Kaş, Turkey 14 – 5/2014

August 8, 2016

Patara was interesting but we still had not dipped our toes in the inviting water of the Mediterranean. As we headed down the coast, any number of tempting peninsulas invited us to explore the unknown, though with our time schedule hanging over us, we headed straight for the town of Kaş.

The small harbor of Kaş was full of yachts, fishing and cruise boats.

Kaş had been discovered by the tourist trade but it still had a small town feeling. There was a cramped RV campground on the outside of town. It was clogged with a German motorhome tour so we continued straight down the frontage road that was actually marked “closed to through traffic”, and found a great place to park overlooking the bay and the offshore Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis in Turkish).

Next to the Kaş harbor, Smiley’s outdoor sitting area was pleasantly decorated.

A short five-minute walk into town brought us to the little yachty harbor where we were immedia-
tely hailed over by the gregarious Ismail Inan, owner of Smiley’s, a cute little café restaurant overlooking the marina. After a complementary cup of Turkish coffee and a glass of wine and some nibbles, we knew we had found the place we had been looking for. When we told Ismail what we were doing and where we had parked our expedition camper, he insisted we move it over to the parking area in front of the harbor. Monika hopped on the back of his motor scooter so he could show her where we should park and where the hose was so we could get water and even wash the truck.

Strolling around town, the plaza was peacefully busy with children playing soccer and people just enjoying the warm afternoon. A guy with a truck was selling fresh produce and the small open market had some great shops for spices and other dry goods. Behind Smiley’s Café we discovered a historic cistern dating back to the fifth century B.C. Carved out of solid stone, it was 40 X 20 ft. The ceiling was held up by seven pillars of carved stone. In recent times it had been used for storing wine, olive oil and vegetables.

The pebble beach near Kaş was warmer than the water but we braved a dip anyway.
It was still early in the season.

Not that we were looking for more ruins but just a couple 100 feet from where we had parked our truck by the bay, a path led up to a small, well-preserved Hellenistic theater that could seat 4000 spectators. Monika couldn’t resist climbing up to the top for a picture.

The next morning, we drove around the peninsula to the west of town and found a peaceful pebble beach where we could lay in the sun and swim. We wish we could have stayed a month here, but our visa clock was ticking and the Whirling Dervishes were waiting for us at Konya.

: Heading south toward Kaş, the highway offered panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

: It was strange to be driving on the coast of Turkey looking out at a Greek Island.

: The little seaside resort of Kaş still had the feeling of a small village.

: Following the frontage road toward town we found the perfect place to park right above to the water.

: Walking into town we were met by the gregarious Ismail Inan, owner of Smiley’s, a cute little café restaurant overlooking the marina.

: After a complementary cup of Turkish coffee and a glass of wine we were immediately delighted with Kaş.

: The Marina was full of yachts, fishing boats and tour boats to shuttle people to the nearby islands and dive sites.

: Ismail gave Monika a ride to show her where we could park right next to the marina.

: Parked at the Marina we had access to fresh water and even a hose to give The Turtle V a quick bath.

: The center of Kaş had a pretty plaza and clean streets leading up to homes and stores.

: Gary couldn’t resist a picture of this beautiful bike. Does anybody know any details about this make or model?

: Fresh vegetables from a nearby farm. Our Lonely Planet Turkey guide mentioned that there was a big outdoor market every Friday along the old road to Kalkan.