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Kas
Turkey
The laid-back fishing village of Kas on southern Turkey's Lycian coast enchants with whitewashed buildings smothered in bougainvillea cascading down the mountainside. Waterfront coffee houses line the shore while the Lycian Way (an ancient coastal footpath) snakes around the edge of the town via the ruins of Antiphellos. Snuggled in a cove, Kaptus beach is an ideal place to soak up the last of the summer sun; the water resembles a Van Gogh palette as fresh mountain streams battle the azure saltwater, creating a striking contrast of piercing aquamarines and bold cobalts. Also worth a visit is the pine-backed Pnar Kuru, which is home to a single (and often deserted) jetty, renowned for fish sightings. Be sure to slip beneath the ocean surface too, as locals say the best time to dive is after the first autumnal rain. Giant sea turtles are known for their playful interactions with snorkellers, while experienced divers can explore a bomber plane that was shot down during WWII and now lies eerily on the seabed.