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Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

Kas in Turkey : A Mediterranean Travel Delight

Kas in Turkey is everything a typical Mediterranean seaside resort should be. Whitewashed houses cascade down winding mountain roads to show the way to beautiful beaches and a harbour that reminds you that life is quite good. While in Kas, the best thing to do is to adapt quickly to the Mediterranean lifestyle. The town was the third stop on my South Western tour, and on my first day, I felt weary of losing my way. However, once I found a map and discovered it was impossible to get lost in the tiny coastal resort, I eased up and sat on a rooftop terrace watching the sunset while drinking an ice-cold beer.

Having been lost in Kemer and Cirali resorts, I realised that in Kas, if I did find myself in unknown areas, I would head down the hill towards the sea. A walk along the harbour of Kas while the fishing boats dock in and unload their catch will fill the air with the smell of fresh fish, and naturally, the restaurants surrounding the harbour take advantage of this. Lobster, crab, and all types of fish are on the menu. Kas is great for people who enjoy fish or seafood. But there is much more to the town.

About Delightful Kas in Turkey

1: history of kas.

Pink bougainvillaea flowers cover many houses in Kas and immediately make you notice the influence of Greek architecture in some older properties, typically the wooden shutters, narrow streets and large terraces for enjoying the mid-day sun. Like many towns in Turkey, there was a substantial Greek population until 1923, when there was a citizen exchange between Greece and Turkey. That was a turbulent time for the area when people were unsure of the future, but they would be proud to know Kas made a name for itself as a “must visit” Mediterranean destination in Turkey.

2: Things to Do in Kas

While Kas is a laid-back Mediterranean resort, the town is at the forefront of a popular trend. Bougainville Travel, the first company in Kas to establish adventure activities for people of all ages, offer many activities from trekking the Lycian way to sea kayaking to paragliding. Bored kids can fill their days with canyoning, mountain bike riding or scuba diving in the clear seas surrounding Kas. Along with spending time with Bougainville travel staff, I extended my stay in Kas because buses frequently leave for surroundings towns and historical sites, making exploring easy and practicable.

Catch a bus to surrounding resorts or head further afield to explore the church of St Nicholas and the ancient city Myra ruins in Demre. Lycian tombs and the tiny ancient amphitheatre within Kas will also attract the attention of history lovers. The town will suit many. The only people who may be disappointed are those who want large nightclubs open till five in the morning. They should head to Bodrum city, Kemer, Antalya city or Marmaris holiday resorts of Turkey instead.

Also, visit the Greek Island of Meis from Kas. While in Kas, on my solo tour, I spotted views of Meis island from my hotel rooftop, which was two miles away. So I booked myself a return ticket. The ferry departs from the harbour at 10 a.m. for a quick trip across the water. Arriving in Meis on the ferry, the island was awash in colour. About 350 people live permanently on the island, but this swells up in summer to around 1000.

Alternatively, head to the neighbouring resort of Kalkan by bus. At first glance, Kalkan on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey resembles a carbon copy of its neighbouring town called Kas, but both are different. Both are seaside holiday resorts visited by thousands of holidaymakers every year. Both towns have whitewashed houses covered with bougainvillaea flowers that spill down the steep hillside to reach the traditional fishing boats that crowd the coastline. The ancient history of both towns is also the same as the Greeks previously occupied them until the citizen exchange of Turkey in 1923.

Every local travel agent sells boat trips to Kekova sunken ruins . Facing the historical village of Simena (Kalekoy), Kekova underwater ruins receive little attention from Turkey travel guides, yet during the height of summer, hundreds of people sail past. As well as daily boat trips, many yachts dock in Kekova as they sail from Fethiye to Olympos on overnight gulet cruises.

Meanwhile, I also headed to Patara. Here is the thing about Patara . I liked this small quaint location that is part of the Lycian way trekking route, but a series of events forced me to wonder if Patara did not want me on its doorstep. I am a great believer in the sixth sense, paying heed to our intuition, and after a disastrous three days, I wondered if a supernatural force was trying to tell me that I was not welcome. A series of events forced me to make the promise that I won’t ever return.

3: Budget Travel & Hotel Accommodation

Kas is a well-kept town, and upon the first appearance, you may think it is unsuitable for budget travellers. Some restaurants can be pricy along with the accommodation but look a little bit further to discover cheap Turkish pensions and Lokantas that make Kas an ideal destination for those travelling on a budget.

A reasonable accommodation choice because of its diversity is Hideaway Hotel. The range of 20 rooms includes economy, standard, deluxe and one suite, so the hotel suits budget or main-stream travellers. Throughout the hotel, traditional Mediterranean themes provide a personal touch to the décor and design.Situated on a side street, the Hideaway Hotel is close to the harbour and seafront and just 7 minute’s walk from the central bus station and old town, which is the focal point for tourism, restaurants, and shops.

The family-run business has established an excellent reputation on Trip Advisor because of its high reviews. Lonely Planet also recommended the hotel. Besides the obligatory rooftop terrace with stunning views, other amenities include a swimming pool, free Internet access, yoga sessions every morning and an on-site restaurant and bar. Check out their website, which has more photos, rates, and further details of how they can help you with a holiday in Kas.

4: How to Get to Kas

Fly into Antalya airport, which is a three-hour transfer or Dalaman airport, of which the transfer is two hours. Kas sits just off the Antalya D400 highway that runs parallel with the coast if you are driving. Public transport to Kas is frequent, cheap, and accessed from all the surrounding resorts, including Fethiye, Cirali and Antalya.

5: Sailing into Kas on a Turquoise Blue Cruise

(Update from a return visit) Sometimes I feel incredibly blessed. I originally wrote this post while on a tour of Turkey two years ago, but last month, I went back to Kas while on a four-day Mediterranean coast Blue Cruise. Exploring streets, I had fond memories of was delightful. Additionally, out of all the holiday resorts in Turkey, I received the least hassle in Kas. Often holidaymakers in Turkey complain that Turkish shop owners, bars, and restaurants, hassle them.

However, as I re-traced my footsteps, I wandered into a souvenir shop and browsed through at my leisure without hassle or pressure from the salesperson. It was beautiful to experience hassle-free shopping. My stay was brief since my hotel was the gulet boat we were staying on. However, I spent the rest of my time at the harbour. Watching the anglers, laughing at ducks, observing the scuba diving crews prepping up their gear and admiring the original view that so impressed me; and promoted that typical Mediterranean coast feel.

6: Also About Turkey

Kas belongs to Turkey’s Antalya region. The gorgeous coastline of Antalya is a uniform collection of small Turkish holiday resorts and the main Antalya city centre that altogether make up Turkey’s second most visited and best holiday destination after Istanbul. Initially founded by the king of Pergamum in 159 BC and famously called Pamphylia in ancient history, Antalya is a favourite of many nationalities of holidaymakers. This article about Antalya talks about the best things to do.

Best Places to Visit in Turkey : Whether you want a unique Turkish experience or beautiful scenery on your trip, Turkey offers much. This article looks at popular places like Ephesus, Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir. But also suggest offbeat places like Gaziantep, Mardin, and little-known villages that delight everyone who discovers their secret. Kas in Turkey is great, but there are many other places for exciting travel experiences.

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20 Things To Do in Kaş [with Map]  

Kaş is a little paradise that locals and travelers dream to live in. Kaş is 123 kms from Antalya and can be reached either from the Dalaman Airport or the Antalya Airport . 

The best activities available in Kaş are hiking, diving, swimming at the most beautiful beaches, cruises, visiting ruins, and visiting islands... Holidays in Kaş can't ever go wrong.

If you are looking for activities to do in Kaş, here's a list of the best things to do. You will also find information about popular day trips departing from Kaş, including the ones that go to Greece. 

Let's start with the best things to do in Kaş. 

Table of Contents 

1. Kaş Harbor

Kaş used to be an important fishing port and is still frequented by boats and yachts. Directly opposite is the easternmost inhabited island in Greece, Kastellorizo, which takes only 30 minutes by boat.

The entire inner city of Kaş with its cobblestones, narrow streets and typical Greek houses is now a designated as a historical landmark and offers a dreamlike setting in front of the harbor.

Numerous restaurants and pubs have settled here, offering a fantastic view of the sea. There are also many restaurants and pubs in the city center.

2. Kasterllorizo, Spend the Day in Greece

Directly opposite is the easternmost inhabited island in Greece, Kastellorizo. The island is about 2.1 kilometers from the Turkish coast.

Between the beginning of May and the end of October, ferries run between Kaş and Kastellorizo, which is called "Meis" in Turkish. The journey takes about 30 minutes by boat.

The town center of this charming little island has been extensively restored in recent years and has a cosy flair. Perhaps you will also visit the Blue Grotto on the south coast of Kastellorizo Island.

Because of its low 1 meter entrance, the grotto, where you can swim and dive, can only be accessed from the sea by small boats. Sunlight falls into the cave and is reflected by the water, bathing it in a brilliant azure blue.

• Check out the complete guide to Kastellorizo Island in Kaş
• And also, check out other islands in Antalya

3. Kaputaş Beach

The river Kaputaş, which drains into the Mediterranean here, has carved a gorge about 200 meters long into the mountains. This is how the beach got its name.

Kaputaş Beach is located about 20 kilometers west of Kaş and can be reached via a stairway from the D400 highway, there is also a bus stop here. The natural beach has no showers or toilets, in summer umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent.

The sea gets really deep very quickly here. From the beach, a thin, unpaved path leads to the very narrow Kaputaş Gorge, which offers an impressive view of the steep rock cliffs.

• Read more about Kaputaş Beach in Kaş
• Check out all the great beaches in Antalya

4. Visit Xanthos and Letoon, UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

About 35 kilometers from Kaş are the ancient city of Xanthos and the temple sanctuary of Letoon, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1988.

Xanthos was once the capital of the Lycian League, and the gods Leto, Artemis, and Apollo were worshipped in the nearby temple complex in Letoon.

Today the ruins, Lycian monuments, an ancient theater, and sarcophagi can be visited. Excursions are offered from Kaş. These are often combined with a visit to Patara beach and last all day. 

• Learn more about the ancient city of Xanthos in Antalya
• Check out more ruins in Antalya to visit

5. Boat Cruise to the Islands

Boats depart from the port of Kaş several times a day to nearby islands. The most popular is the trip to Kekova Island , where you can also visit the ruins of the sunken city of Simena . Another option is a trip to the small Greek island of Kastellorizo , which is only 2.1 kilometers from Kaş.

Check out the  Antalya Ticket Shop for more attractions in Antalya.

6. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Kaş is the diving capital of Turkey and one of the top 100 dive sites in the world because of its rich marine life and ancient relics. There are over 30 dive sites, all within a 20-minute boat ride.

There are several wrecks off the coast of Kaş that can be dived, such as the wreck of a Douglas C-47 Skytrain near the Kaş lighthouse.

Snorkeling can be done all along the coast or on one of the many boat tours offered from Kaş.

• Read more about diving in Antalya in this guide.

7. Cruise to Kekova Island

The ancient city of Simena , now called Kaleköy, with rock tombs and ruins can be reached only by boat from Kaş, Demre, or Üçağız.

Parts of the small Lycian coastal town, inhabited since the 4th century, were buried under the water as a result of an earthquake. Because of this, the city became an island.

Only a meter below the water surface, many of the ancient ruins and the harbor pier are clearly visible.

The sunken basilica is also famous and can be explored on a boat tour. In the town, charming alleys with old stone walls and cobblestones invite you to take a walk, while the medieval castle offers a spectacular view of the island of Kekova .

8. Tandem Paragliding

If you are staying in Kaş or in the surrounding areas, there is an opportunity for paragliding from the 600-meter-high Mount Assas. The meeting point is usually at the office of the providers and landing takes place near the port of Kaş.

Depending on weather conditions, the flight lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. The view of Kaş, the harbor, the sea, and the Greek island of Kastellorizo are unforgettable.

• Read this guide to  tadem paragliding in Antalya

9. Ruins of Antiphellos

Kaş was founded on the former territory of the ancient city of Antiphellos. Antiphellos was first mentioned in documents in the 4th century BC. During Roman rule it was one of the most important cities in the region. Today, some of the ruins can still be visited.

On the western border of Kaş there is an ancient open-air theater, which is one of the few with a view of the sea. Next to it are rock tombs and Lycian sarcophagi.

• Here's a more detailed article about the ancient city of  Antiphellos in Antalya

10. Excursion to Myra, Kekova, and St. Nicholas Church

With an organized tour to the ancient city of Myra, Kekova, and St Nicholas Church, you can spend an interesting day.

Myra is famous for its Lycian rock tombs, Roman theater, and the Church of St Nicholas, dedicated to the man who became the inspiration for Santa Claus.

Later sainted, the Bishop Nicholas of Myra is said to have been very active in helping the poor and needy.

Afterwards, enjoy a boat trip across the sea to the island of Kekova. Under the clear water you can see the remains of Simena, a city devastated by earthquakes about two thousand years ago.

Myra is approximately 185 kilometers from Kaş. Day trips from Kaş take about 12 hours.  

• Here is a very detailed article explaining what to expect in the  ancient city of Myra and another about St Nicholas Church's history and its meaning in the region.

11. Visit Patara Beach and the Ancient City of Patara

Patara used to be one of the most important Lycian cities and also one of the most important ports in the region. The city was also famous for its oracle, which is said to have been almost as good as the Oracle of Delphi.

Today, only the ruins of the once flourishing colony remain, such as the ancient theater, the lighthouse, parts of the city wall, temples, and many more.

Right next to it is Patara beach, an 18-kilometer-long sandy beach that is up to 300 meters wide in some parts. Because of its size, the beach has served as a film set for desert scenes in movies.

There is almost always wind blowing, which, along with the sound of the waves, forms gentle background music.

The beach is closed from mid-June to mid-August, because this is the time when the Caretta Caretta turtles comes ashore to lay eggs.

• To know more, check these articles about the  ancient city of Patara and Patara Beach in Kaş

12. Jeep Safari

A full day excursion in the Taurus Mountains offers a welcome change from beach and sun bathing vacations. In the province of Antalya these excursions are organized all over the region, your hotel, for sure, can help you.

In a small group, you will ride in an open jeep up into the mountains. Slowly the vehicle moves through the narrow and dusty roads between the pine forests, where some villages are hidden in the mountain range.

These safaris take you up to 900 meters above sea level. When a riverbed is crossed, children especially enjoy the "water fights" between the jeeps. Lunch is served at a fish farm. Depending on the tour, there are also short breaks for swimming.

• See more activity ideas on the sports in Antalya  page

13. Visit Saklıkent Canyon

Saklıkent Canyon National Park, near Kaş, is famous for its 18 kilometer long canyon, where rafting is also possible. It's located in a national park shared with the neighboring province of Muğla.

The river flows from the mountains into the plain through a narrow valley that is up to 300 meters high. There are footbridges mounted on the rock walls for the first 200 meters, which lead to a small restaurant.

From there the canyoning tours start. If you want, you can also wade a little further into the canyon without a guide.

Rafting on floats in front of the river is popular. Organized tours usually include mud baths near the canyon.

The jeep safaris that lead into the canyon usually also stop at the nearby ancient ruins of Xanthos and Patara.

• Check this  rafting in Antalya guide for more fun and adventures.

14. The Best Beaches

Kaş is not known for its sandy beaches, but for its dreamlike bays with crystal clear water. The beaches in and around the city are mostly pebble beaches.

In the immediate vicinity of the harbor is Küçük Çakıl Plajı, a small pebble beach with 2 beach clubs, about 15 minutes away is Büyük Çakıl Plajı.

About 1.5 kilometers out of town is Inceboğaz Beach. To the east of Kaş lies Limanagzi Beach, a small bathing bay that blends beautifully into the natural landscape and hosts 4 beach clubs. It can be reached either by boat from the harbor or by a small footpath.

On the way to Kalkan, 5 kilometers west of Kaş, is another beach club with bar and restaurant.

The natural Kaputaş Beach, 20 kilometers west of Kaş is one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey . It's located at the mouth of a river and also offers access to a 200-meter-long gorge.

The 18 kilometer long sandy Patara Beach is about 42 kilometers from Kaş. This is where the Caretta Caretta sea turtle lays their eggs.

• Check out our list of the 25 best beaches in Antalya . 

15. Nightlife in Kaş

There are no really big nightclubs in Kaş. The entire city center with its cobblestone, narrow streets and typical Greek houses is littered with countless pubs and restaurants and offers a dreamlike backdrop in front of the harbor.

The restaurants close late and many bars are open until deep into the night. The mild climate means that people sit outside, with music sounding from every door. The closest place to a nightclub is the Redpoint Café & Bar near the harbor. 

• For crazy nights, check out our guide to nightlife in the Antalya region .

16. Hiking and the Lycian Way

In Kaş there are numerous options for hiking. In total, the area has 38 hiking trails. One of them is the 9.6 kilometer long trail that leads from Kaş to Limangazı Bay, which can only be reached by boat or on foot. It takes about 2.5 hours to walk this distance.

Another option is a circular walk between two bays, which covers a total of 15 kilometers and takes about 6 hours. In addition, sections of the Lycian Way can be hiked from Kaş. On the routes, you will pass ancient ruins and old houses, always accompanied by the breathtaking views of the coast.

• Here is our fully detailed article about hiking trails on the Lycian Way .

17. Sea Kayak at Kekova Island

Sea kayaking is offered in Kaş, the tours mostly lead to the island of Kekova . As the sea is very calm here, these tours are also ideal for beginners. After a short swim break, you paddle to the sunken city of Simena . 

Swimming and diving are not allowed in the town, but you can paddle directly above the ruins in the kayaks. Sea kayaks are usually very narrow and long, which makes them very maneuverable. If you like, you can just paddle along the coast.

18. Private Kekova Sailing Tour from Kaş Marina

From Kaş, private sailing tours are offered to the island of Kekova and the sunken city of Simena . Beneath the clear water, you can easily see the remains of Simena, a city devastated by earthquakes about two thousand years ago. The sailing tour starts in the morning and last all day. There are swimming and diving breaks.

No previous sailing experience is required, but those who want, can learn a lot about sailing on this tour. As this is a private tour for you personally, you can decide how long you want to stay at the places you visit.

Lunch on board is included as well as drinks. Departure times vary depending on the provider.

19. Sunken City Boat Cruise

These boat tours start from the port in Kaş and stop in various bays along the way, such as Inönü Bay and Akvaryum Bay. The water here is as clear as in an aquarium, hence the bay's name. There are swimming and snorkeling breaks, before the journey continues to Kekova. 

Here, under the clear water, the ruins of Simena , a city devastated by earthquakes and buried under the sea some two thousand years ago, can be seen quite clearly. After visiting the historic castle, the cruise continues and finally ends in the port of Kaş.

Lunch on board is included on these tours, and there are options for deluxe or shared cruises. Depending on the operator, the tour route varies slightly.

20. Visit a Bazaar

Every Friday, a weekly market is held in Kaş. In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables from the region, clothing, household items, and souvenirs are also sold. The market is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Directly opposite Kaş is the small Greek island of Meis. Boats leave twice a day from Meis to Kaş and vice versa. The almost 5 kilometer trip only takes about 15 minutes.

The inhabitants of Meis take the opportunity to go to Kaş in their own motor boats to do their shopping. Greek - Turkish neighborhood, it couldn’t be better...

• Read More: Shopping Guide for the Antalya Region
• Best Markets and Bazaars in Antalya

(Link to the map)

As you plan your trip to Kaş, check out our selection of the best hotels in the Antalya Region. For more attractions and deals, also check out the Antalya Ticket Shop .

If you liked this article, mention it in the comments below and make sure to check out other towns and things to do in the Antalya Province:

• Things to Do in Belek
• Things to Do in Alanya
• Things to Do in Kemer
• Things to Do in Manavgat
• Things to Do in Avsallar
• Things to Do in Antalya
• 100+ Things to Do in the Province of Antalya

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24 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN KAS (AN ABSOLUTE MUST IN TURKEY)

If you are looking for a hip but not commercialized, cool but not snobby, refined but also cozy beach vacation in Turkey, Antalya’s charming beach town of Kas is the place. Take it from a Turkish travel blogger who has been all along the country’s coast: Kas, has unparalleled beauty, unique offerings and a chill vibe that are quite unmatched.

First of all, it is nothing like the rest of Antalya. Let’s put it this way: Antalya is THE most popular tourist destination in the country. If Antalya is the top model of the country– always in the spotlight, catering to mass tourism– then Kas is the free-spirited artist boyfriend. With a smaller fan base of his own, he’s a little boho, incredibly charming, appeals to young professionals and hasn’t gone mainstream (yet). Far from posh, he’s accessible and classy in an intellectual way, and perfectly content to live on the sidelines of his partner’s glory.

Kas is hard to get to but once you arrive there are amazing things to do. I mean, where else in the world can you kayak over an antique sunken city and dive with sea turtles in the same day? Kas also has some of the best nightlife and eating options in Antalya. Its cobblestoned streets are lined with bustling cafes and restaurants, live music venues and small bars.

It is also home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country, including the awe-inspiring  Kaputas . Pristine nature, dreamy sands, once-in-a-lifetime activities, yummy food, great people – in short, Kas has it all.

In this blog, we will share all the information you need for a great trip to Kas. Let’s start with:

What is the best time to go to Kas?

Summer is the high season for Kas. It will be crowded and very hot, but still nice. However, it is even better April-June and Sept-November.

How to get to Kas?

Kas is under the jurisdiction of Antalya but it is so far from the city that flying to Dalaman Airport instead of Antalya makes more sense. Antalya Airport to Kas takes 3 hr 20 min by car. Dalaman Airport to Kas takes 2hr 15 min by car.

Either way, getting to Kas isn’t exactly a piece of cake and, actually, that is something we are very grateful for since it keeps Kas, Antalya just the way it is.

You can take a shuttle to Kas from the airport or rent a car. I like to rent a car because it gives me more freedom in the town as well.

How long in Kas?

The minimum you should consider is 3 days, because getting to Kas takes a lot of time. You can even spend another 2 or 3 days discovering the surroundings of Kas, Antalya. If you are coming in the summer, there are a ton of things to do in and around Kas. You won’t get bored before a week’s out.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KAS, TURKEY

You can view the map by zooming in.

Places to See

• Kaputaş Beach
• Kaleköy Village
• Kaş City Center
• Kaş Camping
• Saklıkent Canyon
• Düşler Akademisi
• Patara Beach
• Kaş Panorama

Where to Eat

• Pell’s

1. Swim at Kas’ Gorgeous Beaches

The beaches in Kas have this special tone of turquoise that makes them ridiculously beautiful. Nope, we didn’t use Photoshop or filters in any of these pictures; it’s just the way it is. You will have an urge to stop the car and swim in every bay you drive past.

Of course, you’ll have to see Kaputas, which is Kas’s most famous beach. However, it gets crowded during the peak season, so you might want to explore other options as well. You can always drive along the shore until you find some isolated spot, but most people prefer beaches with facilities. It is nice to have a cafe and a toilet around.

We made a list of the  Best Beaches in Kas, Turkey. On top of that, we’ve listed out the Antalya Beaches – Where To Swim In Antalya . Number 1 on the map.

2. Canoe Over the Ancient City of Simena in Kekova

If you still haven’t made up your mind about whether or not Turkey inhabits one of the most beautiful and varied geographies in the world, then you have to see this (and of course, the Gulf of Gokova, Artvin, Kars, and Cappadocia).

A big earthquake that struck the ancient city of Simena flooded it. Tombs are sticking up out of the water, and you can paddle above walls and among churches and houses built on hills that have been turned into islands. Because the historical artifacts here have often been plundered, you are not allowed to swim in the area, and boats aren’t allowed to stop here, but they can sail past without a problem. You can take a boat tour from Demre. (We will also talk about boat tours in the rest of the article).

But the best way to visit this place is by canoeing. There are daily tours that take you on a tour of the ancient city and the nearby cave as well as to Kalekoy. If you prefer something with a little more adventure, then you can take a couple of days to camp out on the beach or stay a couple of nights. There are a few adventure companies that organize tours on demand. We booked with  Bougainville Travel .

3. Dive with Caretta Turtles & Fish

The ground, rocks and water in Kas are all precious. The ancient city springs forth from the water, and it’s hands-down the best diving spot in Turkey. Unfortunately, diving in the country typically ends in frustration. You probably won’t see colorful fish – if any at all.

But thanks to Kas’ untouched ecosystem, you are very likely to see both fish and sea turtles. And because the waters are so warm, there are also semi-tropical fish. The waters here also offer a sunken ship and tank and an impressive underwater valley. There are a thousand companies you can dive with, but we’ve already compiled a list in our article on Scuba Diving in Kas, Turkey.

4. Kalekoy Is One Of Turkey’s Most Special Villages

Kalekoy is a small and quiet village that can only be reached by water. This is actually a peninsula, but there is no connection outside of a footpath, so you’ll have to take a boat in order to reach it. This means all the women in the village are boat captains. 😉

The locals settled in the historic remains of Lycia and Byzantium, and they have lived there for centuries. So the village has a very ancient and unique feel to it. The Koc family (who owns one of the biggest holding companies in Turkey) also has a house here.

There are a couple of restaurants and hotels but, aside from that, there’s not much else. It’s still a must-see place on our list of things to do in Kas, Turkey. The castle, which the city is named after, boasts a spectacular view of the area. The best thing to do here is to eat ice cream and watch the sunset. If you’re planning to go on one of the boat or canoe tours we mentioned above, then Kalekoy will already be on the route. Number 2 on the map.

5. Join the October 29 Republic Day Celebrations

Every October 29th, we celebrate the foundation of the Turkish Republic and the best celebrations happen in Kas, Turkey. How the people of Kas came to have the best celebration culture goes a long way back.

Even today, it is difficult to reach Kas and it was even more so in the old days. Because Kas wasn’t well connected, the people of Kas celebrated the declaration of the republic after hearing about it two days later. That day, they gathered in the center of the square and burned a great fire. The fire was large enough to be seen from the islands. A group of 150-200 people gathered around, shared a meal and celebrated by singing traditional Turkish songs for hours.

This tradition has been going on with the same enthusiasm for the past 94 years. For this reason, we think it’s interesting to be in Kas to see the celebration as it has been nearly a century before. Number 3 on the map.

6. Our Favorite Breakfast Place in Istanbul Moved to Kas – Don’t Miss Out!

For those of you who think that all Turkish breakfast is the same, we recommend that you try Pell’s. You won’t be disappointed. The little touches make a big difference. Pell’s used to be located in Cihangir, a neighborhood in Istanbul, and we used to be regulars. The owner of the place, Pelin, then moved to Kas and left us nowhere to go on Sundays. 😉

The new place in Kas is adorable and is located in the garden of a historic house under three lemon trees. This provides for natural relief from the summer heat – and you can cool down even more with a Bacardi cocktail they make right in front of you using one of the lemons from the trees. We also recommend dinner – the roasted red pepper and salted greens salad and some goat cheese puree.

Sometimes the venue might turn into an open-air jazz concert, or a neighborhood pub with Balkan music blaring, or a venue for tastings that can turn into a gourmet event. The Demirhindili, Sari Hindi, Gul, and Adacayli Peri Dudagi cocktails are made by the owner herself with great care. It is open from 9 am until 2 in the morning. Highly recommended! Address: Andifli Mahallesi, Topcu Sokak, No: 20, 07580.  Tel: (0242) 836 43 82. Click here for the location. Number 1 on the map.

7. Opt for an Adrenaline Rush and Try Canyoning

Canyoning is one of the most amusing and adrenaline-filled nature activities – not just in Kas, Turkey too. Canyoning involves some canyon trekking, a bit of climbing, and jumping into rivers or ravines (as you can see in the photo). Kas is one of the few ideal places in the world where you can do this and, more importantly, there are regular canyoning tours.

The most experienced outdoor companies for this are Bougainville and Dragoman . They’ll supply you with all the technical equipment you need, but you’ll need to bring your own outdoor boots. It’s not necessary, but we recommend that you also bring your own sports gloves.

8. A Kas Classic: Jazz Nights

Kas is the type of place where you can swim in the sea all day, get a little buzz from sipping on a bit of raki (an anise seed liquor) and relax while listening to some jazz. For that, you can check out these spots:

Jazz music has a different kind of story in Kas, Turkey. This place is home to this story, and it’s one of the few places that only does live performances. Hi Jazz exhibits rock jazz blues as well as other types of alternative music and has hosted many big names in Turkey such as Ediz Hafizoglu, Feti Caglayan, Suleyman Bagcioglu, Tumer Dalgakiran, Ercan Temel, Fatma Baba, Sinem Yilmaz. It’s a great option to listen to quality live music while sipping on beer. Address: Andifli Mahallesi, Zumrut Sk. Click here for the location. Number 2 on the map.

Echo is housed in an excellent historic stone building and is one of the more famous performance bars in Kas. The bar, which has a large space, also hosts famous Turkish names and groups throughout the summer. A few of the names include Yeni Turku, Birsen Tezer, Bulent Ortacgil, Jehan Babur, Sibel Köse, Can Gox, Yuzyuzeyken Konusuruz, Sarp Maden and Adamlar. There is a garden where you can drink and talk before the concerts begin. Phone: 0539 633 32 46. Click here for the location. Number 3 on the map.

9. Night Life (You Can Catch Up with Your Sleep on the Beach the Next Day)

This is a calm, laid-back rock bar. It’s also the hippest place in Kas. Here, they host a lot of famous DJ names. Aylin Aslim – who is the owner of the place and came to Kas only two years ago – plays and allows DJ friends who visit to play as well. You are likely to encounter someone new every time you go. If you start the night with a bacon hamburger while enjoying the serene scene of the Kas marina, then you won’t feel hungover the next day – no matter how crazy the night got. That’s what everyone says. The cocktail menu is also quite nice. We recommend trying Tourist Omer. Address: İskele Geçidi Sokak No: 2 Andifli Mahallesi, 07580.  Tel: 0531 838 78 64. Click here for the location. Number 4 on the map.

In Kas, Turkey, the bars are very close to each other, almost in a line formation. No. 11 is a very beautiful place right in the middle. They have a lot of cocktails, and we recommend Gelincik Vodka and Damla Sakizli Vodka Shot. Another favorite is the Pear Martini. The staff working there have obviously been in the tourism sector for years and know how to make you comfortable. They also play nostalgic Turkish pop music a couple of times a week. This is one of the places that’s so popular people are spilling out into the streets. Address: Terzi Sk.No: 1 Andifli Mahallesi.  Tel: +90 536 482 43 32. Click here for the location. Number 5 on the map.

10. Visit the Island of Meis and Eat Some Octopus

“We don’t see Meis as a Greek island… it’s a part of us. It’s our neighborhood. The land has borders but not our hearts,” said Uncle Mehmet, one of the inhabitants of Kas. People who live in Meis often come to Kas to visit people and to shop. Locals from Kas also frequently go to Meis thanks to the regular transportation offered by ferry boats. The scene in Meis is idyllic with rows of colorful wooden houses and octopi drying in the sun.

Meis is a small Greek island that’s located directly opposite of Kas. There are about 400 people who live there, and there are churches, museums and “the blue cave.” As the second-biggest cave in Europe, the Blue Grotto is at the back of the island. In peak season, a ferry goes out there daily, but it only runs once a week during the winter.

The companies that arrange for these tours are located in the Kas square. One is called Kahramanlar Turizm and the other is Meis Express. If you don’t have a Schengen Visa (and need one), then you’ll need to hand over your documents a couple of days in advance in order to go to Meis. Number 4 on the map.

11. Hang Around the Uzun Bazaar

If you’re unsure what you should buy while in Kas, Turkey, we’ll tell you: handmade silver jewelry, Lycian carpets, kilims, glass artwork, wooden carved figures and local designer’s clothes.

You might be happy to know that the vendors in Kas bazaar have a different attitude than the vendors in other tourist areas. Nobody working in the market is jumping on you to try and sell you something, but they are always there to help if you need anything. Number 5 on the map.

12. Enjoy the Sea at Kas Camping

We’ll tell it to you straight – Kas Camping is a bit expensive for camping, but it’s one of our favorite camping grounds in Kas, Turkey even, as the concept is very well thought out. It’s also right on the water and calm and in a convenient location. Be sure to contact them ahead of time to learn about prices, as they change seasonally.

You can come with your own tent or caravan, or stay in the bungalows. There are communal bathrooms, and there is a cafe which healthy options like granola and Turkish summer classics such as watermelon and white cheese. Sometimes they host yoga camps. Even if you’re not staying here, you can still come to hang out. Click here for the location. Number 6 on the map.

Those of you who like camping can check out our post on the Best Camp Sites in Turkey.

13. See Saklikent Canyon

Saklikent Canyon is a good alternative to escape from the heat of Kas during the summer with its cool waters. The canyon runs 18 kilometers and reaches a height of 200 meters and has narrow passages. The Esen River flows through the canyon and gives life to a huge pine forest, which is now under protection.

There are several businesses in the canyon. Some older women sell gözleme (Turkish-style pancake) in front of their houses and men sell walking shoes. For those of you who have traveled around Turkey, this is a familiar site. 🙂 The canyon offers a lot of adventure, but if you do set out for it, make sure to bring water and wear (or buy) proper shoes. It’s definitely not a place where you can get by wearing flip-flops.

There are also companies in Kas that organize tours to the canyon, but you can also go on your own with a car and park. The tours going there usually spend 1-2 hours. We recommend Bougainville or Dragoman. Click here for location. Number 7 on the map.

14. Walk the Lycian Way, One of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Walks

Kill three birds with one stone on the Lycian Way: Trekking, mysterious ruins and fantastic views abound on this historically significant and famous long-distance trail in southern Turkey. The massive 535-km route starts in Fethiye and crosses through to Antalya, hugging the coast of what was known as Ancient Lycia (hence, the name). The trail is often included on many a top-10 hiking list, and we recommend hiking a small portion of it.

The more time you set aside for the Lycian way, the better. Nowadays, many say to plan for four days for some of the trek (hiking the full trail takes on average 29 days), but you can even plan for one day, and you won’t regret it! We suggest you start either in Demre or Hoyran. Even if you’re unable to hike the path, we recommend that you drive up to see the landscape, views and ruins it has to offer.

If you start in Demre…

Demre, which is home to the ancient city of Myra, the St. Nicholas Church and tasty blue crabs, is 40 minutes away from Kas, Antalya. St. Nicholas Church is an important pilgrimage stop for many Orthodox Christians, and the church hosts activities celebrating St Nick every year on December 6th. Even the logo for the Demre municipality is a Santa Claus.

And now about those blue crabs – you’ll be happy to hear that you can easily find them served in Demre. Click here for Demre’s location. Number 8 on the map.

If you want to spend a few days on the trail and would rather not camp, the Hoyran Wedre Hotel is a pleasant pit stop for walkers and harcore hikers alike, even just for a lunch.

What’s so great about Lycia?

The Ancient Lycians had no kings, instead, it was a matriarchal society. Many small settlements would come together to decide who would rule over them. In other words, they built the first democracy in the world. 😉

During times of war, young people and doctors who were deemed valuable were sent into the mountains so they could start a new settlement once the fighting was over. We would have known much more about the civilization if a violent earthquake hadn’t inundated the area.

15. Try out Coasteering, You Won’t Find Another Place to do it!

Coasteering is one of the most entertaining sports that brings the sea and rocks together. Essentially, you explore a rocky coastline by swimming, climbing and jumping – no boats or rafts. Of course, the difficulty level varies according to which route you take, but we can say that tours in Kas, Turkey are suitable for beginners. If you are afraid of water or heights, then this might not be for you. Someone who has difficulty jumping into the water from a height of one meter might hold back the entire group.

