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Hiking
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Life in Kas > What To Do > Hiking and Trekking
Hiking
Hiking and Trekking
The Lycian Way, Turkey's first long distance footpath, is 500 km of marked trails along the dramatic coastline and mountains, using a web of old roads, shepherd's paths and forest trails. The climate is ideal for walking although it is not recommended in hight of summer.
While you are walking on antique Lycian paths, you will stroll through unspoiled ancient city ruins, temples, and local villages. Lycia has over seventy ancient sites with sunken ports and hilltop forts and castles.
The area around Kaş has numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Trekking and hiking are among the most popular. Walking on easy paths, passing through dramatically rich Mediterranean coastal vegetation, snowy hills, hidden canyons, green valleys and cool water springs, discovering an amazing variety of fossils, birds , plants occasional animals.
Mountainous terrain on the western edges of the Toros Mountain Range and the melting snow from the Akdaglar (White Mountains) and Beydaglar (Bey Mountains) create narrow gorges and canyons that provide water and alluvial soil to the rich fertile plains of the Xanthos Valley, Demre and Finike.
There are a huge number of different trails to choose from and a variety of organised walks both short and long. The organised walks usually include an experienced guide and accommodation along the route. Walking in the wilderness in July and August is not a good idea but the rest of the year can be fantastic weather for walking.
While you are walking on antique Lycian paths, you will stroll through unspoiled ancient city ruins, temples, and local villages. Lycia has over seventy ancient sites with sunken ports and hilltop forts and castles.
The area around Kaş has numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Trekking and hiking are among the most popular. Walking on easy paths, passing through dramatically rich Mediterranean coastal vegetation, snowy hills, hidden canyons, green valleys and cool water springs, discovering an amazing variety of fossils, birds , plants occasional animals.
Mountainous terrain on the western edges of the Toros Mountain Range and the melting snow from the Akdaglar (White Mountains) and Beydaglar (Bey Mountains) create narrow gorges and canyons that provide water and alluvial soil to the rich fertile plains of the Xanthos Valley, Demre and Finike.
There are a huge number of different trails to choose from and a variety of organised walks both short and long. The organised walks usually include an experienced guide and accommodation along the route. Walking in the wilderness in July and August is not a good idea but the rest of the year can be fantastic weather for walking.
You can check out the various organised walk options with the travel agents in the town.
The Lycian Way is a 509 km way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The route is graded medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. We recommend walking the route in spring or autumn; February-May or September-November; summer in Lycia is hot, although you could walk short, shady sections. The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; it is mostly over limestone and often hard and stony underfoot.
A Visitor's Experience
A Long Day with Refreshing Cool Water
“Sitting having breakfast with the bus driver was a different experience, although we couldn't speak the same language we still managed to fully converse with each other.
We stopped at a tiny village for a coffee/ tea break on the jeep safari, it was a very basic cafe but the plain biscuits helped erase the bag taste left from the dirty toilets. Not daring to touch the lock due to the amount of dirt caked on the lock I was ill at ease the whole time, scared a local man would come in as they appeared to be unisex toilets.
The coldness of the water sent pain throughout my whole body.
We stopped at the Saklinkent Gorge to go canyoning for beginners. The Saklinkent Gorge is around 18km long cut into the Akdaglar Mountains. Entering the gorge you pass through the street of souvenir shops before walking along a wooded board walk that opens to a wooded platform above the river where refreshments are available to purchase.
The initial crossing of the river is icy cold and fast flowing, the coldness of the water sent painall throughout my body. With my feet sufficiently numb the uneven path posses no problems on my bare feet. I now
We stopped at a tiny village for a coffee/ tea break on the jeep safari, it was a very basic cafe but the plain biscuits helped erase the bag taste left from the dirty toilets. Not daring to touch the lock due to the amount of dirt caked on the lock I was ill at ease the whole time, scared a local man would come in as they appeared to be unisex toilets.
The coldness of the water sent pain throughout my whole body.
We stopped at the Saklinkent Gorge to go canyoning for beginners. The Saklinkent Gorge is around 18km long cut into the Akdaglar Mountains. Entering the gorge you pass through the street of souvenir shops before walking along a wooded board walk that opens to a wooded platform above the river where refreshments are available to purchase.
