Kas (Kaş) is one of the most attractive and authentic destinations on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the town combines a picturesque harbour, crystal-clear water, ancient Lycian history and a relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from many of Turkey’s larger beach resorts. Although tourism plays an important role in the local economy, Kas has retained much of its traditional character and remains especially popular with independent travellers, couples and outdoor enthusiasts.
Originally known as Antiphellos, Kas was an important port of the ancient Lycian civilisation. Today, visitors still encounter reminders of its long history throughout the town. Ancient Lycian sarcophagi stand beside modern streets, rock tombs overlook the harbour and a remarkably well-preserved Hellenistic theatre offers spectacular views across the Mediterranean. Few places on the Turquoise Coast blend ancient history and everyday life so naturally.
The compact town centre is easy to explore on foot. Narrow cobbled streets climb gently from the harbour, lined with whitewashed houses, colourful bougainvillea, boutique shops, cafés and family-run restaurants. Unlike some purpose-built holiday resorts, Kaş has developed gradually over many centuries, giving it a distinctive charm and welcoming atmosphere.
Kaş is also recognised as one of Turkey’s leading centres for scuba diving. The exceptionally clear water, underwater caves, reefs, wrecks and abundant marine life attract divers from around the world, while numerous dive schools cater for both beginners and experienced divers. Sea kayaking is another popular activity, particularly around the nearby Sunken City of Kekova, where visitors can paddle across remarkably clear water above the remains of an ancient Lycian settlement.
Surrounding the town are some of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches, including the famous Kaputaş Beach and the vast sands of Patara. Boat trips depart daily to secluded bays and nearby islands, while sections of the Lycian Way provide spectacular coastal walks with breathtaking sea views.
Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventure or simply relaxing beside the Mediterranean, Kaş offers one of the most rewarding and unspoilt holiday experiences on the Turquoise Coast.
Google map Kaş
Best Things to Do in Kas
Explore Kas Old Town
The historic centre of Kaş is perfect for exploring on foot. Narrow cobbled streets wind between traditional houses, boutique shops, cafés and restaurants, while colourful bougainvillea adds to the town’s Mediterranean charm. Unlike many larger resorts, Kaş has retained an authentic atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy its relaxed pace of life.
Google map 4.8/5
Visit the Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos
Dating from the Hellenistic period, the Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos is one of Kaş’s most impressive historical landmarks. Built into the hillside overlooking the sea, it once accommodated around 4,000 spectators. Today it offers some of the finest panoramic views across the Mediterranean and is a particularly popular place to watch the sunset.
Google map Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos 4.7/5
Go Scuba Diving
Kaş is widely regarded as one of the best diving destinations in Turkey. Crystal-clear water, underwater caves, colourful reefs, historic shipwrecks and abundant marine life attract divers from around the world. Local dive centres offer introductory dives, certification courses and guided excursions suitable for all experience levels.
Take a Boat Trip
Daily boat trips explore the spectacular coastline around Kaş, visiting hidden coves, small islands and secluded swimming spots that are inaccessible by road. Many cruises include lunch on board and opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in the exceptionally clear Mediterranean water.
Sea Kayak Around Kekova
One of the region’s most memorable experiences is a guided sea kayaking trip around Kekova. Paddling above the submerged ruins of the ancient Sunken City provides a unique perspective of one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological landscapes while allowing visitors to explore quiet bays and dramatic coastal scenery.
Walk the Lycian Way
The famous Lycian Way passes close to Kaş and offers some of Turkey’s finest coastal walking. Even short sections of the trail provide spectacular views of the Mediterranean, rugged cliffs and traditional villages, making it popular with walkers and photographers alike.
Best Beaches Within Easy Reach of Kaş
Kaş Town Beach (Küçük Çakıl Beach)
Located within walking distance of the harbour, Küçük Çakıl Beach is a small pebble beach with exceptionally clear water. Its convenient location makes it ideal for a quick swim before returning to the cafés and restaurants of the town centre.
Google map 4.3/5
Büyük Çakıl Beach
Around 2 kilometres east of the harbour, Büyük Çakıl Beach offers a wider pebble shoreline backed by waterfront cafés and restaurants. The clear, cool water is ideal for swimming, particularly during the summer months.
Google map 4.2/5
Kaputas Beach
Located on the coastal road between Kas and Kalkan, Kaputaş Beach is around 20 minutes by car from Kas and 10 minutes from Kalkan. One of Turkey’s most famous beaches, it is nestled at the foot of a steep limestone gorge where brilliant turquoise water meets a narrow stretch of golden sand. Visitors can reach the beach by car, taxi or the regular dolmuş minibuses that run between Kas and Kalkan, before descending a long staircase from the road above. Although the climb back can be challenging, the spectacular scenery and crystal-clear water make the effort well worthwhile.
Google map 4.6/5
Patara Beach
Around 45 minutes from Kaş, Patara Beach stretches for almost 18 kilometres, making it one of Turkey’s longest sandy beaches. Backed by impressive dunes and protected as an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles, it combines natural beauty with easy access to the remarkable ruins of ancient Patara.
Limanağzı
Accessible only by boat or on foot, Limanağzı is a peaceful bay just beyond Kaş. Several beach clubs provide swimming platforms, sunbeds and restaurants overlooking crystal-clear water, creating one of the area’s most relaxing coastal escapes.
Best Day Trips from Kas
Kekova Island and the Sunken City
Located around 35 kilometres east of Kas, Kekova Island and the Sunken City are among the most famous attractions on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Following an earthquake in ancient times, parts of the Lycian settlement were submerged beneath the clear Mediterranean, leaving the remains of buildings, staircases and harbour walls visible beneath the water. The easiest and most popular way to explore the area is on one of the many boat trips departing from Kas, which combine the Sunken City with swimming stops, picturesque bays and nearby villages such as Kaleköy. Guided sea kayaking tours are also available, offering a unique opportunity to paddle quietly above this remarkable archaeological landscape.
Google map Kekova Island 4.8/5
Saklikent Gorge, Patara & Kaputaş Beach
One of the most popular excursions from Kas combines three of the Turquoise Coast’s finest attractions in a single day. Visitors can walk through the spectacular Saklikent Gorge, cool off in its refreshing mountain streams, relax on the golden sands of Patara Beach and stop at the famous Kaputaş Beach for swimming or photographs. Many tours also include the remarkable ruins of the Ancient City of Patara, making this an excellent combination of nature, history and beautiful coastal scenery.
Patara Ancient City
The ancient city of Patara was once one of Lycia’s most important ports. Visitors can explore a remarkably preserved Roman theatre, parliament building, baths and colonnaded streets before relaxing on the nearby beach.
Google map 4.6/5
Ancient City of Xanthos
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xanthos was the ancient capital of Lycia and is one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological sites. Its impressive theatre, monumental tombs and ancient inscriptions provide a fascinating insight into Lycian civilisation.
Google map 4.4/5
Kalkan
Just 30 minutes from Kaş, Kalkan is a charming hillside town renowned for its whitewashed houses, rooftop restaurants, boutique shops and attractive harbour. It provides an enjoyable contrast to the more relaxed atmosphere of Kaş.
Demre and St Nicholas Church
Demre is famous as the home of St Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop who inspired the legend of Father Christmas. Visitors can explore the historic church dedicated to the saint as well as the nearby Lycian rock tombs and the ancient city of Myra.
Google map Demre
Google map St. Nicholas Church 4.6/5
Google map Lycian rock tombs 4.7/5
Google map Myra Ruins 4.7/5