16. Volunteer at the Dreams Academy (Dusler Akademisi)

Düşler Akademisi /Dreams Academy helps socially disadvantaged people to participate in society. At their Kas Campus, they’ve created opportunities people with disabilities, Roma and any disadvantaged individuals – but they’ve also displayed an understanding for the environment that is rare in Turkey by producing their own electricity and engaging in ecological agriculture. And they’ve done all this with the support of volunteers.

It’s also well known that they take good care of their volunteers. You can get more information about volunteering from their website. Click here for the location. Number 9 on the map.

17. Explore Ancient Cities

Take a break from the sea, sand and sun to explore the historical riches of this unique geography. Although the ancient cities here are not as well known as other places such as Ephesus, Aspendos and Hierapolis, there are some worth seeing on the border of Kas-Kalkan. We recommend checking out the Antiphellos Antique Theater, Xanthos Antique City and Patara Antique City. To find out more information, head over to our Places To See In Kas  post.

18. Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Kas and its surroundings is by boat, and we recommend that you spend at least one day on a boat tour. Boats depart from the old harbor.

Kekova tours usually include a full-day boat trip with meals. Kekova is a place visited and preferred by thousands of visitors to Kas, Turkey.

What to expect on the boat tour:

Each tour follows roughly the same outline. The boat departs early in the morning and first goes to Inonu Bay, where you’ll be able to see a canyon and cave. Then, you’ll go to Aquarium Bay. Here, you’ll be able to snorkel and see the gradually increasing sea life in the area. You’ll eat lunch, then head to Tersane Bay where many historical artifacts ended up in the sea after large earthquakes hit the area.

You can swim around. After that, you’ll go to Kalekoy where you’ll spend an hour or two and eat some fabulous homemade ice cream. There are only three types of ice cream (but it changes from time to time) – peach, banana, and hazelnut – which are all absolutely delicious. All the ingredients that go into the ice cream are made locally. Then, the boat will take you to Ucagiz, which is a charming fisherman’s bay. The journey ends around 6 p.m.

19. Try Your Hand at Paragliding

As soon as you’re in Kas, you’ll notice the number of colorful parachutes in the sky. Tour agencies put you on a minibus 9 kilometers up Kirdavli Peak or Asas Mountain at an altitude of 600 meters. After training, they give you suits for flying, and you’ll be paired with a pilot before taking off. You can pay extra for videos and photos.

20. Swim at the Caretta Turtle Beach in Patara

You know those beaches you see in the movies that have long and winding shores? This is it IRL. The silky sand stretches for 18 kilometers, making Patara Beach one of the most important breeding grounds for the caretta caretta sea turtles in Turkey.

For that reason, there are a couple of things you have to be careful of here. Don’t set up an umbrella in the sand, as you could be harming a baby sea turtle that has yet to hatch. Don’t stay overnight as the turtles hatch and run into the sea at night. If you do, then don’t speak in a loud voice or shine a light as not to scare them. Thanks in advance. 😉 Click here for the location. Number 10 on the map.

21. Watch an Unforgettable Sunset

It just happened to be rainy the day we took this photo – so just imagine how much more epic the sunset is on a clear day. It is popular to enjoy a beer while watching the beautiful sunset from this location, but you will need a car. Number 11 on the map.

22. Taste Burnt and Pan-Fried Ice Cream

One of the best (or, for some, worst) things you can try in this region is burnt or pan-fried ice cream – a local specialty of Antalya. The ice cream is made from goat’s milk that is purposely burned during cooking. The burnt ice cream itself has a bit of a smoky flavor – kind of like it was caramelized – and some people really like it. Honestly, I am not a fan but you should still try it. You can get it from Nur Pastanesi, located on Bankalar Caddesi in the square. They have been doing it for years.

Another funky dairy treat is pan-fried ice cream, also very popular in the Far East. It’s only recently become trendy in Kas. The ice cream starts out as cream, and you can add whatever flavors you want. They are mixed then smoothed out onto a frozen pan and scraped into rolls. It’s fun to watch it being made. You can find pan-fried ice cream places in the square as well.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN KAS, ANTALYA

WHERE TO STAY IN KAS

In the kucuk cakil area, lantana aparts.

This is parallel to the shore road (Kucuk Cakil Sahil). The rooms and apartments were renovated recently in 2017. Half of them face the sea, and a lot of them look toward Meis. These are the biggest apartments you’ll be able to find so close to the square.

The 50-square meter area is comfortable for groups and families, particularly if you are on a budget. Even though the location is central, it’s still far away from the noise, and we have to say that this place stands out as their concierge, Onur, is there to make your trip better. Even though the apartments have their own kitchen, they will spoil you a bit by providing you with your first meal free of charge. This price includes breakfast.

Aphrodite Pension

Aphrodite Pension is an option near the center and is walking distance to Kucuk Cakil Beach, which overlooks Kas, Antalya.

Diva Residence (allsuite) Hotel

Diva Residence Hotel is a boutique hotel consisting of 11 suites, with one or two bedrooms, overlooking Kas and Meis Island. It has a pool, and it’s far away from the sea. Its own private beach is 12 minutes away.

In the Center

Kuytu pension.

This is a charming hostel that offers a homey comfort right in the center of Kas. Located behind Uzun Bazaar, it has one of the best locations as its close to the bars, taverns, the sea, shopping and entertainment. Kuytu has modest rooms that vary in size and decor and offers nice little touches. The plants that you see lining the hallway of the pension are all from Kas.

Directly opposite the pension is a cafe that plays lovely jazz tunes. You’ll be able to eat breakfast while looking at a view of the sea. Unlike every other place, breakfast time is not fixed here – if Emine Abla hasn’t left, then you can get up whenever you want and have her prepare you something. They make things like Turkish pastries and cakes that will ensure you have a good start to your day.

Near the Ancient Theater

Kas camping.

This is located on the road from the ancient theater to the peninsula. Waking up in the cool blue waters, Kas Camping has a giant 37-year-old sycamore tree. At the campground, you can stay either in bungalows or in tents, and it’s close to the city.

Paydos Pension

Paydos Pension is located only 50 meters away from the city center and the harbor and boasts a view of the rock tombs, the famous bazaar in Kas, as well as its beaches. The owners Baris and Merve won’t treat you as customers but as friends. They also have a lovely terrace. You can come here for breakfast or for an evening beer, and they’ll welcome you with open arms.

This is the closest accommodation offered by the sea. But it’s also the most expensive on our list.

This place offers two-, three, and four-person rooms in the village of Cukurbag. It is great for those who want to be out in nature and to clear their heads. Some minibusses leave at regular intervals to come here, and you’ll arrive in only 15 minutes. Just think, it’ll only take you 15 minutes to reach heaven!

On the Cukurbag Peninsula

Lukka exclusive hotel.

This is a boutique hotel on the Cukurbag Peninsula, with balconies and great views.

Simena Pension

Simena Pansiyon is a traditional village house in Kalekoy. Ideal for small groups or families.

Hotel Villa Mahal

This boutique hotel was voted “The Most Romantic Hotel in Europe” by Conde’ Nast Johansens in 2007. Even if you don’t decide to stay at the hotel, you can come here to enjoy dinner at their restaurant.

WHERE IS KAS IN TURKEY?

Kas is a town in the Mediterranean region west of Antalya. Fethiye and Kemer are located in the vicinity.

Kas is located:

• 126 kilometers from Fethiye, or about 2 hours by car,
• 147 kilometers from Kemer, or about 2 hours and 28 minutes by car,
• 192 kilometers from the center of Antalya, or about 3 hours and 20 minutes by car,
• 323 kilometers from Alanya, or about 5 hours by car,
• 647 kilometers from Ankara, or about 8 hours 15 minutes by car,
• 808 kilometers from Istanbul (Besiktas), or about 9 hours and 55 minutes by car.

TRANSPORTATION TO KAS

If you enjoy traveling by bus and are in no hurry, then you can catch buses leaving at frequent intervals. Even in the offseason, you’ll be able to find bus tickets every day from bus stations in larger cities. The journey takes about 13 hours from Istanbul, 8 hours from Ankara, and 6 hours from Izmir.

There are two alternatives for those who want to fly – you can either go to Dalaman or Antalya Airport. After that, you’ll have to use minibusses or shuttles to reach Kas. You can share your shuttle with other people on Facebook (there’s a page for it). The journey takes 2.5 hours from Dalaman and 3.5 hours from Antalya.

You can go to Kas via Fethiye or from Antalya, Kemer, Kumluca, Finike, and Demre. For those of you going from Ankara, then after passing the province of Bucak, you’ll go through Korkuteli and head onto the coastal road going to Elmali-Gombe.

17 Comments

Good Day,nice blog.I am visiting in early August and cannot decide to either go to Kalkan or Kas.Both sound amazing .Any suggestions?

Kaş has more things going on. You can easily spend 5 days in Kaş without getting bored. Kalkan is much smaller but super cute. If you have the time you can do 3 days in Kaş and 2 in Kalkan. Otherwise just stay in Kaş

Hey guys! It’s a great post, love it. Me and my bf are planning to visit Kas in June-July. Arriving to Antalya and driving towards Kas with a 4 days stop in Tekirova to explore that region and probably do a hike on Lycian trail. Would like to get your recommendations about a Lycian trail. Where to start if you know, what is the best part of the trail? And another question if it’s worth to stop in Tekirova? Do you have any recommendations for location to stop for few days between Antalya and Kas? Since Kas is our final destination we are definitely planning to use your recommendations on Kas attractions.

Thaks for your reply! Asel&Dan

Hi, Lycian trail is excellent and spring is the best time to do it. If you have only 4 days to cover both the trail and Kaş definitely skip Tekirova.

We’re going next week – so glad we came across your guide! My fiance is a HUGE fan of your IG page. Keep rocking it guys! Thanks for the amazing tips.

Hi. I’m thinking of visiting Kas November. Is it still warm for pools and watersports? What is the temperature that time of the year?

Hi What is the weather like in July/aug what would be the temp?

Hi, August is the hottest month in Kaş. In this month, the average temperature is around 30°C.

Hi, we are thinking of visiting in end of July with 2 kids . Would it be too hot to enjoy the outdoor? Thanks for the wonderful post !

Yes it will be hot for sure but do not worry you will survive somehow with a little help of water activities. 🙂

Hi what a fantastic post, real treasure. We are going to Kas in the last week of October. Is it going to be warm enough to swim, do canyoning and visit Saklikent gorge? Thanks a lot.

Hi, October is a one of the best months to visit Kaş. Certainly it would be warm enough to swim and for canyoning.

Hi! Thanks for this incredibly helpful post! I have a few questions and wondering if you can help!

Do you know if the water would be warm to swim in the first week of May?

Are there places to rent snorkeling masks and life jacket for free and easy snorkelling and beach activities?

Hey Wendy, In May we open the swimming season. I do not knpw where you could rent snorkeling equipment but you can always buy there. It is probably safer to have your own during the pandemic anyway.

Thank you for this great post!!! The world has incredible beauty which makes us visit new places for sure.

Hi we are looking at going too Kas in May/June too what looks like a beautiful part of Turkey. We are looking at a hotel called Begonvil and wonder if you know this hotel and if you would recommend it? We also want to kayak and would you recommend booking this prior too arrival or when you arrive? We will only be going for 7 nights

Hey Jackie, That period is a beautiful time to visit Kaş. As for the hotels, you can find our recommendations here: https://www.bizevdeyokuz.com/kas-nerede-kalinir-oteller/ You will find specific hotel suggestions as well as pros & cons of areas of Kaş. It is in TR but Google translate does a pretty good job.

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Explore Kas

Plan Your Trip to Kas: Best of Kas Tourism

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Kas Is Great For

Archaeology tours.

Eat & drink

Kayaking Tours

• Lukka Exclusive Hotel - Adult Only
• Hideaway Hotel
• Alley Prime Hotel
• La Kumsal Hotel
• Hotel Sonne
• Keyf-i Dem Restaurant Meyhane
• Meydan Cafe & Restaurant
• Beyhude Meyhane
• Oburus Momus
• Kaputas Beach
• Big Pebble Beach
• Hidayet Bay Beach
• Kas Pazar Market
• Kaş Transfer l Kaş Rent A Car
• Shared Kekova and Sunken City Tour From Kas Harbor with Lunch
• Saklikent Gorge Jeep Safari From Kas And Kalkan
• Full-Day Kaş Kekova Boat Trip
• Private Boat Trip to Kas Islands including BBQ Lunch
• Sea Kayak Discovery of Kekova

Kas, Turkey Travel Guide: Visit a Charming Coastal Beach Town

Kas, Turkey has hidden sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and daredevil activities that will leave you wanting more. This coastal town resides in the Antalya Province on the Turkish Riviera and offers a beach-laden respite for tourists and locals alike.

With a charming downtown area to explore, and historical sites spread throughout the town, Kas makes the top of the list of idyllic Turkey beach towns to visit. Prepare to spend most of your time nearby, in, or on the water, as you won’t want to leave the bright blue waters of the Turkish coast for long.

Below, you’ll find a complete Kas, Turkey travel guide that takes you through the best activities, attractions, hotels, and restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying a family vacation, romantic holiday, or solo getaway, you’ll find many things to do in Kas, Turkey. Also, don’t miss the Antalya to Kas route guide for a great drive along the Turkish coast.

Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps keep this blog running.

Kas Fast Facts

BEST TIME TO GO: April–October

POPULATION: 53,000

CURRENCY: Turkish Lira (TL)

PLUGS: Standard C | 220 V | 50 Hz

• Hot humid summers
• Mild spring & fall
• Cold rainy winter

BEST TRIP TYPES

Kas, Turkey Essentials

Museum pass mediterranean | 360 tl.

Get access to over 40 museums to visit over 5 days in Kas and the Mediterranean region. You can purchase the card through the website, at the first museum you visit or on the Museums of Turkey app . If you’re traveling to other reagions, get the Museum Pass the covers access to museums in ALL of Turkey for 15 days for 600 TL.

How to Get to Kas

The closest airports are a few hours away from Kas, so you will need to rent a car or ride the bus to your final destination. Below are a few options that you can pursue to get to Kas, Turkey.

The airport you arrive at will depend on if you’re flying internationally or from another city in Turkey . However, the closest airport to Kas is the Dalaman Airport. It’s only about a two-hour drive, though it’s only for domestic flights within Turkey.

Otherwise, you’ll likely be flying into the Antalya Airport , which is the closest international airport. From Antalya, it’s about a 3-hour drive. Additionally, buses are available, though they take an additional hour or so for the journey.

Ultimately, renting a car is a great option for traveling around Kas, especially if you want to include day trips to nearby coastal towns. Driving from Antalya to Kas will take you on a trip southwest from the airport. Once you arrive in Kas, the town is easily walkable, so you won’t need to drive much unless you decide on a day trip elsewhere.  For all the information your need to travel to Kas by car, check out our Family Road Trip Guide: How to get from Antalya to Kas.

There’s quite a lot to do while visiting Kas, Turkey, especially if you’re traveling with kids . Here are some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary when you plan your trip . If you have time, it’s worth seeing them all or as many as possible.

Sunken City of Kekova

Simena is a historic city that offers stunning views of the surrounding water. The city of Simena, now known as Kaleköy or sometimes Simena-Kekova, is only accessible by boat. The ancient settlement was once a thriving coastal city in Kekova. It was built to protect the local people from outside forces. Eventually, it was abandoned, leaving historic remains for future visitors to explore.

You’ll find many sites to explore on the island, including the ruins of a castle. Temples, Lycian rock tombs , and an impressive amphitheater are among the attractions available at Simena-Kekova. This unique city is partially underwater, creating an interesting appeal that few other locations can offer.

Next, after spending a few hours touring or exploring the Kekova ruins, you can trek to Kaleköy. This area is also referred to as Simena. Both the ancient ruins and this historic village are located on the same island.

Kaleköy has a unique charm with houses built onto the rolling hills and is a protected area. This town has quirks that add to its appeal, like a ban on construction (even renovations).

This village is the perfect spot to explore and take in the tranquil atmosphere. No cars are allowed in Kaleköy , so you’ll be treated to the calming sounds of the water and town instead of honking horns. On the island, there are a few restaurants to enjoy. They all specialize in seafood and offer freshly caught options.

Shopping at Uzun Bazaar

Uzun Bazaar is in the heart of Kas and offers visitors an excellent location for shopping and spending time with locals. There is a long list of available shops to browse throughout the bazaar, which offer designer outfits, jewelry, bags, and more in this ancient town’s bazaar.

Moreover, the bazaar is open daily and houses some of the best restaurants in the area. As you stroll the cobblestone streets, take time to notice the architecture in the area.

Hike a Section of the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a walking path that stretches from Fethiye to Antalya in the east. While you can travel the whole route on foot, you would need 29 days to complete it. Instead, consider exploring a partial part of the pathway to see some of the sites.

You’ll be walking on old stairwells through multiple towns and cities to view some of Turkey’s best historical sites and stunning nature views. You can head through Oludeniz to see the Butterfly Valley if you’re taking a longer route. Kekova is also visible from Lycian Way.

As a note, red and white trail markers are spread throughout the primary pathways. Yellow and red indicate you’ve turned onto a side path. Side pathways are best for those seeking shorter hiking trips, as you can come back to your starting place more easily.

Beaches in Kas

As Kas is right on the water, you can expect plenty of beaches to visit. Here are some of our recommended beaches to see while in Kas, Turkey.

Kaputas Beach – Most Beautiful

Kaputas Beach is a popular beach in Kas because of its beauty. It’s said that it’s not only the most beautiful beach option in Kas but also in the whole country. The beach is situated between two cliffs, partially hidden away from the world.

To reach the beach, you’ll need to descend 187 steps to the pristine sandy area awaiting you. Showers, umbrellas, and a snack bar are available on the beach, though you’ll only find these amenities during peak season. This is also a stop for gulet cruise ships, so you can expect this gem to be pretty busy.

Take time to stop at Blue Cave, a short walk from the beach. It’s been stunning visitors with its bright blue waters for years.

Akcagerme Beach – Best for Families

Akcagerme Beach sits between Fethiye and Antalya, a few miles away from Kas. The emerald, green waters draw in visitors who have become accustomed to the bright blue waters at other Kas beaches.

This beach offers incredibly calm waters – making it an excellent spot for families to explore. It also has quite shallow water, so those who wish to walk further into the water can without fear of the water getting too deep.

There are available showers and lounge chairs that can be rented to enjoy this pebble beach better.

Halk Beach – Close to Town & Great for Families

Halk Beach in Kas is found on the peninsula. The brilliant turquoise waters perfectly accent the lush greenery of the surrounding hills, making it a lovely place to spend the day. Also, there is private women’s beach that has a private entrance – Kadin Plaji.

The waters at this beach are stronger in the afternoon, so it’s best to swim in the morning. After spending a day at the beach, you can enjoy one of the best sunsets from the restaurants that sit alongside the beach.

Limanağzı Beach – Hardest to Reach but Most Untouched

Limanağzı Beach is not reachable by the usual methods – car or walking due to its location. Instead, you’ll need to reach it by boat trip or cruise. The beach has sparkling, crystal clear water and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas.

This area is protected and is home to caretta caretta sea turtles, which you’ll likely see shuffling down the beach. Limanağzı Beach in Kas is said to have the most extended amount of sunlight because of its location.

You can read more about beaches in the Antalya province, in our Guide to Best Beaches in Antalya .

Taking a boat trip while visiting Kas, Turkey is an excellent way to spend a few hours in a day. Boat tours allow you to visit the attractions that are only accessible by boat, like Meis, a small Greek island nearby. You can enjoy a tour through the beautiful waters between snorkeling and beach excursions.

Likewise, it’s also a great way to avoid the crowds while enjoying the beautiful nature scenes Kas offers.

Adventure Activities in Kas, Turkey

Kas is an excellent location for thrill-seekers. There are plenty of Kas, Turkey activities to keep you occupied, some that even children can participate in. If you want to add some heart-pumping activities to your itinerary, check out the options below.

If you want to incorporate kayaking and a visit to Sunken City, aka Simena-Kekova, kayaking is a great option. There are full-day tours which include paddling around the island, meals, and transport from Kas, Kalkan, and Ucagiz Village. The full-day tours include time to explore Simena and its sunken landmarks.

Slightly shorter tours are available, which also travel to Kekova. You can expect to spend between 6 and 8 hours on a kayaking excursion.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Kas, Turkey is a popular activity. The hills offer the perfect place to take off from the ground. Plus, they provide an overlook of the harbor below before takeoff. As you drift above the harbor and town, you’ll be rewarded with even more incredible views.

This activity typically takes about 1-2 hours, so you’ll need to budget that time into the itinerary. Also, the minimum age for paragliding is six years old in Turkey, so children can join if you would like them to.

Also, you can paraglide at Oludeniz about a 2 hour drive from Kas.

Canyoning – 12 & Older

Canyoning is not recommended for children under 12 for safety reasons, so this activity is best for those traveling with older children or other adults. There are two canyons (Kıbrıs or Hacıoğlan) that are typically chosen to explore during this outing. It will depend on the season and current conditions of each as the deciding factor for which canyon will be explored.

This activity combines hiking, rock climbing, riding waterfalls, and exploring/swimming through gorges. It’s an exciting excursion that will require you to bring the appropriate footwear that won’t slip during the outing.

Scuba Diving

With crystal clear waters that are warm for many months each year, Kas has some of the best scuba diving opportunities. This activity is great for all skill levels, as there are many tours to choose from.

One of the more popular tours includes a trip to Kekova with a few hours of scuba diving. Underwater, there is plenty of marine wildlife to observe. You’ll likely see relics from shipwrecks many years ago.

Where to Stay

While Kas is a smaller town, there’s a long list of activities to do in town and nearby. You’ll likely need at least a few days to explore Kas. Below, you’ll find options for where to stay in Kas, Turkey with budget-friendly and luxury options.

The Kas Hotel is the epitome of luxury, featuring large windows for epic views of the water and rows of lounge chairs to sun in; this hotel is stunning. It sits just a short walk up the hill from the city center right on the mountainside cliffs. There is even direct access to the water via a ladder. This ladder takes guests down the side of the cliff that the hotel resides on, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

The hotel is nearby attractions like Lion’s Tomb, the Hellenistic Theater, and boat trips. As a bonus, breakfast is included with this stay.

Alley Prime Hotel

The Alley Prime Hotel is in Kas, less than a mile from Akcagerme Beach, allowing easy access to the pristine sand and lapping waves.

There are quite a few amenities available at the Alley Prime Hotel, like a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, lounge, garden, and private beach access.

Prices are higher per night at the Alley Prime Hotel, starting at $188.

Kas,Turkey Villas

These villas are personal favorites in Kas, Turkey. I’ve been able to stay at each villa previously and had a positive experience. The cost per night will depend on the time of year you are visiting . Expect higher rates in the high season between May and September.  

Kas Town Villa With Great Views

The Kas Town Villa is gorgeous and has room for up to 10 people . This accommodation sits above Kas, providing views of the harbor town and sparkling water below. You can walk into town and take a short taxi ride back up to the villa from the city center.

It has a private pool, a stunning terrace, and five rooms to sleep in. It’s ideal for larger families or group trips .

4 Bedroom Sea Front Villa With Sunset Views

This 4-bedroom seafront villa will make you feel like you’re staying at a luxury resort. With an infinity pool that overlooks Kas, the beautiful water, and the lush mountains beyond, it’s one of the favorite accommodations in Kas. It’s a short drive into Kas, so expect to park outside the city center and walk in due to the lack of parking areas in Kas.

You can fit up to 8 people within the four available rooms, making this villa another great stay for larger groups of friends and family. Each night, you can enjoy the lovely sunset from the terrace.

Ates Pension

Ates Pension is a beautiful budget hotel that starts at $25 per night. It has airy rooms and a Mediterranean style that perfectly fits the nearby sea.

When staying at the Ates Pension, you’ll have access to a private beach and a large breakfast buffet each morning. A restaurant and bar are also on the premises with excellent water views.

Livia Hotel

The Livia Hotel is another budget-friendly accommodation with options for a rooftop room with windows that peer out of the sea. This bed and breakfast offers a cozy environment, with only 16 rooms available.

Rooms start at about $24 per night, including breakfast at the hotel. As a note, there are only a few parking spaces in the front of the hotel. You’ll need to park around the corner if you’re renting a car.

Paydos Pansiyon

The Paydos Pansiyon has cool, beachy vibes and minimalist room décor. There’s a shared common area where you can meet fellow travelers during a stay at this hotel.

Only 650 feet away from this hotel sit the Lycian Tombs, making them easily accessible for guests. The bazaar is also a short walk from this hotel.

Where to Eat

It’s important to take a break from the sun every once, especially to try the local food. Here are some of the top restaurants in Kas to enjoy.

Zaika Ocakbasi

Zaika Ocakbasi is the perfect family restaurant to eat at in Kas. It’s casual, so you can head here after excursions during the day without changing.

This restaurant serves delicious kebabs that are incredibly tender and tasty to eat. Try the Şaşlık; it’s one of the best meat skewers on the menu.

Even though this restaurant is casual, it’s best to make reservations because it’s a popular spot.

Ally’s Restaurant

Ally’s Restaurant serves delicious Turkish food, though it’s specifically known for its fresh seafood dishes. Nearly every dish has gotten rave reviews, so regardless of what you choose to eat, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal.

The outside eating area is lovely, with bright purple flowers that crawl up the building. You can find it located in the back streets of Kas, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal between strolling on the cobblestone streets.

Pell’s – Turkish Breakfast

Pell’s is a delightful restaurant that offers large breakfast spreads, including housemade jams and butter. They moved their restaurant from Istanbul to Kas and is open during the high season. The Turkish breakfast includes meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, etc.

Multiple customers claim that Pell’s has the best Turkish coffee around. Sip on your coffee as you enjoy a shaded seat in the brightly-colored outdoor dining area.

As you reach Mavi Bar, you’ll be greeted by rainbow chairs in the outside seating area. This bar has been in Kas for about 30 years, providing a spot for locals to hang out and chat.

Be prepared to spend around 3 hours here sipping on drinks and watching the marina. The bar hosts musicians to play for the lively crowd in the evenings.

Cakir Meyhane

This beach restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood options in Kas, Turkey. Live music playing at this location makes it a great spot to enjoy a laid-back meal.

Cakir Meyhane sits right alongside the water, offering stunning views. Try the fish and chips; it’s one of their top menu items.

Final Thoughts on Kas, Turkey

Ultimately, while Kas is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, this charming coastal town has much more to offer. From a colorful, aromatic bazaar to unique half-submerged ancient ruins, Kas proves to be a stunning destination with a rich history. As you make your way through the small villages around Kas, you’ll see just what this area offers.

Also, if you’re planning on visiting other coastal towns like Fethiye or Bodrum – or heading to Ephesus in Turkey? Check out our Aegean Travel Guide.  

Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps keep this blog running .

Dania Demirci is your go-to travel expert for exploring Turkey and co-founder of Adventurefolio.com. With her extensive knowledge and personal experiences, Dania helps fellow travelers create the ultimate Turkish itineraries. From hidden gems to must-visit spots, she shares practical tips to empower you to confidently explore Turkey.

My Free Range Family

Destinations , Turkey · Last Updated: April 16, 2024

16 AWESOME Things to Do in Kas, Turkey

Are you searching for an AWESOME list of things to do in Ka s this summer? Then read on… because this list of the best 16 things to do, will turn your Ka s vacation into one to remember!

Kas (pronounced Kash and written Kaş) has this magic to it… different somehow than other towns along the Mediterranean coast in Turkey.   A village vibe that is chill, but at the same time offers a ton to see and explore.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Kas was not on my list of places to visit in Turkey when we planned our  one month road trip .  It was a destination we tacked on last minute… and one that we just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave.  

The night before we were due to hit the road, we sat in our treehouse over-looking our Mediterranean paradise views.  And we both guessed what the other was thinking… let’s stay a bit longer we said!  And BOOM!  Our stay went from a 4 day stay, to a two week stay in Kas.

And in that time, we felt like we found the perfect blissful balance of beach and adventure, with a sprinkle of culture and history .

This list of 16 things to do in Kas, covers everything you can see and do in this cool little town!  And in reality, you don’t need two weeks to do it ALL. Read through our list and pick your favourite things to do in Kaş.  

Table of Contents

Where is Kas + Map

* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!

Where is Kas? Great question… it’s on the Mediterranean coast, part of the Antalya Province of Turkey.  Think crystal clear, turquoise coloured waters and you’re half way there.

A lot of Kas reminded us of our travels in mainland Greece.  And it’s not surprising that there are similarities, given that several Greek Islands sit just off the beaches of Kas. In fact, a day trip from Kas harbour to Greece, is one of our below recommended things to do.  But more on that later.

Kas is 1 ½ hours from Fethiye or 3 hours from Antalya.  But what contributes to this town’s charm is that it perhaps attracts fewer tourists , and instead reels in more travellers . Well this is my opinion anyway.  Also, it is significantly smaller than both Fethiye and Antalya, giving it a real beach-town feel. 

Use this map as your location guide to all the places we mention here in this post.  It is an interactive map, tap the number, zoom in and out. Before you know it, you’ll be navigating your way between all our top recommended 16 best things to do in Kas.

Getting to Kas

If you are heading to Kas, you will ideally need a car.  Many of the locations we mention here require a little driving.  Not a lot, but certainly enough to warrant having a vehicle.  

Car Rental – We rented our car through the booking platform QEEQ .  They are a third party website or app that show you comparative prices across all car rental agencies.  Therefore, they help you find the cheapest options available and they even throw in a couple of discounts too. 

Flights to Kas – The closest domestic airport to Kas is Dalaman Airport, or for an international airport then check out Antalya Airport.  

Bus to Kas – If you are looking at buses to Kas, then you’ll need the Kamil Koç bus from Izmir, Ankara or Istanbul.  Or from Fethiye or Antalya Bus Stations, it is possible to take a minibus (dolmus in Turkish).  From Antalya the trip is just over four hours, and from Fethiye it is two and half hours. 

For more information on how to get around within Turkey, then read our complete guide to road tripping in Turkey .  It covers everything you need to know!

Where to Stay in Kas

Because we travel full-time we need to find places on a budget!  Most of the time, I won’t recommend them to others as they are less than desirable if you are on holiday or vacation.  However, I always keep an eye out for a hotel that I would recommend to friends and family.  In Kas there were some beautiful little boutique hotels that were right up my street! 

Below are a handful of hotels I scoped out, they are very cute, they cover all budgets, are central and they come highly recommended on Booking.com.

Budget travellers will absolutely love Can Mocamp .  We drove passed this location every time we came in and out of town from our ultra-budget accommodation outside of Kas. 

You have options at Can Mocamp!!!  From dorm rooms, to tents, to bungalows to rooms… you choose your level of comfort.  What we loved about Can Mocamp was their proximity to town and the beach.  It’s only a 15 minute walk to Kas centre and the ocean is across the road. 

There is a cool little restaurant onsite, a lovely outdoor sitting area and you can expect great vibes. 

If you’re curious about our ultra-budget accommodation, where we stayed… read below for the details! 

This hotel would be my top pic.  I loved the location and the nice view over the Med, in terms of proximity to everything in town you can’t get much more central.  The full Turkish breakfast is raved about on Booking.com – I’ve included a photo because I’m a total food person!

Also, given that this hotel falls in our mid-range category, it hits the mark for value for money.  In other words, it’s totally reasonably priced if you are on a 7 to 10 day holiday.  

Customers rate them very highly, so they score a solid 9+ or superb across the board!  Go check out the  Kuytu Terrace Bed and Breakfast  for more.

Not outrageously expensive are the  Luff Suites .  To be honest they are only a little more than our mid-range category.  And they are lush!  The rooms are modern and stylish, so you’ll feel right at home rather than feeling boxed in – as you might in an old-school hotel.

The best part is the service, the team at the reception are super friendly and helpful!

If you like what you see at the Luff Suites, but they are a little over your price range, then check out the  Luff Boutique Hotel .  These rooms are just as funky, but you’ll save a bit more on the overall bill.  On Booking.com they are listed as a Sustainable Property, so naturally they get our vote!

Ultra-budget

As promised this is the  Airbnb Treehouse  where we stayed.  A 20 minute drive from town, this treehouse was an adventure and a first for our family of four.  So, if you are looking for a new experience then I can definitely recommend this cute space.

✋ Hands up if you have stayed in a treehouse before!

Things to Do in Kas

Many of the activities here are based in, around, or on the water.  We are real water lovers and maybe that’s why Kas struck a chord with us.  But the best part is that the prices for boating around the islands and beaches of Kas are very reasonable.  Read below for our favourite 16 things to do in Kas.

Check out our Beach Vacation Packing List for our recommendations on what to pack for activities in and around the ocean.

Simena Sunken City at Kekova Island 

We definitely recommend a visit to the Simena Sunken City on Kekova Island  by kayak !  

How did the Sunken City come to be?  Well so the story goes, 2000 years ago there was a huge earthquake and the city on Kekova Island literally slid into the ocean.  Kind of horrific really when you think about it, but for now it has created an incredible piece of history to kayak over.

You can no longer rent a kayak from the neighbouring village of Kaleköy and take a self-guided tour.  To reach the Simena Sunken City of Kekova you are now required to take a guided kayak tour.

This is a  great review on kayaking the Simena Sunken City .  Written in association with the Lonely Planet and Turkey Tourism. 

Boat tours also take you passed the Sunken City, but they can’t stop and so you cruise on by very quickly.  Honestly if you do one special thing in Kas, then kayaking the Sunken City should be it.  The turquoise waters make kayaking these ruins a unique experience.

Some time ago, visitors could swim among the ruins, however these days swimming is prohibited.  Sadly, tourists used to take pieces of tiles, mosaics and pottery from the site, therefore forcing tighter restrictions around how the Sunken City could be visited.

Bring a dry bag, and waterproof camera for the trip.  Tours take six hours and will generally depart from Uçağiz with a lunch stop in Kaleköy.  Read on for more on Simena and Kaleköy.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy

If you cannot visit the Sunken City by kayak, maybe you are travelling with young children or you’re on a tight budget.  Then know that you can visit Simena Castle and Kaleköy village without having to take a tour.  As most blogs point out, Simena (Kaleköy) village, which is opposite Kekova Island, is a car free space.  There are no roads in Kaleköy, this is what makes it special.

BUT… you can still get there by car.  Let me tell you how…

Take the Kaleüçağız Köyü Yolu road towards Uçağiz village and Kaleköy.  If like us, you reach the Uçağiz village and a man stops you and says you can’t drive any further because the road beyond this point is for locals… don’t believe him!  He tried to scam us, and also friends travelling through a month later.  He is a boatman trying to sell you a boat tour.

Instead carry on as far as this road will take you to the closest point near the Simena Castle.  At this point you can park and walk 20-30 minutes over the hill, passed the Simena Castle and down through the village of Kaleköy.

There are many places to stop for something to eat or local homemade ice-cream stands.  The village is small but incredibly beautiful, and it doesn’t take long to explore.  You can also buy an entrance ticket to the Simena Castle and visit on the way in or out.  If you follow the paths towards the furthest western part of the village, you’ll find a sarcophagus in the water.  Behind that is a small island.  You can swim here, explore the small island on foot and basically enjoy an afternoon in the sun.

Myra Ruins and Rock Tombs

In the heart of the not so pretty Demre, around 40-50 minutes from Kas are the ruins and rock tombs of Myra.  Demre is east of Kas and basically a town made of plastic and glass houses for produce. It’s far from pretty, but worth a drive if you love the historical side of Turkey. 

Entrance to the Myra open air museum and tombs will cost you around 70 TL per person (current for 2022), while children under eight are free.  There is a large amphitheatre to visit, the Sarcophagus of Saint Nicholas and many faces carved from rock.  And the rock tombs are what makes Myra stand out among other ruins.

