Area Information
KALKAN(KALAMAKİ)
Kalkan is 25 km from Kaş resting on the beautiful shores of a bay. It attracts thousands of tourists each year with its hotels, pensions, resturants, and shops near the Yacht Harbor. The city's architecture has been preserved. You can take a boat ride to Pigeon Sea Cave 2 km from Kalkan. It takes its name from the many pigeons who find refuge there.
GELEMİŞ(PATARA)
It is located 41 km from Kaş. The ancient city is on the east shore of the port. The city and port extend about 3 km up the valley. The appearance of the port of Patara has been caused by silt deposits brought by the Xanthos (Eşen) Creek. Herodotus is the first person to mention Patara by name in the extant historical record. Legend says that Nymph Lykia and Apollo were born there. It entered the Lycian Union in the 2nd century AD and became one of six cities under Lycia's rule. These were Patara, Pınara, Xanthos, Olympus, Myra and Tlos. The council meetings of the Lycian Union were held in Patara, and Patara held the right of using there votes. While under Roman rule, it served as a center of justice for Roman governors and as a naval base. Patara was also important for the Byzantines. Saint Nicholas, Who is celebrated as Santa Claus, was born there. St. Paul's travels took him through Patara, which later became an espiscopal center. As you enter Patara, you can see Lycian style graves from the Roman period. The Patara Beach, 18 km long and from 280-1500 meters wide, is Turkey's largest sandy beach. It is also the breeding ground of the delightful Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, so during the breeding season, their area is carefully protected by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. There are plenty of hotels, motels, pensions, shops, and restaurants serving delicious local dishes in Patara. The area is also growing as a location for greenhouses.
XANTHOS
Xanthos is km from Kaş on the east shore of the Eşen Creek in the borders of Kınık.It was the capital city of the Lycian Union beginning in 168 BC.In the Lycian language it is referred to as Arna or Arnna.Ancient histrorians report that the Cretan hero, Sarpedon founded Xanthos.Findings from the acropolis indicate that the city's history extends to the 8th century BC. The city was a proud example of Lycian resistance during the siege by Harpagos of the Persians in 545 BC, but failed to prevent its capture. After being conguered by Alexander the Great, it was ruled by Seleucids and Romans. The city saw its greatest development under the Romans who practically rebuilt the whole city in 42 BC after the destruction caused by Brutus. It was then an Imperial Province together whit Pamphylia until it temporarily gained independence under Nero. In 73- 74 AD it again was annexed into the Province of Lycia- Pamphylia.The city walls were repaired and expanded under the Byzantines, and a monastery was built at the top of the hill on the north.It was also an espiscopal center. From the end of the end of the 7th century to the beginning of the 10th centruy it was invaded by the Arabs. The gate on the south side dates from the 2nd century BC and faces the Doric Victory Arch of Emperor Vespasianus. The Lycian Acropolis on the southwest side is where the city was first founded. In the same locatıon are remains from a temple which is believed to have been for Artemis, and a Byzantine church. The amphitheater dates from the 2nd century AD. Initial excavation of Xanthos was carried out in 1838 by the Englishman Charles Fellows, and many valuable items such as the Nereid monument, the Harpy monument, the Payave Sarcophagus, and the Lions Tomb were taken to the British Museum.
SAKLIKENT
The natural wonder, Saklıkent (Hidden City). 60km from Kaş. is reached by crossing a 100-meter wooden bridge over the canyon. Water rushes over the boulders in the river, creating a wonderful view for the restauratns and trout farms there. Six km of the 18 km long canyon are good for hiking. It is an ideal location to escape from the summer heat and swim in the cool water or relax in the shade of the plane trees.
BEZİRGAN(PİRHA)
The ancient city of Pirna is a twenty minute walk from the mountain village of Bezirgan at an elevation of 850 m. There are many rock tombs facing the sea. The sarcophagi are scattered around the city. Several of the statues and reliefs from Pirha are being displayed ın the Antalya Museum.
GÖMBE
Gömbe is 60 km from Kaş on Elmalı Road.The pine and cedar trees all along the road hide the villages from view. This plateau area is known for its fresh, cold water and its apple orchards. The touristic hotels here serve dishes prepared with delicious local herbs. This is also the location of the highest mountain in the region, Akdağ (3024 m). Yeşilgöl and Uçarsu are great locations to escape the heat of summer and walk in beautiful natural surroundings and fresh air. The region is known for its snow ice cream and snow sherbet made from mountain snow.
