From hiking the Lyrcian Way to cracking a cold Efes beer on the beach, here are the best things to do in Kaş, Turkey.
Located within a sheltered harbour surrounded by rugged cliffs and jagged peninsulas on Turkey’s Mediterranean shores, Kaş is fast making a name for itself as the Turquoise Coast’s go-to destination. Smaller, calmer and far less visited than its larger, more popular neighbours – including Antalya to the east and Fethiye to the west – Kaş has beaches, history and excellent food, all in abundance.
“This region was historically part of Lycia,” I was told by Baram, a classically trained archaeologist and Kaş local who moonlights as a guide during the summer tourist season. “It was a long-lived civilization, with their own language, distinctive rock tombs and burial customs. The Greek language arrived here with Alexander the Great, then the Romans brought Latin and when their empire collapsed Lycia became Byzantine. In 1207 AD, the Seljuk Turks arrived, and that was really the end of Lycia’s culture.”
As Baram said, Kaş, and the surrounding region, have a spectacularly long history. That history is still evident in the Lycian Rock Tombs that line the cliffsides, in the ancient Hellenistic theatre in the centre of Kaş, and in the sunken city of Kekova, which is just a short boat ride away. Much of that history can be seen while walking the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail which weaves through the town. And with azure waters, endless diving and snorkelling spots, and rows of beach clubs and waterfront bars, I’m always surprised that Kaş isn’t higher up on traveller’s bucket lists.
If you’re planning a trip to the Turquoise Coast, then keep reading, as I count down the best things to do in Kaş.
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Things to do in Kaş
Kaş is a three hour drive from Antalya, a one and a half hour drive from Fethiye or a two and half hour drive from Dalaman. You can catch regular buses going in either direction, and there are well connected airports at Antalya and further west at Dalaman. It’s far enough from the major tourist hubs to have retained a sense of authenticity, but after my last visit here in 2023, I can’t see how it’s going to stay off the beaten track for too much longer.
It’s long been a hit with Turkish travellers looking to escape the big resorts found elsewhere on the Turquoise Coast, and with limited guesthouses and accommodation options (it’s a small town) I can only see prices rising as visitor numbers increase.
So get in quick before Kaş becomes super busy. And it will, given how many awesome things there are to do in Kaş, and all along the surrounding coastline.
1. Take a walk through Kaş Harbour and Old Town
Your journey will begin in the Old Town. Set along the rocky shores of a natural harbour which has welcomed sailors and fishers since antiquity, the Old Town is hemmed in on its southern side by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and on its east, west and northern sides by dramatic coastal scenery, towering cliffs and tall mountains that rise abruptly above Kaş.
The harbour itself is a modern marina, a bustling port packed with moored boats, yachts and traditional Gulet sailing ships that whisk tourists along the coast to hidden coves and ancient sites. The waterfront is lined with bars, cafe and beach clubs, and I won’t lie, there are some excellent spots for a cold sunset beer!
The Old Town is home to narrow, winding streets adorned with bougainvillaea-covered houses and Ottoman-era architecture. This is where I recommend booking an apartment, homestay or guesthouse, and as you wander through the Old Town enjoying the scent of freshly baked Pide, look out for the Lycian Rock Tombs that have been preserved amongst the cobblestones.
2. Get your Greek on at Antiphellos Ancient Theatre
The Antiphellos Ancient Theatre is a remarkable example of Hellenistic architecture. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, this well-preserved theatre was carved into a hillside a short walk away from the harbour, and originally, it could accommodate around 4,000 spectators.
The theatre’s semi-circular seating arrangement still offers excellent acoustics today, a feature typical of ancient Greek theatres. You’ll love the location too, and if you climb up the steep stone seating area, you’ll have unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea from its top tiers. The theatre still hosts cultural events, continuing its legacy as a place of entertainment in modern Kaş.
3. Unearth ancient history at the Lycian Rock Tombs
The Lycian Rock Tombs are striking relics of the ancient Lycian civilisation, with the oldest dating back to the 4th century BCE. Carved into the cliffs overlooking the town, these tombs were designed to resemble the façades of Lycian houses and temples, reflecting the architectural styles of the time.