The initial crossing of the river is icy cold and fast flowing, the coldness of the water sent painall throughout my body. With my feet sufficiently numb the uneven path posses no problems on my bare feet. I now
Wendy P (Blog)
Dragoman Outdoor Activities
Coastal backpacking tour along lycian way
Best Season: January – mid.June, mid.September-December
This tour is designed exclusively for those people who are used to and willing to carry their own backpacks. For those who enjoy experiencing the world beneath their feet, infinite hiking possibilities are available, especially in Lycia. Experience what it's like walking on an unknown planet as you hike across Lycia's rocky landscape. You will be able to enjoy beauty spots, viewpoints, beaches, villages, monuments, ancient ruins and diverse landscapes as you walk between overnight accommodation of campsites or pensions.
Adventure in an astonishing historical atmosphere of Lycia, an ancient civilization which existed in Southwest Anatolia. A vacation in a region with antique nature and historical value. The stunning coastline of southern Turkey with its beautiful turquoise water, abrupt cliffs and archaeological richness of preserved Greek and Roman cities, makes for a diverse and interesting trekking destination. Turkey is about tradition, people, history and scenery, and our tour captures all of these aspects.
© Life in Kas, Turkey www.lifeinkas.com
Source: Dragoman Travel
Check out an example trek itinery below
What to Do | Beaches | Paraglide | Boats |Dive| Kayak | Trek |Jeep Safari | Cycle | Mountain |Sightsee | Restaurants | Nightlife | Shop | Live Music
have no regrets for choosing to go bare feet, the plastic shoes that were available to hire just looked more pain then use.
I'm glad the guides were there to give a helping push/pull over some of the boulders, sometimes being small has major disadvantages. Although I missed out on taking pictures on this stunning gorge, I would have spent the whole walk paranoid about getting my camera wet.
We only walked a short way along the gorge due to the limiting time, I would have loved to have gone further as it was so much fun.
Lunch was at the most beautiful setting and the food was plentiful and tasty. We sat on cushioned platforms situated above blue pools formed by the river. The ambience of the place was very relaxing, Its hard to descried the place to do it justice.
Driving on we next stopped at Xanthos, a ruined city which was once the capital and grandest city of Lycia. It was easy to walk around the Roman Theatre with no security guards watching your every move. A few wild goats walked around the site. One was posing brilliantly by the pillar tombs with still clearly visible Lycian inscriptions. Xanthos had a chequered history and it ended up being destroyed by its own people.
By the time we stopped at Patara beach the wind had really picked up. The beach is famous for its size, being 20km long and 50m wide. Its clear to see why the huge expanse of white sand is so popular. We got to see the beach obviously on a bad day, the sea was rough with strong currents dragging you down the beach. Laying on the beach reminded me of being in a sand storms, the sand being blown in
I'm glad the guides were there to give a helping push/pull over some of the boulders, sometimes being small has major disadvantages. Although I missed out on taking pictures on this stunning gorge, I would have spent the whole walk paranoid about getting my camera wet.
We only walked a short way along the gorge due to the limiting time, I would have loved to have gone further as it was so much fun.
Lunch was at the most beautiful setting and the food was plentiful and tasty. We sat on cushioned platforms situated above blue pools formed by the river. The ambience of the place was very relaxing, Its hard to descried the place to do it justice.
Driving on we next stopped at Xanthos, a ruined city which was once the capital and grandest city of Lycia. It was easy to walk around the Roman Theatre with no security guards watching your every move. A few wild goats walked around the site. One was posing brilliantly by the pillar tombs with still clearly visible Lycian inscriptions. Xanthos had a chequered history and it ended up being destroyed by its own people.
By the time we stopped at Patara beach the wind had really picked up. The beach is famous for its size, being 20km long and 50m wide. Its clear to see why the huge expanse of white sand is so popular. We got to see the beach obviously on a bad day, the sea was rough with strong currents dragging you down the beach. Laying on the beach reminded me of being in a sand storms, the sand being blown in
to every imaginable orifice possible. With no one manning the sun bed I decided to see if laying on one would make it more bearable. By nearly being taken out by the lounger as it got wiped up by the wind,it turned out not to be worth the effort. We had 40minutes the kill, I just lay there with my t-shirt covering my head praying that it would be time to leave.
Prior to returning to Kas we made on last stop at the Patara ruins, another Roman theater.At this stage I was “Theatred out” and didn't make much of an effort to explore. One of the guides eagerly invited us to meet him that evening at the bar where he works. I wonder how many girls he pulls for one night stands following participating on this trip.Although I had no interest in him what so ever I was devastated to notice that my shorts were inside out.
