potterplans, Aug 2019
A Must Do Trip, but book a room and stay the night.
Firstly, have to say that this is a truly dreamy little place, and so picturesque - would be rude not to if staying in Kas as only 3 mile ferry crossing and so glad we did this. The village is built around the harbour with pretty colourful houses more reminiscent of Tobermory in Mull, than any other Greek Island we have visited. For wildlife lovers the Loggerhead turtles can be seen close up and personal swimming round the fishing boats almost biting your toes as the cafes, bars and restaurants all border the water, so easy to see as you sip your morning coffee. The choice of places to eat is excellent and although in our short stay we only managed three meals do not know if it would have made too much difference where we ate as they all appeared to be of a high standard, and lots of fresh locally caught fish. A beach there is not, but a 5 euro (return) water taxi, was all it cost for 3 of us, to the tiny island of Ro just outside the harbour which is home to a whitewashed chapel, a café/bar and large patio areas decked with sunbeds with access to the water and swimming/snorkelling in a small sheltered bay. This was quite a busy spot, but pleasant none the less - sunbeds were chargable at 4euros the day - certainly worth a visit, but would not need to go back again unless you are just a sun worshiper. While here you will be offered excursions to the Blue Caves (tides and weather permitting). The whole trip only lasts 30-40 minutes and is at 10 euros. We deliberated on this one, but were so glad we went, as it really is a showstopper. Stay in the boat or dive in and swim in the amazing water - even my teenage son was impressed! Wont say too much more on this as just needs to be seen.Just a little but about the practicalities and possible downside. We booked well in advance on Cool Destinations, although you can only book a day return, the description said if you want to came back the following day just ask the skipper on the morning. You will however, need to visit the travel Agent a day or two in advance with your passports, request the different day return and they will issue a ticket. On the day of travel you then need to join one of two queues at passport control to board one of two rival boats, carrying out the same trips at the same times, the crossing is then straight forward but there is then a race to see which boat can get docked first as the second one has to wait till the former has emptied and all gone through passport control on the Greek side. furthermore, we went on a Monday when both boats arrive just as a Large Ferry from Athens arrives, so having waited for that to turn around and then being the second boat of the two Turkish vessels to unload, it was then 12.30 by the time we had cleared customs. For this reason I recommend staying overnight as we did, as the return ferry queue starts at 3.30 which would only have left us 3 hours to explore, and think that many daytrippers would have thought it more hassle than it was worth. There is more than enough to do here for the day and a half we had and was entirely relaxing. We booked a pension through Air BnB very clean, air conditioned and slept 4 for just £73.
Would recommend this to anyone.
