After an amazing few days exploring Antalya’s Kaleiçi, I was keen to see more of the Turkish coast, or Turkish Riviera as once could say. Kaş, a small seaside town surrounded by mountains and turquoise waters, was next on my list. And with the famous sunken city of Kekova nearby, diving in Kaş and kayaking in Kekova quickly became two of the things I most wanted to do.
Kaş is approximately 200 km from Antalya and is well known for its turquoise waters and excellent diving locations. The town also occupies the site of ancient Antiphellos, so there are plenty of ruins to discover, including an amphitheatre, of course!
Following the winding coastal road, I spent around four hours on a bus with the locals. Besides stopping quite a few times to pick up and drop off passengers along the way, the journey was actually pretty comfortable and felt very safe. Nothing like my bus adventures back in Laos!
Surrounded by towering mountains and located along the popular Lycian Way hiking trail, I had a great feeling about Kaş from the moment I arrived. After my first discovery walk around town, I found the perfect hotel to base myself for the next week.
I was ready to explore. And, most importantly, to finally go diving in Kaş and kayaking around Kekova’s sunken city.
I walked along the yacht harbour, swam in the Mediterranean Sea and browsed the local markets. Let’s just say that after a few days, I was already starting to feel like a local. Hanging out with the locals and settling into the relaxed Kaş lifestyle.
Read here about my amazing trip to Antalya: Visiting Antalya, Kaleiçi and the ancient city of Perga
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Diving in Kaş
It was time for a new activity, and my second DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) experience this year! I can’t believe my first diving experience in Egypt was already at the beginning of the year. Time really does fly when you’re travelling. Read: Diving in Hurghada with my dad
As mentioned, Kaş is a very popular diving destination. For me, though, it was simply about exploring a completely different underwater world from the colourful coral reefs of Egypt. So, diving in Turkey sounded like a pretty good idea! Especially diving in Kaş. As a beginner, I can’t dive very deep yet, so I can’t really comment on the famous wrecks you can explore around Kaş. Instead, I simply enjoyed the overall experience of being underwater again.
What a fun morning diving in Kaş!
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Kayaking in Kekova
Besides diving in Kaş, I also wanted to go kayaking. As it happens, around 40 kilometres south of Kaş lies the tiny and rather difficult-to-reach village of Kekova (Kaleköy). My interest was immediately piqued when I read that there was a sunken city just below the surface of the water. Let’s go!
Apparently, or so many people told me the only way to reach Kekova and the sunken city is by boat. Or, more specifically, on a tour boat. And as I’m still not a big fan of sitting on a tour boat for hours, I decided to explore my other options. I also had absolutely no desire to hike the Lycian Way to get there, although apparently that’s another option.
So, I went for option number three: hiring a scooter and finding my own way there! It was approximately 50 km each way. What could possibly go wrong?
I drove as far as the road would take me, eventually arriving at a completely deserted car park—although I’m sure it’s packed during the high season, just behind Simena Castle in Kaleköy.
Kalekoy village
All I had to do was walk over the castle hill to reach the tiny village of Kaleköy. There was really nobody around, so I just hoped I’d taken the right path. Then again, you really can’t miss the castle!
After about 500 metres, I reached the top of the hill and passed a few ancient tombs randomly scattered across the landscape before making my way down the stone steps into the village.
Apart from a few older locals trying to sell me souvenirs and ice cream, there was still nobody else around. I honestly felt as though I’d stumbled upon a secret, forgotten place. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking or diving in Turkey, travelling along the Turkish coast certainly comes with plenty of adventures. And I definitely enjoyed every minute of it.
I found a local lady who spoke enough English to rent me a kayak, and off I went, kayaking above the sunken city of Kekova!
Well, I didn’t venture too far out. Apparently, that wasn’t recommended in the kayak I’d rented. But it was still great fun and definitely a different way to experience Kekova. Afterwards, I stopped for a quick lunch and tried some goat’s milk ice cream, a local must-do, apparently, before making my way back to Kaş. I didn’t think it was very delicious to be honest.
What a fun little adventure kayaking in Kekova!
Just in time to watch the sunset from the amphitheatre—the perfect way to end another adventurous day on the Turkish coast. Diving in Kaş was certainly fun. And so was kayaking in Kekova.
What’s next? Well… let’s see where the road takes me!
This week has definitely been amazing. I’m honestly not sure whether it can be topped!
Travel Tip
Whether it’s diving in Kaş, snorkelling or simply relaxing by the sea, Kaş is a fantastic place to slow down and enjoy the Mediterranean. So, make sure to add it to your Turkish coast itinerary, the water really couldn’t be any bluer!
And if you visit in late October or early November, you can enjoy Kaş without the usual holiday crowds or the intense summer heat. Because, really, who wants to be here when it’s 45 degrees?
(post 117)