A visit will take no more than an hour.  So, we recommend visiting Myra ruins early in the morning and then check out another destination in the afternoon.  Simena Castle is on the way back to Kas, or the ruins of Kyaneai Ören Yeri. Both are mentioned here in this post.

Wander the Ruins of Kyaneai Ören Yeri

On our drive back from Myra, we passed more rock tombs high on a hill which caught our attention.  With a little investigation and poking around on Google Maps we discovered a historical site complete with necropolis and amphitheatre.  If you really want to get off the tourist trail, then plan a visit here!

There are two roads up to the  Kyaneai Ören Yeri  ruins and both are a little sketchy to be honest.  You can take the road up through the Yavu village or you can enter from the main road (D400) further west. Both require a drive along a gravel road, with big pot holes.  That said, we managed it in our rental car.  So just take your time and navigate the road carefully. 

We parked where the two roads from each direction meet in the middle.  From here we walked the final small stretch of road, which took around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you could park on the road leading towards the village and walk up.  This would take a little longer, but it’s very doable.  

Once you have arrived, you can explore the somewhat overgrown amphitheatre which is beautiful in its own right.  Then walk around the sarcophogi and next hook around towards the rock tombs which can be seen from the roadside.  There is almost no chance you will meet anyone else along your adventures at Kyaneai Ören Yeri, save for a few tortoises perhaps.

Day Trip From Kas to Meis Island, Greece

If you are wanting a slice of Greece, then a boat trip to Meis Island is a fab opportunity to take advantage of. This Greek isle is only 6 km from Turkey!  

Book your return ferry ride to Meis here with Get Your Guide.  You’ll need to have a passport that you can enter Greece on with no restrictions, and of course one that you can return to Turkey on easily too.  

When you arrive, the passport process is straight forward and then you can explore the colourful harbourside village freely for the day.  If you can find a boatman who can take you to the Blue Cave for a good price, don’t pass up the opportunity.  The cave has a small entrance but opens up inside into a giant blue cave!

Back at the harbor, walk up the hill to the Red Castle, admiring the colourful houses on the way up.  And enjoy the view from the top.  

Meis is very pretty, it’s a lovely little day trip from Kas and a quick slice of Greece.

Wander the Streets of Kas

Kas is picturesque, of that there is no doubt.  We enjoyed browsing the shops within the few narrow lanes of Kas.  There are few shops, but what is available is good quality and it’s unique.  

As you wander the streets, keep your eyes peeled for the three tiered King’s Tomb also known as the Lion’s Tomb.  The sarcophagus is covered in detailed inscriptions, it also has four well preserved lions’ head carvings at each corner.

As well as awesome shopping this area has some great restaurants and bars to try out in the evening.  Look out for Zühtü Meze Cocktails, they have a drool-worthy menu and provide an interesting take on traditional Turkish dishes.  Or if you want a restaurant with a view over the harbour then grab a table at Oburus Momus or Maşuk Meyhane Kas. See the map for the locations of these restaurants.

Similar to the markets in Fethiye (below), but on a smaller scale the farmers’ markets (Kas Pazari) are also ideal for a walk around on a Friday.

Antiphellos Ancient City

A short walking distance from the centre of town you can’t miss the Ancient City of Antiphellos. This large amphitheatre is a popular visiting place for tourists but is also a bit of a local hangout.  Go there early in the morning and catch groups doing yoga!

Day Trip to Fethiye

A day trip to Fethiye is a great day out, as it’s only an hour and half from Kas.  Fethiye is a nice city to see, and a busy place to visit among travellers road tripping through Turkey!  There is a long promenade along the beach that makes for a nice walk and explore. Or stroll along the harbour and admire the launches and boats docked side by side.

We recommend heading to Fethiye on a Tuesday or Friday when the farmers’ market is running.  The makeshift tents and coverings span a huge area and the range of available produce is fantastic.  As well as the freshest of fruit and veggies, browse for dried fruits and nuts, olives and olive oil, butter, eggs and much more.  Eat hot Gözleme and grab yourself some supplies for the week at a super price.

Then head to the Amyntas Rock Tombs.  There is a small price to enter as it’s not a big space.  But the rock tombs are interesting to wander among and the view over the city is good.  You can walk up from the Fethiye City Centre, it will take no longer than 20 minutes.  Then when you are finished grab a bite to eat at the cute little  Köşe Kahve Fethiye  a nearby little café on the corner.

There is also the Castle of Fethiye if you’d like to explore Fethiye history a little further.

Saklıkent Canyon

Between Fethiye and Kas,  Saklıkent Canyon  is a popular destination for both international and local tourists.  

The canyon stretches an 18km distance, but if you park at the car park you can explore as little or as much as you like.  Look for the natural mud pools, apply some mud to your skin and give yourself a mineral rich treatment!

Available activities in the canyon include, canyoning (naturally), rafting, ziplining and others. 

Butterfly Valley

Very close to Fethiye, only a 40 minute drive, is Butterfly Valley.  But be warned: the visit to this stunning beach is not necessarily a straight forward one.  

Option One – Is a hike!  The hike in is a little on the treacherous side… certainly not for people with young children.  I love a challenge, but we figured with a seven and nine year old in tow, it might be asking a bit much.  

However,  read this post  – it is written by someone who did the hike and explains in detail what to expect and how to navigate the track to Butterfly Valley from Faralya.

Option Two – is a boat tour, departing from Ölüdeniz.  Which takes you on a cruise around some of the beautiful bays and cliffs of this part of Antalya.  One being Butterfly Valley.  Follow the link above to find out more about visiting Butterfly Valley by boat.

Patara Beach

Just over an hour from Fethiye and 50 minutes from Kas, is Patara Beach.  This is a very long stretch of sandy beach where turtles come to nest.  

Here you can also find the Patara ruins.  In fact, it is in this ancient city where Saint Nicholas was born.   The Saint Nicholas of whom Santa Claus is said to be named after.  The same Saint whose tomb can be visited at the Myra ruins.  You see all the dots are starting to connect!

Anyhow Patara is a beautiful beach to chill on for a day.  It’s a little more exposed than the small beaches of Kas and so if a long sweeping beach with waves is your kind of beach, then you may want to check it out.

Take a Boat Water Taxi to Limanağzı Beaches

There are a few beaches in Kas that you cannot reach by car.  To the east of Kas is Limanağzı, and there are a few little coves here including Bilal’s Beach and Delos Beach. There are a number of beach bars, where you can rent an umbrella and chair and spend the day catching rays and downing cocktails.

You have an option to hike in or take a water taxi from Kas Harbour.  The round trip is not super expensive, just head to the harbour and chat to the guys here about catching a ride.

If you decide to walk there you are linking onto the Lycian Way – a 29 day walk known to hikers all over the world.   Read more about the Lycian Way here from a hiker who did it in 24 days .  

The track starts in town and is easy to navigate through the  AllTrail App .  When you have the app downloaded, search for Kas and find Segment 17 of the Lycian Way. The first 4km of this walk will bring you to the Limanağzı Beaches.

Kaputaş Beach

This is probably one of the prettiest beaches in Turkey.  A white sandy beach with STUNNING turquoise waters!  This photo sums it up though right.  To get to Kaputaş you’ll take a 20 minute drive or taxi from Kas.

But I’m not going to lie, it gets busy!  SO… here is what I propose.  Get there early in the morning and head there mid-week if you can.  You can get lucky and catch it on a quieter day if school is in and locals are at work.  Otherwise you can expect some big crowds and a carpark challenge.

The carpark spaces fill quickly, and when they’re gone an unofficial parking on the road seems to be accepted.  It is a busy little road though with limited pedestrian space.  But we recommend just do as the locals do, park on the side of the road and take care as you walk to the beach entrance.  

A steep walk down, brings you to a little restaurant.  There are some public toilets here open for everyone to use.  Carry on down further and you reach the beach where you can either grab an umbrella and beach lounger or throw your towel down on the sand.

Note:  There is a strict no food from outside policy on Kaputaş.  But we did sneak in snacks and at the far end of the beach no one seemed to notice.

Small Pebble Beach (Küçük Çakıl)

Not far from the middle of town is Small Pebble Beach. This is a casual place and a cute stop to jump in for a dip.  

It gets a lot of shade at each end of the day, as it’s so teeny tiny.  But there are a couple of restaurants on either side of the beach which you could eat at.  Or even hire a lounger at Derya Beach Restaurant and sip cocktails all afternoon.

Small Pebble Beach is a 10 minute walk from the centre of town.  Follow the water’s edge from Kas Harbour, keeping the ocean on your right and you’ll stumble upon it.

Big Pebble Beach (Büyükçakıl Plajı)

Further along from Little Pebble Beach is… you guessed it… Big Pebble Beach.  This one is set up for day-stayers.  There are loungers and umbrellas to rent from a few beach restaurants.  But you can also just put down a towel on the beach without needing to pay for the pleasure.

The walk from Small Pebble takes 15 minutes and it’s over a big hill, so bring water and a hat.  It is certainly a little easier if you are driving and you can park for free in the carpark.  

We definitely recommend bringing beach shoes too if you have them.  Walking on the pebbles can be tricky as you enter and exit the water!

İnceboğaz Çınar Beach

For an easy little beach to kick about on with young kids head to İnceboğaz Çınar beach.  There is a narrow stretch on the small peninsula that juts out of Kas.  On this slim stretch of coastline and on each side are two small beaches.  

One is more exposed with pebbles and beautiful blue waters.  And on the opposite side is the less exposed beach as it faces the mainland.  This is a calmer beach and great for young kids. Park on the road between the two and you can decide what you’d prefer.  It takes two minutes to walk from one side to another, so check them both out and make a call!

More on Turkey

There we have it, in no particular order – 16 Awesome Things to do in Kaş!  We’d love to hear from you… did you visit any of these destinations?  Are you planning a visit to Turkey and considering Kaş as a possible spot to visit?

Be sure to check out the rest of our travel series for Turkey – 

• 17 Magical Things to Do in Cappadocia
• A Turkey Road Trip to Remember
• How to Visit Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove
• 4 Unforgettable Days in Istanbul
• Visit Pamukkale Travertine Terraces Like a Pro!
• Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia – An Honest Review

📍 And don’t forget to Pin this post 16 Best Things to Do in Kas for later!

We now travel full-time and have plenty more itineraries and guides to share on all the destinations we visit. Sign up to follow our journey! (And don’t worry we won’t spam you with unnecessary emails.)

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March 1, 2023 at 9:58 pm

Fantastic information! Thank you for taking the time to share.

March 9, 2023 at 5:03 pm

Thanks Lori! It’s my pleasure ☺️✨

August 11, 2023 at 7:59 am

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this blog. We live in Florida, USA and are thinking about a family reunion in Kas. Do you have any suggestions for accommodations for a large family? I think we should be able to fly to Turkey and then take a ferry to Kas?

August 21, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Hi Marcie, Kas sounds like a perfect spot for a family reunion. However I don’t believe that you can take a ferry from Istanbul to Kas. My advice would be to fly to Antalya (in the East) or Dalaman (to the west) and then book a shuttle or rent a car to get to Kas. This would be around a 3 hour drive. Sorry no suggestions for accommodation, but I’m sure there will be many options on Booking if you take a look 🙂

June 19, 2023 at 9:17 pm

Absolutely loved reading through , thanks for taking time and sharing with us !

Bless you !

June 21, 2023 at 3:33 pm

My pleasure 🙂

July 26, 2023 at 6:12 am

Going to Kas in a couple of weeks with our 7 and 9 year olds, this is so helpful!

August 10, 2023 at 12:27 am

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do Meagan!!!

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Kas Travel Guide: A Hidden Gem on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey

Looking to get inspired for a holiday in Kas, Turkey? You have come to the right place! We are Oylum and Onur – a Turkish travel and photography couple who have been visiting this beautiful destination for years now.

We met in Istanbul in 2010, and at that time we had been working in the marketing industry for over 10 years. Travel and photography have always been our passions. We have been traveling together since we first met, at every chance. In 2010, we got married in Kenya. On our wedding day we made the decision to quit our jobs and begin a new life of full-time travel.

Since 2011, we have been constantly adding new destinations to our photography archive. You can browse through our blog and Instagram page to see all of these amazing trips. One place that we have come back to time and time again is Kas. We spent 10 days there on our first visit after wanting to discover the Lycian ancient sites and pristine turquoise beaches.

Following that magical trip, Kas became our favorite spot. We keep coming back to Kas every year to spend at least a week there. Over the past decade, we have changed up the months that we visit (between May and October) because we wanted to experience more and capture different lights and seasons. Even after traveling the world, Kas is still our favorite place.

Moving to Kas in September, 2020

Eventually we decided to move to Kas. Travelers should know that Kas is not a typical summer destination – it’s a hidden gem on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. The things we love most are the crystal-clear beaches and the ruins of the Lycian cities. You can easily do both on the same day.

We always knew that we would move to Kas one day but we couldn’t make the move before because we were traveling often and needed to be close to the Istanbul airport. Before moving to Kas, we were living in Galata, Istanbul. During our decade plus of travel, we would spend half a month at home and the other half traveling around Turkey and the world.

When we got stuck at home for six months due to the pandemic and couldn’t travel, we decided to stop postponing our life and finally we moved to Kas as soon as we could. Even if the pandemic continued, and we were stuck at home, at least it would be at our favorite destination: Kas, Turkey.

Running a Guesthouse in Kas

To cut a long story short, we have been living in Kas since September, 2020. When we left Istanbul, we had to stop working for some of our commercial photography clients. We knew nothing about running a guesthouse but since we stayed at hundreds of guesthouses around the world we believed we understood guest experiences well and thought we could give it a try.

Kuytu Terrace Bed and Breakfast is our new business, situated in the heart of the historical center of Kas. Our rooftop terrace has stunning views over Kas and Megisti – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast. Being so close to the Old Bazaar and Lycian Tomb means you can discover some incredible sights in Kas right outside your B&B doorstep.

Kas is an intoxicating place to walk around. Kuytu is close to some fantastic little restaurants and bars as well as the main public beaches of the city. We have 10 rooms that guests can book, all with different styles of decorations. Bookings can be made on our website link above or on booking.com.

Our Favorite Places to Visit in Kas

The four attractions of Patara Ancient City, Patara Beach, Xanthos Ancient City and Kaputas Beach are our favorite places to visit. If we have traveled to any of those four places on the same day, for us that is the perfect day.

Walking around Patara Ancient City and swimming at Patara Beach, after that heading to Xanthos Ancient City with our hair still wet, wandering around the theater and getting hot again, finally on our way back stopping for a quick swim at Kaputas Beach – that is the ultimate quartet. History and nature, hot and cold, yellow and turquoise. We love to mix these.

8 Best Things To Do in Kas (Turkey)

The ancient ruins of Antiphellos lie near Kas city center and are definitely worth checking out for the afternoon. Doing a tour of the Sunken City of Kekova and the ancient village of Simena is another highlight of the area.

Hiking the Lycian Way , visiting Patara, Xanthos and Letoon ancient cities, swimming in the turquoise waters of Kaputas or Patara beaches are all great experiences as well. With that in mind, here are our top things to do in Kas. Please note: these experiences are listed in no particular order.

1. Go Swimming at Kaputas Beach Before 10am

Kaputas is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Turkish Riviera . Nestled below steep cliffs lies this secluded little paradise with golden sand and shimmering turquoise waters. To access the beach, you need to drive from Kas for about 20 minutes and then walk down 200 steps to the bay.

Lined with umbrellas and sunbeds in the summer, Kaputas Beach is the perfect place to work on your tan and relax in the sun. This is a very popular beach so you should expect large crowds of people during the middle of the day in peak season. However, if you visit before 10am, the beach is basically empty and you can enjoy this slice of paradise all to yourself.

There is also a blue cave that you can explore nearby. The cave is accessible via boat, so chartering a boat or booking a group tour is the best option. You could theoretically swim to the cave from Kaputas Beach, however the strong currents make that difficult to do so. Swimming through the little opening in the cliff to see the beautiful blue waters is such a treat.

2. Visit Patara Ancient City & Sunset at Patara Beach

We recommend visiting Patara Ancient City in the afternoon and then heading to Patara Beach to watch the sunset. The city was founded by a son of Apollo called Patarus and proceeded to be a major Lycian city.

Many civilizations left their mark on Patara Ancient City over the centuries, including the Romans and the Byzantines. You can feel this depth of history when you walk down the Roman boulevards, marvel at the 5,000 seat amphitheater or ponder what occurred at the bouleuterion building.

The nearby Patara Beach will cap off the day with the chance to have a nice beach stroll and enjoy captivating sunset colors. This 18km beach is one of the longest of its kind in the world. Even during peak season you will still be able to find a little section to enjoy all for yourself. Patara Beach is usually more wavy than other calm beaches along the Turkish Riviera.

3. Explore the Rock Tombs of Xanthos Ancient City

Located 45km from Kas is the incredible Xanthos Ancient City, perched on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Esen River. This UNESCO World Heritage Center boasts some extraordinary ancient sites such as the Xanthian Obelisk, the Agora, the Pillar of Harpies and a Roman theater.

The rock tombs scattered around the site are also quite impressive. Most of these tombs are pillar tombs, which means they were constructed with a large pillar stone on top of a burial chamber and decorated in a Greek style.

4. Discover the Sunken City of Kekova by Boat

The best way of visiting the Sunken City of Kekova is to book a boat trip. There are various options for Kekova boat tours that you can book from Kas. Moreover, the different options suit every type of traveler and budget. Not only can you visit the Sunken City of Kekova on these trips but you can also stop by the Sunken City of Theimussa, Simena and Inonu Bay.

The Sunken City of Kekova was once a thriving city. Now the city is underwater. Swimming around the turquoise waters of Kekova is reason enough to book this tour, though the history is equally as enjoyable.

5. Take a Dip at Small Pebble or Big Pebble Beach

Just like Kaputas Beach, visiting Small Pebble and Big Pebble beach is best done in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Small Pebble Beach is a tiny little beach near the center of Kas. You can easily walk there from your hotel. Despite its city location, the waters are still lovely and clear.

Getting to Small Pebble is part of the fun. The entrance is covered in vines but then opens up to this 5-10 meter beach hidden between rocky cliffs. As the name suggests, this area is made up of pebbles rather than fine grains of sand. No more than 20 people should fit on the beach at the same time, however during the summer it can get crowded and attract 30+ visitors.

Big Pebble Beach, on the other hand, is a larger beach that can easily host more than 20 people. But still you should aim to get there in the morning. This beach has large pebbles and sits between two lush green hills.

6. Hike the Lycian Way to Limanagzi Beach

The Lycian Way traverses 540kms through 25 historical sites, to numerous beaches, spanning over 29 days of walking. There is a section of the Lycian Way that you can walk from Kas. The Limanagzi part is a great option where you can have a swim before turning back. The entire Lycian Way would be a great hike to tick off your bucket list but that is for another trip.

Limanagzi is a lush beach with reflections from its surroundings that turn the water green. The beach doesn’t attract as many visitors as places like Kaputas Beach, so you can visit at all hours of the day. The walking route to Limanagzi from Kas takes you along the Lycian Way. It’s a long hike but the views, history and inviting waters of Limanagzi make it worth doing.

7. Watch the Sunset from the Antiphellos Theater

Located 500 meters west of Kas is the extraordinary Antiphellos Theater. During its time, the theater could hold up to 4,000 spectators. Walking up to the top tier seating, one is afforded these sweeping views of Kas and the sea. For us, it’s one of the most unique places in Turkey to watch the sun go down. Be sure to leave no trace and respect this ancient ruin.

8. Try the Local Food at the Best Restaurants of Kas

Being near the sea, it’s easy to find fresh seafood restaurants in Kas, but also there are many other food options. For seafood and traditional raki and Turkish meze plates (tapas), Demeti Restaurant is our favorite. If you would like to try meze plates with cocktails then Zuhtu is the place to go.

When craving vegan or far east cuisine we love stopping by Oburus Mobus. Then there is traditional Turkish food served at places like Ege Restaurant, Oz Nazilli Restaurant and Emre Restaurant. If chicken or meat doner sounds appealing, Kas has Kervan, or if you would like to try some lahmacun, Oba Restaurant is a good option. Oba has a lovely garden too.

Travel Tips for Visiting Kas

Before visiting, travelers should read about Lycian history and the Lycian Way. The main tourist season is between March and November. From June to August it can get very crowded and hot. If you would like to go hiking and swimming on the same day then April to May or September to October would be much better. If you have questions, DM us on Instagram.

BY OYLUM & ONUR IG: @BAYA_IYI BAYAIYI.COM

Author:  Oylum & Onur

Oylum and Onur are a Turkish travel and photography couple who have been traveling all around Turkey and the world for over a decade now. They recently decided to move to Kas - their favorite place in the world - and run a guesthouse called Kuytu Terrace Bed and Breakfast.

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It may not sport the region's finest beaches but its central Teke Peninsula location, mellow atmosphere and menu of adventure activities have made Kaş – pronounced (roughly) 'cash' – an ideal base for forays into the surrounding area. For divers this is Turkey's hub for underwater exploits, with excellent wreck-diving just offshore. A plethora of boat trips, kayaking tours and hikes are also easily arranged from here.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Kaş. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Antiphellos Theatre

Antiphellos was a small settlement and the port for Phellos, the much larger Lycian town further north in the hills. The small Hellenistic theatre, 500m…

If you're after a full day on the beach, the best idea is to hop on one of the water taxis in Kaş harbour and head for one of these three beaches on the…

Büyük Çakıl Plajı

For swimming, head for 'Big Pebble Beach', a relatively clean beach 1.5km southeast of Kaș town centre. Although it's largely pebble-based, there's a few…

King's Tomb

Walk up hilly Uzun Çarşı Sokak, the Roman-era road that locals call Slippery St, to reach the King's Tomb, a superb example of a 4th-century BC Lycian…

Above Kaş several Lycian rock tombs in the mountain wall can be seen even at night, when they are illuminated.

This pebble beach on the Çukurbağ Peninsula, with views of Meis, has sunloungers, umbrellas, toilets and a cafe. It's 2km west of Kaș.

Akçagerme Beach

Akçagerme Beach is a small public beach opposite the exit to Gökseki, along the main road west to Kalkan; it's 3km from Kaș.

Küçük Çakıl Plajı

'Little Pebble Beach' is the nearest proper beach to the centre of Kaş. It gets packed all summer.

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Complete Guide to Hidden Gem of Kaş in Turkey

The  tourist town of Kas  (pronounced in Turkish as Kasch) is located on the Lycian coast about 180 kilometers from the provincial capital of  Antalya .

The picturesque bays of the former fishing village remained undiscovered by tourism for a long time. Only the construction of a road in the 1970s made the coastal town accessible by land at all.

The small town has been able to retain its original atmosphere even with the rise of mass tourism in recent decades. That is why Kas is also one of the  more alternative travel destinations in Turkey .

Table of Contents

Holiday in kaş, how long should you stay in kaş, weather in kaş and the best time to visit it, 1. old town with numerous small shops, 2. fishing port & marina, 3. antipellos amphitheater, 4. adventure sports & excursions, 5. kastellorizo ​​island (meis / megisti), 6. ruins of kyaneai, day trips from kas, 1. kaputas beach, 2. limanagzi, 3. bilal’s beach, 4. big pebble beach (buyuk cakil plaji), 5. little pebble beach (kucuk cakil plaji), the food scene – bars and restaurants in kaş, is kaş worth visiting, how to get to kas, renting a car in kas, hotels & holiday homes in kas.

Kas has everything you would expect from a  great Mediterranean beach holiday .  This includes basic conditions such as fine sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea water and perfect bathing weather in the summer months.

The town center invites you with its narrow streets and old Greek houses. The place is surrounded by 3000 meter high mountains.

In Kas you will quickly get used to the Mediterranean way of life. Only tourists who want to party in discotheques until the morning like in the big holiday resorts of  Alanya ,  Antalya ,  Kemer or Bodrum will be disappointed by Kas.

But there is a completely different culture with small pubs, bars, restaurants and lounges in the old town and at the port.

A special feature are the islands of Kastellorizo ​​and Strongyli which are only 3 kilometers from the coast and belong to Greece .

There you can see the influence of Greek architecture on the older buildings. The most memorable are the blue, wooden window frames, narrow streets and large terraces.

The town of Kaş is very small and is usually devoid of tourist crowds. Despite that, there is enough to see here.

It is the perfect point to make a stop and get to know the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings. So I would stay here for at least 1 night, preferably 2 or even 3 nights.

The sea around Kas is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen! More beautiful than in Greece or Mallorca! 

Here you can also stop at the side of the road at every bay and jump into the turquoise blue sea.

If you are driving your own car, you can park the car for a few days and to do some excursions in the area.

The southern coast of Turkey has a  Mediterranean climate . This is characterized by more than 3,000 hours of sunshine on 300 sunny days a year. 

The daily temperatures in the months of June to September are consistently above 30° in Kas. On average, less than one rainy day per month can be expected. 

On some days in the summer months it can happen that the thermometer comes close to the 40° mark. The highest water temperatures can be found in the months of July, August and September with 25-28°.

In April, the first beach holidaymakers already dare to go to the approximately 20° warm Mediterranean Sea on the Lycian coast. Daytime temperatures vary between 20 and 25°C throughout the month. Towards the end of the month, the conditions improve very quickly.

October still offers travelers water temperatures around 24°C.

The off-season is the best time to spend a vacation away from the beach in Kas. 

From April to mid-June and late September to October there is hardly any precipitation and temperatures do not reach the peak values ​​of summer.

In winter, many long-term vacationers can be found in Kas, who spend the cold months in Central Europe in Turkey. Between November and January, the maximum daily temperatures rarely drop below 15°.

Essential sights to see in Kaş in one or more days

If you have been to Antalya and were fascinated by its old town , you will get the same feeling in Kas.

It is true that as the day progresses it fills up with people, but if you take advantage of the first hours of the morning, you will be able to enjoy it almost alone.

The lush and rich Mediterranean vegetation in and around Kas offers a variety of vegetables and fruit, which are sold at numerous weekly markets or small street stalls.

The colorful and bright white shops and houses in the old town are built in the Greek style and richly decorated with colorful flowers.

The shops that are now located in the old houses in the city center mainly offer local and handcrafted goods for tourists. 

Here you can buy carpets, jewellery, spices, antiques and of course a lot of Turkish honey . 

If you want, you can just let yourself be carried away and stroll through the many narrow streets and let yourself be swept away by the offers.

Of course you can also sit down in a coffee house every few meters. There is no shortage of nice cafes and restaurants in Kas ! 

You can rely on public transport to explore Kas and the neighboring towns. Small buses go back and forth all the time. They are called dolmus and are a kind of shared taxi.

In the middle of the old town, there is an unmissable statue of the king’s sarcophagus from Lycian times. It is about 2,000 years old.

When you walk along the harbor, you immediately smell the salty sea water and freshly caught fish. The surrounding restaurants particularly benefit from the catches. 

If you like seafood you will feel like in paradise. Fresh crab, lobster and a variety of fish are on the menu.

The theater is nestled between olive trees just west of the center of Kas. You can walk there in about 5-10 minutes from the port along the coastal road.

You will be rewarded with a great view from the upper tiers of Kas and the opposite island of Kastellorizo. 

While it’s not as impressive as the big amphitheatres,  for example in Aspendos , it goes well with Kas. Everything is a little smaller and cozier there.

Take something to eat with you and sit comfortably for half an hour and observe the surroundings. Admission is free of cost.

The tour operators in Kas have also followed the trend of recent years and offer many different sports and excursions.

Whether it’s trekking in the mountains, canyoning, mountain biking, the Lycian long-distance trail or tandem paragliding from the mountains down to Kaputas Beach, you won’t get bored.

Kas is also one of the most beautiful diving areas in Turkey . If you haven’t learned scuba diving yet, the schools here will give you the perfect opportunity to do so.

In total, there are 15 diving points in Kas, each of which hides its treasures, whether it is a sunken plane, a torpedo bomber or antique anchors.

In addition, local waters are rich in marine life, among which you can find turtles, barracudas, stingrays, octopuses and many other representatives of the underwater world.

This island belongs to Greece and is only 3 kilometers away from Kas. 

Boats run regularly from the harbors in Kas and Fethiye to the harbor on the other side of the coast. The island is perfect for enjoying good Greek food for a day.

It used to be one of the most popular destinations for emigrants in Turkey. You could stay in the country for 90 days without a visa. With a crossing to Kastellorizo ​​you were in Greece and when you returned, the 90 days started all over again.

The Turkish government has now put a stop to this practice. You can only stay 90 days within 180 days without a visa (Ikamet) in Turkey .

Kyaneai was originally a Greek city. Later it belonged to the Lycian League, the Roman Empire and finally to Byzantium. Excursions to the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city are organized from Kas.

If you want to spend more time exploring Kas, here are some trip recommendations.

• Myra  & the Basilica of “Saint Nicholas”
• Ruins of Olympos and the Olympos Beach in  Cirali
• Excursions to the sunken city on the island of Kekova
• Visit the Saklıkent Canyon National Park

We highly recommend the trip to Kekova.

It lasts around 9 hours, and during the journey you will be able to swim in amazing enclaves of turquoise waters, you will visit a sunken city and the town of Kaleköy where the ruins of Simena are located.

In Simena, you can visit the area of ​​the citadel and the castle. The entrance is not included, but it only costs 17.5 TL.

Beaches in and around Kas

There are relatively few beaches right by the old town of Kas. But you will find more beautiful bays and long sandy beaches in the vicinity. 

Most of the beaches on our list are just a few minutes away.

In the summer months it is sometimes not so easy to avoid the other tourists and find a really quiet stretch of beach. Below are a few insider tips.

It is the most famous and therefore the liveliest beach around Kas. The water at Kaputas Beach contributes to the Turkish Riviera being called the Turquoise Coast. 

The crystal-clear, turquoise-blue sea water and the sandy beach blend in perfectly with the cliffs near Kas.

You will find it lying below the coastal road that leads to Kalkan. Once you’ve gone down the steps from the road to Kaputas Beach, you won’t hear any passing cars. 

You should definitely head to Kaputas during a holiday in Kas.

The Limanagzi beach is in a small bathing bay that blends beautifully into the natural landscape near Kas. 

It can be reached either by boat from the harbor or via a small hiking trail. As a result, you will find relatively few other tourists there even in the summer months.

There is a good Turkish restaurant on the bay. Parasols and loungers can be rented there.

Bilal’s Beach can be reached by boat from the harbor in a very short time.

The loungers and parasols can be borrowed free of charge if something is eaten in the adjoining restaurant.

A suitable name for the Big Pebble would be “The Hipster Beach”. It’s the beach where the fashionistas spend their days with an eco-picnic basket.

Still, once you get there, you won’t want to leave. The bathing bay is one of the best places to relax in Kas .

Bonus : The beach bars have set up free umbrellas and lounge chairs .

You can walk to Little Pebble from the harbor along Hafenstraße in just 10 minutes. The path down to the beach is not immediately visible. Watch out for a sign directing you down the hill to the beach.

In the summer months it is often visited by locals with their children . They jump from the rocks of the rocky bay into the water.

Kas is known for its bars, restaurants and pubs in the old town. There is something going on in them every evening. 

Especially in the summer months, the establishments are always bursting at their seams.

In addition, of course, there are bars and discotheques in the large all-inclusive resorts and club complexes. But nightlife in Kas is nothing compared to Kemer and Antalya.

Some restaurants are in the upper price segment. You just have to do a little comparison to find a good one.

Restaurant recommendations :

• The Panorama Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with seafood and steaks. Be sure to sit on the terrace in the evening. From there you have a wonderful view of the sailing boats in the harbor.
• Not far away you will find the Meyhane Turkuaz . If you want to try traditional Turkish food, you’ve come to the right place.

Bars & Pubs:

• One of the most famous meeting places in the old town is the “ BarCelona “. In the small and cozy bar there are excellent cocktails and many other drinks at moderate prices. After a day at the beach, it’s worth stopping by and having a drink there.
• In the Oxygen Pub at the marina you can end the day with delicious burgers and cocktails with good music .

Kas is one of the most interesting tourist spots in Antalya province . It differs from the large all-inclusive package holiday strongholds in the east of the Turkish Riviera .

You will find more small guesthouses and apartments in Kas than hotels. But that’s not bad at all. As a result, everything seems a little more relaxed in Kas than in the other resorts in the region.

In addition, there is the beautiful natural landscape on the Lycian coast with its millennia-old history. This alone allows you to spend your vacation relaxing on the beach and exploring the ruins of long-gone cities.

Of course, sporting opportunities in the region are not neglected.

Kas to me is a mix of the ecotourism town of Cirali  and the busier tourist towns like Side and Alanya .

As a result, you will find just the right holiday offer for every taste in the small coastal town.

There are two possible airports for you to get to Kas – Antalya and Dalman airports.

From Antalya Airport, the journey to Kas by shuttle bus takes three hours. You can book the buses with Shuttledirect.

Otherwise there are also private transfers. Compared to the 12 to 15€ in the shuttle bus you pay a little more. In return, you save yourself the waiting time at the airport for the departure and the stopovers along the route.

The second option is Dalman Airport. From there, the transfer to Kas takes about two hours. The flight connections are unfortunately a little worse than to Antalya.

In the summer months there are of course many direct flight connections. In the low season you usually have to change trains in Istanbul or Ankara .

You can book a rental car either at Antalya or Dalman airports or directly in Kas. The prices are about the same everywhere.

At the airports you pay more what you would pay for the transfer to Kas.

But then you can drive the beautiful coastal expressway D-400 along the Lycian coast to Kas itself. You will enjoy the route.

All you have to do is drive west from Antalya and you will see the sea most of the way.

If you want to rent a car at the airport, you should book it in advance. Otherwise you will have to wait longer at the airport or you may not be able to get a car in the high season.

You can use the usual websites Sixt or Eurocar.

In Kas, care is taken to ensure that everything is neat and tidy. At first glance, you might think that hotel prices are in the upper range. But that’s not the case.

You can count on the same good value for money as everywhere else in Turkey. Although you pay a little more compared to the cheapest regions in the east of the Turkish Riviera (  Side  to  Alanya ).

You can find an overview of the accommodations on TripAdvisor. All hotels, guesthouses and holiday homes are listed there including reviews from previous guests and photos from tourists.

This allows you to get a good impression of the services offered before you book.

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Home > 17 Best Attractions & Things To Do In Kas: Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

17 Best Attractions & Things To Do In Kas: Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Welcome to your go-to guide for Kaş, nestled in Turkey’s Antalya Province, a gem along the Mediterranean coast.

This quaint town, mere hours from Antalya, boasts attractions like the enchanting Blue Grotto and picturesque small pebble beaches. Stroll through the center of Kaş, where everything, from vibrant Kaş square to the serene coastline, is just a short walk away.

Loungers and umbrellas await for leisurely days under the sun, making it easy to unwind and soak in the scenic beauty of one of the prettiest spots in this part of Turkey.

For a deeper dive into all Kaş has to offer, from hidden gems to must-see sights, make sure to read through my detailed guide.

Turkey’s southern coastline is packed with fantastic summer beach resorts. They’re even great spots to visit during the winter, with Antalya Province being much warmer than most other places in Türkiye.

The tricky thing is deciding where to go.

It’s easy to assume that all beach resorts are the same; after all, don’t they offer the same things- sun, sea, nightlife, and food? Well, yes, they do, but they also have local niche spots to visit history, all of their own, and regional delicacies to try. That’s why finding the best summer resort can be challenging!

So, to throw another resort into the hat , how about Kas?

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Things To Do In Kas

Located between Marmaris in the Dalaman region and Antalya City in the, you guessed it, Antalya region, Kas is a historic and beautiful town, perfect for summer chills.

The other plus point is that you can choose whether to  fly to Antalya Airport or Dalaman Airport, as they’re roughly the same distance away from Kas. That opens up cheaper deals for you and more flexibility with your travel days.

