Information about Kas, Turkey



Kas was one of the most important cities of Lycia, and is now a small resort with great historical interest. Its quaint town center has a rocky waterfront, with good beaches nearby. There are water sports available in the area, like canoeing, jet skiing, diving and paragliding, plus cavern diving.

There is a small harbor with fishing boats and daily boats for rent. Kas never became as popular as other areas because of its small pebble beaches, but this has saved the town from over development. Life centers on the town square where there are teahouses, restaurants, mosques and shops. Kas has a moderate amount of nightlife and many nice souvenir shops. There is a traditional market on Fridays. 

You may also make a boat tour from Kas to the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo). The closest airports are Antalya and Dalaman, each located over three hours from Kas. There are long distance coach connections to Kas, via Antalya or sometimes direct.

History of Kas. Habesos is the earliest known name of the ancient city, as proved from archaeological findings. But the name Antiphellos is far more familiar, and this was the harbor of ancient Phellos. Excavations here have revealed a settlement dating back to the4th century BC, possibly earlier, although it reached its height of importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods, when it was a center for Bishops. It had also been significant in the world of sea-faring commerce, and during the Roman era was especially famous for its exported sponges. It was attacked by Arabs, then added to the territory of the Anatolian Seljuks, and took the name Andifli. After the destruction of the Anatolian Seljuk state, the Ottomans added it to its lands. The name Kas means 'eyebrow', or 'something curved', describing the shape of the town under the backdrop of 500m high cliffs behind. A well-preserved ancient theater is most of what is left from the ancient city of Antiphellus. There are also a few rock tombs above the town carved into the steep cliffs

Climate: Summers are hot and dry in Kas, quite typical of Mediterranean region, and can reach around 35 degrees during the day. Winters are warm during the day although can get cool at night, and can drop below 10 degrees.