Turkey-Sea-Swimming-Holiday

Turkish Lycian Coast – Kaş

Our week-long Turkish trip on the Lycian coast offers you swimming and exploring some of the best parts of the warm Mediterranean sea. Southern Turkey is a great place to enjoy open water holidays surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Taurus mountains and crystal clear turquoise water. We follow the Lycian Way from the historical town of Kaş to Aperlai's sunken city, five islands, and Kas peninsula. Our traditional gulet boat takes you to swimming locations over some of the world's top diving spots, an old bronze shipwreck, rock-cut tombs, and underwater city walls. While onboard traditional gulet our Turkish crew prepares delicious mezes and grilled kebabs from local organic food. Our base in Kaş is located in front of the colorful Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo).
Trip details:
  • Duration: 7 Days (6 Nights)
  • Tour Type: Island Hopping and Coastal Sea Swimming
  • Average Daily Swim: 4-5 kms
  • Accommodation: Hotel on the Lycian Coast
  • Escort: Traditional Gulet Boat, Two Dinghies, Kayak
Overview

This unique trip has something for everyone. We cruise the stunning Southern Turkish coast from island to island, swim in the warm Mediterranean sea over some dramatic diving spots, an old bronze shipwreck, ancient tombs and walk on the Lycian way. The trip is very suitable for non-swimmers and partners as well.

This tour is suitable for all levels of swimmer (please see our FAQs), with three separate escorts for the safety and enjoyment of all guests. It is expected that you can swim 2+ kms per each swim on our itinerary.

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with paddles and life jackets are available to use for those who do not want to swim the whole itinerary. It is also suitable for friends and family members to join our trip and follow our swimmers in a kayak or with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).

Tour Highlights:
– Swim in the Mediterranean turquoise warm sea
– Swim over interesting sights, old shipwrecks and old city walls
– Enjoy gulet cruising, sun-tanning and Turkish organic food on board
– Stroll around the historical town of Kaş and feel laid-back environment for the week

Local Operational Policy
All our treks ensure that in the team of guides there is at least one team-member who has in-depth experience and knowledge of the local waters, the main swimming routes and the alternatives as well as a fluent local language speaker.

Included in the price
Fully guided tour with comprehensive safety escort (3 boats, 2 swimming guides, 1 local boat pilot), swimming stroke analysis, 6 nights accommodation, all breakfasts and five lunches on the boat.  Each guest receives a silicone swim hat and Turkish Strel Swimming towel. Limited fins, rash vests, tow floats, and other swimming gear will be available on each tour. If you need a wetsuit, rash vest or other swimming kits, please bring it with you.

Additional cost
Travel to and from the start of the tour, all evening meals. Single room supplement: from 180 EUR

Oct 2020: We hosted a travel writer – Wall Street Journal feature article

PDF: Trip Notes – Swimming Holiday Turkey – Lycian Coast

Drone Photos and article from our recent Turkish Lycian coast swimming trips

Swimming-Turkey-Mediterranean-2020

KAYAK and SUP board are available on our swimming trips to use (friends or partners)

SUP board and Kayak Available on Swimming Trips

Video Trailers and Testimonials (select HD quality and watch full screen)





Accommodation

Maki hotel and Narr Twin hotel
Website: Maki and Narr Twin Hotel 
Kas, Turkey

We are based in Kaş at Maki and Narr Twin hotels (sister hotels). Hotels are set on the hillside in a quiet street about 500m from the Kaş town center next to each other. Both have beach access. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities. Rooms available are: double, twin and double for single use. Please note that both properties (Narr hotel and Maki hotel) belong to the same owner and our group may be split into rooms at either one. Breakfast for everyone is served at the Maki hotel terrace each morning.  Wi-fi is available at the hotel free of charge.

Check-in and reception desk are at Maki hotel.