If Kas is on your shortlist, let’s check out some of the best things to do there so that you can make your final decision.

1. Wander The Streets Of Kas Old Town

Kas isn’t a huge resort, but it’s large enough to explore and see a good number of sites. The Old Town is very walkable, and the cobbled, winding streets are charming. The streets are packed with small boutique stores and souvenir shops , which is one of the things to do in Kos for shopaholics. You can also sit down for a rest and enjoy a glass of Turkish cay or a coffee at one of the many family-run coffee shops.

The main square is the meeting place for nightlife fun, and it does get quite busy during the evening. So, if you’re up for a good night out, head to the old town during the evening and have a great meal, a few cocktails, and even dance the night away should the mood take you.

2. Give Canyoning A Try

Canyoning is the way forward if you’re keen on an adrenaline rush! The landscapes around Kas are packed with cliffs, mountains, and canyons, so jumping over rocks and in and out of rivers sounds like fun, right?!

Kas is one of the best places to try canyoning, and if you’ve never given it a go before, you’ll find many companies that offer guided tours with all the equipment and instruction you need.

3. Try Out Paragliding In Kas 

For adventure-seekers, this has to be one of the best things to do in Kas, Turkey! You can either watch in awe or give it a try yourself. Whichever you opt for, paragliding is a pretty fantastic thing to see! Most people assume that Oludeniz is the only place in Türkiye to paraglide, but Kas is also an excellent spot.

There are countless paragliding offices around the town, and you will take your ride up the mountain (around 10 minutes) and then be instructed on what to do, etc. Don’t worry; you’ll always be strapped to an instructor!

The views as you sail over the blue of the sea and the surrounding area are something you’ll never forget for the rest of your days, and it’s also a fantastic experience, something that you may never get to do again – or maybe you’ll get a taste for it!

4. Kayak Or Canoe Over Ancient Ruins Near Kekova Island

Simena is an ancient city that sits underwater. It is close to the island of Kekova, and a huge earthquake struck, submerging the city, which dates back to the 10 th century. To this day, you can still see some buildings sticking up out of the water, most of which are tombs, and the best way to experience Simena is to canoe over it. You can move over churches, houses, and walls, looking down through the crystal-clear water. 

There is no swimming allowed, intending to keep the area safe for future generations to enjoy. Boats can’t stop here either, although they can sail past. So, the best option is canoeing.

5. Visit Demre (Myra)

The town of Demre, east of Kaş, is home to the ancient city of Myra, showcasing impressive Lycian rock tombs and the Church of Saint Nicholas, who was known as Santa Claus.

A visit here offers a journey back to the 5th century BC, where history buffs can walk amongst the ruins that overlook the town. It’s a short ferry ride back to Kaş, making Demre an ideal day trip for those looking to explore the rich history and the roots of the legend of Santa Claus.

6. Relax Along The Coast At Kaputas Beach

There are many beaches around Kas, but the best one isn’t the most central. However, it’s more than worth the slight journey, as just west of the town, you’ll find Kaputas Beach. You can drive there in ten minutes, take a taxi, or rent a scooter if you want to enjoy yourself on your own steam.

Kaputas Beach is a well-kept secret, but it does get crowded at weekends and during public holidays. High mountains surround it, and the water is blinding blue . You’ll need to pack some water and other refreshments/snacks to take with you as there are no facilities on-site, but it’s a fantastic day out.

7. Visit Beautiful Kalekoy

Just off the mainland, you’ll find Kalekoy, a delightful village you’ll need to take a boat to reach. The town is historic, dating back to Lycian times, and descendants of the current inhabitants lived there right from the start. 

Be sure to head to the castle and check out the fantastic view. Here, you’ll get an authentic feel for the way of life, and it’s also delightfully beautiful. You won’t find a considerable amount to see and do here, so it’s really about enjoying the scenery and the food from a couple of local restaurants on site.

8. Sailing Around The Turquoise Coast

Kaş has become a premier destination for sailing enthusiasts, offering a unique vantage point of the peninsula and beyond. Chartering a yacht or joining a sailing tour from the town of Kaş, you’re set for an adventure across crystal-clear blue waters, exploring secluded bays and hidden islands.

It’s an invitation to drop anchor at a pebble beach or a secluded cove, dive into the shimmering waters, or relax on the terrace of your yacht, soaking in the views that stretch across the coast of Turkey.

9. Scuba Diving At Kaş

Beneath the surface, Kaş reveals an underwater world that ranks as one of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean. Visibility stretching for miles unveils a marine life-rich environment sprinkled with ancient ruins and rock tombs beneath the waves, a testament to the ancient Lycian city of Antiphellos, now the center of Kaş.

Dive shops, within walking distance from Kaş Square, offer excursions and the chance to kayak, bringing you closer to the submerged history and the vibrant life that thrives beneath the waves.

10. Lycian Way Hiking

The Lycian Way carves a path through the stunning landscapes around Kaş, including parts of the peninsula. This long-distance hiking trail offers breathtaking overlooks of the coast and mountains, passing by rock tombs and ancient ruins that narrate the area’s storied past.

From the center of town, adventurers can embark on a journey that promises new discoveries with every step, making it one of the most beautiful ways to explore the ancient Lycian civilization and the natural beauty that surrounds Kaş.

11. Enjoy History At The Kas Ancient Amphitheater

The entire south coast of Turkey is peppered with ruins dating back to Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman times, and many other civilizations. Kas is no different. Take a five-minute walk outside the Old Town, and you’ll find the well-preserved amphitheater. It’s enormous, and you can check out fantastic sea views from the top.

There are concerts in the amphitheater occasionally, so ask around when you’re there to see if you can catch a live performance. You can also visit during the evening as it’s lit up and gives you fantastic views once more, especially on a full moon.

12. Explore The Underwater World

Kas is an excellent spot for diving, and there are instructors on hand to help you achieve your PADI certification, too, if you choose to do so. Scuba diving is also fantastic here; you can see very clearly under the water’s surface. There are several excellent dive sites around the town and some ship and plane wrecks to explore.

Marine life around this part of Türkiye is plentiful, and you’ll see colorful fish and even turtles enjoying their day . If you’re an experienced diver, make sure you visit the wreck of the Dakota DC3 plane; it’s a pretty remarkable sight.

13. Try The Local Food Of Kas 

Any visit to Turkey should include several trips to local restaurants. The food is something else , and during your trip to Kas, although you can easily find international food, make sure that you make an effort to try something local. It’s a good idea to ask your hotel for recommendations of local restaurants, and you’ll get far better-quality food at a lower price by avoiding tourist places.

Lahmacun, pide, sarma beyti, Adana kebab, and guvec are just a few local dishes you should definitely add to your list.

14. Explore Saklikent Gorge

If you want to cool down during the summer months, head to Saklikent Gorge and enjoy the much cooler temperatures, thanks to the waters and shade. The canyon is huge and runs for 18km, with a 200-meter height. There is also a huge pine forest in the local area, which smells divine! 

Try fresh gozleme and a cay as you explore the natural wonder before you. You can find tours that leave Kas or go on your own team.

15. Have An Authentic Turkish Breakfast

Many places serve an authentic Turkish breakfast or kahvalti. You have to do this. It’s one of the rites of passage of visiting Türkiye ! Head down to the beachfront, and you’ll have the best view while you enjoy the countless delicacies on the many plates before you. Also, make sure that you try menemen and gozleme – you’ll be addicted to both!

16. Enjoy A Beach Day At Limanagzi

There are several taxi boats over to the beach spot of Limanagzi during the summer, and you’ll only be on the boat for 10 minutes at most. There are several beaches around this region, and you can choose which one you want to stop at by simply telling the captain. Remember to take your own refreshments and know that the last boat is around 6 pm (double-check this for when you’re visiting), and if you miss it, you’ll be staying overnight on the beach!

17. Shop For Souvenirs At The Local Market

There are many souvenir shops around Kas, but you should check out the Friday market for some bargains – shopping for these local crafts is one of the things to do in Kas that might hurt your wallet. This is also where you can find those famous “genuine fakes” everyone talks about, from trainers to sweatshirts, jogging bottoms to bags; we suggest you walk on by from those and instead, hunt down the handmade crafts and other fantastic local souvenirs to take home as gifts for family and friends.

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Best day trips from kas, turkey.

Located on the stunning Turkish Riviera, Kas offers an ideal starting point for unforgettable day trips. Whether you choose to explore the ancient ruins of Patara or embark on a boat tour to the enchanting Kekova Island, the possibilities are endless for discovering the rich history and natural beauty that surround this picturesque coastal town.

Take A Day Trip To Xanthos

When looking for ideas of what to do in Kas, we suggest you drive around an hour and a half away from Kas; there, you will find Xanthos, extensive ruins dating back to ancient Lycia. Xanthos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and must be seen and believed in. You will feel like you are walking amongst echoes from history, and it’s a must-visit for anyone in the region.

It’s effortless to get to Xanthos. There are many excursions during the summer season, which you can easily buy a ticket for from any of the street excursion offices, or you can take the local bus from the otogar, they regularly leave throughout the day.

Take A Day Trip To Meis (Greek Island Of Kastellorizo)There are several Greek islands close to the southern coast of Türkiye, and when visiting Kas on holiday, you can take a day trip over to the island of Meis. The boat will take no more than half an hour, and you’ll get to see something totally different during your stay.

Meis is quiet, chilled out, and  a great place to go and walk around the cobbled streets and check out the colorful houses. It’s also a fantastic spot for authentic restaurants and seafood, particularly octopus!  If you have time, take a small boat trip out to the Blue Cave , which will give you memories you’ll never forget.

The island is the easternmost of the Greek Dodecanese islands, offering a quaint but colorful glimpse into Greek island life with its picturesque harbor, traditional houses, and historical sites.

If you choose to head over to Meis for the day, remember that you will need to book at least a day or two before, and you’ll need your passport as you’re officially leaving Turkey. There are many booking offices in Kas, and the staff there should be able to help you with any information you need.

Patara Beach Day Trip

A short drive from Kaş, Patara Beach presents an expanse of golden sand that is heralded as one of the longest beaches in Turkey and certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.

Known for its ancient ruins, including the spectacular amphitheater and the ruins of the ancient Lycian city, Patara is more than a beach; it’s a dive into history. Spend the day lounging on the sand, walking on the pebbles, or exploring the ruins, all within a great day trip distance from Kaş. Remember to bring water and your sense of adventure.

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Where To Stay In Kas, Türkiye

Deciding where to stay in Kaş, Türkiye can be a delightful dilemma because every option seems better than the last!

This charming town on the Turquoise Coast offers a range of accommodations to fit every traveler’s needs. If you’re all about those sea views and love being right in the heart of the action, aim for a stay in the central part of Kaş.

Here, you’ll find everything from cozy guesthouses to stylish boutique hotels, each offering easy access to vibrant cafes, shops, and the beautiful marina. For a more serene experience, look towards the outskirts or even consider the nearby villages like Kalkan or Üçağız.

These spots are perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility, with stunning villas and apartments that boast incredible vistas of the Mediterranean. Adventure seekers and nature lovers, meanwhile, might want to check out accommodations near Kaputaş Beach or Patara, where the natural beauty of Türkiye really shines through.

And let’s not forget the budget-conscious travelers; Kaş has plenty of charming pensions and hostels that won’t break the bank but still provide a comfy spot to crash after a day of exploring. 

Getting To Kas

Heading to Kaş, Türkiye, is part of the fun, offering stunning scenery whether you’re coming by land or sea. If you’re flying in, the closest airports are Dalaman and Antalya, each about a 3-hour drive away.

From there, you can hop on a bus, rent a car, or arrange a private transfer. The roads wind through some spectacular landscapes, so keep your camera ready!

Buses run regularly from major cities, providing a budget-friendly option. Still, for flexibility and the chance to make impromptu stops along the stunning Turquoise Coast, driving might be your best bet.

Getting To Kaş By Road Trip

Taking a road trip to Kaş is an experience you won’t soon forget. The drive, especially from Antalya or Fethiye, is picturesque, with the Mediterranean on one side and mountains on the other.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems along the Lycian Way, stop for a swim at secluded beaches, or grab a bite at roadside eateries with breathtaking views.

Make sure to check out the ancient ruins scattered throughout the region, adding a touch of history to your scenic drive. Remember, Turkish roads can be winding and a bit adventurous, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

Taking A Boat Trip To Kaş

Arriving in Kaş by boat is an unforgettable entrance to this charming coastal town. Whether you’re coming from a nearby island or along the coast, the approach by sea offers unparalleled views of the dramatic cliffs, lush hillsides, and clear turquoise waters that define this part of the Mediterranean.

Several tour companies offer boat trips that not only get you to Kaş but also allow you to explore the stunning coastline, dive into crystal-clear coves, and even visit ancient sunken cities.

For those already in Türkiye, consider a day trip or an extended blue voyage that includes Kaş in its itinerary. It’s a unique way to experience the beauty of the Turkish Riviera, combining travel with the pleasure of being on the water.

Now that you know what to do in Kas, Türkiye, we hope your visit to Kas will be as busy or relaxing as you want it to be. We know for sure you’ll never be bored visiting Kas!

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7 Best Things To Do in Kas, Turkey

Kas is a very cute little town that shouldn’t be skipped on your road trip along Turkey’s turquoise coastline. It offers beautiful beaches, great food, shopping, and a lot more. Kas is pronounced as Kash. Read our guide to 7 reasons why you should visit Kas, Turkey .

Wandering and shopping in the streets of Kas

The streets of Kas are gorgeous. It is small and can easily be explored in one or two nights during your Turkey Route. Spend a night here, wandering around, looking inside a handicraft shop, or having a bite at one of the great Turkish cuisines.

Here are all your hotel options in Kas.

Visit Kaputas Beach, Turkey

Just a 30-min drive from Kas is one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever visited. Kaputas beach is popular for its unbelievable turquoise blue water and location.

It’s super easy to get there if you have a motorbike or car. Make sure to be there either before 12 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the crowds.

We recommend to rent a car in Turkey through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Hike up the mountain for sunset or sunrise (Lycian Way)

If you have an extra day in Kas, make sure to hike up the mountain for an incredible sunrise or sunset view all over the city. The hike itself starts at the main road and takes about 40-minutes. It is part of a much bigger hike route called the Lycian Way. You don’t have to be an expert to get up the mountain.

By @zafercimen_

Go on a day trip to Kekova Island

Kekova is an uninhabited island located just off the mainland to the east of Kas, famous for being home to the ‘sunken city’. When the water is low enough, you can see the ancient ruins of this historic city, best explored by boat or glass-bottomed kayak. While we didn’t have the time to go there, we highly recommend you do so.

See tickets and availability for a boat tour to Kekova Island

Climb up the Amphitheater for Sunset

Just a few minutes walking out of town is an old amphitheater. It is the best climbing up there during sunset or in the evening when it’s lit beautifully. It is open to the crowd and safe as well.

Grab a drink at Kas Square

The main square of Kas is a small area overlooking the harbor. It’s so lovely to just hang around here, watch the people enjoying their time and you enjoying your drink at one of the many terraces.

Have dinner at a restaurant

Oburus momus.

The best vegetarian in town, with delicious food and such a good atmosphere. Remember to make a reservation one day ahead.

Retro Bistro

Most delicious burgers and handmade pasta in town, run by a lovely couple. The terrace is located in the center of Kas where the atmosphere is at its very best. In the evening the terrace is lit, and it creates something magical.

Paragliding in Kas, Turkey

Paragliding is popular along the whole turquoise coastline of Turkey. We did this ourselves in Fethiye . Kas is, like Fethiye, a popular place to tandem run off a mountain. While this isn’t a thing for everyone, we highly recommend doing it. The feeling of just floating through the air and the view is an experience you won’t forget that quickly.

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Where to Stay

Kas, Turkey, offers some great places to stay, from budget guesthouses to upscale beach resorts. Many accommodations have fantastic sea views, too!

Hotels in Kas 😴

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Best Things To Do in Fethiye: Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

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Kas is lovely. The hammam spa in the centre of town is amazing, clean and professional. Take a walk up to the old helipad and watch the sunset.

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9 Best Things To Do in Kas, Turkey: Complete Guide (+ Day trips)

• Last updated: March 14, 2024

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Kas (pronounced Kash) is one of the cutest coastal towns in Turkey .

Even though it’s pretty tiny, it offers some stunning bays with crystal clear water, great food, and a wide selection of boat tours and other activities.

There’s something for everyone, so in this guide, we’ll share with you the top things to do while in Kas and all the awesome day trips you can do.

Top things to do in Kas

1. wander around the old town of kas.

Kas is a small and beautiful town with cute streets full of souvenirs, flowers and greenery, and all kinds of decorations. It also has some of the cutest restaurants we saw while road-tripping the Turkish coast.

Make sure to stroll around, check some of the many shops (the perfect place for shopping for summer clothes), and just enjoy the relaxing vibe of the town.

2. Grab a drink or ice cream at Kas Square

Kas Square is a small area that overlooks the town’s harbor. It’s a perfect spot to sit down, grab a drink or an ice cream, and cuddle some of the dogs that chill there.

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3. Enjoy the sunset at the Amphitheater 

The Amphitheater of Kas is one of the top places to watch the sun go down. It’s unique, as it overlooks the sea and Kas town.

The entrance is free, and as it’s only a few minutes away from Kas Square, expect it to be crowded (especially during the sunset). It’s also used for events sometimes.

Droning tip : If you try to drone there during the sunset, someone might call the police. That’s what happened to someone when we were there, so we, unfortunately, avoided putting our drone up there.

4. Relax at Kaputas beach, one of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches

Kaputas beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey .

It’s formed by a gorge that opens out into a stretch of sand. The viewpoint of the beach is also a must-do before climbing down the stairs to get to the beach.

The beach has everything you need: chairs with umbrellas (for a reasonable small fee), toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a restaurant/bar.

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Kas, and the easiest way to reach it is by car or scooter. However, as Kaputas is one of the top beaches in the area and a tourist attraction in itself, make sure to arrive early to reserve your spot. 

Some other great beaches in Kas and around are: 

• Küçük Çakıl Plajı
• Büyük Çakıl Plajı
• Inceboğaz Beach
• Limanagzi Beach

Travel tip: Plajı means the beach if you want to search for some more of them on Google maps.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

5. Watch the sunset at Kas harbor

Kas Harbor is another excellent spot to watch the sunset. Head over to the rocks along the path towards the lighthouse, and enjoy the peacefulness.

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While you can find WiFi practically everywhere, in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even beach bars, having a reliable mobile package in Turkey is the way to go. We recommend the unlimited data eSIM packages from Holafly .

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6. Explore the turquoise waters of Kas on a boat tour

Kas is a perfect starting point for many boat tours, and whichever you choose, the fun is guaranteed. We chose the Shared Kekova Boat Tour with Captain Ergun and had a fantastic time. 

Read more about our Kas boat tour experience and itinerary here.

There are also many snorkeling and diving tours available, and it’s something we’d love to do next time.

Travel tip: Most of these tours are full-day ones, so plan your time in Kas accordingly.

Book your Shared Kekova and Sunken City Tour From Kas Harbor (with lunch)

7. Go paragliding

Kas is another famous spot for paragliding in Turkey, although it’s not as popular as Oludeniz .

Nevertheless, it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that we’d highly recommend it. The take-off point in Kas is at the height of 650 meters on the foothills of Asas mountain.

Book your Tandem Paragliding in Kas

Read more about paragliding and our experience in Oludeniz, Fethiye.

8. Take in the views at Kas panorama and viewpoints

Head out to one of the many viewpoints above Kas to get a better perspective of the beautiful bay and surrounding area.

We only managed to check out the Kas Panorama (📍 Kas panorama ). 

If we had more time, we would make sure to hike for about 40 minutes to the “Sleeping Giant” cave above Kas (📍 Sleeping Giant, Kas ) because it looks incredible from the photos that people posted!

9. Hike a part of The Lycian way

The Lycian Way is a marked long-distance trail that stretches from Fethiye to Antalya and also passes by Kas. Altogether it’s around 500 kilometers in length.

The trail follows the coast of ancient Lycia and offers some of the most amazing views. 

Of course, hiking the whole trail is not for everyone, but you can walk a small part in each of the coastal cities on the route, including Kas.

So we’d recommend it if you like chasing amazing views. 

Day trips from Kas

1. trek the saklikent gorge in saklikent national park.

The Saklikent Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world! The gorge is about a 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Kas, and it’s well worth the trip.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, so don’t miss out on this unique attraction!

Read about all you need to know before visiting Saklikent Gorge.

Even though it’s 18 km long, you can only explore around 4 km of it. The first part of the path (very short) is on a wooden boardwalk, and in the second part, you walk through ankle-deep water. Although the water can get up to knee-deep, depending on the season you visit.

Travel tip: Even though you can rent out their rubber shoes, we suggest taking your own. Maybe take something you don’t feel that much sorry for, or that can survive walking through water and clay/mud. Our regular semi-hiking shoes were fine, though.

Ticket price: around $1 per person

Book your Saklikent Gorge Jeep Safari Tour

2. Day trip to Patara, the longest beach in Turkey

Patara beach is the longest beach in Turkey , and it’s surprisingly still not built out, but what makes it so unique are the sand dunes and the nearby ancient city of Patara. 

And not just that, this is also one of the last few beaches in the world where endangered Caretta sea turtles still lay eggs. That’s why this area is also a protected National Park.

The Patara beach is about a 1-hour drive from Kas, and make sure you plan for at least 4 hours there, so you have enough time to enjoy it. Unfortunately, we only made a short stop as we arrived very late.

Time to see turtles: between May to October 

3. Admire the Lycian Rock Tombs of Tlos

Tlos Ruins are one of the less-visited in the area, so they’re perfect for avoiding crowds and still seeing some beautiful ruins. 

The tombs are located on a hill overlooking the village of Tlos. The Lycians built the graves in the 4th century BC, and they’re a fascinating example of Lycian architecture.

Make sure you plan for at least half an hour to an hour at the tombs so that you can explore them properly!

The drive from Kas to the Rock Tombs of Tlos takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is a scenic one, and you can get some great views.

Price: about $1.5 per person

Opening hours: 09:00-20:00

4. Day trip to Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a fascinating natural wonder in Turkey and is easily reachable from Kas.

You can make a day trip there by car or go on a tour, and it should take you around 3 to 4 hours to get to Pamukkale from Kas.

You can explore its incredible white travertines and hot springs, as well as bathe in the pools or stroll around the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Read more: Pamukkale: Ultimate Guide to Turkey’s Cotton Castle

How many days to spend in Kas

You should spend at least 2 to 3 full days in Kas if you’d like to explore Kas and the area around entirely. 

Where to stay in Kas

Kas is quite a small town, and there aren’t many accommodations to choose from. So make sure to book ahead if you want a specific one.

Book your stay: Kas top-rated Hotels

We stayed at White House Butik hotel , a few minutes walk from the square. The rooms were relatively small but cute, and we had a nice view from the balcony.

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Where to eat in Kas

Kas has a lot of great restaurants, and it also has a few fantastic vegetarian/vegan ones.

Our favorite one was Pisekar Vegan Food . It has good food, nice portions, and pretty reasonable prices.

Make sure to try their fantastic chocolate cake!

Another place we recommend is Bunbun Kas . It’s not a vegetarian one, but it has vegetarian/vegan options. Their specialty is the steamed bun which reminds us of our time in Vietnam , and the endless Banh Bao (steamed buns) we ate there.

Oburus Momus is one of the top recommended restaurants in Kas, but they didn’t work the day we wanted to visit. It gets super busy, so make sure to make a reservation a day before.

How to get there?

Kas is reachable by either flying into Antalya Airport, which is approximately 3 hours away, or Dalaman Airport, about 2 hours and 20 minutes away.

In addition, you can drive to Kas along the coastline between Fethiye and Antalya . You can also take a bus from either of those locations.

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Google pins, kas, turkey: a guide to the turquoise coast, kas , middle east , turkey.

I first visited Kas years ago on a two-week road trip through Turkey. It was a pretty epic adventure packed with incredible destinations, but nowhere was as memorable as Kas, a small coastal town in the Antalya Province. Recently, I was lucky enough to return to Kas where I spent even more time exploring this stretch of Turkey’s dazzling Turquoise Coast. Not surprising, Kas has become more touristed in recent years, but thankfully it’s retained all of its charm. In fact, I loved it more this second time around. Below is my complete travel guide to all-things Kas including the best beaches, day trips, restaurants and hotels, as well as itinerary ideas and sightseeing tips.

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Küçük Çakıl is a charming little cove that is walking distance from Old Town.

HOW MANY DAYS IN KAS?

FOUR DAYS . Four to five full days is enough time to enjoy Kas and its surrounds at a relaxed pace, as well as fit in a day trip or two (there’s plenty to see in this part of Antalya). Leisurely evening strolls are the best way to experience the Old Town, while days can be spent enjoying the stunning coast, visiting the Greek island of Kastellorizo, hiking Turkey’s deepest gorge or exploring the ancient Lycian ruins of Pinara.

Old Town Kas is absolutely charming.

WHEN TO VISIT KAS

• APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER ( shoulder season ) – Kas is a coastal destination best experienced when the sun is shining and temperatures are warm. Both May and September are great months to visit, before and after the busy summer season. April and October weather can be hit or miss.
• JUNE-AUGUST ( high season ) – The summer season is the busiest time of the year to visit. The weather is warm and sunny with no rainfall.
• NOVEMBER-MARCH ( low season ) – Avoid visiting in the low season when weather is cold, and much to cold to enjoy the coast.

Kas has some of the best shopping in Turkey.

My favorite treats in Old Town were gelato and pomegranate juice.

KAS QUICK FACTS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira. While a lot of businesses take credit card, you’ll still need cash for smaller purchases.
• HAGGLING – Kas is generally very stress free, no aggressive hagglers in this little town.
• DRESS CODE – Kas is a coastal beach destination. I wore swimsuits at the beach, and then rompers and sundresses in town.

Old Town sits right on the waterfront, a hub for day trips and tours.

Cutest cat all snuggled up on the Turkish towels.

EXPLORE KAS

BUYUK CAKIL (BIG PEBBLE BEACH)

It’s a 20-minute walk from Old Town to reach this lovely pebble beach where rocky outcrops plunge into the sea. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent.

CINAR BEACH

Cinar Beach sits on the thinnest stretch of the Kas Peninsula, along the road out to the coastal hotels. Calm water and good vibes make this a popular spot for sunbathing. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent.

KAPUTAS BEACH

One of the most famous beaches in Turkey is a 20-minute drive north of Kas. Arrive early to secure a parking spot, and to snap a photo from the famous viewpoint that attracts late morning crowds. The beach can be accessed by a staircase built into the cliff that leads down to the stunning turquoise water below – a great place to spend the day swimming and sunbathing. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent.

OLD TOWN KAS

One of the cutest destinations on the Turquoise Coast, Old Town Kas is a charming cluster of pedestrian streets that will remind visitors of the Greek islands. Colorful facades line the cobbled lanes, home to funky boutiques, lovely cafes, al fresco dining and carpet shops.

KUCUK CAKIL (LITTLE PEBBLE BEACH)

Küçük Çakıl is a second beach within walking distance from Old Town, and it’s one of my favorite spots in Kas. The cove sits inside a narrow break in the rocks where beachgoers will find a small pebble cove and sparkling turquoise shallows. Stairways to the sea are carved into the surrounding rocks where dozens of white umbrellas and beach loungers are perched over the water.

Definitely one of the cutest tables in Kas.

KAS DAY TRIPS

KASTELLORIZO ISLAND

That’s right, it’s possible to day trip to Greece from Kas’ coast in Turkey. It takes a mere 20 minutes to reach Kastellorizo Island from the Old Town harbor, a ferry ride that some travelers even use as a gateway to island hopping in Greece. Also known as Meis, the little island is home to a charming waterfront lined with colorful restaurants and shops, as well as a surreal Blue Grotto that can be visited by boat. The coastline is stunning, and most visitors spend the day swimming and lounging. I booked our ferry tickets though Meis Express .

This ancient Lycia archeological site sits less than an hour away from Kas. Spend a morning marveling at the dazzling historical ruins including rock tombs carved into the cliffs, an ancient theatre and crumbling stone reliefs.

PINARA RUINS

Explore the ancient Lycian city of Pinara, about an hour’s drive from Kas, located at the base of Mount Babadag. Incredible historic sights line a scenic trail including temples and rock-cut tombs built into the cliffs. They say settlement dates as far back at the 5th century BC.

SAKLIKENT GORGE

Turkey’s longest and deepest gorge sits an hour away from Kas – easy to reach for a full day’s adventure. The flooded gorge is open for hiking during the warmer months of the year, April through September. It’s best to explore the gorge in sturdy water shoes, as a good portion of the trail requires hiking in water. Arrive early to explore without crowds of tourists.

Exploring the Pinara ruins carved into the cliffs.

ALLEY PRIME HO TEL

There are no lavish five-star resorts in Kas – that’s part of the charm in staying here. For visitors looking for something a bit more luxurious, Alley Prime Hot el is one of two upscale options available. Situated on the Kas peninsula, rooms are spacious, clean and most have sea views. The hotel’s infinity pool and loungers sit on the rocks overlooking the water.

AMPHORA HOTEL

Affordable boutique hotel is located on the peninsula, a 10-minute drive to Old Town. Rooms are simple, and clean, but nothing special at all. Similar to most property’s in the area, Amphora Hotel occupies a stunning stretch of rocky coast filled with colorful umbrellas and sun beds.

LUKKA EXCLUSIVE HOTEL

Lukka Exclusive Hotel is a lovely little gem located on a prime stretch of real estate on the Kas peninsula. Reminicent of the Greek islands, the boutique property is built up a cliff with white sun beds, luxury loungers and cabanas scattered along the rocks. This is my favorite hotel option in Kas – I’ve stayed here twice.

Taking the plunge from the dock of Lukka Exclusive Hotel .

Lukka Exclusive Hotel is my go-to place to stay everytime I’m in Kas.

KAS RESTAURANTS

CAFE CORNER

A dozen outdoor tables occupy a charming corner in Kas where Cafe Corner serves up delicious fresh seafood including garlic butter shrimp, grilled fish and classic Turkish meat dishes. Owner is very sweet – I’ve dined here several times.

CINARLAR PIZZA GARDEN

This outdoor restaurant sits in the heart of Old Town, food is very good.

GYPSY KITCHENETTE

Popular breakfast spot with offerings that include a delicious selection of homemade sandwiches, toasts, salads, omlettes and egg creations.

DUDU MUTFAK

Another solid breakfast option that is also pretty adorable thanks to a lovely mix of pastel pillows, tables, chairs and plates.

LILY’S CORNER

For a Western fix, grab lunch or dinner at Lily’s Corner. This tiny restaurant tucked away in a corner in Old Town serves up a variety of pizzas, a nice break from seafood and Turkish cuisine.

SEMPATI TURKISH CUISINE

Baby blue tables and white chairs make up the al fresco dining at Sempati located on a pedestrian lane in Old Town. Food is solid, but menu offerings are similar to most of the restaurants in town – a mix of fresh seafood and classic Turkish dishes.

ZULA MEYHANE

This is my favorite restaurant in Kas. The fresh seafood is absolutely delicious, but it’s the ambiance that really makes dinner here special. Tables occupy an airy open courtyard surrounded by Greek-style stone walls accented with red and turquoise shutters and trim. Fairylights illuminate the courtyard in the evenings, and it’s the dreamiest setting for dinner.

Kaputas Beach.

GET AROUND KAS

While everything within Old Town is walking distance, visiting Kas with a car is a much more complete experience. A rental car makes a slew of day trip options possible, as well as access to outlying beaches and the hotels on the Kas Peninsula. There is a small paid parking lot on the waterfront to park when visiting Old Town.

Kastellorizo is a small Greek island off the coast of Kas.

The closest airports to Kas are Dalaman Airport (two hours by car) and Antalya Airport (three hours by car). I flew from Istanbul to Dalaman, where I rented a car, and Kas was my first stop on a roadtrip through western Turkey. Driving to Kas was very easy and straightforward.

Küçük Çakıl.

The coastline of this stretch of Turkey is stunning.

Here now! Greatly exceeded my expectations. Beautiful water, delicious food.

Hello we are driving there tomorrow looks amazing we was goin to go to Myra ruins but this looks like it cld b a whole day my b a stop over??? We mite take some clothes just incase 👌👌

What company did you rent the car from and did you park in Kas?

We rented from Sixt at the Dalaman Airport. Parked at our hotel, and when we went into town, parked in the paid lot.

Hi, would you recommend any other towns to stay near Kas for 3-4 nights after visiting here?

Oludeniz is nice, and good to pair with Kas!

Hello! we’d like to visit Kas after going to cappadocia when we visit in september 2024. what’s the best transportation option do you think? a friend from Turkey suggested an overnight bus but it seems to be a very long ride – is there another option you’d recommend? Thank you!

I would fly Dalaman to Cappadocia (via Istanbul)!

I am spending 6 nights between Kas/Kastellorizo in early June and trying to determine best plan because the ferry timing back to Kas means I need to come back from Kastellorizo the night before and it’s breaking up the stay. Would love your thoughts on this plan: Thurs arrival at Dalaman. Rent car drive to Kas Thurs & Friday: Stay in Kas Sat, Sun & Mon night in Kastellorizo (4pm Ferry on Tues) Tues night in Kas

In the end it’s only one full day in Kas because the ferry isn’t until the afternoon. I wanted to see Kaputas Beach, Old Town and, if possible, Saklikent Gorge but now i don’t think I have enough time. Thank you, Tarin

I would suggest more time in Kas than on Kasterllorizo, especially if you want to visit Kaputas and the Gorge!

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kas

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Fronted by a small harbor, Kaş is a favored yacht mooring destination in the Antalya Province of Turkey and one of the best places to visit if you want to head out onto the sea for some laid-back sightseeing of the many secret coves and islands along the coastline.

The town itself is crammed with cute boutiques and lovely cafés, where landlubber tourists can chill out and shop 'til they drop.

There are small beaches nearby for those who want to relax and soak up the sun, but for many visitors, Kaş is all about outdoor activities.

The nearby Kekova area, with its sunken city ruins off Kekova Island and the tiny coastal village of Kaleköy, are the main focus for things to do, with kayaking and boat trips the major activities offered, while the Greek island of Kastellorizo (called Meis in Turkey) is another favorite day-trip option.

While so much of Kaş' tourist attractions are water-based, it's also a well-positioned base for exploring the ancient ruins scattered in the surrounding hills.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Kaş.

1. Kayak or Boat around the Kekova Ruins

2. day trip to the greek island of kastellorizo (meis), 3. relax on the nearby beaches, 4. explore the ruins of kaleköy, 5. stroll the harbor front neighborhood of kaş, 6. visit the yachtie haven of üçagız, 7. see the basilica of saint nicholas, 8. day trip to kalkan, 9. explore the ruins of myra, 10. boat trip along the coast, 11. explore the ruins of arykanda, 12. add limyra to a coastal road trip, 13. get off the beaten track visiting the kyaneai ruins, 14. check out the andriake ruins, where to stay in kas for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in kas.

The island of Kekova, and the surrounding coastal area, is one of the most popular destinations for tour activities in Kaş. The island is famous for the underwater ruins just offshore known as the sunken city.

The best way to explore is by kayak because it allows you to get the closest look of the ruins below the sea surface. Several operators in Kaş offer kayaking tours to the ruins. Alternatively, there are also plenty of boat cruise tours (by yacht or smaller boat) that head to Kekova.

Dominating the view from Kaş harbor, the Greek island of Kastellorizo (called Meis in Turkey) is a geopolitical oddity.

