Before the boat pulls out of Kaş harbor. The guy selling Turkish pastries is on the dock and waves as you board.
Kekova
An hour out, the water changes. It goes from deep blue to something closer to glass. And then you see it: stone walls beneath the surface. Steps leading into the sea. The outline of rooms.
This is Kekova. Or what's left of it. An ancient Lycian settlement called Dolchiste, swallowed by earthquakes in the second century. The whole city slid into the Mediterranean, where it now rests beneath the water, preserved in salt water for two thousand years.
The boat slows down on its course. As you drift over the sunken ruins. Nobody talks and everyone starts watching. There's something about looking down at the amphoras and outlines of homes and buildings, a place where people once lived, bartered, argued with their neighbors, and raised kids. Now all underwater, and you're floating above it on clear turquoise tinted water.
Kaleköy
The boat anchors to a village with no roads. Arriving at Kaleköy you get there by water or you don't get there. A Byzantine castle sits on the hill above; you climb your way up. Along the path, you meet locals selling handcrafts. There are kittens weaving between the stone steps, goats wandering nearby, and local women offering homemade ice cream with local flavors encouraging you along the way up.
At the top, the Aegean stretches out to the Greek islands. You can see why someone built a fortress here a thousand years ago.
On the way down, village women sit along the path with scarves and woven bags spread on blankets. They made them. This isn't souvenir shop stuff shipped from somewhere else. A woman with weathered hands shows you how she tied the knots. Here they milk the cows and goats and make some of the best homemade ice cream with local flavors.
Back on the boat, the crew has prepared a delicious meal to be eaten at anchor in a small cove. The table is full of fresh grilled fish & chicken, rice, vegetables, salad, and chilled local wine. You enjoy the meal, wishing time would pause so you could remain in this exact moment. But there is still more to see. The anchor lifts, and the boat begins its gentle return toward Kaş, stopping at a few more pristine swimming spots to enjoy.
You're tired in the best way. Tanned, probably. Already thinking about watching the sunset from the pool and relaxing late into evening over a long but entertaining dinner as the groups reflect on this memorable day.
After the winter season the air starts to warm, and the town is awakening from its winter slumber. Shops are starting to open; some new artisans are showcasing their creative work done over winter, and the streets are becoming full of life. Spring in Kaş means the flowers are starting to bloom, filling the land with beautiful colors all around. Beautiful wooden boats are launched back into the sea after winter repairs. The warm mist of the sea air creates the most golden sunset, and the locals are gathering at the harbor to watch.
P.S.
Over the last week Jordan (Founder & Host) has updated the website on a new platform that will allow you to book directly online by ACH or credit card with travel insurance and financing options. In addition we are building a Journal page where you can find more letters, articles and information about Kaş, travel and learn more about Turkish culture.
This letter was written in collaboration from all of us involved. Thank you for taking the time to hear our stories from the coast with more to come.
Görüşürüz (see you later),
Jordan
Likya Scholars
