The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kas, Turkey

I first discovered Kaş more than ten years ago, thanks to my love for scuba diving. This passion also took me to Kalkan. Since my first visit, I’ve traveled to Kaş many times, and I love it more each time. Kaş remains a stunning beauty, one of my favorite spots in Turkey. It has turquoise beaches, charming streets, ancient ruins, and lots of places to explore nearby. Here is a detailed travel guide based on my experiences in Kaş…

How to get to Kas? Kas Transportation Guide

The nearest airport to Kaş is Dalaman Airport. From there, you can catch one of the shared shuttles to Kaş, or alternatively, take a bus from Fethiye bus station. Arranging a private transfer is also possible. Renting a car provides the most comfort; it’s a 2.5-hour drive, though be warned, the roads can be quite winding towards the end. I’ve driven the route myself and would not recommend it to those who dislike such roads. If you arrive at Antalya Airport, you can take a public shuttle directly to Kaş, or you can take a Havaş bus to the local bus station and then catch a bus to Kaş. If you prefer to drive from Antalya, the journey will take about 3 hours.

Getting around in Kaş is quite straightforward. Most of the time, you can explore on foot. Alternatively, minibuses run every hour and taxis are readily available. Cars are prohibited around the central bars and restaurants, so if you’re driving, you’ll need to park a bit further out. For those traveling without children, renting a motorbike is a great option.

Where to Stay in Kas? Kas Accommodation

If you want to stay in the center of Kaş, there are many nice and affordable hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Staying in the center allows you to walk nearly everywhere in a short time, except to Kaputaş Beach, Büyük Çakıl, Hidayet Bay, and Limanağzı. On our last visit, we chose Hotel Luna for accommodation and were generally satisfied. The hotel is slightly elevated, but there is a staircase that leads directly to the center, so you can reach the heart of Kaş within 3-5 minutes on foot. Of course, remember that you will need to use this staircase again on your way back. Our room was on the garden floor and quite simple, equipped with a refrigerator. There are rooms with sea views on different floors; naturally, their interiors may vary. I think the breakfast was very successful, offering a wide variety, with high-quality and delicious products. Other hotels that I really liked and would recommend are: Luff Boutique Hotel – Adult Only, Luff Suites, Neva Boutique Hotel, Kuytu Terrace, Kaş Köy Hotel, Kaş Joy Glamping.

Alternatively, you can stay in Kalkan, which is very close to Kaş. I highly recommend Fidanka Hotel for a stay in Kalkan.

Where to swim in Kas? Kas Beaches

I believe that Kaş beaches are among the most beautiful in Turkey. The water temperature is perfect, the sea sparkles, and beaches are practically everywhere.

In the heart of Kaş, Küçük Çakıl’s Derya Beach is a favorite spot of mine. The pizzas, music, and cocktails here are great. Çınarlar is located directly opposite Derya Beach. There’s no entrance fee or sunbed charge at either place—you only pay for your food and drinks but there is a minimum spending limit. Nestled between these two is Küçük Çakıl Beach, where swimming is free. Another favorite is Büyük Çakıl Beach, here, you either pay for a sunbed and umbrella or order food and drinks from the beach club.

At Blanca Beach in Hidayet Bay, you pay for sunbeds and umbrellas. The sea here is stunningly beautiful but can get quite crowded, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Nearby at the beginning of the peninsula is Incebogaz Beach, which boasts equally legendary waters but lacks facilities.

I recommend getting to Kaputaş Beach early in the morning to avoid the midday rush for sunbeds, which are managed by the municipality at reasonable prices, including food services. On the route from Kaş to Kaputaş, Seyret Çakıl and Akçagerme Beaches offer facilities where you also pay for sunbeds and umbrellas.

I often receive messages concerned about visiting Kaş with children due to lack of shallow, sandy beaches. The water temperature isn’t the warmest, but it’s cool enough to get used to – actually that’s my ideal temperature. 🙂 From personal experience with my son, Limanağzı was our beach of choice for family-friendliness. The best spot there is Bilal’s Place, though Delos is also a great option. To secure a spot at Bilal’s, you should either make a reservation or arrive early. Sea minibuses departing from Kaş Harbor stop at all the beaches in Limanağzı, including other notable spots like La Moda and Nuri’s Beach.

Remember, at all Kaş beaches, even those that charge for amenities like umbrellas and sunbeds, swimming is free if you choose not to use these facilities.

Where to Eat in Kas? Kas Food Guide

In Kaş, some of the most popular and personal favorite taverns include Nereid, Zaika, and Ruhi Bey Meyhanesi. Zaika is particularly busy in the evenings, so arriving before dinner might secure you a spot more easily. Other highly recommended spots that I have yet to try are Sardelaki, Smiley’s, Gaia, Piraye, Üzüm Kızı, Memedin Yeri, and Müptela Ocakbaşı.

For vegetarian options, Oburus Momus is a standout with its delightful garden by the sea and excellent food. For pizza lovers, Lily’s Corner is highly recommended. Kaşık Mantı offers commendable house pasta and ravioli. For a casual drink, Biiisstt and Frida Pub are great choices.

