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Living in London, a city known for its cold, rain, and wind, we make it a point to escape to a sunny beach destination at least once a year. This year, we chose Turkey, a country we had never visited and which was on our bucket list. That’s when a friend mentioned a small town called Kaş, located on the Turquoise Coast in Antalya Province.
After much research, I decided to split our trip into two parts: four nights in Kaş and four nights exploring the sailing paradise of Göcek. However, if you’re short on time, I suggest staying only in Kaş.
Things to Do in Kaş
Kaş is one of those places that wins you over at first sight. Picture a charming village on a hillside, perched by the stunning Turkish Riviera, with cobblestone streets, colourful facades, quirky shops, cosy cafés, and a wonderfully welcoming local vibe.
The historic centre is delightful to explore on foot. Everything is within walking distance, and you can easily spend time discovering hidden nooks.
The town is known for its small local craft shops and precious stone jewellery. Check out the ceramics and spice shops offering unique and authentic products. And if you want more nightlife, music, and various bars, head to Topçu Sokak road.
Just keep in mind that most of the streets are steep and if you have mobility issues, you’ll need to take a taxi to move around the village.
While walking through the narrow streets, don’t miss the King’s Tomb, also known as the Lion’s Tomb. It’s an ancient sarcophagus adorned with detailed carvings and lion heads at the corners. It’s a quick but fascinating stop.
Another notable site, though I didn’t visit it, is the Ancient City of Antiphellos. This large amphitheatre is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
The Friday market in Kaş is a must-see for those who enjoy a market. Just a few minutes from the town centre, you’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes and local crafts. The atmosphere is great, and you’ll indeed find a special souvenir.
Just so you know, Kaş is divided into two main areas: the town center and the Çukurbağ Peninsula (Kaş Peninsula). The town center is lively and full of activities, while the peninsula, just a short distance away, offers a more tranquil and upscale experience with its luxurious villas, boutique hotels, and serene beaches.
Getting between these two areas is straightforward. You can either walk, as the peninsula is about a 15-20 minute stroll from the town center, or take a short taxi ride if you prefer not to walk, especially given the steep roads. Many accommodations on the peninsula offer shuttle services to and from the town, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds—whether you want to dive into the vibrant life of the town or retreat to the peaceful surroundings of the peninsula.
Day boat trips & coastal excursions
From Kaş’s marina, you can explore nearby bays or visit the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis). Boats offer various itineraries, which you can book directly or through your hotel. We chose not to visit because we went to Greece the previous year, so we wanted to focus on Turkey coast this time.
However, we did a day boat trip around the secluded bays near Kaş and had a fantastic day on the water. It was an unforgettable experience.
The Sunken City of Kekova
And if you are looking for the absolute ultimate maritime adventure in the region, you cannot miss the boat tour to the sunken city of Kekova. Floating over ancient ruins submerged in crystal-clear waters is magical, and it is the main reason I recommend dedicating time to Kaş. You can read about my experience and how to plan it in my dedicated Kekova boat tour post.
Adventure Sports in Kaş
Kaş is also a paradise for adventure seekers! The town is a major diving centre in Turkey, with over 50 shipwrecks to explore. You can also go rock climbing, canyoning, and hiking in the stunning Taurus Mountains…
When to Visit Kaş?
The best time to visit is between May and October as the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches and taking boat trips.
May and June are great months to avoid the crowds. Temperatures are pleasant, around 25°C to 30°C, and the sea starts to warm up.
July and August are the high season, with temperatures reaching 35°C or more. Beaches, hotels, and restaurants can get crowded and more expensive, but this is ideal if you like the hustle and bustle.
September and October: The weather is still warm, but there are fewer tourists. The sea temperature is perfect, and the days are sunny and more relaxed.
We went in the second half of June, but unfortunately, we didn’t know it coincided with a massive national holiday (Kurban Bayramı), meaning the town was packed. Due to the holiday crowds, it was almost impossible to walk through the main square at night, and we had to book restaurants far in advance or risk not getting a good place to eat (which Kaş has no shortage of).
