Farther along this road is the Lycian city of Arikanda. lt was inhabited at least by 500 BC and was destroyed several times by fire or earthquake. lt was called Akalanda by the Byzantines. Set high on the mountain overlooking one of Turkey's most beautiful valleys, the extensive ruins include an agora, theater with seven sections, a stadium, a bouleuterion, a water system, a gymnasium, baths and scattered sarcophagi. The baths are still in good condition.

Çayağzı, the ancient harbour of Andriace, west of Demre, has a good beach for swimming and sunbathing. Notice the busts of Faustina and Hadrian next to an ancient storage shed.

Kekova, an island an hour from Çayağzı by sea, gives its name to a whole ensemble of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities.

These bays provide natural harbours in all seasons, and yachtsmen particularly enjoy exploring the unspoiled landscape. Along the northern shore of Kekova Island at Apollonia, earthquakes have disturbed the land causing sonne of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, thus creating a sunken city. Kaleköy Castle (Simena) offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets, islands and colourful yachts sailing peacefully over the glassy water.

Continuing west out of Kekova, you come to Kaş, a lovely spot surrounded on three sides by mountains. The friendly local fishermen are happy to run a water-taxi service to take you to a favourite bay, cove or beach along the coast. The swimming and diving are excellent in the clear cool water around Kas.

Kaş was founded in the 4th century BC as Antiphellos. Now only the Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi and a theater are left. But the charm of the town remains, and it is a pleasure to wander through the streets, stopping to examine souvenir shops that offer Turkish haridicrafts, leather goods, copper and silver items, cotton clothing and the inevitable handmade carpet.

After shopping, stroll along the flower-lined Akdeniz Promenade or relax under the shade of a palm tree. The mountains that surround the town provide their share of activities and sights while the bars and restaurants offer plenty of night life. You can walk through forested hills to visit remote villages and ancient ruins. The energetic may want to attempt the highest peak in the area, Mount Kızlar Sivrisi (3086 meters), or the second highest, Mount Akdağ (3030 meters).

Along the scenic Kalkan road, Kaputaş has a beautiful beach, at one end of which is the Turquoise Grotto.

A little distance to the west is Kalkan, a lovely small hilltop town that overlooks a tiny bay. Its quaint, traditional, white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies with brilliant flowers that cascade to the streets below, make it the ultimate in a peaceful holiday town. Narrow winding streets lined with souvenir shops lead down to the charming marina. Every morning boats are busy taking tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun sets it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof terraces for a drink before dinner and enjoy the comings and goings of the yachts, the business of the marina and the panoramic view.

Once a principal harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara is now reached by following a winding mountain road before descending to the site. According to Greek mythology Apollo was born here. More concrete history reveals that this town was the birthplace of St. Nicholas. The ruins are, of course, numerous and interesting.

A second century AD theater has been partially excavated, and there is a gate with three arches built in 100 AD. But Patara is also a place for beach lovers. Its 22 km of pure white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, making it a natural choice for all types of beach sports. The remoteness of this undiscovered corner makes it feel like a private getaway.

The ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, today in the Turkish village Kınık, lies 18 km north of Patara. The theater, Tomb of the Harpies, Nereid Monument, agora, and Inscribed Pillar, among a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times, create a special atmosphere at this site. At the Lycian cultic center of Letoon, six km farther, three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of mythology, await the exploring tourist.

 

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