Going to the "Lycian Way", which extends from Oludeniz until Antalya, we decided to stay a little longer to admire the sights. Before leaving the picturesque Kas, we did our last ride from the port, in the main streets and then to output to meet again on the national road network to Antalya. It is worth admiring the small Turkish and Greek islets and also, the shoreline area. Continuing east on a beautiful and relaxing trip, we arrived at the intersection Ucegiz – Keko…
Narrow country roads lead to the village of Kekova, which is located in a small bay Ucegiz. The end of the road ends in a small port filled with tourist boats. There are many attractions in the area where was the ancient Simena. To be able to admire, you should make a short cruise offered by locals. It is worth mentioning that some things are negotiable in tourist areas of Turkey such as prices called "bargains" and the duration or attitudes that they will be to the ride.We chose one of the tourist boats and we started our tour! Our initial station, a beach that had about 300 ancient coffins and some of them were half submerged. Just a few meters away, under a fortress was a small seaside village with houses operate as hotels and restaurants. Continuing our ride, we approached the Kekova adasi (= island Kekova), in which approximately 3000 years ago an earthquake sank one part of the village on the island. Along the beach, you can see the ruins of the houses, the church, the harbor and you can make a picture of the past of the village. Very nice, it was when our captain opened the hatch of the ship, which apart from the sea bottom and sunken household items from the old year. So, moving around while having small islands and bays we made a last stand to swim into the sea, before our returning to the port. Our circular route, with many illustrations of the present and the past from this place!
Returning to the main road, after some kilometers we reach to the town of Derme otherwise Kale as second name. The town is built to the area of the ancient Myra, where he had gotten the name from the myrrh trade that were in those days. We meet tombs with carved inscriptions and colors, as also the ancient Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicholas («Baba Noel» in Turkish). Unfortunately the church was partially destroyed by the Arabs in 809, but still saved some paintings inside, and the coffin of the saint. Still, they managed to save his bones and transferred them to Bari, in Italy. It is worth, that he is the only "common Saint 'between Muslim and Christian religion. Saint Nicholas was born in the 4th century AD, hailing from Patara and he is known for his generosity and humility. In fact, legend has introduced as patron saint of sailors and children. There are two statues of St. Nicholas, one of this is gift from the Russian Orthodox Church.
Leaving Demre behind we continue our journey with destination to Olympo, area "nested" in the natural park with same name. The route was stunning next to the sea. After passing Finike and Kumucale, as we crossing the national park Olympos Milli Park, with narrow roads and dense pinaceous vegetation arrived in hostels to this area.
Original hostel, considering that they are wooden huts built on trees with only one bed, the bathroom shared with other guests. Of course, there are wooden houses which have air conditioning and a bathroom and they have the same prices as the tree houses. Also, there is food buffet with eight different traditional dishes and great flavors!
The last trip of the day was to the ancient Chimera. Just a few kilometers from the area that we will stay at night, in the direction of Antalya, with a short stop in the village of Cirali, which is a tourist resort, we arrived to the Path to Chimaera. Ascent with several steps and lenses was necessary since there wasn’t lighting. At the end of the path and height of 300m you can admire two volcanic rocks, called «Yartanas» (= burning stones) where wells natural gas. Flames emerge in different parts of the slope, giving a special charm and a mystical atmosphere at dusk. A Byzantine church is built in the rocks which estimated that there were built before the temple of Hephaestus, god of fire. The legend says that Velerofontis with Pegasus killed the three-headed Chimera, pouring molten lead in the mouth of the beast! Tedious journey but really worth the show!
Back to hostels and counting pleasant and beautiful experiences from this day…!!!
