15 Best Things to Do in Kas

Nestled between the rugged Taurus Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea lies Kaş, a picturesque coastal town on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast. Pronounced “Kash”, this gem in the Antalya province was once a quiet fishing village but has blossomed into a sought-after destination that captivates travellers with its unique magic. Kaş (also written as Kaş) exudes a chilled, bohemian village vibe while offering a wealth of activities to see and explore.

Unlike larger resort cities, Kaş has retained its authentic charm, attracting more travellers than tourists and creating a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, culture, and history. Its charming cobblestone streets are adorned with fuchsia-coloured bougainvillea tumbling over wooden balconies, leading to a beautiful harbour filled with traditional gülets. Whether you’re seeking ancient ruins, pristine beaches, or thrilling adventures, this guide covers the 15 best things to do in Kaş for a vacation you’ll remember forever.

Wander Through the Enchanting Old Town

One of the most essential experiences in Kaş is simply getting lost in its Old Town. The pedestrian-only cobbled streets and narrow alleyways are an absolute delight to explore, lined with colourful balconies, boutique shops, and cozy terraced cafes. The most famous and pretty shopping street is Uzun Çarşı, where you can find high-quality and unique souvenirs, including Turkish linens, handmade jewellery, leather bags, and mosaic lighting. The shopping experience here is refreshingly relaxed, allowing you to browse at your leisure.

As you stroll, keep an eye out for the impressive King’s Tomb, also known as the Lion’s Tomb. This large, free-standing Lycian sarcophagus from the 4th Century BC stands proudly at the top of Uzun Çarşı, allowing you to get up close with ancient history. Don’t miss Kaş Square (Republic Square), which overlooks the harbour and is a perfect spot to grab an ice cream, sit on a bench, and soak in the local atmosphere.

Watch a Spectacular Sunset from Antiphellos Amphitheatre

A short walk from the town center brings you to the Antiphellos Amphitheatre, a beautifully preserved Hellenistic theatre built in the 1st century BC. What makes this site unique is its breathtaking view overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the town of Kaş. It is widely considered one of the top places in Kaş to watch the sunset.

The theatre is a popular hangout for both locals and tourists, especially in the evenings. Sometimes, free performances are held here, adding to the magical atmosphere. Access to the amphitheater is completely free, and it has no set opening times, so you can visit whenever you please. For fewer crowds, consider a visit in the morning.

Take a Boat Trip to Kekova’s Sunken City and Simena Castle

Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kaş is to join a boat tour exploring the beautiful bays of the Turquoise Coast. The most popular excursion is to Kekova Island, home to a remarkable ancient city that was partially submerged by an earthquake 2,000 years ago. From the boat, you can see the ruins of buildings, walls, and streets beneath the crystal-clear water.

These tours typically include several swimming and snorkeling stops in beautiful bays and a visit to the picturesque, car-free village of Kaleköy. Here, you can hike up to Simena Castle, a strategic military outpost dating back to the 4th century BC that has been ruled by Lycians, Romans, and Byzantines. The views from the top are incredible. The entrance fee to the castle is approximately $2.8 USD.

Kayak Over the Sunken City for a Unique Perspective

For a more intimate and memorable experience of the sunken city, consider a guided kayak tour. While boats must cruise by the ruins without stopping, kayaking allows you to get much closer and truly appreciate the underwater city. As you paddle over the turquoise waters, you can witness the outlines of submerged buildings, pottery shards, and tiled mosaics that once decorated the thriving settlement.

It is important to note that swimming and snorkeling directly over the ruins is now prohibited to protect the site from damage, as tourists in the past used to take pieces of pottery and mosaics. A guided kayak tour is the best way to respectfully explore this incredible piece of history.

Relax on the World-Famous Kaputaş Beach

Kaputaş Beach is a stunning natural wonder and consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Located about a 20-25 minute drive from Kaş, the beach is formed by a gorge that opens into a stretch of sand nestled between towering white cliffs. To reach the beach, you descend a dramatic staircase of 187 steps carved into the rock, which offers incredible photo opportunities from the viewpoint above.

The turquoise water gets deep quickly, making it a perfect spot for swimming. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a restaurant, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for a fee. Be sure to arrive early, especially in high season, as the beach gets very crowded and parking along the road can be challenging.

Day Trip to the Greek Island of Kastellorizo (Meis)

Experience two countries in one day by taking a day trip to the picturesque Greek island of Kastellorizo, known as Meis in Turkish. Located just 6 km off the coast, it’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from Kaş harbour. The island charms visitors with its colourful harborside village lined with Anatolian Greek-style homes and restaurants.

An absolute must-do is taking a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, a stunning sea cave where, unlike its famous Croatian counterpart, you are allowed to swim in the mesmerizing turquoise water. You can also walk up the hill to the Red Castle for panoramic views of the island.

Hike a Section of the Historic Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a renowned 500-kilometer hiking trail that stretches along the coast from Fethiye to Antalya, connecting 18 ancient cities. While hiking the entire route is a major undertaking, you can easily experience a piece of it by walking one of the scenic segments near Kaş.

A popular option is hiking a portion of Segment 17, a 4km walk that takes you from Kaş to the beautiful Limanağzı beaches. This trek offers a unique way to explore the Turquoise Coast, with stunning vistas and a connection to the region’s ancient past.

