KEMER
The
mountains of the Toros (Taurus) Range rise up immediately behind the coast,
the whole length - from Konyaalti Beach to the Kirlangic Peninsula - is
a national preserve, the Bey Daglari (Olympos) National Park. The history
of this area, the ancient Lycian Peninsula, can be traced back to the Neolithic
Age to the settlements at Beldibi. The 42km of road from Antalya to Kemer
pass 
through
spectacular mountain scenery This resort town has been carefully designed
to blend in with the surrounding scenery and offers an ideal environment
for a wonderful holiday. A fully equipped Kemer marina has facilities for
all activities so those yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoilt bays and beaches
south of the town. Shoppers will delight in the wonderful range of high
quality souvenirs for sale. A beach promenade north of the marina has steps
leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the beach. Kemer Beach
is a Blue Flag beach. The term "Blue Flag" coined by the European Union
means clean beach. In the Yoruk (Nomad) Theme Park you can watch traditional
crafts people at work. The adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot
with many sports and daily entertainment facilities discreetly hidden among
the pines. April is the month for the colorful Kemer Carnival. Also in
the spring are the yacht races between Kemer and Girne in the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus. Kiziltepe, Goynuk (Blue Flag) and Beldibi (Blue Flag)
north of Kemer and Camyuva and Tekirova (Blue Flag) to the south, are tourist
centers full of various activities. The holiday villages are all designed
to blend into the forest that encircles them.
PHASELIS
At
the foot of Mt.Tahtali (Olympos), 15km south of Kemer, the three harbors
of Phaselis were once major commercial centers. The ruins of aqueducts,
agoras, baths, a theater, Hadrian's Gate and an acropolis reveal the city's
historical importance. 
From
the south harbor, look up at Mt. Tahtali for a spectacular view. The sheltered
sandy beaches make a superb playground, and the waters are calm and safe
for swimmers. The ancient city of Olyrnpos is situated on the southern
side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley,
which you can approach by land and sea. The plays of light on the quiet
pools of water enhance the mosaics in the bath. A temple gate and theater
also remain from antiquity. The outer walls and towers around the bay-date
from the Middle Ages. North of Olympos up from Clrali Beach, is Yanartas
(at a height of 300 meters) where according to mythology the Lycian hero
Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus slew the fire-breathing
monster, Chimaera. Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night
at this site, which the Bvzantines also considered a religious area. South
of Olympos, tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Cavus. Here
you can water ski on calm waters, discover the colorful-marine life or
explore the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.
FINIKE
An entry port
west of Olympos, Finike is surrounded by citrus trees and-gardens. A sandy
beach stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and coves.
Limyra, an ancient Lycian city, is 10km inland from Finike, via Turuncova.
The fourth-century BC Pericles mausoleum, decorated with caryatids, is
a magnificent example of ancient art. The city walls and Roman theater
are also of interest. Farther on this road is the Lycian city of Arikanda.
Set high on the mountain overlooking one of Turkey's most beautiful valleys,
the extensive ruins include the agora, theater, stadium, bouleuterion,
water system, gymnasium, baths and scattered sarcophagi.
DEMRE
At Demre (Kale),
the ancient Myra, (25km west of Finike), many splendidly carved rock tombs
overlook the magnificent Roman theater. St. Nicholas was the bishop of
this Mediterranean city during the fourth century, and died here in 342.
Every year in December the Santa Claus Commemoration Ceremony attracts
many tourists who spend their Christmas holidays on the sunny coast of
ancient Lycia. Dalyanagzi, the ancient harbor of Andriace, west of Demre,
has a good beach for swimming and sunbathing.
KEKOVA
Kekova is an
island an hour from Dalyanagzi by sea as well as the name of a whole ensemble
of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide
natural harbors in all seasons, and yachtsmen particularly enjoy exploring
the unspoilt landscape. Along the northern shore of Kekova Island at Apollonia,
earthquakes have disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses
to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. Kalekoy Castle (Simena)
offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts
sailing peacefully on the glassy water. Continuing west out of Kekova,
you come to Kas, a lovely spot surrounded on three sides by mountains.
