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 will anchor and use their tenders to bring you to the center of town.
The idyllic little port of Kas stands in a small bay near the southern tip of Lycia. The most easterly of the Greek islands Kastellorizo (Megisti; Turkish Meis) lies just offshore. The houses line the slopes surrounding the main ancient harbor.
Kas is a holiday resort Thanks to its beautiful setting and the sailing facilities it offers, Kas has become a popular tourist resort with hotels, guest-houses and a good camp-site. Boat trips are available to the many fascinating places along the coastline of tiny coves and bays as well as the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis).
Getting around
In town, a taxi is cheap, and the fares are regulated. They are easy to find. For long journeys, however, drivers can charge more than the meter reads. So negotiate the fare in advance. The most unusual transportation in Turkey is called Dolmus for routes that buses don't take. The word actually means "To Fill"; thus, the dolumus leaves when it is full! They are usually a minibus, a jeep, or a van so they fill quickly. A bonus is that they will drop you off along the route.
Food and shopping
Traditional handicrafts such as carpets, kilims, copper goods, painted ceramics and jewelry are popular buys, along with a good selection of leather goods, sandals and beachwear which can be found in most of the larger resorts.
In souvenir shops and stalls, it's always worth trying a spot of haggling. For food shopping, local mini markets provide basic essentials, whilst the supermarkets found near the larger resorts are similar to those we are used to at home. Most resorts have a weekly market selling local produce, crafts and textiles and are well worth a visit.
Turkish food is amongst the best in the world. With enough climatic zones to grow most ingredients locally, there is a vast array of produce to excite and entice the palate. Besides its famous kebab dishes, there are many other traditional Turkish foods to choose from. Meze (appetizers) for which Turkey is justly famous, are a range of hundreds of small dishes from simple combinations such as cheese with melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. These are served in all Turkish restaurants and are traditionally accompanied with Raki, a clear anise- flavored spirit claimed to be Turkey's national alcoholic drink
Money
With a credit or debit card you can withdraw local currency from cash machines which are found in convenient locations in cities, towns and resorts.
Staying connected
Free wireless connections are available at some hotels and restaurants/cafés, especially in big cities.
Emergency Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey) Police: 155 (all over Turkey)
Opening Hours and
In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening, seven days a week, leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.