You'll need your passport for a day trip here (the ferry operator usually asks for you to book the day before you plan to visit, so they can process your passport details for immigration) but once you're on the ferry, the trip from Kaş harbor to the island is only a 20-minute hop.

Kastellorizo has plenty to keep you occupied for the day. The most popular things to do include boat trips to the island's coastal caves (usually including plenty of swim breaks) and some interesting hill hikes that lead to abandoned church ruins. Kastellorizo's harborside village, with its pastel-hued buildings and waterfront cafés is also hugely photogenic.

Two ferries run daily from Kas, and if you're heading to Greece, you can also continue on to Rhodes from here on weekly ferries.

Kas is all about outdoor activities but if you want a simple day of sun, sea, and sand, the surrounding coastline has plenty of small beaches for you to lay down your towel.

The most famous beach in the area is Kaputaş Beach, which is 21 kilometers west of town, along the main coast road to Kalkan. You access the beach, which is hugged by high cliffs, either by boat trip or by taking the long staircase down to the shore from the road.

Be aware that the beach is hugely popular during summer and can get crammed with fellow sun-seekers.

Nearer to Kaş, the beaches of Liman Ağzı are five kilometers southeast of town. During summer, there are regular water taxis starting from the harbor that hop to and from the beach. It's also a pleasant walk if it's not too hot.

The medieval Kaleköy Castle has a stunning location on a peninsula hilltop, three kilometers east from Uçağız (and 36 kilometers east from Kaş).

Kaleköy is the site of Ancient Simena which dates from the 4th century BC. The castle was built upon the foundations of the earlier Simena citadel and today, below the fortifications, you can still visit a seven-tiered 300-seat theater from this earlier settlement period.

There's also a necropolis just to the west, which contains mostly Roman sarcophagi in Lycian style.

Under the castle, upon the shoreline, is the itsy-bitsy hamlet of Kaleköy, with its boat jetty and café, while just offshore are the sunken ruins of the Titus Baths (AD 79-81).

Most people visit Kaleköy as part of the Kekova Island sunken city boat sightseeing trips from Kaş.

The modern town of Kas occupies the site of ancient Antiphellos. The center of town is the harbor front district which is a wriggle of cobblestone lanes rimmed by old fishermen's cottages that have now been converted into boutiques, hotels, cafés, restaurants, and tour operator offices.

Throughout the town, you can spy a scatter of ruins from the classical era. The most prominent is a Lycian sarcophagus right in the center.

There's a small but well-preserved Roman theater on the west side of town with fine views over the bay; some scant remains of the ancient town walls near the harbor and the cliffs to the northeast of town are pockmarked with Lycian rock tombs.

The charming harbor front village of Üçağız is a yachtie haven. As well as private charters, most of the multiple-night group yacht cruise tours from Fethiye (and some longer yacht trips from Bodrum) overnight here for an evening.

If you're booked on a tour only exploring the Kekova area from Kaş, most operators first travel overland to Üçağız (33 kilometers east from Kaş) and head out on a boat or kayak from the harbor here.

The village sits on the site of ancient Teimiussa, which was under the command of the Lycian ruler Pericles Limyra as early as the 4th century BC.

Ruins are scattered about the village and surrounding area, including a few relics on the acropolis, two burial grounds with family tombs and sarcophagi belonging to citizens of Myra and Kyaneai, and a sunken section of the ancient walls just offshore.

The real pleasure here, though, is sitting back in the sun at one of the harbor cafés and simply watching the world go by.

Santa Claus comes from what is today, the modern state of Turkey. Born in Patara, Saint Nicholas (who would later enter Christmas-lore as the Jolly Saint Nick of presents and reindeer) in reality became the bishop of Myra (today's modern town of Demre) during the 4th century.

This medieval-built domed basilica sits atop an earlier church that originally contained Saint Nicholas' tomb (the saint's remains were later stolen by Italian traders).

The church is a major pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians, but for those not of that faith, it's also a well-preserved example of 11th-century church architecture, and the interior also incorporates some Byzantine-era frescoes and mosaics from the original church structure.

Demre is 46 kilometers east from Kaş and is easily visited on a day trip from town.

Just 25 kilometers west up the coast from Kas is the harbor town of Kalkan, which is thoroughly devoted to summer beach and boating holidays.

The cobblestone alleys of the tiny old town here are crammed with restored wooden houses that have been converted into boutique hotels, atmospheric cafés, craft shops, and high-class restaurants that have become renowned for their modern Mediterranean cuisine and seafood dishes.

Like Kas, this is a major departure point for yacht day trips and multi-day boating up or down the coast, and the tiny beaches just out of town (particularly Kaputaş Beach, which is four kilometers south of Kalkan) are the town's other main attraction.

Just inland from the center of Demre town are the remains of Ancient Myra. Some well-preserved Lycian rock tombs are hewn into the cliff face, and there's also a large Roman theater that has been wonderfully restored.

It's an atmospheric site, with sculpted masks chiseled into rock leading up to the theater and the rock tombs looming above.

Combining the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the ruins of Ancient Myra together in a trip is an excellent day out from Kaş.

If it's not too hot, you can easily walk the two kilometers to the Ancient Myra archaeological site from the church. Just remember to buy water before you set out from Demre center, and slap on some sunscreen and a hat.

Boat trips are one of the main things to do in Kas. The rocky coastal scenery here, with pine forests tumbling down to the shore is great for a lazy day of relaxing on board, just soaking up the views while you sunbathe with some swimming stops thrown in to cool off.

A day trip to the Greco-Roman ruin of Arykanda, 72 kilometers northeast of Kas, is well worth it. The site terraces dramatically down a slope of the Akdağ Mountain, with many well-preserved monuments to explore.

The stadium on the highest terrace is comparatively small, dating from the Greek era but restored by the Romans.

Below the stadium is a near-intact Greek theater with 20 rows of seating and some inscriptions still visible on the top row.

The odeon , on the lowest terrace, is 75 meters long with a mosaic floor. Stretching out in front is the galleried marketplace while to the west lies the bouleuterion.

Arykanda's Roman baths are situated to the south and are among the site's best-preserved buildings, with the frigidarium and caldarium still in fine condition. A semi-circular viewing room here provides a wonderful view over the Arykandos Valley.

The ancient town of Limyra, about 81 kilometers east of Kas, dates from the 5th century BC and is one of the oldest settlements in Lycia.

On the hill to the north of the site, an upper and lower acropolis can be seen with remains of a Byzantine church and Roman theater.

On the crag to the south stands the Heroon of Perikles (370 BC), hewn out of the rock in the form of a temple. There are also three large Lycian rock tombs.

All the ruins are severely weathered and not well preserved, but the lost-in-time atmosphere is hard to beat.

Limyra is a good stop on a road trip heading east of Kaş, also taking in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Ancient Myra in Demre, and the ruins of Arykanda.

The Ancient Lycian town of Kyaneai, 24 kilometers northeast from Kaş, near the little village of Yavu, was a prosperous, thriving commercial center right up to the 4th century. The site contains a large number of sarcophagi and rock tombs that visitors can scramble around, as well as the remains of a marketplace and the once enormous town walls.

The highlight of the archaeological site, though, is the large and well-preserved Roman theater with its 25 tiers of seating and views over olive groves and mountains beyond. Climb right up to the top seating tier for the best vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Kyaneai only gets a smattering of tourists daily, which imbues the entire site with a lost-world feeling.

This ancient, silted-up harbor sits in the marshlands area, six kilometers west of the town of Demre. The name of Antiochus III was linked to the town as early as 197 BCE, and it was an important Mediterranean port during the Roman era.

The site includes the ruins of an impressive granary, as well as a temple, marketplace, remnants of the harbor walls, and a number of decently preserved chapels.

Outside the walls, an extensive necropolis area lies across the northern slopes behind a nymphaeum (public water fountain), while in the site's southeast corner, two watchtowers stand on either side of a protective wall.

Luxury Hotels:

• Many of Kas' more luxurious hotels are just out of town on the peninsula, providing unimpeded coastal views. In this area, you'll find the Lukka Exclusive Hotel . Its rooms all have balconies overlooking the sea. It also has a pool and ample terraces, both with more Mediterranean vistas; a restaurant; and included breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• If you prefer to stay in town, 8 Pension is a hip and intimate boutique hotel right in the harborside old town district, with plenty of arty, creative flair. There's a rooftop terrace, with great views across the Mediterranean to Meis, and breakfast is included.
• Nur Hotel is just to the south of the town center (still within easy walking distance) and has a pool area with cabanas, a rocky seafront with steps straight down into the water, and big minimalist-style rooms with balconies facing the sea. Breakfast is included.

Budget Hotels:

• Much of Kas' more budget accommodation is located up the hill from the harbor in the newer part of town. Kas Artimis Hotel is a friendly option with modern rooms and an included breakfast. All the rooms have balconies with panoramic views over town and out to the sea, and the hotel has a rooftop terrace and small pool.

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South from Kas: If you're traveling south down the coast, your next stop should be the crumbled ruins of Olympos, which sit beside a strip of lovely sand. Farther south is the busy city of Antalya, known for its beaches and its tiny, preserved old town district full of restored Ottoman mansions now home to boutique hotels, craft shops, and top restaurants. Just out of town is the famous Aspendos ruins, with the huge Roman theater, the biggest ever built in Turkey.

North from Kas: Fethiye , with its harbor crammed full of yachts waiting to whisk you away on a boat trip, is one of the Turkish Mediterranean region's most popular holiday stops with both great beaches and ruins within day-tripping distance. From here, carry on up the coast to Bodrum for more sand and sea holiday time, or farther north to Ephesus for Turkey's best preserved Roman city ruins.

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The seaside town of Kaş is a true Turkish delight!

The seaside town of Kaş (pronounced Kaash) is a true Turkish delight! We visited for a wonderful week in September 2022, with this stop one of our absolute favourites. The town is located on the Mediterranean coast along the stunning Turkish Riviera. We were blessed with incredible weather (~30 degrees every day) and some of the clearest waters we have ever seen (rivalling Vis Island Croatia and Himare’s beaches in Albania).

The decision to visit Kas came after a strong recommendation from Tess’s friend when we were investigating where to stay along the Turkish coast. Unsure if the town was worth the effort to get to, we arrived and within the first 30minutes knew we had made a great decision! Bougainvillea line the streets, and the cute old town winds down to a picturesque little harbour. The outdoor terraced restaurants hum at night, and the cafe culture is excellent. Read on for our top things to do when visiting Kas, our favourite swimming spots and much more!

Top things you MUST DO when you visit Kas

• Swim in some of the clearest water in the world! No joke! The water in Kas was stunningly clear and very warm! Jump in off the rocks, or head to one of the many beaches close to the town, or out of the town. Check out our top swimming spots below!
• Explore the picturesque Kas old town : The old town is located adjacent to the harbour, with streets winding up the small hill behind. The town is quite small, but charming. Explore the boutique shops, grab a drink, or enjoy the great selection of restaurants.
• Walk around the harbour: The Kas harbour sits at the centre of the town, and is worth a wander around. One of our favourite swimming locations sits at the edge of the harbour.
• Enjoy the beautiful terraced cafe’s and restaurants around the harbour: As you wander around the harbour, you’ll see a number of restaurants and cafes lining the left side. We particularly enjoyed Oburus Momus. Read below for more cafe and restaurant recommendations
• Walk along the picturesque Beyhan Cenkci Cd. promenade towards Incebogaz Cinar Beach: We enjoyed the views along the promenade that snaked out of the town. It’s around a 1km walk to the beaches, and is an excellent place for a slightly longer walk (or run like we did).
• Have dinner or a drink in the old town at night: The old town comes to life in the evening, and is definitely worth checking out. We particularly enjoyed the restaurants, cafes and bars at the top of the old town hill, with the street of Suleyman Sandikci Sk. lined with cute terraced restaurants.
• Enjoy the excellent coffee culture in Kas: We were pleasantly surprised by the number of great cafes in Kas. Read on below for our top recommendations.
• Try some amazing vegetarian food (some of the best of our trip so far): We aren’t vegetarian, however we do enjoy limiting our meat intake at times. In Europe, getting healthier food options can be hard, therefore we have tended to gravitate towards vegetarian options at times. Kas had some excellent vegetarian cafes and restaurants (see below for our picks).

The BEST Swimming Spots in Kas:

• Swim off the rocks along Necipbey Cd: Climb down the set of stairs located opposite Linckia and you are greeted with stunning blue water. Navigate the rocks to the little ladder and jump in. The water is warm, calm, and you have the place almost to yourself. This was one of our favourite places for a swim in Kas. This swimming spot is also located adjacent to Leymona Beach Bar.

• Incebogaz Cinar Beach: Located around 1km out of the town, this beach is worth the walk. Boasting beautifully clear water, arrive early if you want to secure a spot on the sand. We visited multiple times, making it our regular ‘post run’ swim spot.

• Jump in off the rocks at the end of the harbour : Head to the end of the harbour and you will find a little set of stairs leading down to the water. This was a great spot to jump in for a quick swim. If you’re lucky, you might also see some sea turtles around here like we did on one occasion. We spoke to a local who mentioned it was a common occurrence in parts of Kas. This swimming spot is opposite the lighthouse and adjacent to the beach club. You can also find it just before you reach the popular Kucuk Cakil beach (small pebble beach).

Others: there are many other excellent beaches to swim at around Kas. Particularly, if you head 2-3kms up Beyhan Cenkci Cd. you will be greeted with many opportunities to swim off the rocks, and at little bay beaches. Some of these have beach clubs, whilst others are more remote. Additionally, boat tours run from the Kas harbour to some of the more popular beaches outside of the town, however we didn’t do this during our stay. Another option close to the down is Deyra Beach, located just at the end of the harbour, not far past the spot we enjoyed jumping in.

Great places to eat and drink in Kas:

Best coffee in kas:.

We sampled a few, and can happily say Linckia was the best coffee shop in Kas. We visited daily, and loved the coffee as much as the little outdoor terrace. This was also located 1 minute walk from one of our favourite swim spots in Kas.

Another great coffee option is Biiisstt , located near the harbour. This cafe had a great deck with views of the harbour, and dished up a decent coffee as well.

Fika Cafe offers a cute outdoor garden, quality coffee, good brunch options, and lovely service.

Sit and grab a coffee at Godo Cafe , one of our favourites in Kas. Located at the top of the main street, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and relax.

FOOD in KAS:

There’s heaps to choose from in Kas. We were definitely impressed with the cute outdoor terraces and restaurants that lined the harbour and the narrow alleys leading away from it. Our favourites included:

• Oburus Momus: This restaurant sits just off the harbour, with a delightful garden shrouded in trees and bougainvillea. The food is all vegetarian/vegan, with the falafel bowls a particular treat.
• Pisekar: Another vegetarian restaurant (there’s lots of great vegetarian options in Kas) that hit the mark! The smoked tofu burrito was excellent. We also loved the Japanese noodle soup and their salad bowls.
• Bijout Boutique Cafe: This gorgeous restaurant offers great seafood and meat options. Situated in the heart of the old town, Bijout offers ‘home cooking’.. literally. The restaurant is a couple’s kitchen, which sits open-plan onto the gorgeous garden area. Book a spot in the garden and enjoy the excellent food.
• L’Apero: This French-style restaurant and bar sits at the very top of the main street. At night there is a wonderful vibe around, and we loved sitting out the front, drinking a wine, and enjoying a French dessert.
• 2000 Restaurant: This isn’t fine dining, but it’s cheap! We wandered past a few times wondering why this unassuming place was so busy. On our final night we tried it and were blown away by the prices, with meals between 30-70 TRY (1.5-4 euro/$2-6 AUD).

Other things to do in Kas:

• Scuba diving is very popular with many options in Kas. The water is incredibly clear, making it likely excellent for scuba diving.
• Hire a moped and explore the coastline, including less popular beaches.
• Visit the greek island Kastellorizo by boat: Yes, you can visit a Greek Island only a few kilometres off the coast of Turkey. It costs around 30 euros from what we could tell. We were tight on Schengen days so we didn’t visit, but it looks beautiful and is somewhere we would love to check out if we return.
• Paragliding, kyacking and more are also possible in Kas.
• Boat tours to the sunken city and other beaches along the riviera.

Want to stay in Kas? What to know:

How long should you stay in Kas? As long as you can! We loved our stay! Our visit to Kas was for 8 nights, and we found this the perfect amount of time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the town. We acknowledge for some this length of time may be excessive, but we would encourage you to stay for at least 3-4 days, particularly due to the 3+ hour transit time from Antalya.

How to get to Kas: Kas is located on the Turkish Riviera, around 190kms from Antalya old town (~3hrs and 15-30mins by car) or 200kms from Antalya Airport. It is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from the also popular Fethiye. We took a private transfer from Antalya to Kas, organized through our accommodation which coast around 1700 Turkish Lira (~$135 AUD). We did investigate a bus, which is reported to take over 5 hours. After some previous rough bus rides, we decided against this, but it may be an option for budget conscious travellers.

Accommodation in Kas: There are many excellent places to stay in Kas, including some right on the waterfront. We stayed in a whole apartment in the heart of Kas ( see here ). This was within 5 minute walk to our favourite coffee shop, swim spots and more. We didn’t stay here, but were recommended to stay at Kas Otel . Its location, combined with a deck to jump off directly into the ocean makes it appear like a pretty decent option. If you are looking for alternative accommodation in Kas, take a look here or check out the map below:

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Tags: antalya , beach , coffee , dji , drone , kas , turkey , turkish riviera

Comments (3):

September 16, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Well, this looked like a true delight indeed!! Great find!! Greek island next time sounds like a great idea too!!

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30 Amazing Things To Do In Kas, Turkey In 2023 (With Video)

Sometimes your travels call for something just a bit more stylish . Who are we kidding? We all like to enjoy the finer things in life from time to time. Kas (pronounced Cash) is a beautiful little town nestled along Turkey’s turquoise coast. Compared to other beach destinations in the area, Kas offers visitors a more sophisticated but still laid-back experience. This bohemian gem is a perfect base for your travels – there are so many incredible things to do in Kas, Turkey!

We had the luxury of spending almost a month exploring Turkey’s southwest coast while slow-traveling Turkey . And to be perfectly honest, some popular beach destinations leave a bit to be desired (I’m talking about you, Oludeniz! ) . But Kas is the complete Turkish-Riviera package . Its beautiful whitewashed buildings, hanging bougainvilleas, and gorgeous beaches help you slide effortlessly into vacation mode.

Are you interested to find out more about our favorite beach town in all of Turkey? Keep reading to discover all the incredible things to do in Kas! From unforgettable day trips to epic Kas beaches, we share everything you need to make the most of your holiday in Kas. And even though we fell blindly in love with this place, I promise that this is an unbiased Kas guide!

Transparency is key on this blog 🙂

This post was updated in June 2023.

How To Get To Kas, Turkey?

How many days you need in kas, should you spend your turkish beach holidays in kas, 1. head to kaputas plaji: the most famous kas beach, 2. visit the amazing kas beaches around town, 3. watch the sunset from big pebble beach.

• 4. Stroll Through Kas' Cobblestoned Streets
• 5. Enjoy Kas' Incredible Restaurants And Cocktail Bars

6. End The Night In A Cozy Patio Listening To Live Music

7. visit the ancient antiphellos theatre.

• 8. Step Into Kas' Famous Art Galleries

9. Hike The Lycian Way Trail To A Medieval Castle

10. visit simena castle for the best views in turkey, 11. spend the day – or a couple of nights – in simena (kalekoy), 12. grab lunch on the water in simena (kalekoy), 13. snorkel or kayak in simena from your lunch spot, 14. take a boat trip to kekova island, 15. take the ferry to the greek island of meis, 16. visit the local market on fridays, 17. tour historic kas turkey and visit a farm, 18. visit the beautiful kas merkez mosque, 19. soar over kas on a paragliding adventure, 20. take a day-trip to incredible cirali beach, 21. check out ancient lycian ruins at olympos, 22. rent a car and go find your own private beach, 23. go scuba diving in kas (depending on your expectations), 24. get your adrenaline fix while canyoneering, 25. kayak over kekova sunken city, 26. cruise the turkish coast in style on a private boat.

• 27. Just Enjoy – You're Doing Too Much, Do Less

28. Walk Through A Gorge In Saklikent National Park

29. visit the ancient lycian city of tlos, 30. explore a secret waterfall at the underrated gizlikent selalesi, when is the best time to visit kas, where to stay in kas, final thoughts on visiting kas turkey.

Estimated reading time: 34 minutes

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Keep Reading To Discover All The Amazing Things to Do in Kas, Turkey!

Your Ultimate Guide To Visiting Kas: What To Know Before You Go

We spent about two hours in Kas before extending our stay for an extra week! There was an immediate sense of relaxation and bliss when we first stepped foot into this beautiful town. Hell, we almost stopped our plans of full-time traveling to move here! Okay, not really – but it was definitely love at first sight.

We enjoyed our time here so much that we think Kas should DEFINITELY be on your Turkey-travel radar . Keep reading to discover why Kas is a must-visit destination on Turkey’s turquoise coast!

Kas is located in Turkey’s Antalya region in the southwest part of the country . Like most places in Turkey, a great bus system and convenient domestic airports make getting to Kas a breeze.

Getting To Kas By Plane:

To get to Kas you can fly into Dalaman Airport or Antalya Airport . Both airports are about the same distance from town . You will need to transfer to the local bus station in whichever city you arrive to arrange your trip to Kas.

Getting To Kas By Bus:

Turkey has an excellent bus system . And considering the significant distance from Kas to any major airport, it is very likely you will be taking a bus into town. No matter where you are departing from in Turkey, you can get to Kas with a maximum of one transfer.

• Bus from Dalaman to Kas : 3 hours
• Bus from Istanbul to Kas : 16 hours
• Bus from Antalya to Kas : 4.5 hours (in a small local bus called a dolmus)
• Bus from Fethiye to Kas : 2.5 hours

PS: we arrived to Kas by bus from Fethiye. Watch that travel-day video here if you are curious about bus travel in Turkey.

WOTW Tip : you can also check bus routes and prices online at Obilet.com .

The answer to this question depends on what type of vacation you are going for. Let us break it down for you like this:

• Beach vacation : 10-14 days. We found Kas such a comfortable place for a long stay. There are plenty of activities in the area to keep you busy for two weeks (as indicated by our list of 30 things to do in Kas!). And it is also a decent base for some nice day trips in the area.
• Broader Turkey vacation : 3-5 days is enough to enjoy the main sights and nightlife before moving on with tears in your eyes.

Our experience is that many of Turkey’s beach destinations transform themselves to cater to a particular type of tourist . But not Kas!

Even though it definitely gets busy, Kas doesn’t change who it is to cater to international visitors. Instead, it invites everyone to enjoy its own unique personality. And it’s so damn charming, how could you not be smitten?!?

So if it wasn’t already clear, you should definitely spend your Turkish beach holidays in Kas!

Not sure if Kas is your kind of place? Discover if Kas, Fethiye or Oludeniz is the right beach destination for you!

Can’t wait to see what Kas, Turkey is like? Check out our vlog about the famous Kaptuaş Beach, Kas market and Kas at night!

Honest Reviews Of The Best Things To Do In Kas, Turkey

After spending two weeks in town, we experienced much of the great and not so great things to do in Kas . Let our detailed list of activities in Kas guide you to your own perfect beach vacation.

We want YOU to spend your valuable time off in the best way possible, so we’ll always let you know our honest thoughts about a location or activity,

• Price : free to enter. Sun-beds & umbrellas 75 Lira each ($3.20 US). Local bus is 20 Lira ($0.85 p/p) one way.
• Hours : local buses leave about every 30-40 minutes during the summer months. You can confirm the schedule at the bus station.
• Time needed : about a 20 minute drive.
• Ways of the World (WOTW) rating : 4/5

Kaputas beach is now THE cool beach in Turkey – Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon are so 2020. It is a gorgeous spot, but Kaputas also gets packed because it’s the trendy beach around town (can beaches be trendy?).

I personally liked the Kas beaches closer to town just fine , and didn’t think Kaputas was a major upgrade. Aimara really loved Kaputas, so this might be one of those things to do in Kas that depends on personal preference.

• Location : Kaptuaş Beach, Kas, Turkey .

WOTW Tip #1: there are showers and a large sit-down restaurant next to the beach. WOTW Tip #2: you can drive to Kaputas beach, but be aware that parking is a bit of an adventure. People just park along the side of the main road. And because of Kaputas’ popularity, you might have to park very far from the beach.

• Price : public beaches are free to enter and enjoy; sun-beds and umbrellas are 50 Lira ($2.10 US) each, at Kas Municipal beach.
• Hours : N/A
• Time needed : walking from the center of town to public Kas beaches takes about 20-30 minutes.
• WOTW rating : 3.5/5

Visiting Kas beaches is a must . Otherwise, why are you even planning on visiting the Turkish coast? Even though there are only a couple of public beaches easily accessible from the center of Kas, they are worth a visit. While Kaputas and Big Pebble beach get more attention, the city’s public beaches are still great options if you want to conveniently walk to a beach.

The public beaches located on the peninsula are İnceboğaz Çınar and Kas Belediyesi beach (Kas municipal beach) . We went to the former, and even though there are no amenities, we found it a nice place to spend a couple hours. The Kas Municipal beach is bigger and has more amenities available.

• Location : İnceboğaz Çinar Beach, Kas, Turkey.
• Location : Kas Belediyesi Beach, Kas, Turkey .

• Price : free. But if you use the loungers you are expected to purchase something from the restaurant that own the loungers.
• Hours : make a mental note of sunset time. Once it sets, it doesn’t happen again until the next day :/
• Time needed : 2 hours (depending on how many cocktails you drink).
• WOTW rating : 4/5

Big Pebble is a narrow beach where you can catch great views of the sun setting behind the mountains . The beach consists of big pebbles (crazy, right?), so it’s not the best place to lay down a towel. But grab a lounge chair, order a couple drinks, and all of a sudden you have yourself a nice little set-up for watching the sun go down.

Big Pebble has several bars and restaurants at the beach where you can grab food and drinks while soaking in the beautiful setting.

• Location : Big Pebble Beach, Kas, Turkey .

WOTW Tip: it is possible to walk to Big Pebble beach from Kas, but you will be walking on the side of a road with no sidewalks. It seemed a bit sketchy, especially after sunset. There was a ‘fixed’ fee of 25 Lira (around $2.60 using 2021 exchange rates) to take a taxi from Kas’ marina to the beach. They are overcharging, but it’s also not expensive. To return to Kas, just wait along the street for the local bus (dolmus). Don’t worry, it will be there soon.

Planning on visiting some of Turkey’s other popular destinations? Don’t forget to check out our posts about the perfect Istanbul itinerary , Pamukkale beyond just the cotton castle , and Cappadocia’s best attractions .

4. Stroll Through Kas’ Cobblestoned Streets

• Price : N/A
• Hours : shops start to open around 9 am, and the energy picks up between 11 am through late into the evening.
• Time needed : you can easily walk through Kas’ core in about an hour. But sit down, grab a coffee, and just people watch. Remember you are on vacation.

Kas is famous for its adorable aesthetic, independent shops, and laid-back atmosphere . You will find many photo opportunities of the beautiful whitewashed buildings and hanging bougainvilleas while walking around the small downtown area. If you are a shopper or enthusiastic browsers (like us), you’re going to love the many galleries and independent clothing shops.

• Location : Downtown Kas, Turkey .

Curious to see more this beautiful town? Click to watch our video exploring some of the most popular things to do in Kas!

Loving These Incredible Things To Do in Kas? Don’t Forget To Pin!

5. Enjoy Kas’ Incredible Restaurants And Cocktail Bars

• Price : craft cocktails can cost around $12 US! Food prices are reasonable, though more expensive than the rest of Turkey.
• Hours : dinner here starts around 7 pm or 8 pm. Bars close between 12 am – 2 am.
• Time needed : I’m not your mom, party as late as you want.
• WOTW rating : 5/5

Enjoying the nightlife is conveniently one of the best things to do in Kas, Turkey . Who doesn’t want to add a fun night out to their itinerary?

Don’t have anyone to enjoy Kas’ nightlife with? Take a look at this highly-rated and locally curated bar-hoping tour of the town’s best after-dark venues!

I’m sure you will see some restaurants that you just have to try during your first couple of hours in Kas. We really liked the vibe in the area around the ‘Kings Tomb.’

• Price : some spots have a small entrance fee of around 50 Lira ($2.15 US).
• Hours : live music starts between 9 pm & 11 pm, and ends between 12 am – 2 am (depending on the venue).
• Time needed : N/A

We listened to some great live music as a nightcap to our Friday evening in Kas . It was awesome to see locals and visitors enjoying the music and energy from the artists. The only reason this isn’t a 5/5 is because it seems like these types of venues are always understaffed, and it takes so long to get drinks! Some spots with live music include:

• Pell’s Kas : a Kas guide is incomplete unless it includes Pell’s. We spent our Friday night here listening to a duo singing blues and jazz. These dudes had serious talent, and they were having so much fun jamming on their saxophone and harmonicas.
• HiJazz : the most famous spot for live music. It’s located in a small strip of live-music places, so you can pick your favorite. Note that they don’t always play jazz!
• Echo Bar : another iconic live-music spot in a cool stone building.

• Hours : 24/7
• Time needed : 30 minutes is plenty to walk around and take photos.
• WOTW rating : 3/5

Antiphellos is an ancient Greek theatre that is easily walkable from the center of Kas . Even though the theatre is nice, this barely makes it into our list of things to do in Kas because we literally spent only 20 minutes there. But, it is a thing to do, and it is easy to reach. So file this under ‘why not?’

• Location : Antiphellos Theatre, Kas, Turkey.

WOTW Tip : if you have the option, try to visit during a weekday. The Antiphellos Theatre seems to be a popular drinking spot during the weekends. There were tons of beer bottles and cans lying around when we visited on a Saturday morning, which made it lose some appeal.

8. Step Into Kas’ Famous Art Galleries

• Hours : most shops will open around 9 am.

Part of Kas’ bohemian vibe can be attributed to the many artists that call this town ‘home ‘. You will find handmade ceramics, artistic photographs, paintings and prints made by local artists. If you step inside these shops, be prepared to want to redecorate your entire home. Aimara has already made me promise that we will come back to Turkey to get our ceramics here when we finally have a home.

• Price : free! You might need to pay for parking if you are walking the longer part of the trail.
• Hours : 24/7 – but a nighttime hike seems risky for the ankles.
• Time needed : 30 – 60 minutes for the hike; about an hour drive time from Kas to the area.

As for as hikes go, the one we made just barely fits the definition. But it was beautiful! We started at the bottom of a small hill and headed up towards Simena Castle. Once you get to the top, there are a number of old Lycian tombs to explore, along with incredible views of the sea between Simena and Kekova.

• Location of starting point : the Lycian Way Trail can be found at the dead-end road near Simena Castle .

WOTW Tip : you can start the walk/hike from the town of Uçagiz. Most of the walk from Uçagiz is over a road paved with bricks. There are beautiful views along the way, so if you have enough time to walk to Simena, then it could be worth it. If you do hike from Uçagiz, note that there are no taxis back from Simena because there are no cars in town. So your walk will need to be both ways.

• Price: 75 Lira ($3.20 US), p/p.
• Hours: 10 am-7 pm
• Time needed: 1 hour
• WOTW rating: 5/5

Simena Castle can’t be missed if you are visiting the town of Simena (Kalekoy) . The castle is small, and the site doesn’t offer a ton of historical context. But realistically, educating yourself on Simena Castle’s history isn’t the reason you’re visiting. Visitors go for the AMAZING views! Seeing the stunning little islands dot the coast from up here is spectacular.

• Location : Simena Castle, Demre, Turkey .

Don’t forget to watch our vlog exploring Simena! It was one of our favorite day trips from our 3 months traveling through Turkey.

• Price: you can visit the town for free. Lodging is more expensive because of the limited supply in the small town. You can expect to pay $70-140 US per night at a local bed & breakfast.
• Time needed : Simena is tiny. Exploring the entire the town can be done in less than an hour.

Simena (also known as Kalekoy) was the one that got away . After spending an afternoon in this sleepy town, we immediately wished we had booked a couple of nights there. There are no cars in Simena. Not because they aren’t allowed, but they can’t even fit on the narrow paths that cross the little town. For us, waking up in a peaceful village like this, with gorgeous views of the sea, would have been paradise.

Simena is great for everything that it doesn’t have. You can probably count the number of hotels and restaurants on two hands, and you will know your way around town within 30 minutes. When you start prioritizing your list of things to do in Kas, definitely include Kalekoy high on that list.

• Location : Simena, Demre, Turkey .

WOTW Tip #1 : if driving to Simena, the best place to park your car is likely below the castle on the other side of the cliff that Simena sits on. From Ucagiz, Google Maps will take you as far as you can go. It is just a muddy lot, but it seems perfectly safe (like everywhere in Turkey!). Alternatively, you can park for a fee in Ucagiz and take a boat, or arrange a boat transfer from Kas. WOTW Tip #2 : The lovely people of Ucagiz charge hourly for using their lots, but prices are always negotiable in Turkey. WOTW Tip #3 : try the goat milk ice cream!!! You will thank me later.

• Price : standard Turkish prices for casual dining (about 30-60 Lira per dish).
• Hours : restaurants open around 8 or 9 am.
• Time needed : 1-3 hours

I somehow felt transported to the Florida Keys while enjoying lunch over the calm turquoise water (minus the country music and rum runners) . It was so peaceful taking in the beautiful views of Kekova island and watching the little pufferfish below. Being there was one of those simple pleasures of life that made us feel like we were actually on vacation!

• Location : Simena’s waterfront restaurants can be found in this area .

WOTW Tip: there are no ATMs in town, and restaurants don’t accept credit card payments (only Turkish cards), so make sure to bring enough cash .

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• Price : free if you have lunch at one of the restaurants.
• Hours: restaurants open around 8 am or 9 am.
• Time needed : we snorkeled around a tiny island, and spent about an hour in the water.

Snorkeling from our lunch spot was one of the best experiences from our time in Kas . Not because the sea was filled with fish, but because of how unique it was. Simena has several small restaurants lined up along the water that allow you to jump in for a swim and snorkel. Some restaurants also have basic kayaks for their customers to use.

• Price : about $10 US for a standard group trip on a larger boat; around $300-$450 US for private group trips (8 people).
• Hours : boats leave around 9 am.
• Time needed: 6-8 hours

Kas’ marina is filled with boats offering tours to nearby islands, most commonly Kekova . Depending on your preference and budget you can choose a private tour or larger group tour. These experiences are highly rated by visitors and are probably the most popular activity in Kas.

• Location : Kas Marina, Kas, Turkey .

WOTW Tip: don’t book these types of activities before arriving to Kas. Shop around at the marina for the best price, and even try and negotiate for a better price.

• Price : the official ferry 30 Euros one-way ($33 US) based on the most recent information found.
• Hours : the ferry goes back and forth once daily during the high season. You can look at the schedules here when the borders open: Meis Express Ferry Official Site .
• Time needed : 6-8 hours if you are dependent on the ferry transport.

Who knew that one of the best things to do in Kas was a day-trip to another country ? The island of Meis is one of the most prominent sights when looking out to sea. It is so close that our cell phones welcomed us to Greece and linked us up to a Greek data plan.

Even though Meis is only a short boat ride away, the island is distinctively Greek! Go and wander around the small town, eat some delicious Greek food, and enjoy the beautiful colored houses.

• Location : Meis, Greece .

• Hours : starts around 9 am and closes in the mid-afternoon.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours.

We loved visiting Turkey’s local markets . Especially when we have our own kitchen to stock-up on delicious (and cheap!) local produce. Kas market is a great place to have a local breakfast of gozleme (Turkish pancakes/crepes), and then wander around the different stands.