I was now keen to get back to the hotel as I feeling slightly sunbaked. The water fights were dying down between the two jeeps and I could finally dry off. Sitting behind the guide I was always in the firing line with the water. I didn't mind as it was fun and refreshing during the heat of the day.
While Karina was doing some last minute shopping I joined Yuvaz for a well needed coffee. Two different girls spending so more time together is bound to cause some irritation, when Yavuz asked what was wrong he understood when I replied women. For dinner we went to the same restaurant that we went to the first night
Prior to returning to Kas we made on last stop at the Patara ruins, another Roman theater.At this stage I was “Theatred out” and didn't make much of an effort to explore. One of the guides eagerly invited us to meet him that evening at the bar where he works. I wonder how many girls he pulls for one night stands following participating on this trip.Although I had no interest in him what so ever I was devastated to notice that my shorts were inside out.
I was now keen to get back to the hotel as I feeling slightly sunbaked. The water fights were dying down between the two jeeps and I could finally dry off. Sitting behind the guide I was always in the firing line with the water. I didn't mind as it was fun and refreshing during the heat of the day.
While Karina was doing some last minute shopping I joined Yuvaz for a well needed coffee. Two different girls spending so more time together is bound to cause some irritation, when Yavuz asked what was wrong he understood when I replied women. For dinner we went to the same restaurant that we went to the first night
we stayed at Kas. The food again was amazing, and the vodka and coke went down well. The cake that we had bought Yavuz to say thank you for being such a great guide went down the treat and we crooned along to James Blunts ' good bye my lover' which seemed to be stuck on repeat.”
Each route has different attractions. While enjoying different means of moving through nature, you will have a chance to observe natural formations and habitat besides the local life style, culture and the ancient Lycian ruins.
The marked trail will allow casual and dedicated walkers alike the opportunity to explore Lycia's rocky coastline, high pastures, dramatic gorges cedar forests secluded beaches and ancient sites, Walkers following the route will be able to swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean where the path dips down to the sea,
Days spent walking on the trails, rambling over the hills and campgrounds in secluded coves, the whisper of ancient voices in the maquis or pine trees above, just another hectic day on the Lycian Coast.
An English or French speaking guide will accompany you to further illuminate the history of the sights you will see.
Previous backpacking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However hikers should be in a good physical and mental fitness for the itinerary described below. A flexible state of mind and a sense of humor are also important when experiencing " Lycian time."
Remember to leave your clocks, deadlines and schedules behind so you can enjoy a state of mind where the local concept of time is measured by the seasons.
Safety is first! Our guides are passionate about outdoor pursuits. We know how to have fun. But we also respect our natural heritage and the potential perils of adventure travel-we are very safety-oriented.
Come prepared for spectacular Lycian sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away. Light along Lycian Coast, especially in spring and autumn days, has the clarity and pureness that photographers crave. Add to that an incredible variety of photographic subject matter-people, landscapes, architecture and wildlife. Nested between Mediterranean Sea and Teke Peninsula Range, Lycian coast's deep blue waters shimmer with life, providing surreal contrast to the surrounding landscape.
This backcountry experience will turn you into a backpacker for sure. Experience mythical Lycian Coast like no one else has.
Bring your camera equipment and immerse yourself in the visual ecstasy that Lycia provides.
Our first day on the path. This tour is the "warming up" for the following days.
Day1 Kas Harbor- Limanagzi (Sebeda Isthmus)-Ufakdere (Factoria Bay)
2500 years ago Lycians had created the antique path for reaching the sweet chill of the mountain, so naturally we have no other choice but to follow their example.
We start walking at Kas Harbour. Starting from the first minutes, we explore the geological history of the region, meet colourful flowers and every shade of green. It is nearly impossible not to be fascinated by the unspoiled view. We climb down to Limanagzi Beach, where cold turquoise waters are ready to rejuvenate you.
As the differences in altitude are quite low and there are no hard climbing sections on our way.
After crossing grassy areas the route now heads for the sea edge. To reach Coban(Shepherds') Beach we should traverse a rocky shoreline walking to remoter coast to Ufakdere, where the landscape became more bizarre by the hour. But here the coast became brittle and rocky.
