Kaş
A laid-back seaside town with boat trips to Kekova.
About Kaş
Kaş is a charming seaside town on the Turkish Riviera that has kept the charm other resorts have lost. Its cobbled streets draped in bougainvillea, stone houses with wooden balconies, terrace restaurants overlooking the sea and relaxed, bohemian atmosphere make it the best-kept secret of Türkiye's Mediterranean coast.
But Kaş is not just a pretty town: it's the starting point for exploring ancient Lycia, a fascinating civilisation that left its mark in rock tombs, sarcophagi and lost cities all along the coast. The Roman theatre of Antiphellos, right in the centre of Kaş, looks out over the sea and the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo), just 2 km away.
Boat trips to the sunken city of Kekova, where you can see walls, stairways and pottery beneath the crystal-clear water, are a unique experience. Kaş is also Türkiye's top destination for diving and sea kayaking, with exceptional visibility and spectacular underwater canyons.
What to See in Kaş
Kekova Sunken City
An ancient Lycian city partly submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. From a glass-bottomed boat you can see walls, stairways and amphorae beneath the clear water. It's combined with a visit to Simena castle, reachable only by sea: a car-free village where time seems to have stood still.
Read more about Kekova Sunken CityAntiphellos Theatre
A small but charming Hellenistic theatre right in the centre of Kaş, with views over the Mediterranean and the Greek island of Kastellorizo. One of the few ancient theatres in Türkiye looking straight out to sea. Ideal for photos at sunset.
Diving in Kaş
Considered the best diving destination in Türkiye, thanks to visibility of up to 30 metres, underwater canyons, caves, a sunken plane and submerged ruins. Certified dive centres offer dives for every level, from try-dives to advanced diving.
Kaputaş Beach
20 km from Kaş, this small beach tucked between cliffs, with intensely turquoise water, is one of the most spectacular in Türkiye. You reach it down 187 steps. It's especially beautiful early in the day, when the sunlight reaches the bottom of the cove.
King's Lycian Sarcophagus
An impressive 4th-century BC Lycian sarcophagus standing in one of the town's streets, completely woven into everyday life. It is decorated with lion reliefs and is one of the most photographed Lycian monuments on the coast.
Read more about King's Lycian SarcophagusMust-See Places
Food in Kaş
Kaş offers exquisite Mediterranean food, lifted by the catch of the day. The terrace restaurants over the sea serve chargrilled octopus, baked prawns with cheese (karides güveç), grilled sea bass and meze made with local olive oil.
The weekly Friday market is perfect for discovering local produce: wild honey, olives, home-made jams and spices. The orange trees lining the streets fruit in winter, and freshly squeezed orange juice comes with every breakfast.
Practical Tips
- Kaş is much quieter than Ölüdeniz or Antalya: ideal if you want coastal Türkiye without the crowds.
- The Kekova trip can be done on a shared boat (cheaper) or a private one. Glass-bottomed boats give you a better view of the sunken ruins.
- Hire a motorbike or scooter to explore the nearby beaches: Kaputaş, Patara and the hidden coves.
- Sunset from the terrace of any restaurant on the seafront, with Kastellorizo in the background, is magical.
- Kaş is compact and easy to explore on foot. Park the car when you arrive and forget about it.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Antalya (AYT), about 3.5 hours away along the coast road. You can also fly into Dalaman (DLM), 2.5 hours away. There are direct buses from Antalya and Fethiye to Kaş.
The coast road between Kaş and Antalya (D400) is one of the most beautiful in Türkiye, hugging the cliffs and passing through towns such as Kalkan and Demre (home of the Church of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus).
Frequently Asked Questions about Kaş
How many days do I need to visit Kaş?
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Kaş so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Kaş?
The best time to visit Kaş is May to October. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Kaş with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Kaş. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Kaş from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Kaş in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Kaş combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Kaş with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Kaş
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
Kekova: the Sunken City, Simena and the Boat Trip
Steps leading down into the water, walls and amphorae beneath the surface, a castle above a car-free village and a Lycia
Demre: St Nicholas Church (the Real Santa) and the Tombs of Myra
The real St Nicholas was bishop of Myra, on the Lycian coast, and his church still stands among the orange groves, two k
Kaş: The Slow Side of the Lycian Coast, with Kekova and Patara
Kaş is the most laid-back town on the Turkish coast: bougainvillea, a small harbour and, all around it, the sunken city
Lycian Way and Turquoise Coast: Türkiye’s Most Beautiful Trail
The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) is the most spectacular coastal trail in Türkiye: from Fethiye to Antalya past ancient ruins
Other Destinations in Türkiye
Discover more fascinating places to visit in Türkiye with an English-speaking guide.