Everyone at the market is so friendly, and it’s so much fun to buy a few things just so you can interact in broken Turkish and English. Also, you get to support local farmers this way!

• Location : Kas Market, Turkey .

WOTW Tip : the olives in Turkey are delicious, and the shops let you sample them before you buy. You basically have an olive buffet in front of you. Take advantage!

• Price : $54
• Hours : 12 pm-2:30 pm.
• Time needed : 2.5 hours.

We consider this gorgeous town more of a lifestyle destination. That said, there are also cultural and historical things to do in Kas, Turkey, perfect for mixing things up between chilled-out days at the beach. Case in point: this highly-rated and super unique tour around Kas.

This experience conveniently hits all the key historical sites in the city before ending with a home-cooked meal at a local farm. This is a fantastic activity for anyone who loves to have a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

Note: this Kas activity wasn’t available at the time of our visit in September 2021. So we can’t vouch for the quality ourselves. But it does have a nearly perfect 4.95 star rating 😎

• Time needed : 30 minutes.

If Kas is your only stop in Turkey, then it could be worth exploring its beautiful mosque. While most travelers likely won’t have visiting a mosque in their plans of things to do in Kas, it is a nice stop away from the touristy center. And after all that time on the beach, you might be in the mood for something a little more cultural.

Kas Merkez Mosque is just a short walk from the center of town, and like many mosques, the details are gorgeous. Feel free to visit the inside to see the ornate chandelier and beautiful details. Just remember to take your shoes off before you go in!

• Location : Kas Merquez Mosque .
• Price : $150-$200
• Hours : we saw people flying throughout the day, so several flight times should be available depending on weather.
• Time needed : about 2 hours between pick-up and landing.

We did not go paragliding from Kas . Instead, we chose to go from the world-famous paragliding destination in Oludeniz. If you want the absolute best paragliding experience, then you will have to make the trip to Oludeniz. If you don’t want to make the trip all the way to Oludeniz, paragliding in Kas is a great Plan B.

We loved paragliding so much, so definitely go for it! Either in Kas or Oludeniz.

Read our post about paragliding in Fethiye for info & tips. And watch our video paragliding over the Blue Lagoon to check out what it’s really like 🙂

• Price : free
• Time needed : about a 2 hour drive from Kas, plus desired beach time.

Our personal Kas guide, Mustafa, recommended renting a car and visiting beautiful Cirali (pronounced ‘Chirali’). We are grateful for his recommendation because Cirali is out-of-this-world beautiful . There are lush mountains that lead directly to the clear blue waters creating the most magical setting.

Cirali is a rustic town with some lodging and restaurant options along the beach, but the setting is absolutely stunning. Like Kalekoy, Cirali is a place we wished we had stayed a couple nights to just relax and wake up to this pristine beach. Oh well, definitely next time!

• Location : Cirali Beach, Antalya, Turkey .

Want to see more of beautiful Cirali Beach? Take a look at the vlog from our day trip to one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey!

• Price: technically 180 Lira ($7.70 US), which you might have to pay if you enter from the street. However, we somehow managed to waltz in for free by accessing from the beach..
• Time needed : 1-2 hours.

Seeing the ancient Lycian ruins of Olympos directly from the beach is an impressive sight . These Lycians had great taste building their cities right next to some of the best beaches in all of Turkey! Our favorite part was bumping into different parts of the ancient city while walking through the forested area. The forest has reclaimed much of the ruins, which we thought added some character to Olympos.

• Location : beach access point to Olympos ruins .

WOTW Tip #1 : the ruins can be accessed from Olympos beach, about a 15-minute walk from Cirali beach. WOTW TIP #2: even though Cirali and Olympos beach are effectively the same beach, Olympos beach definitely has more of a party atmosphere. The town of Olympos is known as a popular backpacker stop. On the other hand, Cirali is said to attract older and ‘free-spirited’ (can we say hippie?) individuals.

• Price: about $40/day for renting an automatic car.
• Time needed : about an hour east of Kas is when you will start seeing these road-side beaches pop up.

The drive from Kas to Cirali or Olympus will take you past countless little beaches where you can just pull off the side of the road and find your way down . You have to be a little adventurous because the trails aren’t always perfectly obvious. But you might just have a little private beach to yourself if you are up for the adventure.

WOTW Tip : it might seem sketchy to pull over on the side of a relatively busy highway and hike down to the unknown, but trust us, it is totally possible. Most of these unexplored Kas beaches are found at curves in the road, and there is usually an area a little bit away from traffic where you can safely park your car. Don’t look for parking spots, there aren’t any!

• Price: 400 Lira for 2 dives per person ($45 US).
• Hours: dive times were 9 am and 2 pm. The 9 am option offers two dives, while the 2 pm option is only one.
• Time needed: many dive sights are very close to the marina, so it only takes about 20-30 minutes to get to the site sailing at a leisurely pace. For our 9 am dive we left the marina by 9:30 am and returned around 2 pm.
• WOTW rating: 2/5

Let me start by saying that we had a great day scuba diving in Kas . And since we were both only recently certified, we were happy to have the opportunity to refresh our dive skills. That being said, there were virtually no fish in the sea, but we did see one small turtle in the distance. Our second dive took us to some narrow cliffs, which were pretty cool, but again, not much marine life.

The dive boats have many instructors, and we had our own dive guide for a group of 4 divers. We are fairly inexperienced divers, so we really appreciated the extra attention. There are only good things to say about the level of service we received scuba diving with Sub Aqua diving in Kas . Unfortunately, we can’t say great things about the level of marine life.

Curious to see what Kas is like underwater? Take a look at our video about scuba diving in Kas!

• Price: $55 p/p.
• Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm.
• Time needed: 8.5 hours.

This might be the most physically demanding of all the 30 things to do in Kas, Turkey. Canyoneering is a full day of action-packed adventure where thrill seekers repel down canyon walls, jump into ice-cold pools of mountain water, and trudge through narrow streams. All in the name of fun!

Canyoneering excursions visit nearby Cyprus Canyon and can be booked with Xanthos Travel.

• Price: $40-90 US depending on the tour. You are paying for the quality of your guide and kayak. We usually find that it’s worth paying for quality when on a guided tour. Learning is fun! And cheap kayaks are not 🙁
• Hours: from Kas you are will get picked up between 8-9 am.
• Time needed: many tours are up to 8 hours, and include early pick-up from Kas and lunch.

How cool does it sound to kayak over an ancient Lycian ruin that you can see through the calm and clear water? Well this popular Kekova kayaking experience allows you to do just that! Kayak tours over the sunken city are often a combined tour that includes a stop at the popular Kekova island.

Guides have a wealth of local knowledge, so you can learn about the region’s amazing history while kayaking over some of the most transparent water you’ll ever see.

WOTW Tip : Kekova’s sunken city is protected, so you will not be allowed to exit the kayak to snorkel over the ruins. You will be viewing the underwater ruins from the kayak.

• Price: prices for private cruises vary wildly.
• Hours: up to you.
• Time needed: 7-8 hours.

These luxurious private boating experiences are definitely a splurge. Needless to say, we didn’t take part in this particular activity. But we could totally see how enjoying this stunningly beautiful coast from the comfort of your own boat could a nice thing to do while visiting Kas, Turkey.

Here are the highest-rated private boat excursions from Kas :

• Private sailboat cruise with captain and chef! ($1,095)
• Luxury day tour on gorgeous 55 foot traditional yacht. ($865)
• Classic private yacht tour of Kekova and secluded bays. ($589)

27. Just Enjoy – You’re Doing Too Much, Do Less

Is it just me, or is doing nothing one of the best things while on vacation? Sit back at your apartment or hotel (hopefully with a view), grab a drink, read a book, and just enjoy the sweet feeling of being in the Mediterranean. Enjoying some sunset drinks was one of our favorite things to do in Kas. #blessed

28-30: Day Trips From Kas To Saklikent National Park, Tlos Ancient City And A Secret Waterfall

Kas is a perfect base for an extended stay on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast because it’s close nearly all the major attractions in the area . This includes destinations like Saklikent National Park and Tlos that are often explored by travelers visiting Oludeniz or exploring Fethiye.

We wrote about these 3 activities in a post about the best things to do in Fethiye . Head there to see detailed descriptions of each, along with ratings and price.

• Location : Saklikent National Park, Mugla, Turkey .

Saklikent National Parks is one of the most popular day trips for people visiting Fethiye and Oludeniz. Organized tours are now also available from Kas! A visit to this gorge an exciting day-trip option from to explore if you’re visiting Kas for a longer period.

• Location : Tlos, Fethiye, Turkey .

Tlos are a beautiful set of Lycian ruins located a short distance from Saklikent National Park. We totally thought this was a worthwhile addition to our excursion away from the coast.

• Location : Gizlikent Waterfall, Mugla, Turkey .

Gizlikent is only a stones-throw from the more popular Saklikent. And while it isn’t as impressive, we had a more enjoyable time at Gizlikent because of the lighter crowds.

Most people visit Kas for activities on the Mediterranean, sandy beaches, and warm evenings spent relaxing at beautiful restaurants and rocking live-music spots . Obviously, having nice weather is essential for njoying these things to do in Kas. With that in mind, here are the best times to visit Kas:

• High-season (June – September ): we visited in the middle/end of September. It was a great combination of warm weather and being fun busy, but not too busy. We heard that early September was still packed with people. So factor in your tolerance for crowds when deciding when to visit Kas.
• Shoulder season (April – June) : shoulder season is a great time to beat the crowds, but Kas won’t get ‘warm’ until May. Likewise, water temperatures will be chilly until at least June, so your favorite Kas beaches might be best experienced from shore.
• Shoulder season (end September – November) : during this period, days are still warm, though nights start to cool off. Expect lighter crowds in October and November and a slightly higher chance of rain.
• Winter (November – February) : nighttime temperatures get pretty chilly, and water temperatures are cold for non-Canadians. Many things to do in Kas slow down during this season, and many hotels, restaurants, and activities close shop.

WOTW Tip: when we visit Kas again, it would ideally be in early October. The air and sea temperatures are still warm, and the crowds are smaller, but not too empty that it kills Kas’s lively atmosphere.

This town doesn’t have any major hotel chains, but there are some epic places to stay in Kas . Popular lodging options include boutique hotels, apartment rentals or guesthouses (pansiyon in Turkish).

But even though the town is small, not every lodging option will give you the same access to all the things to do in Kas. Consider the following areas when deciding where to stay in Kas:

• Kas peninsula : if you look at a map of Kas , there is a big peninsula jutting out into the sea. From the tip of this peninsula to the center of Kas is a 1 hour walk! If you are on the east side of the peninsula you will miss Kas’ famous sunsets, and on the west side you will get some of the only unobstructed sunset views from Kas.
• The center of town : obviously convenient, and definitely cool, there are many boutique hotels in this area for you to stay at. The only missing elements from this part of town are direct sunset views and potentially some peace and quiet.
• ‘ The mountain’ : this is where we stayed in an Airbnb, and there are many apartment rentals in this area. The reason I named this area ‘the mountain’ is because there is a steep hill that you need to climb to reach the apartments. The views are worth the hike, but it also really, really sucked dragging our luggage up and down ‘the mountain’. (You can avoid this by taking a cab when you arrive/leave Kas)

I am typing this from eastern Turkey , about a month after we left Kas . Aimara, literally just yelled from our hotel bedroom: ‘why did we ever leave Kas!’. After a few rough travel days, it’s easy to miss one of our favorite places in Turkey.

Looking back, I would describe Kas as a great vacation spot. But it is not a travel destination where you will necessarily expand your perspectives of our diverse and fascinating world. We love Kas for everything that it was, and we are sure that it stay true to itself. So thanks for that beautiful little Kas. We know we will see you again soon!

Thanks for reading!

Have any questions about visiting wonderful Kas? Ready to head to one of our favorite spots Turkey? Send us any questions or comments below, or DM us on Instagram!

Ready To Plan Your Turkey Adventures? Read These Posts Next:

• Turkey : Ultimate Guide To Exploring Turkey: Highlights, Best Cities & More!
• Cappadocia : 21 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting Cappadocia, Turkey
• Pamukkale : 37 Things Nobody Tells You About Pamukkale
• Konya : 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Konya, Turkey

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4 thoughts on “30 Amazing Things To Do In Kas, Turkey In 2023 (With Video)”

This blog is absolutely amazing with so much details that actually help us to organise our trip. We are going to Turkey For the first time (in August) and we are spending a total of 17 days. We want to visit a maximum of 4 places and you totally sold us Kas! ☺️

Thank you for putting it all together with smallest of details !

Thanks for this great list! I visited Kas last year and I absolutely loved it. Reading this makes me want to go back again!

Thanks Lena! We can not wait to go back to Kas. One of our favorite places in Turkey!

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The Complete Guide To Kas, Turkey (Kaș)

Out of the many times I’ve been to Turkey I have to say it wasn’t until my most recent trip that I absolutely fell in love with a city. Sure Istanbul is metropolitan with great cuisine, and Cappadocia is always great for first timers, and even the package resorts of Antalya have their charms. But Kas was the first city in Turkey I didn’t want to leave. In fact, I fell so in love with Kas that I scrapped the next two cities on my trip and just stayed here longer to create a more detailed and complete guide to Kas.

If you’re looking for a chill beachside city with a bohemian atmosphere and unpretentious people, then Kas is the place for you. The city is built on a hill overlooking beautiful turquoise water, and even has a view of the charming Greek island Kastelorizo.

How To Get To Kas

Kas is a town that lies on the Mediteranean coast in southwest Turkey. There is no airport in this city and the easiest way to get to Kas, other than driving yourself, is by bus from Antalya or from Dalaman 

How To Get From Antalya To Kas

Antalya is a big tourist destination, therefore there is quite a large international airport. From the airport you can take a taxi for about 100 TL to the bus station (Otogar). There, just find an information table and ask where the buses to Kas are parked. You usually don’t need to buy a ticket at the cashier, the driver will collect money himself on the bus. The bus from Antalya to Kas costs around 40 TL per person. And although on Google it shows that the drive to Kas takes just 3 hours, the drive on a bus will take 4 – 4,5 hours due to all the stops it takes. 

From Dalaman To Kas

Dalaman is another city that you can fly into if you need to get to Kas. Dalaman airport is quite small, and there are not a lot of flights per day, but it is located closer to Kas than Antalya. From Dalaman airport you can book a shuttle to Kas for 100 TL. It is a bit more than from Antalya, but the drive is just 2 hours long, so I think it is really worth it.

Click here or here to see where you can book a transfer from Dalaman to Kas

The Best Time To Visit Kas

Kas is a working town, therefore there are not a lot of foreigner tourists, even in the high season. However, if you are hoping for empty beaches and always available restaurant tables you will be disappointed. 

Kas is a very popular vacation spot for local tourists and it can get crowded during the high season as well. So, if you are looking for warm weather with no big crowds, the best time in Kas would be shoulder season. This being from the middle of April to the middle of June and from September to the end of October. Although you need to know that the sea is quite cold in these months and it can ruin your beach time if you are just looking to swim. 

Where To Stay

Kas is a small city that has no fancy chain hotels like the Hilton or the Four Seasons, however it has many cute boutique hotels and cozy AirBnBs. 

We chose to stay at a spacious apartment with a great view. And one piece of advice that I wish someone gave us when we were booking our apartment – is that Kas is very hilly and such a view means that we  probably will be at the top of a hill. Worth it!

After walking up the hill the first time, we decided that we are never going to do that again. We basically climbed vertically, that is how steep those hills are. So if you are not planning on renting a car or taking a taxi every time you leave your apartment, you need to book something closer to Kas’ marina. 

Where To Eat & Drink

One of the many great things about Kas is that there is a good variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes. There wasn’t a day that we didn’t eat delicious food at one of many cozy restaurants. 

Here is a list of my 5 favorite places I ate at in Kas. For the full review of every place I ate at and my more detailed reviews, read: Kas Restaurant Guide. 

Pell’s restaurant is a great place to have your breakfast. We were recommended to go here by a local, and boy, oh boy was it a great advice. The restaurant serves one of the best breakfasts I have tried in Turkey. 

We ordered two different sets of breakfast, savory and sweet along with a few coffees. First of all, coffee was great and second and the most important our breakfast was a delicious art creation. 

The sweet consisted of thin waffles with about a dozen different spreads/sauces/fruit toppings, along with some nuts and seeds. The savory was a lot of meat and eggs. 

Address: Andifli, Topçu Sk. No:20, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Hours: Every day except Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM (due to quarantine, hours can change)

Price: savory set – 90TL, sweet set – 80 TL

Noel Baba Cafe & Bistro

Noel Baba Cafe is located in the main square in Kas and usually pretty crowded, which is why it wasn’t our first choice in a search for breakfast. Nevertheless, I am glad that day we were super indecisive and after some time of not choosing a location I pointed to this cafe and said that we are going to eat here.

Although the place is located in the very center of the tourist zone, the prices were reasonable and our food was great. We ordered a big Turkish breakfast for two and ended up with so much food that we couldn’t finish. Luckily we did this Turkey trip with a friend from NYC who might as well be a leftovers disposal unit. There were toasts, eggs, sigara borek, gozleme (pancakes with cheese), two types of sausages, vegetables, different types of jams and honey, cheese, olives and other things. 

Address: Andifli, Cumhuriyet Meydanı No:16, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Hours: Every day from 8 AM to 12 AM (due to quarantine, hours can change)

Price: Turkish breakfast for two- 120 TL

Hideaway Bar&Cafe

Hideaway is a cozy bar that has an entry from the main square, but it is nicely hidden in a closed courtyard from crowds that cross this square. 

This place reminded me of a lot of bamboo bars in Bali or Thailand. Same relaxing vibe, same kind of people. It is a great place to get a cocktail or two and prices are reasonable for being in the center.

Address: Kalkan, Cumhuriyet Meydanı 16/A, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Price: strong cocktails – around 70 TL

Keyf-i dem is a great dinner place. The restaurant is located next to the marina and it has a nice view of it as well. The interior reminds me of Greek island restaurants (no wonder there, Greece is just 7 km away). 

The restaurant serves a great selection of seafood and meat. We actually loved the atmosphere of this place as well as the food, and it’s the only dinner place in Kas we went to twice during our stay.

Address: Andifli, Hükümet Cd. no 4, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Hours: Every day 9 AM to 12 AM (due to quarantine hours can change)

Nur Pastaneleri Kaş Bayii

Nur Pastaneleri is a great dessert shop. They always have fresh Turkish desserts, including “cold baklava” (the best baklava I have ever tried), and Kas’ specialty “burnt ice cream”.

Even if you aren’t usually a dessert person, I still suggest you come here to try the ice cream. You’ll either love it or hate it.

Address: Andifli, Atatürk Blv., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Hours: Every day 7 AM to 11 PM (due to quarantine hours can change)

Price: burnt ice cream – 4 TL per portion, baklava – 115 TL per kilogram.

How To Rent A Car in Kas

Renting a car in Kas is quite easy. You just need to find a renting office (there are a lot of them in Kas), bring your driver’s license, your passport, and of course money.

It took us about 30 minutes to organize everything (it would take less if we knew how to drive a stick, they had to call around for an automatic). Price depends on how many days you rent the car and what type of car you want. For an automatic Renault sedan we paid 300 TL ($35) a day. 

Public Transportation

Kas is quite a small city and as there is no need to take a public bus inside the town, there aren’t any. However Kas has a bus station where you can take buses to neighboring cities and towns. 

Bus system in Turkey is quite good and pretty cheap, so it is quite easy to travel around Turkey on public buses. 

If you booked your accommodation up the hill and are looking for an easy way to get home from the marina, your options are to take a taxi ( 20 TL to anywhere with Kas), or to rent a car and drive yourself. 

Things To Do In Kas, Turkey

Walk around the bohemian streets of kas city center.

• Visit Kaputas (The Beast Beach In Kas)
• Take A Boat Taxi To Bilal’s Beach 

Taste Kas’ Special Burnt Ice Cream  

Souvenir shopping at the local market.

• Visit Simena Kalesi and Take a Kayak Around The Sunken City
• Explore The Ancient City Of Xanthos
• Relax At Oludeniz Plaj And Experience Paragliding  
• View The Abandoned City Of Kayakoy
• Check Out The Rock Tombs Of The City Of Telmessos
• Patara Day! Visit Patara Beach, Patara Ancient City, And Patara Sand Dunes
• Book A Boat Tour Around The Region 

Take A Day Trip To Greek Island

• Scuba Diving 

Kas is quite a small city, but undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Turkey. Unlike Antalya, Kas is not as big of a tourist destination. There are not many all inclusive resorts littering the promenade, which means almost no all-inclusive tourists. The city caters mostly to local tourists and all that authenticity of a working fishing village is still present today. 

The center of the city is full of cute colorful buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. As I always say, the best way to explore the city is to get lost and happen upon something unexpectedly wonderful like a cozy cafe, cute store, or a lovely street full of flowers. 

Out of all the places I’ve been to in Turkey (a lot) I have to say Kas is the most bohemian. Locals are much more relaxed and pushy shopkeepers are nonexistant. People are casual and unpretentious which leads to an overall great time just chilling in the city.

Visit Kaputas (The Best Beach In Kas)

One of the must do things in Kas is a visit to Kaputas Beach. It is located 15 km away from Kas, so to get there you can drive yourself or take a taxi. Since we couldn’t rent a car on our first day in Kas (as I mentioned this previously), we had to take a taxi to this beach. The taxi price was about 150 TL ($17.5) one way. To get back we just gave our taxi driver a call and he picked us up in 25 minutes. 

Kas has many beautiful beaches , but Kaputas beach is surely the best of them all . To get to the beach you will have to take a long staircase down the steep and pretty tall cliff. At the bottom you will see a big cafe, or rather a food court, since there are a few vendors that offer you food and drinks. 

On the beach there are many sunbeds and umbrellas that you can rent. Unfortunately for us, we came too late (around noon), so all the umbrellas were rented. We didn’t see the point of renting just sunbeds, so we just placed our belongings on the beach towels on the sand. Oh yeah, this place has a sand beach instead of pebbles, which is pretty rare in Turkey. 

The best thing about Kaputas beach is the color of the water. Oh, it just takes your breath away as soon as you see it from the road. The turquoise water is crystal clear and very refreshing. I didn’t even see any jellyfish or seaweed (I hate jellyfish). 

By the way, on the way back to Kas, our driver showed us a hidden small beach that was a miniature copy of Kaputas beach. He also asked us to keep the location a secret, so I cannot tell you where it is, but if you like quests and to look for hidden gems, maybe you will figure it out on your own. 

Location: Kalkan, 07580 Kemer/Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Take A Boat Taxi To Bilal’s Beach

As I said, Kas has many beautiful beaches. Another one that I recommend you to visit is Bilal’s beach. To get there you have to take a boat-taxi from Kas harbour. There is a booth next to the main square where you can buy tickets. A round trip ticket costs 40 TL per person. 

The boat actually goes to four beaches that are located 100 meters away from each other. In my opinion Bilal’s beach (the last one) is the most cozy, that is why I recommend it, but you can try any of them or all of them if you have time. 

All of the four beaches including Bilal are known as Limanagzi, and they are more beachclubs than regular beaches. You can get a sunbed with an umbrella or a beach bungalow. Bilal’s beach offers you a deal: if you are getting food and drinks for at least 80TL per person then the bungalows or sunbeds are free. 

The prices on the menu are pretty reasonable. We got beers for 35 TL, a fruit plate for the same price, and a feta sandwich for 30 TL. The one thing that is expensive on the menu (and actually all over Turkey) are cocktails. But if you want to have a nice time with some beers and food, it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon relaxing here. 

The boat taxi starts to pick up people to go back to Kas from 2 PM until 6 PM every half an hour. 

Location: Bayındır, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Apparently Kas has their own flavor of ice cream made from goat’s milk, that you cannot find anywhere else. And the name of this ice cream is burnt ice cream. Why? Because it tastes like something burnt: toast, chicken, milk, or something else. At the same time the ice cream looks ordinary. It’s perfectly white colour will never make you think that it can taste like something charcoal black. 

Nevertheless, burnt ice cream is Kas’ specialty and you must try it. To my surprise, our group split on those who hated the flavor and who really liked it and thought that it tasted like sweet barbecue meat. Even a local told me that no one thinks it is just ok, you either love it or you hate it. 

The burnt ice cream is quite cheap, just 4 TL (less than 50 cents) for a portion. And the best place to get it is at Nurs Pastaneleri. So, try it yourself and write below in the comment section if you liked it or hated it. 

Location: Andifli, Atatürk Blv., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Since Kas is a working city and there are mostly local tourists here, it is the perfect place to do your shopping. You can get all your souvenirs or some textiles here for a great price. For example we bought lots of towels and even a magic bag that turns into a huge beach towel (very convenient, don’t you think). Compared to Antalya or Bodrum, the prices are much more fair.

On the central square almost every day you can find many stalls with handmade jewelry, summer hats, knit beach bags, and other things that you might want for your perfect beach vacation. 

There is also a big local market that occurs every Friday. If you are a fan of local products and want to find something special, the Friday market is for you. 

Visit Simena Kalesi and Take a Kayak Around The Sunken City of Kekova

Simena Kalesi is a fortress that is located in Kalekoy village, 50 minutes drive from Kas. Simena Kalesi is a Byzantine castle that was built to protect the coast from pirates. The village of Kalekoy lies next to the Lycian necropolis, which you can explore as well. 

There are two ways to visit Simena Kalesi. The easiest one is to rent a car (around $30 per day during the season) and drive yourself. The second way is to buy a boat tour from Kas harbor. The cost of such a tour is between 150 and 200 Turkish Lira per person and this tour lasts 10 hours. 

The entrance to the fortress costs 17,50 TL per person. Inside the fortress you will find parts of the once beautiful fortification wall. The top of the fortress opens to a beautiful view of the Lycian coast. You can see Kekova island and how the turquoise sea covers the remains of the ancient city sunk due to an earthquake. 

After visiting the fortress, go down to one of the coastal restaurants that has kayaks for rent. They usually offer one person kayaks for 50 TL/hour per person. Kayaking around some parts of the Sunken city is the best way to explore this historical site at your own pace. 

Be aware of the possibility of flipping your kayak, especially if you are going too far in the deep water and the sea is rough. That almost happened to me and in that moment I was super happy that I didn’t have my phone with me or anything valuable in my pockets. 

Location: Kaleüçağız, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Turkey

Traverse The Ancient City Of Xanthos

Xanthos was the capital city of the Lycian kingdom. It is located not far from Kas, so just rent a car and have a beautiful 40 minutes drive to the ruins. 

The entrance to the city costs 17,50 TL per person, which is not expensive at all, but just so you know, the best-preserved parts of the ancient city of Xanthos you can see for free. 

The remains of the capital city are not spread as far as you may think and won’t take long. However this historical site is located on a hill, covered with many sharp pebbles, so better wear comfortable shoes with a thick sole. 

Location: Kınık, 07970 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Relax At Oludeniz Plaj And Experience Paragliding

Oludeniz Plaj (beach) is a gem of a beach that is located nearby to Fethiye city and where you can get from Kas in less than 2 hours drive. This spot is very popular in the high season, so it can get very crowded, but because all the sunbeds and beach umbrellas are separated by wooden walking paths, you don’t feel squished at all.

Two sunbeds and a beach umbrella will cost you 45 TL for a full day. The beach has a restaurant, toilets, showers and a big parking space. There are also lots of vendors that sell water, grilled corn, towels and other useful things. 

Oludeniz Plaj is not just an incredible spot for swimming and sunbathing, but also a popular spot for paragliding. Everyone who is brave enough can experience this type of sport over an amazing scenery of fantastic turquoise sea and a wide pebble beach. The cost of a flight will be around €75. People who organize such activities are great professionals with lots of experience. 

Location: Muğla, Turkey

Visit The Abandoned City Of Kayakoy

Kayakoy city was completely full of Greek people until 1923 when Turkey and Greece decided to exchange citizens. Turkey exiled all the Greek people to Greece, and Greece did the same with Turkish people. 

Turkish government sent all the new arrivals to Kayakoy city, however the people didn’t like this location with it’s small houses and rocky soil. After a while they left Kayakoy city and went to another region and the twice abandoned city turned into what we see today – naked walls without roofs, and trees growing through the floors of the forgotten abodes. 

Next to the entrance to the city of Kayakoy there are a few cozy restaurants with good prices and delicious food. We visited Antik restaurant, and really enjoyed Turkish meat pancakes (gözleme) and mezes. 

Kayakoy city is located next to Fethiye city and is a perfect stop between Fethiye and Oludeniz Plaj. 

Location: Kayaköy, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey

Explore Rock Tombs Of The City Of Telmessos

Telmessos was an ancient city of Lycia and one of the biggest at that time. Nowaday the city in its place is called Fethiye. There are still lots of reminders of the once great city: Castle of Fethiye, Amphitheater, and Rock Tombs. 

The Rock Tombs is the most interesting thing to explore. The tombs are carved into mountains, and it is not just a simple cave with a weird entrance, but a pretty big room with the facade of a palace. Of course there isn’t just one of them, but many. Unfortunately, to most of those tombs, tourists don’t have access. To be frank, the Rock Tombs of Telmesses look a lot like a smaller version of the City of Petra. 

If you rent your own car, which I highly recommend you do, you can 

Location: Kesikkapı, 117. Sk. No:3, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey

Check Out Patara Beach, Patara Ancient City, and Patara Sand Dunes

Patara Beach is one of the few soft sand beaches in Turkey. It is also crucial for turtle survival, since it is a place where they lay their eggs. Due to this, some parts of the beach are prohibited to walk on. 

Patara Beach, like many others, has a restaurant, public toilets and showers. To rent a sunbed will cost you just 15 TL, the same for a beach umbrella. You are not allowed to use your own umbrellas at this beach because of the chance you’ll ruin a turtle nest, so the city closely monitors where tourists can be. 

To get to Patara beach you will have to buy a ticket, which is actually more a key card than a ticket. With this card you can enter this beach ten times during ten days. The card cost 40 TL for a car, not just a person. 

At the same entrance you can also buy an entry card to the Patara ancient city. Patara city is a great historical site. There you can see the remains of the parliament building, public bath, the oldest lighthouse and others. Patara is also considered to be the birthplace of St. Nicolas (Santa Claus). 

To end your day perfectly, walk on the beach, or drive around to the Patara Sand Dunes. It is a famous spot for watching the sunset. People come here with baskets of food and blankets or garden chairs. There is also a vendor that sells water and hot corn (of course). 

Location: Gelemiş, 07976 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Book A Boat Tour Around The Region

One of the most popular activities in Kas is a boat tour. Such a tour lasts about 10 hours and takes you to the Sunken city, Simena Kalesi, some of the great snorkeling spots and others. You can book this tour at the Kas’ marina at any of the small stalls. There are over a dozen of them and they all offer the same tour programme on similar boats for different prices. You can find a tour between 150 TL and 200 TL per person, or maybe less if you try to negotiate. 

The boat will pick you up at the marina at 8 AM and drop you back at 6:30 PM. You can, of course, bring some snacks and drinks with you, but lunch and tea are included in the price of a tour. On every boat you get assigned seats (sunbeds) that you can choose when you book the tour. 

One of the big pluses of the boat tour is that you don’t need to rent a car and visit all of these places on your own.

Kas is located on the Mediterranean coast, 7 km away from the Greek island – Kastelorizo. On Kastelorizo island there is a small cute town that you can easily visit on a boat from Kas.  

This island has some interesting ruins, great Greek (of course) restaurants and cute colorful buildings with narrow charming streets.

Unfortunately for us, due to Covid-19, the route Kas-Kastelorizo was temporarily closed down and we didn’t have an opportunity to do this trip. Those who were lucky and visited Kastelorizo island please leave your opinions below in the comments section.

You can arrange a trip there (when it’s available) through Meis Boat Transfer, which is located right by the marina.

Scuba Diving

For those who have a scuba certificate and love this type of activity, Kas is a great spot. Scuba diving is a popular activity in Kas and lots of tour agencies offer day trips to the best underwater locations in this region. If you’ve been following my blog then you’ll know I actually just got scuba certified in Sharm el Sheikh a couple months ago!

Of course if you have experienced scuba diving in the Red Sea or somewhere in Asia, the Mediterranean Sea might not be something “unbelievable”. However if you like the process itself and want to see some turtles and some wrecks, scuba diving in Kas is a great activity for you.

The Complete Guide To Kas, Turkey

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Thanks for this great list! I visited Kas last year and I absolutely loved it. Reading this makes we want to go back again!

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20 Amazing Things To Do In Kas, Turkey

This is a guide to visiting Kas, Turkey . In this post you will discover top things to see and do on a visit to this beautiful coastal town.

Kas or Kaş as it’s written in Turkish is pronounced kash. It’s a small fishing town nestled along the southwest coast of Turkey in the Province of Antalya. This stretch of coastline is known as the Turquoise Coast (for reasons that’ll become obvious once you see the ocean!)

The pretty cobbled streets and white wash houses make Kaş a beautiful place to visit as part of a Turkey road trip or as a vacation destination in its’ own right.

But Kaş isn’t just a seaside town, it’s a place steeped in history. The town is built on the ancient Lycian site of Antiphellos and evidence of this is still visible today.

Nowadays Kas is a dynamic tourist hotspot, well known for outdoor activitis such as hiking, mountain biking, Diving, Paragliding and canyoning and more.

I have a huge soft spot for Kaş and, conveniently, my boyfriend has a house in the mountains nearby, so I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this area over the last seven years.

If you’re looking for all the top things to do in Kaş, then read on below.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

20 Awesome Things to do in Kaş

1. relax at one of kaş’ beach es.

Kaş has several beaches to choose from. Our favourite beach to visit in Kas is the quieter Büyük Çakıl (Big Pebble Beach), which is a pebble beach within walking distance of the town. The beach is situated in a beautiful rocky cove backed by tree-covered mountains behind. A Dolmus (minibus) regularly runs past this beach if you don’t want to walk to/from this beach.

The beach has a selection of restaurants who provide free sun loungers in exchange for buying a drink or some food. This is my favourite place in Kas to get a delicious karides guvec (prawns in a clay pot)

The other main beaches in Kaş are found on the peninsula. These are İnceboğaz Çınar and Kaş Belediyesi beach (Kaş municipal beach). These beaches are free to use with sunbeds and umbrellas costing around $1.

2. See the King’s Tomb

The King’s Tomb is a 4th century BC Lycian sarcophagus situated right in the centre of the old town. Located on Uzun Çerşi Sokak street, if you’re not looking for it you might miss it as it simply sits alongside the shops and restaurants. If you’ve spent a bit of time in Turkey, these Lycian sarcophagi will be familiar to you, especially if you’ve visited Fethiye or Kalekoy.

3. Explore Antiphellos Theatre

As mentioned in the introduction, Kaş is built on the ancient site of Antiphellos – a small Lycian settlement. The Antiphellos Theatre has been well restored since it was built in the 1st Century BC and is just a short walk outside Kaş town centre.

This small, renovated theatre definitely won’t win any wow prizes compared to other amphitheatres in the region such as Ephesus, Thermessos or Aspendos. However, it is completely free and a great place to visit in Kaş to enjoy sunset with the locals.

Read Next: The best things to do in Istanbul

4. Scuba dive the famed Turquoise Waters

One of the best things to do in Kaş is scuba diving as it has reefs, a canyon and several wrecks to explore. However, don’t expect the quantity of marine life that you might find in other scuba diving regions around the world.

There are several dive centres in Kaş, typically offering dive boat trips twice a day. Kaş Camping (see accommodation options below) also has a diving centre attached.

5. Wander the Friday Market

If you happen to be in Kaş on a Friday then a visit to the Friday market is a must. The market stalls, covered by canvas tarps to protect from the sun, are located behind the old bus station off Ugur Mumcu Caddesi.