Explore the Ancient Myra Ruins & Impressive Rock Tombs

Just a 40-minute drive from Kaş, in the town of Demre, lie the spectacular ruins of ancient Myra. This site features one of the largest and most beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatres in Turkey, which once held up to 12,000 spectators. The ruins are incredibly detailed, with decorative sculptures depicting theatrical masks.

However, the true highlight of Myra is the collection of intricate Lycian rock tombs carved directly into the cliff face above the theatre. You can also visit the nearby Church of St. Nicholas, the original “Santa Claus,” whose tomb is housed within.

Discover Patara Beach & Ancient City

A 45-minute drive from Kaş will take you to Patara, home to the longest beach in Turkey. This vast stretch of fine golden sand is famous for its stunning dunes and serves as a protected nesting ground for endangered Caretta sea turtles.

A ticket to the beach also grants you access to the sprawling ruins of the ancient city of Patara, once a leading city of Lycia. Here, you can explore a Roman triumphal arch, temples, bathhouses, a restored parliament building, and the impressive colonnaded Harbor Street. Patara is also known as the birthplace of St. Nicholas.

Adventure Through Saklıkent Gorge

Venture into Saklıkent National Park, about an hour’s drive from Kaş, to explore Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon. Carved by the Eşen River, the gorge is surrounded by towering limestone walls reaching up to 300 meters high.

An adventure here involves walking through the canyon in refreshing, ankle-to-knee-deep water. The first part of the path is a wooden boardwalk, after which you’ll wade through the cool rapids. For the more adventurous, activities like canyoning, rafting, and ziplining are also available. Remember to have water shoes as the rocks might be slippery.

Go Scuba Diving in Crystal-Clear Waters

Kaş is widely regarded as one of the best places in Turkey for scuba diving, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and excellent year-round visibility. With over 20 dive sites, the underwater world here is a treasure trove for divers of all levels. You can explore fascinating underwater wrecks, including a World War II C-47 Dakota plane, as well as ancient relics like amphorae (vessels used for wine and oil) and other Lycian remains. The area is also rich with marine life, offering chances to spot sea turtles, groupers, moray eels, and octopuses.

Soar Above the Coast with Paragliding

For an adrenaline rush and unparalleled views, consider a tandem paragliding experience in Kaş. While nearby Ölüdeniz is more famous for the sport, Kaş offers its own spectacular flights. The take-off point is 650 meters above sea level on the foothills of Asas Mountain, providing breathtaking aerial views of the rugged mountains, azure waters, and the charming town below. It’s a thrilling way to appreciate the magnificent landscape of the Turkish Riviera.

Unwind at the Beach Clubs of Limanağzı

The sheltered bay of Limanağzı is a slice of paradise and a local favorite. This tranquil spot is inaccessible by car and can be reached either by a short, relaxing water taxi ride from Kaş harbour or by hiking part of the Lycian Way. The bay is home to four laid-back beach clubs where you can rent a sunbed or a cozy gazebo, spend the day swimming in the calm, warm water, and enjoy reasonably priced food and drinks. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, who also love the crystal-clear waters here.

Find Your Own Hidden Cliff-Side Beach

For a truly local and off-the-beaten-path experience, rent a car or scooter and drive along the stunning coastal highway between Kaş and Kalkan. You’ll notice cars parked on the side of the road in various spots; this is usually a sign that there’s an unofficial path leading down to a secluded, natural beach cove. While these spots have no amenities like lifeguards or restaurants, they offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy the same pristine turquoise waters as the popular beaches, but without the crowds.

Indulge in Kaş’s Delicious Food Scene

No trip to Kaş is complete without exploring its vibrant culinary scene. The town is filled with a fantastic selection of restaurants, from budget-friendly lokantas serving traditional Turkish pide and kebab to trendy seafood restaurants and international eateries. Given its coastal location, freshly caught seafood like grilled sea bass, octopus, and calamari is a must-try. Be sure to sample local specialties like yanıksı dondurma (burnt ice cream) and fresh raw almonds served over ice. End your evenings at one of the many chilled-out bars for a sunset drink, soaking up the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of the town.

FAQs

1. How many days should I spend in Kaş?

You need at least two to three full days to see the town’s highlights and take a day trip. However, most sources recommend staying four to five days to enjoy the area at a relaxed pace, explore the stunning coast, and visit several nearby ancient ruins. Many visitors, even after several days, wish they could have stayed longer.

2. When is the best time to visit Kaş?

The ideal times are the spring and autumn shoulder seasons (April, May, September, and October). During these months, you’ll find warm weather, fewer crowds, and a pleasant sea for swimming. The peak summer months (June to August) are best for a classic beach holiday but will be very hot and crowded.

3. How do I get to Kaş?

The two closest airports are Dalaman (DLM), about a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive, and Antalya (AYT), a 3 to 4-hour drive. From the airport, renting a car is highly recommended as it provides the freedom to explore the surrounding coast and attractions. Buses and private transfers are also available.

4. Is Kaş worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. The sources describe Kaş as an “achingly pretty,” charming, and unique coastal town with a relaxed, bohemian village vibe. It offers a perfect balance of beautiful beaches, adventure, ancient history, and culture while retaining an authentic, local feel that sets it apart from more tourist-heavy resorts.

5. How do I get around in Kaş?

The town center and Old Town are small and best explored on foot. For visiting nearby beaches like Kaputaş, ancient ruins like Patara and Myra, or exploring the peninsula, renting a car or a scooter is highly recommended. Taxis and local minibuses (dolmuş) are also available for shorter trips.