The mountains of the Toros (Taurus) Range rise up immediately behind the coast, the whole length of which - 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 in the settlements at Beldibi.

The 42 km of road from Antalya to Kemer passes 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 that 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. In the Yoruk (Nomad) Theme Park you can watch traditional craftspeople 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 and Beldibi, north of Kemer, and Camyuva and Tekirova, to the south, are tourist centers full of various activities. The holiday villages are all designed to blend into the forest that encircles them. At the foot of Mt.Tahtali (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbors of Phaselis were once a major commercial center. 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 Olympos 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 play 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 Cirali 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 Byzantines 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.

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 10 km inland from Finike, via Turuncova. The fourth century B.C. 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.

At Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km 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 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. The friendly local fishermen are happy to run a water taxi service to take you to a favorite bay, cove or beach along the coast. The swimming and diving are excellent in the clear cool water around Kas.

Of ancient Antiphellus, as Kas was once known, only the Lycian rock cut tombs and sarcophagi 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 handicrafts, 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. Kas' bars and restaurants offer plenty of night life. The mountains that surround the town provide their share of activities and sights. 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, Mt. Kizlar Sivrisi (3086 meters), or the second highest, Mt. Akdag (3030 meters).

Along the scenic Kalkan road, Kapitas 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 garlanded 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 busily take tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun sets it is Kalkan style to me.