The vendors have a range of local produce including a variety of cheeses, picked olives, spices, fruits and vegetables. Turkish olives are so tasty and a fraction of the price compared to neighbouring Greece. Haggling is expected here and part of the fun in visiting Turkish markets.

If you want a less touristy, more local Friday market, head to the nearby town of Demre. See more about Demre later.

6. Relax on Kaputaş Plaji

The most popular beach to visit near Kaş is Kaputaş Beach as this is one of the few beaches with white sand. Arrive early to get one of the few parking spots or catch a dolmuş bus from the town centre. The buses depart from the bus station every 30-40 minutes and cost (equivalent) $1.50. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

Sun loungers are available to rent and at the back of the beach there is a restaurant and toilets/showers.

7. Stroll Kaş’ cobblestone streets and browse the boutique shops

Even though Kaş has grown considerably over the last few years, it still manages to hold on to its small town charm. The narrow cobblestone streets behind Republic Square are a delight to wander and really come to life in the evenings.

The streets are filled with boutique shops ranging from hipster & hippy clothing stores to delicatessens and art galleries. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops all vying for your business. 

8. Visit the mosque

Kaş Merkez Mosque is located just a short walk up from the town centre, not far from the bus station. This is a small mosque so if you’ve already been to bigger mosques in other parts of Turkey, for example the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, this might not be of interest.

However, if you are interested in seeing where Kas locals pray, the mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times. It’s also best to avoid Fridays as this is the the main day for praying in the Islamic faith. Entrance is free and be sure sure to dress respectfully. 

9. Hike part of the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a long distance hiking trail in Turkey which starts in Ölüdeniz and ends in Geyikbayırı. A lot of this hike skirts the beautiful coast line and it’s possible to hike a section of it from Kas. Hiking part of the Lycian Way is a top free thing to do in Kas.

The trail starts a little beyond Büyük Çakıl beach. Continue along this road then turn right onto Cetikli Yolu and then take the first left. Walk beyond all the houses until the road becomes a walking trail. The Lycian Way is marked by red and white markers which is painted on rocks and trees.

Along this stretch there are several beautiful beaches and coves to explore, the first of which is Limanağzi. The hike to this point is 3km, which might be far enough on a hot Summer’s day. Branch off the trail to the right to head down to the cove where you can cool off with a dip in the sea. There are lots of restaurants and changing facilities at this cove.

However, there is much more to see. If you are prepared to hike on, there are two more coves which are possible to visit on a full day hike from kas (15km round trip) and you’re likely to get these coves all to yourself.

This hiking trail is marked on the offline maps app, maps.me . It is possible to take a taxi from town to the start of the trail but haggle for a fair price. Dolmus buses return to town from the road passing Büyük Çakıl beach.

10. Take a boat to Limanağzi Bay

If it’s too hot to hike you can always take the local boat across to Limanağzi! From Kaş harbour it only takes a few minutes to get across so you can spend the day relaxing on the beach, perhaps sipping cocktails from one of the bars or restaurants.

No need to book in advance, just wander up to the harbour and find the correct ferry boat. Just remember to catch the last boat back in the evening or you will end up hiking after all!

11. Enjoy sunset at the Kaş Panorama viewpoint

Located 5km from the town centre there is a delightful viewpoint overlooking Kaş. Found on a hairpin corner along the D400 heading towards Antalya, there is a lay-by with enough room for several cars. From here you can walk out onto the rocky outcrop and enjoy stunning views over the Mediterranean. This is a great spot to enjoy sunset.

Find the exact location here .

12. Walk the harbour walls

Kaş has a new marina filled with yachts and lined with a few decent bars, however there is also an old harbour with a lighthouse. This is where all of the day boat trips depart from and also where you take the ferry to the Greek Island of Meis (see later).

The harbour wall provides a nice opportunity to take a casual stroll, view the lighthouse and watch the fishermen try their luck for a decent catch.

13. Picnic with the locals at Uzum Iskelesi Cove

This is certainly a favourite spot with the locals since it’s located a little way out of town and no public transport runs here. This is ideal if you have your own transport, alternatively arrange a deal with a taxi driver in town.

This gorgeous rocky cove is a 15km drive from Kaş and a handy camping spot if you’re hiking the Lycian Way. There is no beach, so you have to navigate the rocks to take a dip in the ocean. During your time here you can walk a section of the Lycian Way, sunbathe on the rocks or bring a BBQ and do as the locals do.

There are no facilities here but there is a pop-up snack shack. You can see a video about one of our trips to this cove here .

Related Reading

• Discover the best cities in Turkey
• How to visit Butterfly Valley, Fethiye
• Top things to do in Cappadocia

Day Trips From Kas

Once you’ve finished exploring all of the things to do in Kaş itself, it’s time to look further afield as there are some amazing day trips from Kaş.

14. Take the ferry to Greece

The small Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) is just a 20 minute trip away from Kaş. It’s the main island that dominates the landscape when looking out to sea from Kaş. If you want to experience a little slice of Greek life then consider a day trip over to Meis. You can wander the town, soak up the atmosphere around the pastel-coloured harbour and dine on Greek food.

Ferries depart Kaş at 9.50am and return at 3.30pm and cost 30 Euros. Reserve your spot the day before at the booking office in town or online here .

15. Kayak over the sunken city of Kekova

An awesome day trip from Kaş, is a kayaking or boat trip over the sunken city of Kekova. Kekova was a Lycian city that was once attached to the land, but after several earthquakes it sunk 6 meters below the sea.

No diving is allowed in this region so one of the best ways to see this sunken city is to kayak over the top of it.

We did a really good trip with  Bougainville travel . From their office in the centre of Kaş, you will be taken by minibus to Üçagiz which is where the kayaking starts. You will kayak over the city, visit some sarcophagi, several bays and hike to a Simena Castle and necropolis. The tour takes most of the day and includes lunch in Kaleköy village. We enjoyed this day as it was a great mix of history and action!

For more information on Blue Cruises around the Turkish Coast, take a look at this article !

16. Spend the day at Üçagiz  and Kaleköy 

Üçagiz (Kaleüçağiz) village is like a mini version of Kaş. It has delightful cobblestone streets with pretty old stone buildings. To the east of the town there is a walking trail which explores a series of sarcophagi and a section of sunken sea wall, and along the seafront there are delightful restaurants serving fresh seafood. From here you can also take boat trips to Kaleköy and around Kekova Island.

If you didn’t do the Kekova kayak or boat trip, after exploring Üçagiz continue along the road to Kaleköy, which is built on the ancient city of Simena. Here you can explore the castle, visit the theatre and necropolis before heading down to the shoreline for a refreshing drink at the cafe.

17. Visit Demre and the ancient city of Myra

As mentioned earlier, Demre has a fabulous Friday market with lots of fresh produce, however it is most well known for the archaeological site of Myra. At Myra you can see some of the best Lycian tombs in the region as well as a fairly intact amphitheatre.

Demre is also the location of St Nicholas’ Church, which is believed to be the final resting place of St Nicholas aka Santa Claus and a popular pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.

Demre is 48km east of Kaş along the D400. An hourly Dolmus runs from Kaş bus station to Demre. For more information on visiting Demre, see this guide .

18. Escape the crowds at Arykanda

Arykanda is Greco-Roman archaeological site located 72km northeast of Kas and a hidden gem of Turkey . Since this ruin is a long way from Antalya or Fethiye, it doesn’t receive the crowds that other ancient sites do which means you can explore in relative peace, enjoying the beautiful mountain views as you do.

Arykanda was also known as the party town of the Lycian civilisation and as you wander the site you can see a stadium, theatre, odeon, agora and the largest bath complex in Lycia. Arykanda is built onto the side the Akdağ hillside over 5 terraces, so wear comfortable shoes to explore this site.

19. Cool off in Saklikent Gorge

If you’ve already visited Fethiye or Oludeniz, you’ve probably been to Saklikent Gorge already. However, if you haven’t then taking a day trip to this impressive canyon national park is well worth the effort. Saklikent Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world and one of the prettiest places in Turkey .

The gorge is filled with water which starts off ankle-deep at the entrance before becoming thigh deep towards the furthest walkable point, which culminates in a beautiful waterfall. This shady gorge is perfect for cooling off in the hot summer months and there are plenty of facilities and cafes at the entrance.

Consider joining a 4WD tour like this one , which visits Patara, Kaputas beach, Xanthos ancient city as well as exploring the gorge itself. Don’t forget to take water shoes to navigate the watery gorge.

20. Explore Olympos

Olympos is home to a beautiful sandy beach backed by some ancient Lycian ruins. Olympos is a 2 hour drive from Kaş so whilst it is possible as a day trip, I would recommend spending the night here. The town has a selection of tree houses so you can may your inner child happy through spending a night in a tree house. Spending the night here also allows for the best viewing of the Chimaera flames – the naturally occurring cluster of flames that constantly burn from the rocks on Mt Olympos.

Exploring Beyond Kas

Even further afield from Kaş you have the popular holiday resorts of Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Antalya . You also have the famous travertines of Pamukkale and the longest beach in Turkey, Patara. For more information on a road trip that includes these destinations, see this post.

For more information on day trips from kas see this post Spoiler alert – it contains information on discovering the true identity of Santa Claus!

Where to Eat in Kas

There are so many places to eat in Kaş it’s a little overwhelming so I’ve narrowed it down to my favourite three.

Lily’s Corner – amazing, hand-made pizza and pasta and a selection of craft beers. Yep, Craft beers in Turkey!!

Smiley’s – the best place in town for yummy local seafood.

Ora Secret Garden – slightly hidden as the name suggests, this quiet spot is our favourite for Turkish classics such as güveç, kebabs or alinazik. For more information about the basics of Turkish Cuisine, check out this post.

Where to Stay in Kas

The Ani Motel and Hostel is popular with backpackers on a budget since it offers dorm style rooms, free breakfast and is centrally located

Whilst this might not be the cheapest place to camp, it’s location is top notch. Just a short walk from the town centre, Kaş Camping has its very own private coastline.

The campsite offers bungalows and more simple beach huts if you want to upgrade from a tent. Included in the fee is access to the sun beds where you can relax and take a dip in the ocean. It also has a diving outfit attached.

Alternatively, you can find a hotel in Kaş here.

Louise is a Mountain Leader and Snowboard Instructor from South Wales. As a former Adventure Tour Leader she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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18 Best Things to Do in Kas, Turkey – Is Kas Worth Visiting?

Discover the best things to do in Kas, one of the most beautiful resorts on the Western Mediterranean coastline. The town is the ideal combination of historic and cultural heritage, natural beauty, and pleasant weather.

Located on the Turquoise Coast on the southernmost point of the Teke Peninsula, Kas, known as Lycian in the antique period, was home to one of oldest civilizations of West Anatolia and its history dates to 3000 BC.

Visiting Kas is totally worthwhile, particularly if you’re looking for a laidback and unspoiled Turkish seaside resort with plenty of things to do, including exploring ancient sites and swimming in some of the most picturesque beaches in Turkey.

I’d never heard about Kas before until a Turkish friend told me that it’s one of his favourite places in the whole country. One and half years later I visited this adorable town and fell in love with it. In this guide, you’ll find what to do in and around Kas.

* Affiliate disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small fee if you click through and make a purchase. There is never any additional cost to you, and I use some of these earnings for my monthly charitable donations .

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to Kas – Turkey

Where is kas.

Kas, one of the best towns on the Turkish Riviera, is situated 168 km (104 mi) west of the city of Antalya (check the exact location  here ).

How to get there?

You can get to Kas by plane, car or bus/van.

The closest airports to Kas are Dalaman (148 km) and Antalya (200 km). Antalya is better connected to other cities in Turkey and Europe, so it might be easier to fly to/from this airport.

You can book your flights with  Skyscanner , the website I trust, use and recommend.

Whether you’re driving from Dalaman, Fethiye or Antalya, to get to Kas, you must follow the D400, an east-west state road in southern Turkey.

The D400 is very scenic, but also winding and repeatedly climbs high into the mountains before falling back towards sea level. Drive carefully!

There are buses and vans from Dalaman Airport and Antalya Airport to Kas and you can find the timetable and prices here .

How to get around?

If you’re planning to stay in Kas only, you may not need a car. You can use public transport, local taxis and book excursions.

But there are so many interesting things to do in Kas and nearby cities that I highly recommend renting a car. With a car is much easier and more convenient to get around. I rented a compact car for six days and paid 175 GBP.

Find the best deals and compare prices on  Rental Cars  and  Discover Cars .

What’s the best time to visit Kas?

Kas has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. You can visit the city from April to November, but the best time is during the shoulder seasons May/June and September/October.

July and August are the busiest and hottest months and the temperature can get up to 30C.

Where to stay in Kas?

I suggest staying at least three days in the city. I stayed four nights at Kas Otel, but I didn’t like it that much. The location is great, but the breakfast had very few options and the internet signal was poor.

Some of the hotels in Kas that I recommend are 💰 Sole’n Blu , 💰💰 Golden Rose Otelcilik and 💰💰💰💰💰 Suna Sun Hotel .

Where to eat?

Kas has some nice and lovely restaurants. The ones that I recommend are Cafe Barcelona, Zaika Ocakbaşı, Derya Beach Restaurant, Pell’s Restaurant , Zoka Street Food, Maya Steak House and Mezetaryen Wine .

18 Best Things to Do in Kas (+Nearby)

1 – explore kas old town.

One of the best things to do in Kas is undoubtedly explore its charming Old Town!

Featuring a maze of cobblestone alleys, quaint restaurants, cosy cafes, flowered-covered buildings, lovely squares, and many souvenir shops selling local arts and crafts, you will fall in love with this part of the city.

The most popular places to visit in Kas Old Town are the picturesque Doğruyol Cd. Street, also known as Kas Merkez, and the main square overlooking the harbour. But I suggest you find narrower and quieter streets for a more relaxed atmosphere.

2 – Take in the breathtaking views from the Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos

Antiphellos known originally as Habesos, was an ancient coastal city in Lycia. It was settled by the Lycians, occupied by the Persians, during the 6th century BC, and by the Greeks, during the 4 th century BC, who built a Hellenistic amphitheatre that boasted 4000 spectator seats.

It is the only theatre in Anatolia facing the sea and has become one of the most popular Kas attractions.

The Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos, located just 500m from Kas main square, is a great spot to watch the sunset and provides stunning sea views.

P.S.: Depending on the time of the year you can’t see the sunset from Antiphellos, but even though it’s worth visiting it.

3 – Swim in the crystalline waters of Kaputas Beach

If you’re looking for the best beach in Kas, Kaputas is the answer.

Located about 21 km from Kas on the coastal road between Kas–Kalkan, Kaputas with its impressive glistening turquoise water is not only one of the most beautiful beaches on the Turkish Riviera but in the entire world.

This 150-m long pebbled beach enveloped by towering cliffs has all the amenities you need, including chairs and umbrellas (225 Turkish Liras = US$ 8 per set), toilets, restaurants, etc. Parking is limited and I recommend getting there as early as possible.

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4 – Take a Sunken City & Kekova Island boat tour

One of my favourite things to do in Kas is to take a boat tour to the Sunken City and Kekova Island.

The boat departs from Kas Harbour, and you can swim and snorkelling in gorgeous bays with crystal-clear turquoise water, discover the Sunken City, which was drowned into the sea during the earthquakes in 141 BC and 240 AC, until you get to the idyllic Kekova Island.

Once you stop at Kalekoy (Kekova) Island, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Simena Castle to admire the breathtaking views and taste the delicious local ice cream.

• This tour is very reasonably priced, and lunch is included. Book yours here .

5 – Soak up the sun at Big Pebble Beach

Are you looking for a nice beach to relax and sunbathe close to the city centre? Big Pebble is the place to go.

Located 1.4 km (19-min walk) from Kas Old Town, this family-friendly beach is enveloped by bright green hills and features amazing turquoise crystalline water.

Big Pebble Beach boasts six great restaurants (some of them only accept cash) and is one of the few places in Kas where you can eat by the sea. The seabed consists mostly of small pebbles and if you don’t want to lay your towel on the pebbles, you can get two sun beds & umbrella for 100 Turkish liras (US$ 3.70). Free Park is available for all.

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6 – Walk the Lycian Way

Whether you’re a hiker or an occasional stroller, while in Kas you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk a section of the Lycian Way, which was once the seaside route of the antique Lycia and is now considered one of the ten best trekking routes in the world.

The Lycian Way is over 500 km long and starts from Telmessos (Fethiye) and ends in Hisarçandir (near Antalya). But no worries because my suggestion is to walk from the Old Town or Big Pebble Beach to Limanagzi Beach, which is approximately 5 km and takes an average of 50 minutes.

The hike is easy to moderate, very scenic and you walk on a gravel stones path covered with trees. But the trail gets narrow near a cliff section, and you must hold onto a rope on the side of the cliff. Don’t panic, just be careful.

In the summer months, you can take a water taxi back to Kas after swimming in one of the coves of Limanagzi (100 TRY = 3.70 USD).

• Are you also a hiker? If so, here are The Best Hikes in the Algarve, Portugal

7 – Take a day trip to Kalkan

Located 30 km west of Kas, Kalkan, a small port town, is one of the most enchanting places along the Lycian Coast.

The beautiful painting-like city is nestled beneath Taurus Mountain and features amazing beaches, a long promenade brimming with fine restaurants, and a peaceful historic centre with narrow streets and houses in the Greek-Ottoman style.

You can combine a day trip to Kalkan with Kaputas Beach or Patara and Xanthos, as I did.

8 – Follow the footsteps of Saint Claus in Patara

Did you know that Saint Claus (Saint Nicholas) was born in Turkey? Yes, and while in Kas you can visit his hometown.

The Ancient City of Patara was first founded by the Lycians and the early settlements date to the 13 th century BC. Centuries later, the city was controlled by the Persians, Greeks, and Egyptians.

During the first century BC Patara was a powerful trade centre with a spectacular theatre, an agora, and the grain silos of the Lycian Federation. Under the Roman empire, Patara became one of the wealthiest and largest cities in Lycia.

The town acquired a significant place in the history of Christianity as it was the birthplace of Saint Nicholas and where he formed his creed. Saint Methodius was martyred in Patara and the town was also the departure harbour to Rome for Saint Paul and Saint Lucas.

Patara is one of the best places to visit near Kas! You can wander around its colonnade Harbour Street, be in awe of the impressive 5000-seat Roman theatre, admire the council chamber and much more. My recommendation is to visit Patara early in the morning or late afternoon because of the heat and bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The ticket costs 200 TRY (US$ 7.30).

• Read next: Best Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece

9 – Watch the sunset from a dune

When visiting the Ancient City of Patara, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go to Patara Beach, the longest beach in Turkey.

To get to Patara Beach you need to leave the ancient city, drive towards the little town of Gelemis and follow the directions (look for Patara Kum Tepesi or Patara Sand Dunes on Google Maps).

Once you park your car, you can go for a walk along this 12-km-long beach, sunbathe, horse riding and, if you’re lucky, you can see the endangered Loggerhead turtles of Patara. But my suggestion is to watch the sunset from the dune. It’s a wonderful spectacle and a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

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10 – Be in awe of the Ancient City of Myra

One of the best things to do near Kas is to visit Myra, a prominent town of ancient Lycia, located 2 km from the centre of Demre (45 km from Kas).

The history of Myra begins with the Bronze Age settlers and during the 5 th century, it was one of the most important settlements during the Classical Period and the capital city (metropolis) of the Lycian region during the Roman Imperial Period.

When visiting Myra you can see the impressive remnants of the antique theatre, one of the best-preserved theatres in the Lycian Region , built during the Roman period with a capacity for approximately 11,000 spectators; the acropolis; and the distinctive, and yet monumental, stone-carved necropolis at the top of the hill.

Myra archaeological site is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 and tickets cost 300 TRY (US$ 11)

11 – Pay a visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas

Close to the ancient city of Myra, you find Demre, which is known as the town of Saint Nicholas. He worked as the episcope in that region and was declared a saint after his death for his helpful nature and miraculous healing abilities.

Whether you are a religious person, or not, you should pay a visit to Saint Nicholas Church and Museum.

The church was probably built in a basilica plan near the tomb of the saint in the 6 th century. It had been damaged either by an earthquake or attacks from the south in the 8 th century, was reconstructed as a domed church in the 9 th or 10 th century and equipped with beautiful frescoes and floor mosaics during the Middle Byzantine period in the 11 th century.

 Saint Nicholas Church has been attracting pilgrims since the Middle Ages and it’s a remarkable place to visit. It’s totally worth taking a half-day trip from Kas to Demre!

11 – Enjoy Kas nightlife

Kas doesn’t have a bustling nightlife such as Oludeniz and Antalya, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot have some fun after the sun goes down.

The Old Town is the place to go to enjoy Kas’s nightlife. If you want to shake your booty, you will find some nice bars with great live music. The best option is Queen Bar , but it’s also worth checking out HiJazz, Oxygen Pub and Koos Terrace.

And if you want just to sip some cocktails and people watch, the lovely and very central Café Barcelona is the place to be.

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12 – Go scuba diving

Kas is a preferred centre for diving thanks to the beauty of its bays, the rich underwater flora and fauna, the underwater caves, and the sunken ship.

The most famous one of the 30-plus diving spots is the Uluburun Batigi (shipwreck), which is located 8,5 km southeast of Kas. It’s estimated to be from the Bronze Age – 14 th century BC.

There are more than 10 scuba diving schools in Kas and my recommendation is to book your scuba diving experience online in advance.

13 – Go paragliding

If you are an adrenaline junkie or just want to spice up your Kas trip, you should go paragliding.

You will jump from an altitude of 600m, soar over the turquoise waters of Kas and enjoy a 30-minute descent that offers unrivalled bird’s-eye views of the old town, the peninsula, and the Greek Island of Kastellorizo.

Tandem paragliding is one of the best things to do in Kas and prices start from 69 euros. I went paragliding for the very first time in Oludeniz and I a much paid higher price.

• Read next: Best Areas to Stay in Santorini

14 – Visit the Ancient City of Xanthos

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site to put on your list is Xanthos, the oldest ancient city in Turkey and the Lycian capital for an extended period.

Xanthos, which blends Lycian traditions with Hellenic influence, has a  very tragic history . After a long war with the Persians in the 6 th century BC, the city’s inhabitants killed themselves and burned the city to not be captured by the enemy.

When visiting the archaeological site, you’ll find some Lycian tombs (including Harpy Tomb, an 8.87m tall tomb that is believed to carry away the souls of the dead to the underworld), the famous Xanthos Obelisk (which has the longest inscription in the Lycian language of 250 lines), the foundation of the temple of Artemis, a well -preserved Roman Theatre, an acropolis, etc.

Xanthos is located on the Kas–Fethiye road, 45 km from Kas and 13 km from Patara. It’s open from 08:30-19:30 (summertime) and 08:30-17:30 (wintertime). Tickets cost 50 TRY (US$ 1.85).

15 – Play the archaeologist

Kas is booming with history and wandering around its streets you stumble upon many ancient ruins.

In Old Town, you find the King’s Tomb, an elevated Lycian sarcophagus consisting of a lower burial chamber, a plain base, and an arch lid. On Necipbey Cd, the street that connects the centre to Antiphellos, you find a Hellenistic Temple, the only religious architectural structure from the ancient city of Antiphellos, dated to the 1 st century BC.

There are also some ancient ruins on two roundabouts at Atatürk Boulevard and on the Lycian Way near Limanagzi Beach.

16 – Take a daytrip to Saklikent

Many gorges start at Taurus Mountain and reach the Mediterranean coast, but the most famous one is Saklikent (Hidden City), one of the largest canyons in Europe and the deepest canyon in Turkey.

The waterfall is lovely in all seasons and has a smooth taste. In summer the water level is appropriate for a long walk, but in the winter the water rises too high to enter the opening.

Saklikent is also an excellent place for outdoor sports. You will find several restaurants and treehouses to have a relaxed time.

17 – Take pictures for your socials

A trip to Kas can be an unforgettable experience! Apart from learning plenty of interesting facts and creating memories that will last forever, it’s also an opportunity to boost your social accounts.

Kas has many photo opportunities, particularly in the Old Town, to please everyone. The beaches and islands with their crystal-clear waters are not only a feast to the eyes but also very Instagrammable.

• Remember that Travel is Much More Than Taking a Picture for Your Instagram

18 – Escape to Greece

Are you spending more than 3 days in Kas? What about exploring an exquisite Greek island?

Kastellorizo, one of the smallest and prettiest islands of the Dodecanese complex, is a typical Mediterranean town with cobblestone alleys, beautiful churches, and lovely stone houses in Dodecanese style decorated with blue window frames, white curtains, and bougainvillaea.

During your stay, you can go on a boat to the famous Blue Cave, take a 20-minute stroll up the hill to explore the castle, visit the renovated museum-mosque and some pilgrimage sites, and wander around the scenic town.

Kastellorizo is located approximately 7 km (4 mi) – 20 min ferry – away from Kas, which makes it a perfect escape before heading back home. Book your roundtrip ticket in advance here .

This is my list of the 18 best things to do in and around Kas. If you find something else, let me know in the comments below.

I hope this guide will help you plan your trip, and that you will have an unforgettable time in Turkey.

Safe travels and have fun in Kas.

I always recommend that you buy travel insurance! It can literally be your lifeline if something happens to you , or your luggage is lost or stolen.

Play safe and get yours. Get a quote with World Nomads here or buy your travel insurance now with SafetyWing using the widget below.

More post that you might like:

• What to Wear in Santorini 
• What is Oia Famous For?
• Is it Worth Visiting Fira?
• Best Hotels in Fira, Santorini
• Best Things to Do in Imerovigli
• Where to Stay in Imerovigli
• How to Get to Santorini
• Best Things to Do in Lindos

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Museum of Wander

Exploring Kas: Things to Do on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Meet Kas, your next holiday: The best place on the Turquoise Coast

Seaside Kas should just be renamed to Heaven. The Turquoise Coast in southern Turkey will be your heaven if you’re in search of stunning Mediterranean beaches, delicious food and laid-back vibes. And for the best place on the Turquoise Coast, look no further than the resort town of Kas. Charming Kas has some of the best beaches in Turkey, as well as fun things to do and places to see for an unforgettable holiday.

Kas (pronounced as Cash), is one of those places that Mediterranean holiday dreams are made of. The best thing to do in Kas is simply to relax, swim and forget about the real world.

Being on the Mediterranean coast, Kas has a long, hot and dry summer, which is perfect for a beach vacation. Kas (together with the splendours of Istanbul ) is why we have a soft spot for Turkey and the reason why we will return to Turkey in the future.

If you’re heading to the Turquoise Coast this summer, you should really spend a few days in this unspoiled resort town. Looking for things to do in Kas (if you can drag yourself off the beach)? Continue reading for some ideas of what there is to do in this special slice of heaven.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Quick Guide to Kas, Turkey

When did we go? July

Where to stay in Kas? Villa Dundar How long to spend in Kas? Anything between four days and a lifetime should be enough

Getting to Kas: The nearest airport is in Dalaman. Book an airport transfer to Dalaman Airport. We got a bus from Pamukkale to Kas. Special experience: A hot towel shave for the men, and spending a day at the Limanagzi Beach clubs for everyone

Where to Stay in Kas

A Stunning Apartment With a Pool Just Outside Kas

We stayed at the excellent Villa Dundar , just outside of town and we loved it. We think that most people who are looking for a relaxing break from the real world would love Villa Dundar too.

Villa Dundar is located about a 10-minute drive by scooter from the centre of Kas town. It’s right above the Big Pebble Beach. As the saying goes: Just far enough, yet close enough.

With your own wheels, Villa Dundar offers you the choice to stay and relax in a quiet atmosphere, yet you could be in the centre of town within 10 minutes.

Definitely rent a scooter , whether you’re staying in town or not. Having your own wheels will give you the freedom to explore hidden coves, beaches and back roads whenever you feel like it.

The swimming pool is by far the best feature of the property. Large enough to do laps in, the pool is right outside your front door, and you will spend endless hours in here …living your best life in the Mediterranean 😂

The air conditioning is a welcome addition to the apartment, something that you’ll appreciate when coming here in summer. The kitchen (and washing machine) make it very suitable for self-catering if you prefer. There is also a fire BBQ outside in the garden if you feel like grilling your own fish or lamb chops (or kale for the good old vegans out there).

Anna the hostess is the kindest and most caring woman. It was Jin’s birthday, so I asked her for help to arrange something special for her. Anna pulled it off with party hats, balloons and a delicious cheesecake.

We really cannot recommend Villa Dundar highly enough.

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A Pension in the Centre of Kas

Right in the centre of town, Meltem Pansiyon is a solid mid-range option if you’re looking for a guest house in town. We stayed here for our first night in Kas after arriving by bus from Pamukkale. Meltem is just a short walk away from the otogar (bus stop) in Kas.

We enjoyed our one-night stay at the Meltem. It was clean, friendly and well-located. However, we found the best breakfast in the whole of Turkey at Meltem! Every morning, a buffet breakfast of cheese, bread, baked goods, pies, fruit, fresh greens and tea is served on the rooftop.

We were really sad to be missing out on that breakfast when we moved to Villa Dundar. So we arranged with the owner that we would come back every morning to enjoy breakfast at Meltem, for a very reasonable price. Over the next 4 days, we scootered in every morning for Meltem’s breakfast of champions.

Meltem is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mid-range stay with a decadent breakfast right in the centre of Kas.

See prices and availability

Enjoy the Best Beaches & Beach Clubs in Kas

The number one reason why you should come to Kas is the beaches! Situated on the Turquoise Coast, Kas has some of the best beaches in Turkey. If you’re dreaming of swimming in the liquid-glass-like waters of the Mediterranean, Kas will not disappoint.

Kas is one of those places where you can spend the whole day on the beach. Get yourself a beach chair and settle in for the day. All beaches have some kind of beach bar or cafe, so you really can have a beach day.

Your daily routine will quickly revolve around bronzing yourself, taking refreshing dips, forgetting about your troubles and deciding what to eat or drink next.

Most beaches in Kas are rocky, pebble beaches. However, the crystal clear, warm and calm waters more than make up for that. The stunning Kaputas beach is an exception, which has a lovely sandy beach.

Kaputas Beach

Kaputas Beach is considered by many as one of the best beaches in Turkey. We agree Kaputas is pretty spectacular! Kaputas Beach is definitely worth visiting while you’re in Kas.

Before even setting foot on the beach, the views from the top of the cliff will blow you away. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best in the country as you look down over the azure and cerulean Mediterranean lapping onto the golden sands below.

Free facilities include changing huts, toilets, showers and there is also a beach bar and cafe with reasonably priced food and drinks. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for a few euros per day. Entrance to Kaputas Beach is free of charge.

Kaputas Beach is about 20 km outside of Kas, and the drive out along the Turquoise Coast on the scooter takes you past some spectacular scenery and deserted coves that you can explore. Dolmus (minibuses) between Kas and Kalkan will also drop you off at Kaputas.

Big Pebble Beach

A pebble’s stone’s throw away from our Villa Dundar, the Big Pebble Beach is another stunner of a beach that you should visit when you’re in Kas. The Big Pebble Beach (Büyük Çakıl Plaji) has crystal clear water and is not as busy as the other beaches in town.

As you approach the beach, you’ll notice the colour difference between the water’s edge and where it gets deeper. The reason for this is that freshwater springs filter through the pebbles right where the Mediterranean meets the land. The light blue water is fresh, spring water and much colder than the warm, dark blue saltwater behind it.

As the name suggests, this is a pebble beach, so getting into the water takes some balance work. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, and the friendly Mermaid Cafe serves tasty meals and ice-cold drinks.

The sheltered bay of Limanagzi is our favourite beach in Kas. Limanagzi is about 3 km from Kas, and a relaxing 20-minute boat ride (about 15 TL) from the waterfront in town will transport you straight to Nirvana.

There are 4 beach clubs at Limanagzi and it’s a place you really can (and should) spend the whole day. These beach clubs are really low-key and laid-back, just how we like it. There is no loud music or parties, so don’t expect a Turkish version of Ibiza.

From east to west, the beach clubs are Nuri, Don Quixote, Otağ and Bilal. Boats from Kas usually dock at Nuri’s first and then continue to the others.

Don’t be tempted to jump off at Nuri’s. While it is pretty spectacular with the tombs cut into the rock and the crystal clear water, stay on the boat until you reach Bilal (often the last stop, but ask the captain to make sure).

Bilal Beach Club has cosy, covered gazebos with bean bags set up around the placid warm water that looks like liquid glass. These gazebos are free of charge, but of course, it’s expected to buy at least one drink. Food and drinks are very reasonable, anyway.

Spending a day at Bilal Beach Club is the best thing to do in Kas. It is so good in fact, that we did it twice.

Look out for turtles while swimming. They love the warm, crystal-clear water of Limanagzi as much as we do.

Sundowners at the Ancient Amphitheater

The Antiphellos amphitheatre, a short walk away from the Kas waterfront and the town square was built in the 1st century BC and is still in pretty good shape today. Come here for sunset, take a seat in the top row and watch everything turn golden.

Pack a bottle of wine, or something cold and bubbly and celebrate the end of yet another stunning day on the Turquoise Coast. Entrance to the amphitheatre is free of charge.

Go Up to Kas Viewpoints for the Best View

Kas squeezes in beautifully between the turquoise Mediterranean and the rugged mountains and cliffs behind it. These mountains are peppered with ancient Greek ruins and tombs cut into the cliffs. These mountains are also home to the Lycian Way , Turkey’s most popular long-distance hiking trail.

A trail starts from central Kas and leads up the cliffs through scrubs, olive trees and forest until it reaches the Kas viewpoint. Plan to spend about an hour each way to reach the viewpoint. For lazy relaxed people like us, there is also a road up to the viewpoint, and a scooter or car can get you up there in no time.

Regardless of how you reach the summit, the views from the top are breathtaking. You’ll have a sweeping view over the town of Kas, the houses, the mosque, the boats in the marina and the countless bays and beaches of the peninsula below. The island that you see just offshore is the Greek island of Meis.

Come up to the viewpoint a while before sunset for the absolute best view in Kas.

Embrace the Mediterranean Diet

The atmosphere along the waterfront and narrow streets around the town square becomes electric towards the end of the day, as restaurants start getting ready for dinner and we holidaymakers start to return from a day at the beach.

Going around and checking out the menu of the day boards is part of the fun when deciding where and what to eat. As to be expected of a seaside town, the seafood is fresh off the boat.

For the best seafood, especially calamari, we suggest you head down to Smileys . Come early, or be prepared to wait in line before getting a table.

After dinner, head to the town square or one of the cafes along the waterfront for a portion of diabetes baklava and tea. Order a hookah pipe if you like and enjoy the cool sea breeze, people-watching and the joyous holiday atmosphere.

Get a Hot Towel Shave at a Barber

This one is a must-do for all our guys out there! (Ladies, if you’re reading this, you must take your man to a Turkish barber while you’re in Turkey). A visit to a Turkish barber is most likely the most luxurious thing for men to do in Kas.

Your barber will start by steaming your face to open up your pores to cleanse your skin. I felt like a sultan after this first step already. Next, the barber will wrap a hot towel around your face to further soften your skin. After a few relaxing minutes wrapped in a hot towel, your face will get lathered in shaving soap before getting a close shave with a straight-edge razor.

Another hot towel will be used to pat dry your face after the shave. To end off the whole experience, aftershave will e massaged into your face, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and smelling great.

You’ll leave that barbershop with a face as soft as the baby’s proverbial butt, feeling like a brand new man.

There are several barbershops in town. I got my haircut and shave at Cadde Kuafor on the main street, between the otogar and the waterfront. This place comes highly recommended!