We stayed at the Aphrodite Hotel Kaş and it was lovely. The receptionist mentioned that the town is much more popular among Turks for internal tourism, while neighboring Kalkan is more popular with British expats and travelers. This heavy holiday traffic made the city feel a bit less charming, and I must admit I didn’t enjoy the intense hustle and bustle as much.
How Many Days in Kaş?
Four to five days in Kaş is ideal for exploring everything at a relaxed pace. You can do daytime excursions, such as visiting the Greek island of Kastellorizo, the village of Kalkan, or even hiking through the deepest canyon in Turkey. You’ll still have time to enjoy the evenings wandering the Old Town and enjoying the restaurants and bars.
How to Get to Kaş?
I flew from London to Dalaman Airport, rented a car and drove for just over two hours to Kaş. I usually compare rental options through Discover Cars, which brings together providers in one place and makes it easier to find a car that suits the trip and budget. Alternatively, you can fly to Antalya Airport, about a three-hour drive.
If you prefer to travel by bus, Kamil Koç operates routes from Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul. You can also take a dolmus (Turkish minibus) from the bus stations in Fethiye or Antalya. The journey from Antalya takes just over four hours, while from Fethiye, it’s around two and a half hours.
Nearby Beaches and Places
As I mentioned, everything was incredibly crowded due to the national holiday, and we didn’t manage to spend much time on the immediate local beaches because it was impossible to find an open spot on the sand or pebbles. But here are some beautiful spots you might want to consider during your trip (see map here):
Küçük Çakıl (900m from the centre): A small and cosy pebble beach just a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Büyükçakıl Plajı (2 km from the centre): Another pebble beach, but larger than Küçük Çakıl. About a 20-minute walk from the Old Town uphill. There’s free parking if you’re driving.
İnceboğaz Çınar: Located at the narrowest part of the Kaş Peninsula, this area has two small beaches. One is more exposed, with pebbles and blue waters, and the other, facing the mainland, is calmer and ideal for children. It’s easy to walk from one beach to the other.
Blanca Beach: On the Çukurbağ Peninsula, don’t miss Blanca Beach, a private beach with a restaurant. It’s a paid spot with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a small beach area. Just keep in mind that the music can get quite loud, so it’s ideal if you enjoy a lively atmosphere.
If you have time and energy to explore further, consider renting a car to visit other stunning beaches and ruins:
Kaputaş (21 km) is one of Turkey’s most famous beaches, with turquoise waters and an iconic staircase leading down to the sand. Arrive early, as it tends to get very crowded! We arrived around 10 a.m., and it was already packed. We stayed for a short while and left due to the large number of people. In my opinion, this beach is overrated!
Seyrek Çakıl Plajı (13.5 km): A lesser-known beach, much quieter. The scenery is beautiful, with colourful pebbles and crystal-clear waters. There’s a small free parking area, but arriving early is best.
Patara (43 km): A long, wide beach with vast dunes, expansive plains, and the ruins of an ancient city, as well as a nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle. Read more here.
Myra Ruins: This ancient archeological site in Lycia is less than an hour away from Kaş. The historic ruins include rock tombs carved into the cliffs, an ancient theatre, and crumbling stone reliefs.
Pinara Ruins: also about an hour’s drive from Kaş. The Lycian city of Pinara dates back to the 5th century BC and is located at the base of Mount Babadağ. Along a scenic trail, you can find incredible historic sights, like rock-cut tombs built into the cliffs and temples.
Saklikent Gorge: Turkey’s longest and deepest gorge stretches over 18 kilometers, reaching a height of 200 meters and features narrow passages. The gorge is open for hiking from April through September and it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds of tourists.
Additionally, for a different experience, you can take a water taxi from Kaş port to Limanağzı, with small coves like Bilal’s Beach and Delos Beach. They’re very tranquil, with bars where you can rent a sunbed and enjoy the day.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, during our stay, we encountered some challenges, such as being charged different prices than initially agreed upon or shown on menus and issues with money change. It required more attention, but overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
Have you ever been to Kaş or faced similar travel surprises? Let me know your thoughts and favorite spots along the Turkish Riviera in the comments below!
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