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The Town
Kaş Town
Uzun Çarşı - old street of shops
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As perhaps the premier Mediterranean destination for diving, Kaş, located on the south coast of Turkey, frequently mesmerises first-time visitors. It seems to have a magical quality that people return to again and again. This is particularly true for scuba divers and snorkellers, who discover in Kas’ waters its unusual shore formations, ancient and modern wrecks, reefs, canyons and large caves. Because of the ancient historical significance of Anatolia (Asia Minor), diving in Kas is full of the potential for discovery. For example, in 1984, a 3,400-year-old Bronze-Age boat, the oldest yet unearthed, was discovered and excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) near Ulu Burun promontory, just a few kilometres from Kas. The original boat is now located in the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
In 2006, as part of a cooperative effort between the 360 Derece (Degree) Research Group and the INA, an exact reproduction of the original ancient Uluburun boat was constructed in Kaþ, sailed to the Chicken Bay dive site close to Kas and deliberately sunk. For sheer fun and historical excitement this ‘artificial’ Uluburun Wreck dive is a must. The Kas diving centres themselves are well known in Turkey for their responsible practices, sometimes a surprise to visitors. All staff are trained in first aid and emergency underwater and boat procedures. Everyone is also particularly aware of the fragility of the underwater environment. “Take only photographs and leave only bubbles” is a popular expression used on dive boats. To protect sea habitats and protected marine animals from any harm, divers are told not to touch any aquatic life, found objects or the sea floor and boats are forbidden to drop anchor – they must use surface tie-ups adjacent to dive sites. Below and above the water line, dive centres work hard to mitigate the pollution that traditional tourism brings. Finally, Kas dive centres train and employ local talent so visitors can enjoy the best of authentic Information Panel - Kas, Turkey, the Best Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean Source: whl travel
Life in Kas > Information > The Town
Kaş is a small fishing, yachting and tourist harbour town, half-way between the city of Antalya, (168km east) and Fethiye (130km west), both with international airports. Tourism started booming in Kaş in the early 1990’s, with visitors mainly from Turkey itself and others from all over Europe. So unlike places like Marmaris (mainly English tourists) or Kemer (mainly Russian) Kaş is a very diverse place. Even with this upsurge in tourism and apartment building the town remains a relatively unspoilt, small and charming coastal resort.
The beautiful Çukurbağ Peninsula, west of the town, which has a number of luxury hotels and a large number of villas built on it, has seen the most development and attracts most of the foreign visitors. There are views from the peninsula across the Kaş bay to a Greek Island and across Bucak Bay to the mountains. Kaş itself is a quiet pleasant town with its blue sea and narrow streets scented with jasmine flowers. The old village streets now hold a variety of traditional handicraft shops. Uzun Carsi leads to the monument of ancient Lycian architecture, the Lions Tomb which dates back to 4th century BC, which is beautifully decorated with sculptured carvings. It has an annual arts festival with concerts and performances in the Roman amphitheatre, and arts exhibitions. The main tourist activity is centred in the town itself, where most of the of small guest houses, quiet cafes, restaurants and bars are. There are a large number of apartments in the town, many with stunning views across the bay to the Greek Island. Building space is limited in the town although some areas near the town have recently been developed. There are many different activities for visitors to the town. Kaş is one of the leading spots for diving in Turkey and the world. There are diving schools, many places with equipment for hire and at the port local divers offer courses. There is paragliding from the mountain behind Kaş to the harbour and plenty of boat trips to choose from. There are many ancient sites to visit (see here) within a days drive and Kekova, a very popular day trip from Antalya, is very close. Another popular day trip is to the Greek island about 2 km offshore from Kaş. Usually referred to as Kastelorizo but officially in Greek, Megísti (in Turkish Meis Adası) the island is accessible by ferry from the harbour every day in summer and weekly in winter. Come sundown the town centre really comes alive. Visitors while their evenings at the lively waterfront restaurants and tavernas, sipping on raki or wine under a canopy of stars, or simply sit in the square taking in the atmosphere. Bars offer laid back sounds, rock or live music and usually keep going until 3am.
© Life in Kas, Turkey www.lifeinkas.com
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