Stroll Around Kas Old Town

Kas is a small town and is best explored on foot. The narrow streets around the town square and along the waterfront are packed with boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Unique souvenirs to buy are traditional Turkish towels, olive soap and there are even a few carpet shops. However, for the best carpet shopping in Turkey, we suggest going to Cappadocia .

Aimlessly wandering through Kas, browsing the shops, making friends with the local cats and dogs, spotting ancient tombs scattered throughout town or staring vacantly over a cold Efes lager of strong Turkish coffee is perhaps the thing to do in town itself.

Other Things to Do in Kas

If you’re looking for more active things to do in Kas, you’ll be happy to know that there is a ton of activities to keep you entertained. Scuba diving in Kas is supposed to be the best in Turkey, while snorkelling is just as good.

The most popular day trip from Kas is to the Kekova and the Sunken City. Kekova with its unreal turquoise water is also home to the underwater ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient Lycian town. The town was completely submerged after an earthquake in the 2nd century. See these underwater ruins up close by taking a kayak tour over the Sunken City.

Thrill-seekers will love paragliding over Kas, Meis island in Greece and the Lycian Way.

Best Activities in Kas

Kekova and Sunken City Tour

Snorkeling Boat Tour 

Scuba Diving in Kas

How to Get to Kas

The nearest airport to Kas is Dalaman Airport, about 1.5 hours away. All travel agents in town will hook you up with a seat in a minibus from Kas straight to Dalaman airport. These minibuses will come and collect you from your accommodation in Kas. Families or small groups will find a private transfer much more convenient and better value.

Reaching Kas from Antalya airport takes about 3 hours. Arrange your airport transfer between Antalya and Kas before arrival. Both Dalaman and Antalya airports have regular, direct flights to Istanbul .

If you’re planning on heading to the stunning hot springs of Pamukkale before or after visiting Kas, the Fethiye Seyahat bus company runs a direct bus daily between the two towns. The journey should take about 5 hours. Buy your ticket the day before from a travel agent in town.

Best Things to Do in Kas Map

And THAT is how you do Kas. We are sure you will love Kas as much as we did. Drop us a message from Kas if you really want to make us jealous, or if you have any questions before your trip.

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The best things to do in Kas Turkey

If you’re visiting the quaint coastal town of Kas in Turkey and are looking for some of the best things to do in Kas, you’ve came to the right place. After exploring this beautiful Turkish town and the surrounding areas, we’ve assembled a complete travel guide so you can do the same. Many people miss Kas off their Turkey Turquoise Coast itinerary as it’s not as well known as the likes of Fethiye or Oludeniz. You soon see that it’s certainly worth a visit!

We spent a full week exploring this traditional Turkish town and fell in love with its colours, architecture, sunsets and laid-back yacht-town atmosphere. A sleepy town throughout the quiet season, it really comes alive in the summer months as local and international tourists come to see a trendy coastal village that’s slightly off-the-beaten-path.

Read on for inspiration on the best things to do in Kas Turkey.

Explore Kas old town

One of the best things to do in Kas is simply exploring the old town centre. Cobbled streets, colourful, flower-covered buildings, and a scenic promenade set the scene for this quaint Turkish town. It attracts a lot of tourists in the summer months but has still managed to retain its traditional charm.

Take time to wander around Kas on foot, meandering through the narrow alleyways, browsing the shops, grabbing a drink in a corner café or soaking in the atmosphere of the main square and seafront. Another thing worth checking out in Kas is Kral Mezarı (Lion’s Tomb), which is a great example of ancient concrete construction from the 14 th century.

Relive history at Kas Hellenistic Theatre

‘Antiphellus’ is a Greek-style theatre that was built in the 1 st century BC and was then restored three centuries later. It boasts the grand design as featured within many ancient Greek theatres, and was able to host up to 4000 cheering spectators back in its day. It’s a must-see historic attraction in the Kas-town area and is only a 10-minute walk from the main square.

We personally recommend visiting in the morning whilst the temperatures are cooler and less people are around. You may be lucky enough to have the entire arena to yourself, posing for some excellent photos. The backdrop of the ruins against the ocean is a cool sight to see!

Pro-tip: Stop by trendy café ‘ Bun Bun ’ on the way to or from Kas Hellenistic Theatre. We loved it so much we visited twice!

Hike to the top of Sleeping Giant Mountain for the best views of Kas

The winding mountain roads of Kas make for some epic road trips. They also tend to shock you, as you make a turn and are faced with breath-taking coastal scenery. To get a unique perspective of town and surrounding area, drive to Kaş Panorama (Seyirlik) viewpoint. This birds-eye vantage point will be the backdrop for some of the best photos on your trip.

If you really fancy a challenge, you can take it a step further and hike 1-hour up Sleeping Giant Mountain. The uphill hike is well worth the reward; you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you peer down to the small town below.

Visit the Sunken City of Kekova

One of the most popular things to do in Kas is to join a boat tour and explore the Sunken Ruins of Kekova. The site is an ancient Lycian city that is partially submerged beneath the water, alongside ruins and shipwrecks that date back to the Archaic and Byzantine periods. In the same area, there’s also a grand hilltop castle called Simena and a gorgeous turquoise bay.

Most people visit the Sunken City of Kekova as part of a multi-stop boat trip. Hop aboard for a day of swimming in refreshing blue bays, seeing the nearby ruins and getting up-close to the Sunken City. Another way to see Kekova is by kayak. You can rent a kayak from a nearby town or join a group/private tour. This is one of the must-see day trips for any visit to Kas!

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Enjoy a sunset dinner in a hotel on the kas peninsula.

One of our favourite things to do in Kas was enjoying dinner or a drink at sunset. The sunset views on the Kas peninsula (the long strip of land that breaks away from the mainland town) were stunning! This area of Kas has some of the region’s best hotels, but even if you aren’t staying in a hotel here, you can still make a dinner reservation in one of their restaurants.

Arrive one hour before sunset and gaze out as the sun descends below the distant mountains, leaving a warm orange glow. It’s a romantic setting for any couple… We personally recommend checking out the restaurant at La Kumsal Hotel, or Hotel Cachet. Each restaurant provides a different view of the coastline and both serve up some excellent dishes.

Join a boat tour and explore the nearby islands

Like many of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast towns, boat trips are a very popular excursion opportunity in Kas. The marina area is full of tourist boats that depart for the nearby islands every day. They follow similar itineraries that will have you out exploring the nearby coves and beaches all-day-long. Private boat tours with a skipper are a great option for those that want an intimate sailing experience and don’t mind the higher cost.

Most tourists opt for a small group boat tour. Hop onboard and they’ll take you to a number of nearby islands and inlets around the Kas area, including Pigeon Island and Ufakdere Bay. The trip involves a lot of swimming in the refreshing waters, taking in the coastal scenery and a spot of snorkelling for a chance to see the local sea turtles. We recommend booking a tour with the top-rated Dennis Boat Tours .

Relax on the stunning Kaputas Beach

Kaputas Beach was one of the most beautiful beaches we encountered whilst exploring Turkey. This small bay is famous for its dramatic turquoise sea, clashing with the white sands to form a picture-perfect beach shot. It’s nestled between two adjoining cliff faces, around a 25-minute drive away from Kas town.

Kaputas Beach is very small and starts to get crowded from 10am, so you’ll need to arrive early to grab a spot on the sand. Take time to see the beach from the viewpoints above, then descend to the sand and kick back on a sun lounger for the day. You’ll love dipping in and out of the refreshing turquoise sea.

Go shopping amongst the narrow streets

If you want some well-made Turkish clothing, homeware, art, or a couple of souvenirs, Kas is an excellent place to shop. It’s no secret that Turkish garments are well made and of good quality, and Kas has a variety of independent shops and stalls. We found women’s clothing, jewellery and accessories to be some of the best things to buy.

Spend time popping in and out of the old town shops, buying anything that catches your eye. The streets are small and narrow, so be sure to explore them fully so you don’t miss a hidden gem. Some shops are more expensive than others and many have a ‘Bohemian’ style.

Catch the ferry to the Greek island of Kastellorizo for the day

The Greek island of Kastellorizo sits a mere 1-mile of the coast of Kas. If you fancy an adventurous day-trip to a completely different country, you can catch the ferry to and from the island within a single day. Is Kastellorizo worth visiting? Definitely! Like many of the smaller Greek islands, it has a picture-perfect town of white-washed building, cobbled streets and quaint cafes. It’s like a smaller version of many of the more well-known Greek islands.

A day trip to Kastellorizo involves boarding the Kas ferry around 10am on a morning. You’ll then travel 20-minutes to the Kastellorizo port of Meis, with a quick stop at immigration before entering. There’s plenty of things to do to keep you entertained for the day, and some visitors choose to stay overnight, travelling back the next morning.

Go for a swim in the bay, explore Kastellorizo ‘Blue Cave’ complex or sample Greek cuisine in a traditional taverna. The ferry departs back to Kas at around 4pm each day. Therefore, you’ll get almost 5 and a half hours on the island.

Take a stroll around Kas marina

Strolling around Kas marina is one of the most picturesque things to do in Kas. Rows upon rows of tourist boats and yachts are lined up, ready to depart to the seas. There’s also a long promenade of bars, restaurants and cafes, which you can enjoy at any time of the day. Enjoy a light breakfast bite with a view, sample some fine Turkish seafood at dinner-time or go for a sunset cocktail.

We personally loved walking along the promenade to the marina on an evening. At the far end of the marina, there’s a small beach and cove where you can go for a mid-afternoon swim.

Sample the lively bars and restaurants

During the day, Kas is a sleepy town that’s lit up by the hot Turkish sun. Most tourists are out exploring on a boat or relaxing on the beach. Evenings are where it really comes alive! Venture into Kas as the sun goes down and you’ll find bustling squares of tourists and locals enjoying dinner outdoors. The promenade has some excellent sea-view restaurants. Inside town, you then have an array of courtyard and back-alley dining spots.

When it comes to nightlife, Kas doesn’t have the energetic bar scene of neighbouring town’s Fethiye, Antalya and Oludeniz. However, it does have some excellent cocktail and live music bars. We personally recommend grabbing a post dinner drink in dark and moody Hideaway Bar .

Buy some handmade souvenirs and homeware at Tugra Art Gallery

If you’d like to buy some fine Turkish pottery, decorations for your home, towels or any other traditional-print souvenir, Tugra Art Gallery is the place to go. Unlike some shops that sell generic, mass production goods, every piece in this art gallery is unique and you won’t find it anywhere else. We found the designs to be excellent and the prices are very affordable.

Explore some of Kas’ pebble beaches

Some of the most well-known beaches to check out in the Kas area include Kaputas (as featured above) and Seyrek Çakıl, both of which will require a short drive to get there. For less crowded beaches closer to Kas town, venture to Big Pebble or Small Pebble Beach . These beaches are located near many hotels and are the go-to relaxation spots for many locals.

For a blissful day of beach relaxation in a less crowded area, check out Hidayet Cove Beach . This small cove inlet is more of a beach club than a sandy beach, with raised decking areas of sun loungers overlooking the sea. It’s a nice place to chill out in the sun with waited food and drink service, umbrella hire, and easy access to the sea to cool down.

See Kas from above on a paragliding adventure

The Turquoise Coast region of Turkey is famous for paragliding. Amateurs and pro’s from across the globe flock to the region to sample the spectacular coastal scenery from the air! The high-altitude mountain runway makes it a particular good place for plenty of air-time before descending to the coastline below.

To see the entire Kas coastline from the air on a paragliding adventure, we recommend booking an excursion with Fly Lycia Tours . They have excellent reviews and their paragliding trips are great for all ages. This is one of the best things to do in Kas for thrill-seekers, or those that just want to see the beautiful town from above.

Visit the Ancient City of Patara / Patara Beach and Sand Dunes

The Ancient City of Patara is highly regarded as an ancient civilisation. Its history dates back the days of Alexander the Great, with a huge Roman and Byzantine influence. Whilst many of the ruins in the ancient city are yet to be uncovered, you can still explore a good portion of the city on foot. A  Roman Triumphal Arch, ancient necropolis, a selection of temples, the Patara City Gate, a lighthouse, amphitheatre, churches and bath houses have all been uncovered.

Aside from the ancient ruins, another key reason to visit Patara is for its beach. It boasts the longest beach in Turkey, with bright-white sands and large swathes of beach that are completely unoccupied by tourists due. As such it’s a popular turtle nesting area. Right next to the beach, you have rolling hills of sand dunes, providing some unique ‘Mars-like’ views of the entire Patara area.

We recommend checking out Patara Sand Dunes and beach after exploring the Ancient City.

Discover the ruins of Xanthos and Letoon

For more ancient ruins of Turkey’s historic past, the sites of Xanthos and Letoon are must-sees in the Kas area. A 1-hour drive from Kas, Xanthos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a past that dates back to occupation by the Persians, Greeks and Romans. It features a grand theatre, traditional Lycian standing tomb, and many other ancient remnants.

Letoon is just a 10-minute drive down the road from Xanthos. This equally as impressive collection of ruins was an important sanctuary for the Lycian people, dedicated to the three national deities of Lycia, Leto and her children Artemis and Apollo. It has a number of remaining building structures that were dedicated to the family, plus an impressive amphitheatre.

We recommend exploring Patara (Ancient City, sand dunes and beach), Xanthos and Letoon in a day-trip from Kas.

Relax in a beach club for the day

Beach clubs are extremely popular in this area of Turkey. Unlike the party-central day-club that you might expect with its title, most of the beach clubs on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast are relaxing private beaches and seaside areas where you can hire a sun lounger and relax all-day-long. The Kas area has a number of different beach club options. Visit Hidayet Koyu to stay within close proximity to town. Or alternatively, drive 40-minutes to the town of Kalkan and check out Zest Beach Club. It’s more expensive than others in the area but the beachside scenery and food and drink selection is excellent.

Once you arrive at the beach club, you’ll be assigned a reserved sun lounger and food/drink tab. You can then enjoy your day however you like! Go for a swim in the refreshing sea, enjoy sunbathing with a view, or take a dip in the infinity pool.

We hope you enjoyed reading our travel guide on the best things to do in Kas Turkey. We were amazed that this place doesn’t have more recognition amongst travellers. It’s one of the best places we’ve visited in Turkey! We recommend staying overnight in Kas for at least 5 nights. That gives you a good amount of time to see everything that’s on offer. Add more days into your itinerary if you want to relax and enjoy plenty of beach time.

If you have any questions about any of the attractions we featured in our guide, be sure to post a comment below. 😊

By Ricky MARSHALL

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

Comments (4)

Great sum up of the places!! Do they speak english?? We are planning to visit in December.

Hi Ana, I’m glad you liked the recommendations! In our experience, most locals spoke English, especially in the tourist areas.

Hi! Just wondering if you know if there is a bus from Kas to Antalya? Thanks

Hi there, thanks for your question. I believe there is a bus you can catch from Kas to Antalya – we found this company: https://www.batiantalyatur.com.tr/ but it seems like there’s a fault on their website, as you’re unable to select ‘kas’ from the dropdown menu. Your best bet is to head to the bus/ coach station in Kas and ask in person there for more information. It’ll take around 6 hours via Fethiye. Hope this helps!

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Things to do in Kaş, Turkey- sea, mountains, history, and culture

This is a place where high mountains meet a blue turquoise sea, with a curving coastline and small islands beside it. The coastline is called Lycian Coast and it reveals a lot of splendid gems- magnificent coastal landscapes, hidden beaches, and ancient history. And there is a picturesque town, located amidst this beauty. This is Kaş, on the southwest coast of Turkey. And here you are going to read about things to do in Kaş (Kas, pronounce as “Kash”) and more useful information.

Table of Contents

Basic facts about Kaş

Let’s open the physical map of Turkey and focus on its southwestern part. Here, between Antalya and Fethiye, the coastline forms a peninsula, known as Teke Peninsula. It is an area with high mountains that descend directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

Now, zoom in to the southernmost part of Teke Peninsula. Here, just west of its southernmost tip, along a small bay, you can find the town of Kaş . It is a small town, established on the mountain slopes from the north along the Bay of Kaş.

The Lycian Coast

Kaş is an interesting place, but it is part of a larger geographical destination- the Lycian Coast. This is the coast of the Teke Peninsula, including the nearby islands. It starts in Fethiye and ends in Antalya. And on its course, it is full of natural wonders- steep mountains, hidden pristine beaches, and rocky islands. However, here you can find something more- the longest beach in Turkey, called Patara.

The mountains over the coast are a part of the Taurus Mountain range- Western Taurus. And the highest peak in the area is Mt Bey Dağları (3070 m). The whole terrain is covered by Mediterranean vegetation. This is also where the famous Lycian Way is located, following the coastline and passing through Kaş- a trail with ancient history. And we have to take a look at this history.

History of Kaş

People have inhabited this place for thousands of years. The first organized states here date from the Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC), when this area was settled by the Lycians- an Anatolian nation related to the Hittites. This is the time when the city of Habesus was founded.

So, the area of Kaş and Teke Peninsula was a part of the Hittite Empire, then it suffered in the turmoil of the Dark Ages (12-9th century BC). In the following centuries, Lycia remained relatively independent, just partially ruled by the kingdoms of Phrygia and Lydia. During that period, a town called Phellus was documented by the ancient Greeks, probably the Greek version of Habesus.

In the 6th century, BC Lycia was conquered by Persia. And after the conquest of the Hellenistic world led by Alexander the Great, under the Macedonian and Seleucid empires, Lycia became Hellenized. But only during the Roman period, it got its Golden Age.

Antiphellus

While the locations of Habesus or Phellus remain unclear, and obviously what is described as Phellus has declined during the Hellenistic times, a new city emerged at the coast of what is today Kaş. This city was called Antiphellus and flourished during Roman times, serving as an important port in the area.

Antiphellus remained prosperous during the early Byzantine Empire and served as a bishopric. However, its decline started after the invasion of the Arabs. During the following centuries, the wars and earthquakes gradually depopulated the city and only ruins remain.

The area was ruled by the Seljuks, and later by the Ottoman Empire. The descendants of the citizens of Antiphellus remained living around the ancient ruins, but already in a fishing village, rather than a city.

This fishing village was called Kaş by the Turks. After the Greco-Turkish war in 1923, following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the Greeks left Kaş, and Turks from Greece settled in their houses, inheriting the old Greek architecture of the village.

And in recent times, it was discovered by tourism. As a result, the beautiful Greek houses were preserved and renewed, and the town became a picturesque “old town” style place, full of art, history, and colorful local culture.

Our journey to Kaş

All of the above attracted us and we decided to include Kaş in our Western Turkey journey. We traveled by car from Fethiye, and on our way, we visited the splendid gems of Ölüdeniz and Patara . Then, we arrived in Kaş and explored the most essential of the town, including some places out of Kaş like the fantastic Kaputaş Beach.

We stayed a short time here. But Kaş has a lot more to offer. So, let’s see how to explore it best- what are the best things to do and places to see in Kaş and around it.

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Things to do in Kaş

Let’s divide Kaş and the area into several zones that you can enjoy and explore. The first is the town of Kaş itself. And then are the surroundings: the coastline west of Kaş, the coastline east of Kaş, the mountains that rise north of Kaş, and the sea south of Kaş.

Things to do in the town of Kaş

Kaş is a small town. You can arrive at its bus station or just to the town center by car, and it can be your starting point for exploring. And you can do it on foot quickly, much better than short but slow driving in the narrow streets. Walking is not only the best way to roam around Kaş, but it has its specific charm.

Walk around the old town- streets, cafes, restaurants, nightlife

The old part of Kaş is in the center, right beside the eastern marina. It is small, just a few streets that cross each other. But what kind of streets?

They are streets full of art, history, and culture. The houses are with Greek traditional architecture, full of flowers. And everything is decorated with style. You can walk around the streets and choose a café, a restaurant, or a souvenir shop.

When evening comes, this area gets full of life, lights, and music. You can choose some of the local restaurants and enjoy Turkish cuisine with traditional folk songs and dances. So, Kaş is full of charm during the day and during the evening time- taste it and dive into it!

Research the Lycian tombs

While you walk on the old streets of Kaş, you can’t miss a weird ancient construction. This is one of the Lycian tombs that existed here for about 2500 years. It is called Lions Tomb and probably belongs to a Lycian king or a noble.

There is another tomb in the center of Kaş, right in the middle of a street square. It is smaller and it is one of the local landmarks.

However, if you want to see more of the mysterious Lycian tombs, you have to ascend to the Likya Cd (Lycia Road) above the old part of the town. And here, between the houses that are beside the road, you can find a short trail (about 150 m) with a sign, that ascends steeply to a cluster of tombs, hewn in the rocks. You can identify the point on Google Maps with the name Likya Kaya Mezarları.

Explore the ancient city of Antiphellos

If you want to combine the local atmosphere with history, you can’t skip the ancient ruins of Antiphellos. Not much has left of it, but its ancient theater is well-preserved. It is built during the Hellenistic times and was extended by the Romans. Later, it was abandoned, but now is restored and the whole area around it is turned into a beautiful seaside park. No entrance fee and it is free to visit.

Try the beaches of Kaş- İnceboğaz, Belediyesi, and Hidayet

If you take a look at the map, you will see that Antiphellos is located at the base of a small and long peninsula. This is Çukurbağ Peninsula. There is nothing so special about it, but it is just a beautiful place, great for relaxing. It is a resort area, with villas and hotels. And here you can try something nice- there are several small beaches.

İnceboğaz Beach is located in the narrowest part of the peninsula (in fact, it is a small isthmus). Here the peninsula is so narrow that the beach is situated on both coasts. Belediyesi Beach is the largest beach in Kaş, located on the southern coast of the peninsula. And Hidayet Beach is the farthest one, again on the south coast. It is stony, and here is the most transparent water around Kaş- great for diving.

But there are more beaches and other stunning points at the seacoast. So, let’s follow the coastline west of Kaş.

Things to do along the Lycian Coast west of Kaş

The coastline in this direction is rugged. The steep mountain slopes descend directly to the sea, living too little space for beaches. So, there are just 2-3 beaches here. However, one of them is different, and considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Middle East! But before getting to this fantastic beach, let’s follow the coast. Road D400, connecting Kaş with Fethiye curves along the coastline, so this section is easily accessible.

Try Akcagerme Beach

This is the first beach that you can try in this direction. It is a small sandy beach, located only 4 km west of Kaş, at the coast of the narrow bay between the Çukurbağ Peninsula and the mainland. The water is calm, with no big waves here, so it is more transparent. There is a resort area around the beach- some hotels, restaurants, and more places to stay and eat.

Enjoy the famous Kaputaş Beach

Kaputaş Beach is what I mention above- the pearl of the beaches in Turkey! It is only 21 km west of Kaş. Why is it so special? Mainly due to its image. Here a narrow gorge steeply descends from the mountain and reaches the sea, forming a small bay. And the coast of the bay is covered by sand- a 100 m long beach, surrounded on both sides by the cliffs of the gorge.

The entrance to the beach is free. But if you come by car during the high season, it will be difficult to find a place to park. There is no big parking lot here- the place is too narrow. So, you might need to park your car almost a kilometer away from the beach and walk to the entrance.

Once you reach it, you just go down the stairs to the sand below. There is a nice café bar with some beach facilities- WC and showers. The water is turquoise, and it gets deep quickly- only 3-4 m inside the water and you can’t touch the bottom with your feet. Anyway, relaxing and swimming in such a fantastic landscape is unforgettable- although our itinerary in Western Turkey was filled with places to visit, we dedicated a whole day only to Kaputaş Beach.

Things to do along the Lycian Coast east of Kaş

Now, let’s go in the other direction along the coast. Here the coastline goes southeast. It is still steep and rugged and is more complex than in the west. Besides, road D400 leaves the coastline, so you can reach it only by small side roads.

Try Big Pebbles Beach

This is the first point of interest in this direction, only 2 km from Kaş. It is a small pristine beach, covered by pebbles, like many other beaches on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. The whole landscape is beautiful, surrounded by mountains, so this is something that you should try.

Explore the ancient Sebeda Lycian city

Here you will not see an ancient city, but only a few Lycian tombs, as well as some unrecognizable ruins. They are hidden in the forest beside the coast, not far from a small resort.

You can go there only by car to a small parking lot, then walk about 2 km on a trail. It is only 5 km from Kaş.

Reach the ruins of Apollonia

This is another ancient site. There were many cities called Apollonia in the ancient world and this is one of them, by far not the largest. But it is still interesting. Since it is not a developed tourist site, it gives you a feeling of mystery and adventure. It is located 23 km west of Kaş.

Explore the island of Kekova, Simena Castle, and the sunken cities

This is a large and worth-visiting destination. It is located about 35 km east of Kaş and is a whole tourist area containing several main highlights- an amazing combination of ancient history and stunning nature.

The first one is Simena Castle. It is a fortress built on the ruins of a previous settlement from the period of Lycia. And the fortress today dates from Byzantine times- it is a medieval construction. It was raised to protect the area from the pirates that often settled on Kekova Island. Entrance fee: 30 TL.

The Sunken cities

When you walk on the hill to the castle, you can see a lot of ancient Lycian tombs (sarcofagos), scattered here and there. They bring you back in time, to more than 2000 years ago when several cities existed here. They were Simena, Aperlae, Teimioussa, and Dolichiste. Simena is in today’s village Kaleköy, Teimioussa is in the neighboring village Üçağız, Aperlae is a bit further west, and Dolichiste is on the northern coast of Kekova Island.

In the 2nd century AD, all of them were struck by a powerful earthquake. As a result, they partly sank into the sea. Although Dolichiste was renewed during the Byzantine times, it was completely abandoned due to the Arab invasions. And today, all of the cities are interesting attractions, especially Dolichiste.

The sea area between Kekova Island and the mainland of Turkey is a place for boat trips, diving, playing on the small beaches, with exploring the sunken cities. All of this, along with the Simena Castle today is a protected area and famous tourist destination.

Things to do in the mountains behind Kaş

If you wonder what is in the mountains that rise over Kaş, and what views can you see from there, you can find out, and you will not regret it. Although the highest mountains in the area are not directly near Kaş but further northeast, the closer and lower ones are also worth hiking and exploring.

Hike the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is an ancient trade road, connecting Fethiye with Antalya. Its route follows the Lycian Coast, and curves beside it, following the mountain slopes and the ancient cities in Teke Peninsula. Kaş is one of its points, and today it passes straight through the center of the town. Now, this road is a famous hiking trail, more than 700 km long.

East of Kaş, the Lycian Way just follows the coastline and passes through most of the points of interest described above. But in the west, it actually ascends to the nearby mountains, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the seacoast of Kaş.

If you proceed further on the Lycian Way, you can also reach another site of ancient ruins. This is Phellos, or what probably is Phellos, since there are no clear indications that it was the ancient predecessor of Antiphellos and Kaş.

Fly from Mount Asas- paragliding

Mount Asas is located just 7 km northwest of Kaş, by a straight line, and 23 km by road. It is 1346 m high and is somehow hidden behind lower mountains. But it is a great place for paragliding.

So, if you want to see the whole beauty of Kaş and its surroundings from above, this activity is great for that purpose. There are several companies that offer paragliding. You don’t need to have previous paragliding experience, because you will fly with an instructor. The price varies between 100 and 150 USD, and you will descend to the western marina of Kaş- from 1346 to 0 m altitude.

Things to do in the Mediterranean Sea

Try a boat trip to kekova island and around.

The Mediterranean Sea and the seacoast around Kaş are amazing. You can easily see this beauty from the coast, but why don’t you try to enjoy it from the water? There are a lot of 1-day boat tours that start from Kaş. Most of them go to Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and the Sunken Cities. Prices are between 40 and 80 USD per person, or between 400 and 800 USD per boat (from 6 to 12 persons). Here are the best trips you can join:

• Kaş: Full-Day Private Kaş Islands Boat Trip with Lunch . This is an 8-hour boat trip around the sea near Kaş. It roams southeast of the town, to a group of islands called “Twelve Isles” and Guvercinli Island. You have the opportunity for kayaking, snorkeling, and more. The price is for a whole group of 12 people.
• From Kaş: Full-Day Private Kaş Islands Sailing Trip . This is a 7-hour boat trip, quite similar to the one described above, following almost the same route, just shortened a bit. Here they focus more precisely on the local food during your lunch and other snack moments. The price is for a whole group of 6 people.
• Kaş: Kekova and Simena Sunken City Sea Kayaking . This is a 6-hour boat trip to Kekova Island. It is a classical tour to Kekova with its sunken ruins. First, you will be transferred to Üçağız Village by bus, and the boat trip starts from there. You can also enjoy kayaking and swimming. The price is per person.
• Kekova & Sunken City Boat Tour from Kaş . Similar to the trip described above, but with another boat. Again, the price is per person.
• Kaş Island Romantic Sunset Private Cruise . This is a special one. It is 3 hours long and starts in the late afternoon. The goal is to catch the beautiful sunset and the evening lights of Kaş looked from the sea. You can also swim in the water in the dark. The price is for a whole group of 6 people.

Enjoy scuba diving in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea

When you see the incredibly beautiful blue color of the Mediterranean Sea and its clear waters, most likely you would think: “What is hidden underwater, how the underwater world here looks like?” And indeed, what can you expect there?

Kaş is located in the subtropical zone. At the same time, the terrain on the land is diverse and rugged (and it’s supposed to be the same underwater). Finally, this is an area with thousands of years of history.

As a result- this is what you can find down there: rugged bottom, with underwater canyons, steep slopes, rock formations, and some caves. Although it is not in the tropics, and there are no coral reefs, the marine wildlife is rich, presenting a great variety of fish, sea turtles, octopuses, shrimps, dolphins, and more. And human history has also left its traces on the bottom of the sea- shipwrecks (of ships that sailed here hundreds, even thousands of years ago), antique amphoras, and more.

Most of the boat trips offer snorkeling. But not all of them offer scuba diving. Yet there are some diving centers in Kaş that arrange scuba diving tours. They are one-day tours, usually with an instructor. Finally, the area around Kaş is one of the destinations for the longer, liveaboard tours that usually start from Fethiye or Marmaris .

Go on a journey to Kastellorizo, Greece

This is also one of the main things to do in Kaş, a very popular activity. Kastellorizo (called also Meis) is the easternmost inhabited island of Greece. And not far from it is also the easternmost point of Greece (a small islet east of Kastellorizo). At the same time, it is only 20 min (6 km) away from Kaş by ferry.

There is a regular ferry that travels from Kaş to Kastellorizo , departing at 9:45, and returning at 16:00 (in the high season- every day, in the low season- three days a week). The price is 28 EUR in one direction, but you can buy a round-trip ticket for 33 EUR if you want to return on the same day. If you return another day, the price is 38 EUR. This is the cheapest way to go there.

Of course, this is a border crossing, so you have to prepare the necessary documents with you (a passport and a visa, depending on what country you come from).

There are also some boat trips to Kastellorizo . They are more expensive, but they include more activities like lunch, local tour guides to the points of interest on the island, and more. You can try this one below:

Join a boat tour from Kas to Kastellorizo!

Useful tips

Everything should be great, but there are some important details you have to consider before you arrange your trip to Kaş. Apart from the general things that you have to arrange and consider for traveling in Turkey (like passport, money, SIM card, food, insurance, etc.), the important local things for Kaş are transportation, accommodation, and seasons to visit.

How to get to Kaş

Kaş is a well-developed tourist destination. So, there are plenty of easy ways to reach the town. However, there is no airport. The nearest airports are Dalaman and Antalya, and Kaş is in the middle between them (about 190 km from each). A better way to get to Kaş is to include it in an itinerary between Antalya and Fethiye, or just a longer route along the southwestern coast of Turkey.

There are a lot of buses from the big cities in Turkey- Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Ankara that pass through Kaş. And there are also many local buses, traveling on the road D400, including dolmuş (local minibusses). All of them stop at the central bus station (otogar) of the town.

Check for transport to Kas on Bookaway!

But a much better way is to travel by car. Thus, you are free to build your own itinerary with your own schedule. Kaş is a narrow town and is difficult to find a place to park your car, but the otogar includes a parking lot that you can use.

You can also reach Kaş by ferry from Greece. There are ferries that travel to Kastellorizo from other Greek islands, and when you arrive there, you just can take to one-way ferry to Kaş at 16:00.

Finally, there are multiday tours that include Kaş. And some of them are exotic- by boat, by cycling, or just by trekking on the Lycian Way.

Multiday tours that include Kaş

Walk the Highlights of the Lycian Way. This is mainly a trekking tour. It is 8 days long, starts from Antalya (so, if you are already in Fethiye, you can take a bus to Antalya to start the tour), and follows the famous Lycian Way. And it is not just a trek but includes visiting many ancient cities and enjoying the best beaches on the way, including Kaş.

• Family Turkey Coastal Active Adventure and Cruise . This one is the best way to quickly explore the area around Kaş. It literally makes you not limited by transportation means, combining cruise, hiking, and traveling by bus. It is 15 days long, starts from Kaş, takes you to Kastellorizo (Greece), and proceeds to the west until it ends in Fethiye.
• Cycle Turkey . This is an adventurous biking tour. Most of the time you will cycle, but there is also a cruise section (between Göcek Beach and Fethiye). The tour starts from Dalyan and includes riding along the coast of Lake Köyceğiz. Then, it includes visiting some ancient cities, a local village house, Patara Beach (the longest beach in Turkey), and it ends in Kaş. The price starts from 1230 USD.
• Active Turkey . This tour includes transport by bus and by traditional gullet boat. You can also enjoy some hiking, canoeing in the Xanthos River, and swimming in Patara Beach. It doesn’t follow a route, but you have a “base camp”- the 3-star Club Phellos Hotel in Kaş. From here, they will take you every day to different places- to the ancient city of Xanthos, to Patara, Kekova Bay, and Simena Castle, as well as to some points in the Taurus Mountains.
• Walking the Turquoise Coast . This is an 8-day hiking tour around Kaş. It doesn’t follow a whole route but uses Kaş as a “base camp” for various short hikes in the area, mainly on the Lycian Way. You will visit places like the ruins of Phellos, the area of Kekova and Simena, and more.

Where to stay in and around Kaş

Kaş has also a lot of places to stay. You can find hotels, guesthouses, resorts, hostels, and homestays, from budget to splurge. They are located in the town, and in the resorts around the town. Make your choice in Booking or Agoda , but don’t just look for the conditions inside and the price. Also have in mind the location, according to your itinerary and preferences.

Check for accommodations in Kas on Agoda!

A good way to spend the night in Kaş is to stay in an Airbnb property. It is usually cheaper than hotels with the same conditions and is a good way to get closer to the locals, their daily life, and culture.

Check for accommodations in Kas on Airbnb!

If you are more adventurous, you can also go camping. There are three good campsites around Kaş- Muca, Evren, and Naos (you can find them on Google Maps) that offer their own tents and caravans, or you can bring your own camping gear.

Finally, you can camp in the wild. It is generally safe, but avoid ancient ruins or nearby resorts and restaurants.

Like all of the other destinations in this part of Turkey, Kaş has a Mediterranean, subtropical climate. The high season is from April to November- this is the season when you can not only explore the points of interest but also swim in the sea.

Summer is hot and humid but generally rainless. Spring and fall (March-May, and October-November) are not so hot, but in spring the sea water is still too cool, usually around or below 20°C.

And winter is the low season. It is mild and pleasant most of the time, but you can’t swim, the water is too cold. Also, winter is the rainiest season due to the passing Mediterranean cyclones. Snowfall at the seacoast is extremely rare.

This is Kaş- a fairy tale place full of impressions. We left Kaş and the whole Lycian coast, and proceeded deep into the mainland of Western Turkey, to our next destination- Lake Salda (a new and still hidden gem). But the whole Lycian Coast- including Dalyan, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Patara, and Kaş remained as one of those places that we would visit again.

Take a look at this video for more impressions from Kaş :

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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

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