The Lycian Way has been mentioned on Yabangee a number of times for good reason, as this hiking trail really deserves all the praise it receives. It is outstandingly beautiful and the more you read about it, the more you’ll find yourself wanting to go. An initial visit will most likely mean that you find yourself returning again and again. I’ve visited several spots alongside the renowned trail and their allure has always affected me. Upon returning home, I find myself immediately planning my next trip down to the beautiful Southwestern coast of Turkey. In particular, I’ve fallen in love with the small, charming seaside town of Kaş.
Whomever is discovering this little paradise will get to feel the special energy in the streets of Kaş. There’s a wide spectrum of warm people to meet and plenty of romantic vibes in the sunset colors and soft melodies of the regular evening concerts you’ll often discover. It really provides a perfect ambiance for a holiday getaway.
Tiny, colorful houses frame the little streets and well-decorated store windows inviting travelers to explore what’s inside, whether it be a bar, boutique, or a workshop. Cozy and promising bars jump into their perfect dress for summer, as restaurants with open hot stoves prepare delicious meals. All the while, the sea is showing its best side, dancing in curly waves near the boutique hotels that accommodate Kaş visitors.
I was lucky enough to spend my time not only surrounded by all this beauty, but also hosted by the charming and talented artist Olca Tansuk. She runs a little handcraft and gift shop which also serves as her atelier, Atelier Thalia. In addition to offering a number of enchanting items to buy, she holds workshops where she teaches mosaic, glass fusion and ceramic skills. It gives you the perfect chance to combine a relaxing holiday in Kaş with some arty activities. Tansuk gives me the perfect insight into the life of Kaş. She knows people from all over the world who settled in Kaş and found a place to call home. Besides this, she introduced me to some unique and beautiful projects in the villages around Kaş.
One of those recommendations is Mektephan, a large natural preservation which is maintained by some caring and creative people. It provides space for meditation, culinary treats, flower therapy, refreshing swims in the pool and beautifully restored buildings. The main building, which was a preschool in the past, is now glowing in a new wooden skin. The light is clean, the walls are complimented by some colourful art pieces and you will smell the carefully produced flower essences of Ayşegül Savaş. From the very second of meeting, she was kind enough to show us around and it’s easy to form a real connection with her. As she invited us into her atelier, I got a sense for the meditative richly colored world she must live in. The next stop is the kitchen, which appears in the same wooden style. Here we get treated well by two sweet ladies preparing a plate of snacks for us. A large plate with dried fruits, nuts, village cheese, golden honey and farmer’s bread is placed in the center of the table, where we’re able to sit around and just enjoy.
Mektephan offers a wide range of delights, including things like flower therapy. There are wooden huts, where singles, couples, as well as groups are able to reside. Each hut has its own theme and is lovely made in its rustic and organic style. There are also tents available which are fitted with actual beds, lights and even a carpet. You are also welcome to bring your own tent and find your own little paradise of land to settle down on.
Being treated so well, freshly in love and impressed by Mektephan, our little tour brings me to the next awesome and nearby spot, Shanti Garden. Its name already gives you an idea of what vibes are fluttering around. It is an actual garden while also having a unique “shanti shanti” atmosphere. The garden is covered with the most colourful, healthy looking flowers which lead to the wooden houses in shape of a tipi. Tender and bright colours in and around the little houses emit a warm, balanced feeling perfect for seeking out one of the hammocks to nest in. Cats, dogs, bees, people, everything and everyone seem to be in deep peace with the world here. A spacious and beautiful designed common space is an excellent opportunity for diverse activities. Lounging around a fire by night, having tea made of fresh herbs, or better yet a quick session of yoga in the morning are a few of the possibilities. For more intense yoga sessions and courses, Shanti Garden is the perfect place for retreats. During the year, yoga retreats are regularly held, the main ‘tent’ beging perfectly made for group practice — not only just for yoga, but other forms of meditation and enlightening techniques.
At the end of my trip to Kaş, I felt like I had spent each second on something what was totally worth it. Don’t wait any longer to go and if you have planned to travel Kaş anyway: Enjoy and have fun!
All images courtesy of the author.
Any other recommendations of places to see in Kaş? Please let us know in the comments!