As we crest the ridge, we pass through the remains of old olive groves and shepherd encampments. In front of you is the triangular mast of Cape Ulu Burun, where the oldest shipwreck ever known, has been excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
After that a short walks will take to our lunch spot, the tiny beach and emerald grass at Ufakdere.
2500 years ago Lycians had created the antique path for reaching the sweet chill of the mountain, so naturally we have no other choice but to follow their example.
We start walking at Kas Harbour. Starting from the first minutes, we explore the geological history of the region, meet colourful flowers and every shade of green. It is nearly impossible not to be fascinated by the unspoiled view. We climb down to Limanagzi Beach, where cold turquoise waters are ready to rejuvenate you.
As the differences in altitude are quite low and there are no hard climbing sections on our way.
After crossing grassy areas the route now heads for the sea edge. To reach Coban(Shepherds') Beach we should traverse a rocky shoreline walking to remoter coast to Ufakdere, where the landscape became more bizarre by the hour. But here the coast became brittle and rocky.
As we crest the ridge, we pass through the remains of old olive groves and shepherd encampments. In front of you is the triangular mast of Cape Ulu Burun, where the oldest shipwreck ever known, has been excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
After that a short walks will take to our lunch spot, the tiny beach and emerald grass at Ufakdere.
Leaving our lunch spot, we will pass nearby the tractor road to Cape Uluburun. Our today's trekking tour is characterized by the view to the breath-taking cliffs at the coast and to the Mediterranean Sea in the east of Kas glistening in all silver and turquoise shades.
The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. Hiking along maquis covered limestone shore and cliff faces of Lycian coast; lunching at a beautiful cove and walking on Lycian trail you may have a chance to see village life of nomads.
Nature and sea lovers can enjoy this pristine region that encompass maquis landscape, small canyons, stream mouths, pocket beaches, tiny islets, olive gardens and rock tombs carved into the hills.
Camp-I note: camp night may be changed into village house accommodation according to the seasonal conditions.
Day 2: Factoria--Inönü Cove-Barak Cove-Appolonia (Kilincli Village)
Today, continue to İnönü Cove and start to last climb to Barak Cove for overnight stay in the second lunch stop of the trip. Late afternoon we may spend time swimming, snorkeling and lazing under sun.Starting from Barak Cove we will climb up and descent to the Dinek Tepe. After exploring Roman tower at Dinek Tepe hill just above our Barak Cove we will climb up Appolonia, another ancient Lycian settlement near to Kilicli village.
Camp-II note: camp night may be changed into village house accommodation according to the seasonal conditions.
Day 3: Appolonia-Aperlai Isthmus(Sicak Cove)-Simena
Today we have to work hard. After very early departure we walk eastward to Kekova sound. Leaving the village behind, we continue walking to the site of Aperlai, while exploring coastal features, and Roman outlooks.
This section of the trail follows cobbled inland tracks and a dramatic coastal path with sensational views. After a short ascent the path winds its way slowly down to Teimiousa cove. Walking along the coastline, once we reach the other side we explore the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound; explore ancient towns of Teimiousa and Simena, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial grounds.
After 2 hrs walk, then arriving to Ancient City of Aperlai you will see the ancient port city of Aperlai, including structures now underwater as a result
The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. Hiking along maquis covered limestone shore and cliff faces of Lycian coast; lunching at a beautiful cove and walking on Lycian trail you may have a chance to see village life of nomads.
Nature and sea lovers can enjoy this pristine region that encompass maquis landscape, small canyons, stream mouths, pocket beaches, tiny islets, olive gardens and rock tombs carved into the hills.
Camp-I note: camp night may be changed into village house accommodation according to the seasonal conditions.
Day 2: Factoria--Inönü Cove-Barak Cove-Appolonia (Kilincli Village)
Today, continue to İnönü Cove and start to last climb to Barak Cove for overnight stay in the second lunch stop of the trip. Late afternoon we may spend time swimming, snorkeling and lazing under sun.Starting from Barak Cove we will climb up and descent to the Dinek Tepe. After exploring Roman tower at Dinek Tepe hill just above our Barak Cove we will climb up Appolonia, another ancient Lycian settlement near to Kilicli village.
Camp-II note: camp night may be changed into village house accommodation according to the seasonal conditions.