The tombs were often elaborately decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions, serving as final resting places for the Lycian elite, and they’re found all over the region, from Antalya to Fethiye. Among the most notable is the Lion’s Tomb, a work of art distinguished by its detailed carvings of lion heads which you’ll find in the centre of Kaş rather than built into the cliffs.
Typically, the rock tombs were hewn in high cliffside locations however, a place believed to facilitate the souls’ journey to the afterlife. Today, you’ll find many more Lycian Rock Tombs in the town’s surrounds, and I’d recommend hiking sections of the Lycian Way to find them.
4. Hike the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a long distance trail that winds its way through one of Turkey’s most scenic and historically rich regions. The Lycian Way, a 540-kilometre trail stretching from Fethiye to Antalya, passes through the rugged coastline, dense forests, and ruins of the ancient Lycian civilisation, offering a window into the ancient world and more than a few unbeatable panoramas. The full trail starts just outside Fethiye, and ends in Antalaya.
On the way, it passes through Kaş, and the town is a great base from which to tackle a few of the best sections. One of the most popular segments heads towards the village of Üçağız, a trek that takes you along the coast with glorious views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, hikers encounter ancient ruins, including many of the Lycian Rock Tombs, and the remnants of ancient villages. The path is well-marked (just follow the yellow Likya Yolu sign posts) but can be challenging, with steep ascents and descents that require a good level of fitness. Take plenty of water if you’re out there in summer!
5. Relax at Büyükçakıl Plajı
Büyükçakıl Plajı, also known as Big Pebble Beach, is a fantastic seaside retreat just a short distance from the centre of Kaş. As its name suggests, the beach is characterised by the large, smooth pebbles that create a unique shoreline, while the clear, turquoise waters here are fantastically calm, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling.
The beach is flanked by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, offering a natural, unspoiled setting. Facilities at Büyükçakıl Plajı include sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beachfront cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes while sipping on cold beers.
You can reach the beach on foot, by following the Lycian Way. It winds up and over the cliffs, before dropping down to the coast. The walk only takes around 30 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to take in the views!
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6. Explore the Çukurbağ Peninsula
The Çukurbağ Peninsula is found jutting into the Mediterranean Sea on the western side of Kaş Harbour. This narrow, hilly strip of land is dotted with luxurious villas, boutique hotels and guesthouses, making it a higher-end alternative to the main hotel offerings in the Old Town.
The peninsula offers stunning panoramic views of the azure waters, with the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) in the distance. Its rocky coastline is interspersed with small, secluded coves and clear, turquoise bays perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
The road that loops around the peninsula is ideal for leisurely drives or cycling, offering awesome vistas at every turn, while the odd Lycian Rock Tomb lies waiting to be discovered.
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7. Unwind (or party) at Kaş’ Beach Clubs
Kaş may not be as popular as other Mediterranean destinations like Antalya or Bodrum, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of beach clubs. In fact, the shores on either side of the town are lined with beach clubs, of both the rustic variety, and the higher end type.
Popular spots like the Çınarlar Beach Club and Derya Beach offer a pristine setting just a few minutes walk away from the harbour, where you can spend the day on sun loungers, ordering Pide and jumping into the sea when you need to cool down. Büyükçakıl Plajı was my favourite spot, however, where you’ll find sun loungers right on the beach, and plenty of little restaurants delivering cold beers to the seafront.
8. Explore the best dive sites in Kaş
The history aside, what I really loved most about Kaş was the diving. The Mediterranean waters are crystal clear on a good day, and you can spot everything from nudibranchs to sea turtles when you’re out there diving.
One of the top dive sites is the Blue Cave (Mavi Mağara), located near the Greek island of Meis. This dive offers a unique experience with stunning blue light filtering through the water as divers navigate through the underwater entrance to an expansive chamber filled with beautiful rock formations.
