| FROM KAS TO ANTALYA:
DOLPHINS' PLAYGROUND
Like most towns on the Lycian coast,
Kas lies wedged between mountains and sea. Kas (anci ent
Antiphellos) still exhibits a few remains of the old settlement. An
ancient theater on the long Kas Peninsula is within walking distance of
the town. Kekova, "home of the sun," is an island an hour from
Dalyanagzı (ancient Andriace) by sea, as well as the name of a
whole ensemble of picturesque islands with numerous bays and ancient
cities. These bays provide natural
harbors in all seasons,
and yachtsmen particularly enjoy exploring the unspoiled landscapes.
Along the northern shore of Kekova Island, at Apollonia, earthquakes
once 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 peacefu lly
on the glassy water. Kekova hasthe blue skies and orange sunsets of a
Van Gogh painting, along with starry nights, peace and tranquility,
playful dolphins, mythological mysteries, and the sparkling sea - all
this and more. At Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km west of
Finike), many splendid carved-rock tombs overlook the magnificent Simena
- Antalya Roman theater. St. Nicholas was the bishop of this
Mediterranean city during the fourth century and died here in 342.
Finike is an official entry-port and is surrounded by citrus trees and
gardens. Thirty-two kilometers from the Finike Marina are the remains of
the beautiful and ancient Lycian city of Arikanda. A mountain trek
inland rewards you with superb views, fabulous ruins and fresh mountain
air. Slipping around the Kirlangıç Peninsula brings you into the
Gulf of Antalya. The first sight 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), the
mythological Lycian hero
Bellerophon mounted his winged horse Pegasus and slew the fire-breathing
Chimaeras. Gas seeping from the earth and burning brightly at night give
the place an ethereal appearance. The favorite winter resort of
Alexander the Great was Phase lis,
the ancient commercial harbor north of Olympos. South of the harbor you
can 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, for an
ideal environment for a wonderful holiday. The fully equipped Park Kemer
Marina has facilities for all activities and yachtsmen can enjoy the
unspoiled bays and beaches south of the town. The wonderful range of
high-quality souvenirs will delight shoppers. 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. Here the ancient Attaleia,
named after King Attalus II of Pergamum, was founded in the 2nd century
BC. Today palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks, historical buildings,
monuments, museums and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, (with the
Kaleici Turban Marina) blend together to create an ideal holiday
atmosphere . The Antalya Marina and Leisure Center, which has won
several awards, is considered one of the most beautiful marinas in
Turkey. Setur Antalya Marina, is, on the other hand, quiet and peaceful,
but both will welcome you after an unforgettable voyage in the turquoise
paradise of Turkey's water.

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