Day 3: Appolonia-Aperlai Isthmus(Sicak Cove)-Simena
Today we have to work hard. After very early departure we walk eastward to Kekova sound. Leaving the village behind, we continue walking to the site of Aperlai, while exploring coastal features, and Roman outlooks.
This section of the trail follows cobbled inland tracks and a dramatic coastal path with sensational views. After a short ascent the path winds its way slowly down to Teimiousa cove. Walking along the coastline, once we reach the other side we explore the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound; explore ancient towns of Teimiousa and Simena, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial grounds.
After 2 hrs walk, then arriving to Ancient City of Aperlai you will see the ancient port city of Aperlai, including structures now underwater as a result
of earthquake subsidence over the centuries. Marble columns, paved floors and the foundations of a church lie just below the surface. Twelve miles from Kas, this ancient walled city and port may be seen both above and, with mask, under water.
Known as Aperlai, the 2,400 year-old settlement likely supported no more than 1,000 people at its zenith in the fourth to sixth centuries.
The shore is still covered with murex shells from which the famous purple dye was made. …You can smell old days of the city partially submerged on the Mediterranean Sea in present-day Turkey has yielded a second underwater church, leading researchers to believe the settlement was a magnet for pilgrims traveling to and from the Holy Land nearly 2,000 years ago.
It is speculated that Lycia, a small region encompassing Aperlai, may have been a stopover for pilgrims heading for the Holy Land -- then Palestine -- in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh centuries. Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine who ruled from A.D. 306 to 337, visited Palestine, and she and Constantine began spreading the word of Christianity and encouraged church construction throughout the Roman Empire.
In addition, the popularity of Saint Nicholas -- the bishop in a town called Myra located just 15 miles from Aperlai in the early fourth century - was growing due to reports of his miracles that included saving drowning sailors, filling empty ships with grain and providing gifts to children. The
Known as Aperlai, the 2,400 year-old settlement likely supported no more than 1,000 people at its zenith in the fourth to sixth centuries.
The shore is still covered with murex shells from which the famous purple dye was made. …You can smell old days of the city partially submerged on the Mediterranean Sea in present-day Turkey has yielded a second underwater church, leading researchers to believe the settlement was a magnet for pilgrims traveling to and from the Holy Land nearly 2,000 years ago.
It is speculated that Lycia, a small region encompassing Aperlai, may have been a stopover for pilgrims heading for the Holy Land -- then Palestine -- in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh centuries. Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine who ruled from A.D. 306 to 337, visited Palestine, and she and Constantine began spreading the word of Christianity and encouraged church construction throughout the Roman Empire.
In addition, the popularity of Saint Nicholas -- the bishop in a town called Myra located just 15 miles from Aperlai in the early fourth century - was growing due to reports of his miracles that included saving drowning sailors, filling empty ships with grain and providing gifts to children. The
close proximity of Myra likely increased the number of pilgrims visiting Aperlai.
After a long visit Aperlai ruins, passing southward through Dar Bogaz (Sicak Peninsula isthmus) we reach our lunch spot at this hidden cove, the other side, the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound.
This walk to Kekova and Ucagiz will be the highlight of your stay in antique Lycia. The 'three mouths' of Ucagiz are the openings South, East and West of Kekova Island.
Kekova is famous for its Sunken City that can only be reached by sea. With its ruins just below sea level, mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks, Kekova is a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland village of Ucagiz lies ancient Teimiousa ("place of the three outlets," referring to its location). Interesting are the necropolis and ancient Simena (Kalekoy), certainly one of the quaintest towns in all Lycia.
We then continue to Kalekoy Castle (ancient Simena) which offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts, sailing peacefully on the glassy water. During a delightful approach to Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass, results of quarrying along the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've been seeing all day. The medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John, sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city. Odd Lycian ogival sarcophagi, sometimes partially submerged, constantly remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization.
Simena can only be reached by kayak/boat or along footpaths. The ruins are interspersed among houses standing beneath the pewter-capped walls and turrets of the medieval city. Since ancient times, the coast has continued to gradually sink into the sea, creating surreal scenery of partially submerged sarcophagi and other ruins. Arriving Simena, the nearby village of Kalekoy lies below an idyllic Ottoman fort on the site of ancient Simena, one of the most romantic settings of the entire trip. Level walks then a short, steepish climb up to the castle of the Knights of Saint John - worth it for the fantastic views.
