Kas
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KAS
Kas is a small fishing village in the Antalya Province of Turkey. Kas is surrounded by mountains, that are said to mimic human figures in a laying position, for example, Yatam Adam, meaning ‘sleeping man’. With a typical Mediterranean climate, Kas not only serves as a small sailing marina but also as an agriculture centre. Kas Turkey tourism includes seeing all the crops ranging from lemons, oranges and bananas to cut flowers, honey, almonds and pine forests. Kas is a popular departure point for Blue Cruises along the Turquoise Coast. Kas Turkey tourist information contact our customer support team who will be happy to help you in your travels to Kas Turkey. Our Kas tour page has more information on the region.
HISTORY
Although Kas is located on the Teke peninsula, commonly inhabited since the stone ages, it is thought that Kas was first discovered by the Lycians. The town was originally known as Habesos or Habesa and given the name Antiphellos by the ancient Greeks. Antiphellos is thought to have gained its reputation in the Lycian period as a port town, sustaining its significance through to the Roman period, where it was famous for exporting timber and sponges.
Unfortunately, the town suffered from Arab incursions and was annexed to the Seljuks. When the Seljuks fell apart, the Ottoman Empire took over control. After the First World War and the exchange of populations, the majority of the population, which were of Greek descent, returned to Greece.
ANTIPHELLOS RUINS
Since Kas was founded on the ancient town of Antiphellos, there is a monumental tomb, a Lycian sarcophagus mounted on a high base. Kas used to be filled with many of these sarcophagi, but over the years they have been broken up to be used as building materials throughout the town. Another renowned Lycian ruin is The Sunken City, in the Gokkaya Bay.
There is also a theatre, only 500 metres outside of the main square.
Besides the ruins, Kas offers a great diversity of adventure activities. These include; paragliding, river rafting and trekking through the countless mountains behind the coast. Kas is also known as one of the leading spots for diving in Turkey, with many diving schools and scuba diving lessons on offer. There are many underwater caves, ancient shipwrecks and a beautiful array of fish and other sea creatures, including octopi and dolphins.