Making the most of Kas
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Larger cruise ships anchor, using tenders to bring passengers into the town centre.
Idyllic Kas occupies a small bay near Lycia’s southern tip. Kastellorizo, or Megisti, the Greek island called Meis in Turkish, lies immediately offshore. Houses run up the slopes surrounding the principal ancient harbour.
Kas is a holiday resort. Its beautiful surroundings and sailing opportunities have made it popular, with hotels, guest-houses and a good camp-site. Boat trips explore tiny bays and coves along the coast and reach Kastellorizo, or Meis.
Getting around
Town taxis are inexpensive, regulated and easy to find. For longer trips, drivers may charge more than the meter, so settle the fare beforehand. Dolmus is Turkey’s distinctive transport for routes buses do not serve; the name means “To Fill”, and a dolumus leaves once full. Usually a minibus, jeep or van, it fills fast and will drop passengers along the route.
Food and shopping
Popular traditional purchases include carpets, kilims, copperware, painted ceramics and jewellery, as well as leather goods, sandals and beachwear widely sold in larger resorts.
Try haggling in souvenir shops and stalls. Local mini markets sell food basics, while resort-area supermarkets are much like those at home. Most resorts also hold a weekly market with local food, crafts and textiles, well worth visiting.
Turkey has some of the world’s finest food. Its many climates produce most ingredients locally, creating a vast choice to excite and entice the palate beyond famous kebabs. Meze, the country’s justly celebrated appetizers, consist of hundreds of small dishes, from cheese with melon to elaborate stuffed vegetables. Turkish restaurants serve them traditionally with Raki, a clear anise-flavored spirit said to be the national alcoholic drink.
Money
Cash machines in convenient city, town and resort locations allow local-currency withdrawals with a credit or debit card.
Staying connected
Some hotels and restaurants/cafés offer free wireless access, particularly in larger cities.
Emergency Ambulance: 112 throughout Turkey. Police: 155 throughout Turkey.
Opening Hours and
Tourist and coastal locations have flexible trading hours. In summer, many shops open late seven days a week, letting visitors browse at leisure and escape the day’s heat.