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The West Coast of Antalya / The Coast
of Light
 The
mountains of the Toros (Taurus) Range is up immediately
behind the coast, the whole length - from Konyaalti Beach
to the Kirlangiç Peninsula - is a national preserve,
the Bey Daglari (Olympos) National Park. The history of
this area, the ancient Lycian Peninsula, can be traced back
to the Neolithic Age to the settlements at Beldibi.
Kemer
The 42 km of road from Antalya to Kemer passes through spectacular purple-hued mountain
scenery. This resort town has been carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding
scenery and offers a perfect environment for a wonderful holiday. There is a fully
equipped marina which has facilities for all activities. The unspoilt bays and beaches
south of the town are a yachtsman's dream. Shoppers will delight at the wonderful range of
high quality souvenirs that can be bought here. There is a beach promenade on the northern
part of the marina which has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the
beach. In the ^Yцrьk (Nomad) Theme Park, overlooking a lovely bay, you can watch
traditional crafts people at work. Along the adjoining bay is a charming and delightful
spot with many sports and daily entertainment facilities discreetly hidden among pine
trees. April is the month for the colorful Kemer Carnival. Also in the spring are the
yacht races between Kemer and Girne (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).
Kiziltepe, Gцynьk, and Beldibi, north of Kemer, and Camyuva and Tekirova, to the
south, are tourist centers that provide for a variety of activities with holiday villages
all built to blend into the forest that encircles them. Of all the beautiful places in the
Kemer region these areas are the favorites among visitors.
Phaselis
Situated at the foot of Mt. Tahtali (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbors
of Phaselis were once a major historical commercial center. The ruins of aqueducts,
agoras, baths, a theater, Hadrian's Gate, and an acropolis reveal the city's historical
importance; a small museum at the entrance provides additional information. From the south
harbor look up at Mt.Tahtali for a spectacular view. The sheltered sandy beaches make a
superb playground, and the waters are calm and safe for swimmers.
Olympos
The ancient city of Olympos is situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Coming by
sea or land do not miss the oleander and laurel bushes and the refreshing quiet pools of
flowing water.
The play of light enhances the design of the mosaics in Olympos'bath, and a temple gate
and a theater are of interest too as are the other walls and towers around the bay dating
from the Middle Ages.
North of Olympos up from Cirali Beach, is Yanartas (at a height of 300 meters) where
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 at this sight which the Byzantines also considered a religious area.
South of Olympos, tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Cavus. Here you can
water ski on calm waters, discover the colorful marine life or explore the incredible sea
caves on the northern shore. The Bay of Cavus is enchanting.
Finike
An entry port west of Olympos, Finike is surrounded by citrus trees and gardens. A
sandy beach stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and coves.
Limyra, an ancient Lycian city, is 10 km inland from Finike via Turuncova. The fourth
century B.C. Perikles sarcophagus, decorated with caryatids, is a magnificent example of
ancient art.The city walls and Roman theater are also of interest.
Arikanda
Through a mountain road of unsurpassed beauty, about 32 km from Finike, is the turn off
for the Lycian city of Arikanda. Set high on the mountain overlooking one of Turkey's most
beautiful valleys, the extensive ruins include the agora, theater, stadium, bouleuterion,
water system, bath, gymnasium and scattered sarcophagi.
Demre (Kale)
At Kale, the ancient Myra (25 km west of Finike) many splendidly carved rock tombs
overlook the magnificent Roman theater. St. Nicholas was the bishop of this Mediterranean
city during the fourth century and died here in 342. Every year in December the Santa
Claus Commemoration Ceremony attracts many tourists who spend their Christmas holidays on
the sunny coast of ancient Lycia.
Dalyanagzi, the ancient harbor of Andriace, west of Kale has a good beach for swimming
and sunbathing.
Kekova
Kekova 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
landscape.
Along the northern shore of Kekova Island at Apollania earthquakes have disturbed the
land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken
city. Kaleьcagiz Castle (Simena) offers a bird's eye view of the bays, inlets, islands
and colorful yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy water.
Kas
Continuing west out of Kekova you come to Kas, a lovely spot surrounded on three sides
by mountains. The friendly local fishermen are happy to run a water taxi service to take
you to a favorite bay, cove or beach along the coast. The swimming and diving are
excellent in the clear cool water around Kas.
Of ancient Antiphellos, as Kas was once known, only the
Lycian rock cut tombs and sarcophagi are left. The charm of the town, however, remains and
it is a pleasure to wander through the streets stopping to examine the souvenir shops that
offer Turkish handicrafts, leather goods, silver items, cotton clothing and the inevitable
handmade carpet.
After shopping, stroll along the flower-lined Akdeniz Promenade or relax under the
shade of a palm tree. Kas's bars and restaurants offer plenty of night life. Open buffets
serving superb Turkish cuisine are a town speciality. The mountains which surround the
town provide their share of activities and sights. You can walk through forested hills to
visit remote villages and ancient ruins. The energetic may want to attempt the highest
peak in the area, Mt. Kizlar Sivrisi (3086 meters) or the second highest, Mt. Akdag (3030
meters).
Along the scenic Kalkan road, Kapitas has a beautiful beach at one end of which is the
Turquoise Grotto.
Kalkan
A little distance to the west brings you to Kalkan, a lovely small hilltop town that
overlooks a tiny bay. Its quaint traditional white-washed houses, shuttered windows and
balconies garlanded with brilliant flowers that cascade to the streets below, make it the
ultimate in a peaceful holiday town. Narrow winding streets lined with souvenir shops lead
down to the charming marina. Every morning boats busily take tourists to one of the nearby
beaches or small bays. As the sun sets, it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof terraces
for a drink before dinner and enjoy the comings and goings of the yachts, the business of
the marina and the panoramic view.
Walk to Delikkemer and Patara from Kalkan
Patara
A principal harbor of ancient Lycia and the port of Lycia's capital, Xanthos. Patara is
reached by following a winding mountain road before descending to the site. Here according
to mythology, Apollo was born. More concrete history reveals that this town was the
birthplace of St.Nicholas. The ruins are, of course, numerous and interesting. But Patara
is also a place for beach lovers. Its 22 km of pure white sand stretches as far as the eye
can see, making it a natural choice for all types of beach sports. The remoteness of this
undiscovered corner makes it feel like your own private getaway.
Kinik (Xanthos)
The ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, in the Turkish village Kinik, likes 18 km north
of Patara. The theater, Tomb of the Harpies, Nereid Monument, agora, and Inscribed Pillar,
among a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine times, create the special
atmosphere of this site. At the holy Lycian center of Letoon, six km farther along, three
temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, three familiar gods of mythology await the
exploring tourist.
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