Kaş, located on Turkey’s stunning Lycian Coast, has a rich and layered history that dates back to ancient times. Originally known as Antiphellos, it was once a small port town serving the larger inland city of Phellos. During the Lycian period (circa 4th century BCE), Antiphellos grew in importance due to its strategic coastal location and thriving trade. The town became part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, which left behind impressive architectural remnants. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved ruins, including a Lycian rock-cut tomb carved into a hillside, a small Roman theater with sea views, and scattered sarcophagi throughout the town — one of which stands in the heart of Kaş’s old quarter.

Kaş’s historical charm is further enriched by its traditional Ottoman-era houses and its proximity to other ancient cities like Xanthos, Patara, and Myra. With each step through its narrow streets, Kaş offers a quiet glimpse into the deep, multicultural past of the Lycian civilization and its successors.