This Mediterranean coastal town has ancient Lycian tombs carved into cliffs, clear diving spots with sunken ruins, and narrow streets lined with Ottoman-era houses.
Kaş sits on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, where streets curve past stone houses with blue shutters and wooden balconies. You can swim in water with 40-meter visibility, dive to a World War II aircraft wreck, or take a morning boat to the submerged ruins of Kekova. The town spreads between the sea and 500-meter limestone cliffs, with a Hellenistic theater perched above the harbor, looking out to the Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Getting to Kaş
The town sits between two airports: Dalaman (2 hours away) and Antalya (3 hours away). Most visitors rent a car at the airport, which makes exploring the region easier. Regular buses run from both cities, though the journey takes longer than driving.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between April and June or September and October for temperatures around 25°C and quieter streets. July and August bring temperatures up to 35°C and full restaurants. Local fishermen, shops, and cafes operate year-round, as 10,000 permanent residents live and work here.
Swimming and Beaches
Walk five minutes from the town square to Küçük Çakıl, where wooden platforms extend from the rocks into deep water. Büyük Çakıl beach lies 20 minutes away on foot, with white pebbles and calm water. Drive 20 minutes to reach Kaputaş beach, where 187 steps lead down between limestone cliffs to a sandy cove.
Diving and Water Activities
You can dive at more than 50 sites around Kaş, including the 1950s Italian fighter plane at 20 meters depth and the 2nd-century BCE amphora wreck. Water temperatures range from 16°C in winter to 30°C in late summer. The 15 dive centers charge around 600 lira for a single dive with equipment.
Day Trips from Kaş
Catch the 20-minute morning ferry to Kastellorizo for Greek coffee and return after lunch. Paddle over submerged ruins in glass-bottom kayaks at Kekova, 45 minutes by boat. Drive one hour to see Lycian rock tombs at Myra, or spend a day at Patara's 2-kilometer beach next to Roman ruins.
Streets and Architecture
Uzun Çarşı street descends to the harbor, lined with stone houses dating from the 1800s. Look for the lion-carved Lycian tomb from 4th century BCE at the street's top end. Local artisans make leather sandals, weave carpets, and fire ceramics in workshops along the side streets.
Food and Restaurants
Find 50+ places to eat around the harbor and main square. Fishermen sell their daily catch to restaurants like Bahçe and Mercan, where dinner costs around 200 lira per person. Small lokanta kitchens serve Turkish home cooking for under 100 lira. Cafe Corner and Echo bake fresh bread daily and prepare vegetarian meals.
Where to Stay
Book rooms in one of 30 family-run pensions in the old town, with prices from 400 lira per night. The peninsula area has 10 hotels with private sea access, starting at 1000 lira per night. Local laws limit buildings to four stories, preventing large resorts from developing.
