks and Romans.

It is probably best known for the mass suicide of its citizens after the army was defeated by the Persians. The Lycian army destroyed their acropolis, then killed their wives, children and slaves before engaging in an impossible battle with the mightier Persains troops.

The tragedy was later repeated against the Romans in 42 BC.

The sarcophagi on pillars are unique to this area. The Xanthian Obelisk, covered by the longest writing in the Lycian script, has been of importance in the interpretation of the language.

The site has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

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Myra was part of the league of Lycian towns and was an important centre for the minting of coins. The oldest coin found dates to 3rd century BC however it is thought that the rock tombs are from 6th century BC. As with all of the Lycian towns it was taken over by the Romans.

Myra is famous for another reason - it is the home of St Nicholaus. He was a child of a wealthy family and dedicated himself to serving others. Many stories are told about him but this is probably the most famous.

" A poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in absence of any other possible employment would have to become prostitutes. Hearing of the poor man's plight, Nicholas decided to help him but being too modest to help the man in public, (or to save the man the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to his house under the cover of night and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening into the man's house.

One version has him throwing one purse for three consecutive nights. Another has him throw the purses over a period of three years, each time the night before one of the daughters comes "of age". Invariably, the third time the father lies in wait, trying to discover the identity of their benefactor. In one version the father confronts the saint, only to have Saint Nicholas say it is not him he should thank, but God alone. In another version, Nicholas learns of the poor man's plan and drops the third bag down the chimney instead; a variant holds that the daughter had washed her stockings that evening and hung them over the embers to dry, and that the bag of gold fell into the stocking." - Wikipedia

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The history of this village goes back to 4th century BC. It was once a city of Lycia - there is actually a sarcophagus out in the bay and a necropolis on the hill. There are the ruins of a medieval fortress on the top of a hill behind the town. Within these ruins can be found the remains of an ancient temple. There is also a small Lycian theatre.

Simena is situated on a beautiful and safe natural harbour and is best approached by boat from Ucagiz (where the yacht harbour is situated). You can spend hours wandering the twisting streets or climb to the top of the fortress (care must be taken as you reach the top). The views are spectacular - even on a rainy day! A trip to Kekova is also warranted.

The area is best seen as a day trip from Kas.

Simena is the name for the ancient town. The modern name is Kaleköy but it is commonly referred to as Simena.

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Kekova Island is across the bay from Simena and Ucagiz. Here you can see the sunken ruins of a residential part of old Simena which was submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century.

These are best seen as part of a boat trip around the bay - either a day trip or or a longer stay. Boats can be rented from Kas, Ucagiz or Simena.

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After passing through the ruins of Patara, you'll end your tiring day up for a refreshing swim at the longest beach along the mediterrenean - the Patara Beach.

Maybe it's not peak season yet, though there are people around, they are mostly concentrated near the only snack shop or cafe that rents out beach umbrellas too. It was voted one of the top beaches in the world by Times Online in 2005. It's long enough to accommodate everyone -- at 12 kilometers in length. The rest of the beach stretch on the left side is almost empty.

Soft sand unlike the pebbly beaches right in Kas, and the water too is calmer. It's the perfect beach for those seeking a space and non-commercialized beach area, no buildings or structure around except for the snack hut and the shower and toilet facilities. It's under environmental protection due to the large presence of the caretta caretta (endangered loggerhead turtles) nestling and laying their eggs here between the months of May - October. The beach is closed after sunset - or I think at 8:00pm because of that.

Entry fee to the beach is TL2.

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From Xanthos, our safari jeep went to Patara passing by several ruins. Patara is the birth place of St. Nicholas, founded by Patarus - son of Apollo. Patara was noted in antiquity for its temple and the oracle of Apollo, second only to that of Delphi (Greece). It is mentioned in the New Testament as the place where Paul of Tarsus and Luke changed ships. The city was Christianized early, and several early bishops are known.

Patara has several ruins to boast of, mostly along the road on the way to the beach, like the city gate which you will pass because it's on the main road, an Roman Bath, antique theater, and so many other structures that are being reconstructed.

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A World Heritage Site - Xanthos is our next stop after Saklikent.

It's an ancient Lycian City located at the present day Kinik in Antalya Province.

The Romans called the city Xanthus, as all the Greek -os suffixes were changed to -us in Latin. Xanthos was a center of culture and commerce for the Lycians, and later for the Persians, Macedonians, Greeks, and Romans who in turn conquered the city and occupied the adjacent territory.

Read WIKIPEDIA for a more detailed history of Xanthos

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You'll definitely get wet but there's an excitement crossing the current onto the other side of the water onto the rest of the walkable 4 kilometers of the gorge. There are people doing it in group, and to minimize the risk - if you're alone or couple, take the help of some guide there who will lead the way and will help you cross the strong water current. You have to give some tips of course.

Groups cross the current hand-in-hand like chain, so if anyone of the group can't handle the current, the others holding you will be your strength. It looks easy but in reality it's not...but it's fun though. (see pics)