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A Lycian Dream from Kaю to Antalya
Coast of Light
Like most towns on the Lycian coast Kas lies wedged between
mountains and sea. Kas, once ancient Antiphellus, still
exhibits a few remains of the old settlement. An ancient
theatre on Kas'long peninsula is within walking distance
of the town.
Kekova, "home of the sun", is an island an hour
from Dalyanagzi by sea, as well as the name of a whole ensemble
of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities.
These bays provide natural harbors in all seasons, and yachtsmen
particularly enjoy exploring the unspoilt landscapes. Along
the northern shore of Kekova Island, at Apollonia, earthquakes
have disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses
to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. Kalekoy
Castle (ancient Simena) offers a bird's-eye view of the
bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts, sailing peacefully
on the glassy water. The colors in a Van Gogh painting,
blue skies, orange sunsets, starry nights,peace and tranquility,
playful dolphins, mythological mysteries, and the sparkling
sea- Kekova provides all this and more.
At Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km west of Finike),
many splendidly carved rock tombs overlook the magnificent
Roman theatre. St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was the bishop
of this Meditterranean city during the fourth century and
died here in 342. An official entryport, Finike is surrounded
by citrus trees and gardens. Thirty-two kilometers from
the Finike Marina lie the remains of the beautiful and ancient
Lycian city of Arikanda. This excursion inland, a mountain
trek, rewards you with superb views, fabulous ruins and
fresh mountain air.
Slipping around the Kirlangic Peninsula brings you into
the Gulf of Antalya. The first side you come to is the ancient
city of Olympos, on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali(Mt.
Olympos). Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley,
which you can approach by land as well as by sea. Nearby
at Yanartas (at a height of 300 meters), according to mythology
the Lycian hero Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse
Pegasus slew the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera. Gas which
seeps from the earth burns brightly at night. The Byzantines
also considered this place a religious area.
Alexander the Great's favorite winter resort was at Phaselis,
the famous ancient commercial harbor north of Olympos. From
the south of the harbor, look up at Mt. Tahtali for a spectacular
view. Sail on to Kemer, a resort town carefully designed
to blend in with the surrounding scenery, that offers an
ideal environment for a wonderful holiday. The fully equipped
Kemer Turban Marina has facilities for all activities so
that yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoilt bays and beaches south
of the town. Shoppers will delight at the wonderful range
of high-quality souvenirs. April is the month of the colorful
Kemer Carnival. Also in the spring are the yacht races between
Kemer and Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Sailing around this coast towards Antalya will give you
a glimpse of some of Turkey's most modern and luxurious
holiday villages. Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort
city on the Mediterranean, embodies the contrast between
the majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves, and the
towering Taurus Mountains. The ancient Attaleia, named after
King Attalus II of Pergamon, Antalya was founded in the
2nd century B.C. Today palm-lined boulevards, beautiful
parks, historical buildings, monuments, museums and the
picturesque old quarter Kaleici, (with the Kaleici Turban
and Leisure Center, which has won several awards, is considered
one of the most beautiful marinas in Turkey; Setur Marina,
the other marina in Antalya, is, on the other hand, quiet
and peaceful; but both welcome yof after your unforgettable
voyage in the turquoise paradise of Turkey's water.
Activities
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