Address: Narr or Maki Hotel, Küçük Çakıl Mah. Kaş – Antalya, 07970, Turkey
Maki Hotel Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/iHaHZLjjVCiB127a8
Narr Hotel Google Map:
 https://goo.gl/maps/w2mdqnZXDJvnMbfBA
E-mail: [email protected], Tel: +90-242-8363479 or +90 533 652 6356 (Mehmet)

Extra nights at the hotel
For extra nights before or after our trip, please email the hotel directly at [email protected] and [email protected]

Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkey
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkey
Maki-Hotel-Reception
Maki-Hotel-Reception
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkiye
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkiye
Narr-Twin-Hotel
Narr-Twin-Hotel
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Pool
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Pool

 

Itinerary

Day 1: meet at the Maki hotel at 6.30 pm for a trip briefing.
Day 2: short acclimatization swim at Kaş beach, gulet drive to our swim along Kaş peninsula and second around Gurmenli Island, video stroke analysis.
Day 3: morning swim between 12 islands facing the Greek island of Meis, an afternoon swim in the Limanağzı Bay.
Day 4: morning swim in Aperlai – Yalija Bay, walk to Simena Castle, afternoon swim in Köyü Fakdere bay.
Day 5: morning swim from UluBurun point to Ince Burun, walk to Aperlai old city, afternoon swim from Aperlea Bay to Körmen Island.
Day 6: we explore the northern side of the Peninsula and swim coastal all the way to the marina. Optional Antiphellos theatre visit.
Day 7: morning beach swim down at Kaş beach, trip finishes at 10 am.

Full itinerary:

Day 1
We meet in Kaş at the hotel lobby at 6.30 pm for the trip briefing. We will explain to you the plan for the week in detail. In case you are late arriving this evening, we are happy to do another briefing the next morning 30 min before breakfast. Please email us about your late arrival.

Turkey-Swimming-Holidays-05
Swimming around five islands between Kastellorizo, Greece and Kas, Turkey

Day 2
Before breakfast we walk down to the hotel beach for a short acclimatisation swim.
Following breakfast, we take our first boat ride on a comfortable Turkish gulet to Hidayet Bay along the Kaş peninsula. From there we swim south along the peninsula for about 2 km passing Güvercin Island (Pigeon Island, named for its notable bird population). You will swim over a special spot of stone sculpture of an interesting ocean animal. Water clarity is unbelievable and this is one of the main diving spots in the Kaş area. After a lunch break we will film you with our professional underwater camera for later video analysis in the evening. Most swimmers greatly enjoy seeing themselves swimming in crystal clear water and getting some good tips on their technique.
Our second swim is around Gurmenli Island about 3km away from the peninsula. An impressive underwater view is waiting for you while you circle the island once or twice. Head back to the marina.

Day 3
We set off towards the 12 islands situated across the channel from and facing the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo, or Megisti in Greek). We hop from one island to another and explore unique underwater landscapes such as a shipwreck and underwater canyon. While you enjoy swimming, our local cook on-board our gulet prepares lunch of tasty Turkish mezes and grilled kebabs using organic and local ingredients. Our afternoon base is at Limanağzı Bay (Harbour’s Mouth Bay). Here we enjoy our lunch and a bit of rest, followed by the second swim from ancient tombs carved into the mountainside to the Büyük Çakıl Bay (Big Pebble beach).

Swimming-Turkey-Holidays-05
Blue water swimming around Kas, Turkey

Day 4
Depart Kaş Marina for our “Kekova day trip” as locals call it. We enjoy our gulet ride and morning sunshine along the Turkish southern coast. A fantastic blend of nature and history is the key ingredient of this unique day tour. After a good hour on our gulet we reach our first swimming spot in a beautiful and calm Yalija Bay. Our lunch spot is along the Kekova Island in front of Üçağız village at Tersane Bay (an ancient shipyard and remains of a Byzantine church). After a hearty lunch of Turkish mezes and tasty vegetables, we head to the picturesque Sunken city of Simena, which is ancient ruins and a World Heritage site. We walk up 30min to Simena Castle to enjoy the magical view over the Kekova gulf. On the way back we do our second swim at Fakdere bay, crystal clear waters stretch hidden behind an islet between Çoban Burnu and UluBurun points. Drive back to Kaş.