After exploring Simena Castle, the narrow village streets take us to our pension in quiet and beautiful Simena harbor.
Overnight in pension.
After a long visit Aperlai ruins, passing southward through Dar Bogaz (Sicak Peninsula isthmus) we reach our lunch spot at this hidden cove, the other side, the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound.
This walk to Kekova and Ucagiz will be the highlight of your stay in antique Lycia. The 'three mouths' of Ucagiz are the openings South, East and West of Kekova Island.
Kekova is famous for its Sunken City that can only be reached by sea. With its ruins just below sea level, mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks, Kekova is a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland village of Ucagiz lies ancient Teimiousa ("place of the three outlets," referring to its location). Interesting are the necropolis and ancient Simena (Kalekoy), certainly one of the quaintest towns in all Lycia.
We then continue to Kalekoy Castle (ancient Simena) which offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts, sailing peacefully on the glassy water. During a delightful approach to Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass, results of quarrying along the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've been seeing all day. The medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John, sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city. Odd Lycian ogival sarcophagi, sometimes partially submerged, constantly remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization.
Simena can only be reached by kayak/boat or along footpaths. The ruins are interspersed among houses standing beneath the pewter-capped walls and turrets of the medieval city. Since ancient times, the coast has continued to gradually sink into the sea, creating surreal scenery of partially submerged sarcophagi and other ruins. Arriving Simena, the nearby village of Kalekoy lies below an idyllic Ottoman fort on the site of ancient Simena, one of the most romantic settings of the entire trip. Level walks then a short, steepish climb up to the castle of the Knights of Saint John - worth it for the fantastic views.
After exploring Simena Castle, the narrow village streets take us to our pension in quiet and beautiful Simena harbor.
Overnight in pension.
4: Simena-Gokkaya Bay-Cayagzi (Andrakos River Mouth)
After exploring Simena walking eastward take us to our last lunch stop, quiet and beautiful Gokkaya harbor(Smugglers Cove). From here is it only a short bit to walk until we reach coastal ruins of Istlada..
Istlada was a small but a fascinating ancient city in the region. Istlada on Gökkaya Bay is connected to the parts in Hoyran where there are sarcophagi. It is not easy to climb from Gökkaya Bay to this point.
After visiting coastal ruins of Istlada and lunch time, hiking eastward will take us to Demre-Cayagzi river mouth where is the our final destination.
If time permits, we will walk up a spring flow in search of birds and natural springs. After crossing Cayagzi springs we end our tour at Kokar bay, alongside of which are the ruins of Andriake. Situated at the mouth of the Andrakos River, Andriake was the port for Myra, home of St. Nicola’s church known to the world as Father Christmas.
In AD 61, the ship that brought the Apostle Paul to Rome for his last visit anchored here to wait for better winds. The strong current of the Demre stream (once Andrakos River) prevented the silting up of the port until the Byzantine era.
After exploring Simena walking eastward take us to our last lunch stop, quiet and beautiful Gokkaya harbor(Smugglers Cove). From here is it only a short bit to walk until we reach coastal ruins of Istlada..
Istlada was a small but a fascinating ancient city in the region. Istlada on Gökkaya Bay is connected to the parts in Hoyran where there are sarcophagi. It is not easy to climb from Gökkaya Bay to this point.
After visiting coastal ruins of Istlada and lunch time, hiking eastward will take us to Demre-Cayagzi river mouth where is the our final destination.
If time permits, we will walk up a spring flow in search of birds and natural springs. After crossing Cayagzi springs we end our tour at Kokar bay, alongside of which are the ruins of Andriake. Situated at the mouth of the Andrakos River, Andriake was the port for Myra, home of St. Nicola’s church known to the world as Father Christmas.
In AD 61, the ship that brought the Apostle Paul to Rome for his last visit anchored here to wait for better winds. The strong current of the Demre stream (once Andrakos River) prevented the silting up of the port until the Byzantine era.
Located between Finike and Kas, Myra was one of the most important cities among the other six Lycian cities. It was settled in the 5th century B.C. Although it was originally a coastal town, it has retreated from the sea because of the alluvium from the river. It was abandoned in the 9th century A.D. after the Arab invasion.
After visiting St.Nicholas Church and ruins of ancient Myra, we will drive back to Kaş.
After visiting St.Nicholas Church and ruins of ancient Myra, we will drive back to Kaş.