Flying Fish Reef (Uçanbalık Resifi) is another popular site known for its abundant marine life, including a mass of fish species, octopuses, and coral reefs. The Canyon is a spectacular site featuring a deep underwater gorge where divers can swim through the canyon walls and explore unique rock formations, which are home to groupers, moray eels, and colourful sponges.
The Dimitri Wreck, an Italian cargo ship that sank in 1968, lies at a depth of 20 to 40 metres and now serves as an artificial reef teeming with marine life such as barracudas, sea bream, and nudibranchs, making it a favourite among wreck diving enthusiasts. Shark Reef (Köpekbalığı Resifi), despite its name, is not home to many sharks but is known for its dramatic underwater scenery and diverse marine life, including large schools of fish and impressive rock formations.
Neptune’s Hole offers an exciting cave dive with a tunnel leading to an open chamber with stunning light effects, best suited for advanced divers due to its depth and cave environment. Additionally, the sunken Dakota plane, an intentionally submerged aircraft, provides a unique diving experience. The plane wreck attracts various marine species and offers divers the rare opportunity to explore an underwater aircraft, adding to the diverse range of diving adventures available in Kaş.
There are several dive operators in Kaş, including Nautilus Diving and Kaş Diving, both of whom offer daily trips during the summer months.
9. Visit Kekova’s sunken city
Amongst the rocky peninsulas of the Turquoise Coast, history awaits you underwater. Kekova – better known as the ‘Sunken City’ – is a unique archaeological site that lies partially submerged beneath the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offering an unusual glimpse into ancient Lycian history. Kekova was once the site of the city of Dolchiste, as it was known in antiquity, which was devastated by a series of earthquakes in the 2nd century AD, causing much of it to slip into the sea where it’s remained to this day.
The area is best explored on a traditional wooden Gulet, and you’ll have the chance to see the ruins from the boat, and in places to snorkel amongst sunken buildings and discarded amphorae. The tour I joined was even led by a resident archaeologist, who gave an excellent overview of the Lycian civilization while we lounged on the boat’s foredeck.
The same tours also take in Kaleköy, a coastal village which is best accessed by boat. Kaleköy is home to a towering medieval castle which overlooks the sea. Pack your swimming gear, and get ready for an unbeatable day on the water!
10. Climb the ramparts of Simena Kalesi
Simena Kalesi (the Castle of Simena), is a historic fortress perched atop the cliffs in the village of Kaleköy. Dating back to the medieval era, the castle was built by the Knights of St. John on ancient Lycian foundations, and served as a strategic lookout and defensive structure until its takeover by the Seljuk Turks.
Today, Simena Kalesi is accessible only by boat. Once you’ve landed, the ascent to the castle’s top ramparts is steep, and in summer, it’s rather tough under the scorching sun. Make it to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the coastline, and a view across to Kekova Island, home to the famed Sunken City.
Within the castle’s stout walls there are Lycian Rock Tombs and medieval remains, while the surrounding hillside is packed with winding streets that are home to Turkish cafes and restaurants. Top tip, the village is particularly revered for its ice cream, so don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth after exploring the castle’s ramparts.
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11. Uncover Lycian history at Patara
Patara is an ancient city on the southwestern coast of Turkey. A site of immense historical and natural significance, this was once a thriving Lycian port. Patara was a major maritime and commercial hub during antiquity, with its origins tracing back to the 8th century BCE. The city is famed for its impressive ruins, including a well-preserved Roman theatre, a grand triumphal arch, and the remains of the ancient parliament building, the Bouleuterion.
Adjacent to the ruins lies Patara Beach, one of the longest and most pristine beaches in Turkey. Stretching over 18 kilometres, this sandy expanse is a protected area due to its status as a nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles. Patara is less than an hour’s drive west of Kaş, or alternatively, you can hike there over the course of two of three days by following the Lycian Way.
12. Immerse yourself in nature at Saklıkent Gorge
Saklıkent Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the region. It’s a good hour and a half drive from Kaş, but it’s well worth making the journey to see this gorgeous gorge. Stretching for some 18 kilometres and reaching depths of up to 300 metres, it really is quite the sight.