Day 5
Today is our “Aperlai day”. We take a boat ride to our first swim from UluBurun point to Ince Burun Bay. Our 3km swim takes us over the 3000+ year old bronze shipwreck, discovered and excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology in Kaş. After our great aquatic experience in turquoise water, we head towards the Aperlai bay for lunch. Aperlai, a historical Lycian city, has been identified as an ancient town by some fifth-century BC coins. It is located on the Sicak peninsula with many interesting sights to see. We make our way exploring by foot through a narrow strip connecting to the other side of the peninsula facing Üçağız village. We pass by several chapels, polygonal constructions from Roman times, tombs and sarcophagi. On the way back to our boat, you can swim over this ancient area passing the remains of the city walls underwater. For the afternoon we swim out of Aparlai Bay to Körmen Island. The boat ride back to the marina.

Day 6
We head back to the northern Peninsula where we swim from the top corner of the tip towards the second bay. Following our morning swim, we enjoy a peaceful lunch break and a little rest. For the afternoon 2 km swim, we continue further along the peninsula towards Kas marina. Along the way you have visibility of over 20 m at some places and usually, we spot local turtles (carettas) on the way. The boat drive back into the harbour. If you have some extra energy to spend, we recommend visiting the Antiphellos theatre which is only 500m west of Kaş’ main square and could seat 4000 spectators.

Day 7
The final morning is reserved for a swim down at the Kaş beach or time to ask your guide for final tips about your technique. For those having some extra time or a day in Kaş, you can do many different outdoor activities. Or you take a 10 am ferry to the island of Meis (7 km away). You can visit the Blue cave, walk up to the top of the island or just spend a day at this colourful Greek island. Ferry returns to Kaş at 4 pm.

Turkey-Swimming-Holidays-04
Local Turkish lunch served on our boat

Itinerary changes
Please note that our swimming days are carried out in the natural environment and we rely on the current weather conditions. As a consequence, sometimes on-trip changes in the planned itinerary are required.

Swimming-Turkey-Holidays-06
Our main traditional local gulet boat
Swimming info

Swimming Info

Swimming distances

Swim Distance
Kas peninsula – Güvercin Island 2.2 km
Güvercin Island – Incebogaz bay 2.5 km
The five islands 2.6 km
Limanağzı Bay – Büyük Çakıl Bay 2.2 km
Yalija Bay coastal 2.1 km
Ufakdere bay coastal 2.5 km
Ulu Burun – Ince Burun Bay 2.5 km
Aparlai Bay – Körmen Island 2.6 km
Kas peninsula north-second bay 2.5 km
Kas peninsula second bay-marina 2.0 km
Kas beach morning swim 1.0-1.5 km

 

Temperatures:

Month Water Temp.(°C/F) Air Temp.(°C/F)
May 23 / 73 28 / 82
June 24 / 75 30 / 86
September 26 / 79 32 / 90
October 25/ 77 28 / 82

 

Keep in mind that you can skip any of the swims and relax on our main escort boat.

Wetsuit, fins, rash vests, pull buoys Availability
We have a range of swimming equipment available on each trip if required.

Walking conditions
Walking on the trip is easy. In order to enjoy your walks, please bring comfortable walking shoes and suitable clothes for summer temperatures.

Walking distances
Aperlai ruins: 3km
Ufakdere bay vista point: 1.5km

Essential equipment
In addition to normal items, we recommend the following:
at least 2 swimming costumes, at least 2 pairs of swimming goggles (one clear and one tinted recommended), sweater/fleece, towel, sun hat, small daypack, waterproof sun cream and jacket, walking shoes.

