Kas is a relaxed seaside town overlooking the Greek island of Meis. Formerly a sleepy fishing and sponge diving village, it is now one of the Turkish Riviera's most charming resorts. On the site of ancient Antiphellus, Kas is dotted with archaeological remains, including a small amphitheatre and monumental tombs. In the shadow of a magnificent ancient Lycian tomb, shopkeepers while away the hot summer days playing backgammon and sipping sweet tea.
A popular port-of-call for passing yachts, the narrow cobbled streets leading from the busy harbour are lined with cafes, restaurants and shops selling local crafts, Turkish carpets and gorgeous hand-made jewellery. Although tourism is the mainstay of the town's economy, most visitors are independent tourists, with a healthy mix of nationalities including plenty of domestic visitors. The resort's distance from the nearest airport (it is a 2 hour drive from Dalaman airport) and the absence of large resort hotels has kept the package hordes away. While the completion of a 430-berth marina next year with restaurants, cafés and shops, will further promote the area as an up-market get-away.
There are many good restaurants doted around the centre of town. For seafood visit the Mercan, overlooking the harbour, or for something different, try Evys, a fantastic French restaurant tucked away on a side street in the centre of town. The steaks are renowned!
Access to the crystal clear sea, kept refreshingly cool by submarine fresh water springs, is from beach clubs along the rocky coastline. Or it is only a short drive to the fantastic beaches at Kaputas and Patara. The area's abundant marine life and numerous wrecks are a magnet for divers and there are plenty of dive schools in town.
Inland, the wild and unspoilt Taurus mountains are ideal for adventure sports like canyoning, mountain biking and trekking, which can be arranged by specialists Bougainville Travel. The Lycian Way, Turkey's first long distance footpaths, winds its way through spectacular scenery and can be walked in sections from the town. Or you can take to the water in a sea-kayak and paddle over the clear, turquoise waters of Kekova with its ancient sunken city.
The Kas Peninsula, a narrow rocky finger, which stretches 7 km into the Mediterranean towards the Greek island of Meis, is one of the most desirable locations on the Turkish coast and home to some of the country's finest villas. Built from locally crafted stone and hugging the rocky shoreline, many villas have direct access to the sea and all have stunning views of the dramatic coastline. Prices start from over £200,000 for a three-bedroom villa with shared pool, or from £350,000- £1 million for a larger property with a private pool and garden.
Villas on the peninsular are popular rental properties in summer and can generate an excellent income. Weekly rates for a 4 bedroom villa with pool are £600-£1,500 depending on the time of year.
In the town itself there is a good selection of more affordable options, generally apartments, which benefit from being an easy stroll to the restaurants, cafes and bars around the harbour. Many properties have excellent views across the roof-tops to the sea. Apartments are typically available from £55,000 for one bedroom and from £85,000 for two bedrooms.