The gorge was formed by the erosion of limestone over thousands of years, and its steep, narrow walls create a dramatic, ancient landscape. You can explore the gorge by following the suspended wooden walkways above the river, you can order Cay at riverside cafes, or you can brave the icy waters for a swim.
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13. Embrace the golden sands of Kaputaş Beach
A half hour drive west of Kaş brings you to Kaputaş Beach, a stretch of coastline renowned for its golden sands. Hidden away at the base of a steep gorge, this dramatic beach is characterised by its striking turquoise waters, which are framed by tall, jagged cliffs.
The beach is accessible via a series of steep steps leading down from the road, which means you’ll need to work hard to enjoy this natural sight. It’s secluded nature ensures that Kaputaş Beach is still somewhat of a lesser visited destination, although on weekends, it can still be packed with visitors.
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14. See the home of Santa Claus in Demre
Santa Claus? In Turkey? No, I haven’t gone mad. A 45 minute drive or bus ride west from Kaş brings you to Demre, a coastal town that’s thought to have been the home of St Nicholas, a Christian saint who was the inspiration for Santa Claus.
A day trip to Demre begins, though, with a visit to the ancient city of Myra, where impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs and the well-preserved remains of a Roman theatre are found carved into the cliffs above the town.
Next, visit the Church of St. Nicholas, where you can discover more about the legend of Santa Claus. This historic church, with its intricate mosaics and well-preserved frescoes, is popular pilgrimage stop amongst Orthodox Christians, while next door, you’ll even find Santa Claus themed gift shops; quite the sight if you’re visiting in the baking hot heat of summer.
15. Take the ferry to the Greek island of Meis
Stand down by the harbour and look out to sea. Across the water, you’ll spot a large island in the near-distance. That’s Meis (or Kastellorizo), and it’s not a Turkish island, but Greek. Meis is just a half hour ferry ride from Kaş, and it offers a window in the long, often disputed history between Greece and Turkey.
Greek flags fly high on the hilltops, and as soon as you land, you’ll hear Greek spoken and see it written in the blue and white Tavernas that line the seafront. Pop in for a Greek lunch, though, and you’ll find the menu’s not so different from the Turkish restaurants back in Kaş!
Meis is also home to Lycian Rock Tombs, which hint at a shared past, while the Orthodox Christian churches are a statement of the cultural differences that exist between the two countries. One of the island’s highlights is the Blue Cave, a natural sea cave accessible by boat. The cave’s iridescent blue waters, illuminated by sunlight filtering through an underwater opening, are really something to see.
You can book ferry tickets down in Kaş Harbour. Just don’t forget your passport on this trip!
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16. Dig into Turkish cuisine
One of the things I loved most about spending a few weeks hanging out in Kaş was the food. At every turn in the Old Town there are little restaurants and cafes, all with history behind the dishes they’re preparing. Cinalar Pizza Garden Restaurant claimed to be one of the oldest Pide places in Kaş, and they served glorious Turkish-style pizza, all baked to perfection in wood fired ovens.
Havan Et Balik specialised in fresh seafood, Kasik Manti served an impressive selection of Turkish style dumplings, and Oburus Momus was entirely plant based in their offerings. You’ll want to dig into a proper Turkish breakfast spread in the morning, and don’t forget to try classic dishes like mezze, gözleme and lamb tandir.
17. Day trip to Xanthos and Letoon
Xanthos and Letoon are two ancient Lycian sites of immense historical and cultural significance, which are both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Xanthos, the capital city of ancient Lycia, boasts remarkable ruins, including a grand theatre, rock tombs and the Harpy Monument, a well-preserved funerary pillar. This city, perched on a hill, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, offering insights into Lycian civilisation and architecture less than an hour’s drive from Kaş.
Nearby, Letoon was a prominent religious centre dedicated to the goddess Leto and her twin children, Apollo and Artemis. The twin sites together paint a comprehensive picture of Lycian heritage, making them essential stops for history enthusiasts staying in Kaş.
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Map of the best things to do in Kaş
Here’s a map of the best things to do in Kaş:
There you are, the best things to do in Kaş. What’s top of your bucket list?
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