We provide swim hats and limited pieces of other equipment, such as flippers, tow floats, rash vests, if required. We cannot guarantee all the right sizes, so please bear this in mind and bring your own item if your swimming depends on this.

Group size
Up to a maximum of 16 swimmers.

Swimming awareness
Your safety is of utmost importance to us. In the event of adverse weather conditions at any of our swimming locations, we may need to adapt our itinerary. Our team always includes local guides who know the safest and most picturesque places to swim, so rest assured you won’t be missing out!
Swimming in the open sea amongst natural wildlife is a unique experience, but you may come across certain marine life such as jellyfish, coral and sea urchins from time to time. There are very few jellyfish along the Dalmatian coast and so the risk of any unfortunate encounters with them is low, and we will always show you the safest areas to swim. If you are stung by a jellyfish and are unable to carry on swimming, you will never be far from an escort boat where one of the guiding team will be able to treat the affected area immediately. If you suffer from Anaphylaxis or any other allergic reactions it is important to inform us at the time of booking.

Travel info

Start Point: Maki Hotel in Kas, Turkey
Start Time: 18.30 on 1st day
Finish Point: Maki Hotel in Kas, Turkey
Finish Time: 10h on 7th day
Maki and Narr Twin Hotel
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/w2mdqnZXDJvnMbfBA

Getting There

To get to Kaş (Turkey) you need to make your way down to Southern Turkey. There are numerous flights from all over Europe to two major airport cities of Dalaman and Antalya. Dalaman is the closest to Kaş and it is best to fly there if you can. Overseas flights often connect you via Istanbul. Transfer by car/van from Dalaman airport takes about 2 hours and from Antalya about 3 hours.
Search flight times and prices via www.skyscanner.net

1) Shuttle Bus Service Dalaman airport – Kas (and return)

It runs every 2 hours during summertime from Dalaman airport to Kas town (and return) and you can book it online at https://www.transferkas.com/ (click on EN tab and then below Buy Shuttle Ticket) or email at [email protected]. The cost per person is 250 TL (Turkish Lira) – 15 Euro. You can book online and have a ticket printed or on your phone. The shuttle team member shall wait for you and others outside the airport terminal with a Shuttle Transfer Dalaman Airport board (Dalaman – Kas & Dalaman – Kalkan trip).

PDF Instructions: English Website-Shuttle-Transfer-Information.

2) Private transfers from Dalaman or Antalya airports

You can contact our local partner transfer company in Kaş (Deniz Rent a Car Kaş) and they will send a car/van to pick you up. The driver will wait for you at the arrivals with a name board in hand.

Car for up to 4 people
Dalaman airport-Kas: 70 Gbp
Antalya-Kas : 85 Gbp
Fethiye-Kas: 67 Gbp

Minivan (up to 8 people)
Dalaman airport-Kas: 105 Gbp
Antalya-Kas : 125 Gbp
Fethiye-Kas: 85 Gbp

Service is paid on location in Turkish Liras, Euros, US dollars, or British pounds.

To book a transfer, please contact: Deniz Rent a Car Kaş at: [email protected], Ph: +90 242 836 4151, Mob: +90 532 768 9709.
Or: Phil at Bougainville Travel, [email protected], Mob: +90 532 779 9051 (Phil)

Other private transfer options to book online
2.a) Eco Transfer

2.b) Sun Transfers

3) Bus option from Dalaman airport

To get to Kaş you can use public bus (Havas and Muttas shuttles) transportation from Dalaman airport to Fethiye. The cost is 50 TL (Turkish Lira) and it takes about 1 hour. From Fethiye bus station you can get on the bus to Kaş every hour (until around 20h). The Cost is around 50 TL and it takes about 2.5 hours. Total travel time is up to 4 hours.
See our PDF for more details: Bus from Dalaman airport to Kas (via Fethiye).

