Kaş

Kaş (pronounced as "Kash") is a charming tourist town on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, located between Fethiye and Antalya. A former fishing village, today Kaş attracts tourists with its unique atmosphere, picturesque views, and rich history.

History

The oldest known name of the town is Habesos. Later, during the Hellenistic period, it was known as Antiphellos and was an important commercial port at the intersection of the Carian and Lycian civilizations. The city was part of the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great, and then part of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties.

During the Roman period, Antiphellos acquired great importance and became an apostolic center. After the Arab invasion, the region became part of the Seljuk Empire and received a new name – Andifli. During the reign of Sultan Bayezid I, the town became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Modern Kaş

Despite its distance from major airports (a 2-hour drive from Fethiye and 3 hours from Antalya), Kaş has become a popular tourist destination. Its charm lies in its slow-paced atmosphere, beautiful architecture with narrow flower-adorned streets, and stunning landscapes where mountains meet the turquoise sea.

The town center is Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı), around which numerous restaurants, shops, and souvenir stalls are concentrated. It is quiet here during the day, but as the sun goes down, the square comes to life.

Kaş is also one of the best places in Turkey and the world for diving, thanks to its rich underwater world and many sunken objects.