I must also mention Mavi, a longstanding establishment in Kaş known for its vividly colored tables in the piazza. Additionally, Deja Vu is renowned for its beautiful sunset views and has been a popular choice for years.

If you’re in the mood for a unique hamburger experience, I recommend Bunbun. They serve their burgers on Asian-style buns, which are delightfully fluffy and different from the usual. Their tandoori meat hamburger is particularly legendary. Beyond hamburgers, they also offer a variety of meatballs, falafel, and more. It’s a fantastic choice for a casual dinner.

While writing the beaches above, I mentioned the pizza at Derya Beach, but it’s worth bringing up again here due to its exceptional quality. For falafel enthusiasts, Falafel Dürüm is a must-visit. They serve falafel either as a wrap or on a plate, in a cozy buffet setting, and it’s delicious.

For those looking to enjoy some nightlife, Echo and Miromara are my top picks. Both venues offer live music and boast a great atmosphere, making them perfect for an evening out.

Things to do in Kas

Uzun Çarşı is one of the most photogenic spots in Kaş. At the top of the Long Bazaar, you’ll find a King’s Tomb—an invaluable historical monument that’s worth a visit while you wander around. Nearby, the square featuring the statue of Atatürk and the adjacent shopping bazaar, accessible via the first left turn from the square, are also must-visit locations. Despite its modest size, Kaş is full of surprises. Venture in and out of every street and discover something new at every turn. For shoppers, Kaş is a paradise offering bohemian clothing, charming ceramics, and a variety of souvenirs.

Don’t miss the Antiphellos Ancient Theater, dating back to the Hellenistic period. Although it’s particularly stunning at sunset, the views are spectacular at any time of day. As you stroll through the streets of Kaş, you’ll encounter ancient ruins at almost every corner, making the entire town feel like a hidden historical treasure.

Things to do around Kas

A Kekova boat tour is a highlight of any Kaş trip! Many boats await at the harbor, each with a salesperson ready to answer your questions. You can also find tour shops in the shopping bazaar. I highly recommend Xanthos. Their boat is uncrowded (25 passengers on a 55-passenger boat), music-free, and departs from Üçağız rather than Kaş which allows for visiting more locations and more swimming opportunities. The guide offers very detailed and informative commentary throughout the tour. Transportation to Üçağız is provided by minibus. The food is delicious, and children go free (though the overall price is higher than other tours). Whichever tour you choose, don’t miss this experience! Another highly recommended boat is the Engin Kaptan, which is slightly smaller and departs from Kaş Harbor.

The tour itself is thoroughly enjoyable. It starts at Akvaryum Bay, which truly resembles an aquarium, and continues to Tersane Bay, Pirate’s Cave, the Sunken City, and includes a dinner in Gökkaya Bay. After dinner, the tour visits Burç Bay, the picturesque Kaleköy (also known as Simena)—where climbing to the castle and trying homemade ice cream are must-do activities—finishing with Boğaz Bay before returning to Üçağız. Each stop lasts at least an hour, giving you ample time to enjoy each location. Besides the Kekova tour, you can also embark on an islands tour from Kaş. The best boats for this are the Tia and Tufan Boat.

If you have an extra full day in Kaş, I highly recommend visiting Saklıkent Canyon. The adventure begins with crossing a suspension bridge next to the canyon walls. You’ll then traverse about 200 meters through buzzing water that reaches at most to your knees. This section can feel a bit chilly and may cause some ankle discomfort due to the cold water. The journey continues for about 1 km through ankle-deep, warmer water. It’s important to wear sturdy, water-appropriate shoes or sandals, not slippers, as the path includes walking over stones in flowing water. While the canyon itself stretches for 18 km, it becomes very narrow and filled with obstacles beyond a certain point. Families with children of all ages are seen enjoying the canyon, but navigating with a child on your lap might be challenging in some parts.

Additionally, rafting activities are available in Saklıkent. Just 2 km away is Gizlikent Waterfall, where you can wade through water to reach the falls and enjoy a short but exciting zipline adventure. Saklıkent is an hour’s drive from Kaş. You can visit independently by car or join a guided tour. I opted for the Xanthos tour once again and highly recommend it. The tour concludes with a stop at Patara, where you have an hour to explore the ancient city or swim in the sea. Patara Beach is known for its wavy but beautifully sandy and clean shores.

When to Go to Kas? How Many Days to Stay in Kas?

Kaş is a wonderful destination that can be enjoyed in any season, making it one of the unique places in Turkey suitable for year-round visits. The sea season spans from April to November, offering the best conditions for beach activities. However, keep in mind that summers can be quite hot; it’s advisable to spend the hottest parts of the day in the sea and schedule sightseeing for the cooler early morning or late afternoon.

If you’re wondering how long to stay in Kaş, I think 4 nights and 5 days is the ideal duration. This allows enough time for both sightseeing and relaxation on the beaches. If you have more time, extending your stay to a full week is also a great option, as Kaş has enough attractions and activities to keep you engaged without feeling bored. While a weekend getaway is possible, it won’t be enough to fully experience everything Kaş has to offer. I recommend adding at least two more days to get a more enjoyable experience.

I hope you find my Kas Travel Guide helpful when planning your trip. I may have missed a few things, so if you have additional questions, please leave a comment. Also, I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments section!

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