4) Bus option from Antalya airport

To get to Kaş you can use public bus (Havas shuttles) transportation from Antalya airport to Antalya main bus station. The cost is 20 TL. From there you can travel by the long-distance bus (company Baki Antalya) to Kaş every hour until 21.30. Drive takes about 4 hours and it costs around 80 TL. Bus departure times to Kaş and online booking can be found here: http://www.batiantalyatur.com.tr/.
See more details in PDF: Bus from Antalya airport to Kas (via Kemer) in Turkey.

Kaş bus station
Once you arrive to Kaş town, you can use a local taxi for a few Turkish Liras to take you to the hotel or just walk for about 10 min.

We recommend you have some local currency Turkish Lira with you when paying for local transport. ATMs are widely available in Turkey to get cash out.


Covid-19 testing site in Kas town
Kas state hospital
Google map location

In order to do a Covid test you need to bring:
– photocopy of your photo – personal page of your passport,
– a printed flight ticket for your return travel,
– the address of your hotel/accommodation of where do you stay,
– mobile number and email to send the results,
– 220 TRY in cash or pay by card.

Directions: You walk into the hospital Emergency Entry and there will be a sign to follow for the Pandemic unit. They will swab your nose and throat.

Reviews

“Terrific guides, great company, lovely boat and crew (simply the best) and of course, glorious swimming!”
~ Ellery, UK (Oct, 2020)

“It was one of the best travels swim @strelswimming! Warm and the cleanest water in the Mediterranean sea with shades of blue and turquoise swimming over the ruins of the Sunken City, many islands and just wonderful company!”
~ Natalia, Russia (Sept, 2020)

“Over 26,000 yards in the clear blue Turkish sea this week. Great venue, fantastic food, well organized. Thanks #strelswimming!”
~ Dennis, USA (October, 2018)

“I feel stronger in body and mind. I have met some amazing swimmers and inspiring people. What else could anyone ask for. Vitamin Sea! Thank you Borut Strel and Laura Sharrod for puttting up with me for nearly 2 weeks! See you in 2020!”
~ Dory, Australia (October, 2018)

“I just returned from a week in Turkey with Strel and it was a fabulous experience! It’s easily one of the best trips I’ve ever made (and I’ve travelled a lot!). Kas is such a beautiful place: the sea is so clean, calm and blue, the people are amazing, the food is delicious, the hotel excellent and the swims…. Wow! The guides took extra good care of us, knew the area and people really well and are clearly experienced swimmers. I really couldn’t fault it! If you’re not sure whether to book I’d urge you to do it now!”
~ Jessica, UK (trip in May, 2018)

“Just to thank you again for an outstanding week. Everything was superb and it was great to spend time with you again. I’m already trying to see how quickly I can get back to Turkey.”
~Donna, South Africa (trip in May, 2017)

“That was one of the best holidays I have ever had and I want to thank you all for giving us all such a lovely time. It really was amazing. I really needed a fabulous break and I got it and more than I could have dreamt of. The swimming was wonderful, the company such fun and you ran it in the most professional but seemingly relaxed way. It was all just perfect.”
~ Sarah, UK (trip in October, 2017)

Availability
Dates
Places
Price from
12 May - 18 May, 2024
Trip full
N/A
19 May - 25 May, 2024
2 available
1100 EUR
26 May - 01 Jun, 2024
Private trip
N/A
17 Jun - 23 Jun, 2024
5 available
1200 EUR
23 Jun - 29 Jun, 2024
5 available
1200 EUR
30 Jun - 06 Jul, 2024
5 available
1350 EUR
01 Sep - 07 Sep, 2024
Trip available
1250 EUR
08 Sep - 14 Sep, 2024
5 available
1250 EUR
15 Sep - 21 Sep, 2024
Trip available
1150 EUR
13 Oct - 19 Oct, 2024
5 available
1150 EUR
20 Oct - 26 Oct, 2024
Trip available
1150 EUR
27 Oct - 02 Nov, 2024
1 available
1150 EUR
03 Nov - 09 Nov, 2024
Trip available
1050 EUR