We visited Kas for a few days during our Turkey road trip through the Turkish Riviera and only wished we could stay longer. Even though it’s pretty tiny, it offers some stunning bays with crystal clear water, great food, and a wide selection of boat tours and other activities. For us, Kas (pronounced Kash) is one of the cutest coastal towns in Turkey.
About Kas
Kas, Turkey, is a picturesque coastal town in the Antalya province, nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
It is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, offering a unique blend of ancient ruins, charming cobblestone streets, and a thriving local community that celebrates its traditional way of life.
TRAVEL RESOURCES
BEST EXPERIENCES
- Kekova Island & Sunken City Boat Trip
- Sea Kayaking in Kekova with Sunken City
- Saklikent Canyon & Kaputas Beach
WHERE TO STAY?
$$ Belinda Hotel – hotel rooms with sea view, pool and breakfast
$$ Happy Kas Apart – apartment with sea view and private parking
$ Sole’n Blu – hostel (private rooms available) with a pool
GETTING TO KAS
- Fly into Antalya or Dalaman Airport or Kastellorizo Aiport (Greece) – check the flights
- Use a public bus – check the buses
- Drive yourself – check car rentals
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Top things to do in Kas
With its charming ambiance, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality, Kas has become a sought-after destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the Turkish Riviera.
Kas also serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region, which is home to numerous archaeological sites, hiking trails, and opportunities for water sports and outdoor adventures.
Here are the best things to do in Kas, Turkey.
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1. Kas Old Town
Kas is a small and beautiful town with cute streets full of souvenirs, flowers, greenery, and all kinds of decorations. It also has some of the cutest restaurants we saw while road-tripping the Turkish coast.
That’s why strolling through Kas Old Town is one of the must-do things while in Kas, especially at sunset.
Don’t skip stopping at Kas Square (Republic Square), a small area overlooking the town’s harbor. It’s a perfect spot in Kas to sit down, grab a drink or an ice cream, and cuddle some of the dogs that like to hang out there.
Tip: You can also check out some of Kas Old Town’s many stores (the perfect place to buy summer clothes).
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2. Kaputas Beach – top thing to do in Kas
Kaputas Beach, one of the best places to visit in Kas, is a stunning natural wonder nestled between towering cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The beach is formed by a gorge that opens out into a stretch of sand and is accessible via a dramatic staircase carved into the surrounding rock formations.
The sandy Kaputas Beach is a perfect spot for swimming in Kas, as the water gets deep fast. It’s also great for sunbathing, with lots of umbrellas and chairs available for a small fee.
The beach also has everything else you might need: toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a restaurant/bar.
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Tip: Before heading to the beach, check out Kaputas Beach’s viewpoint. It’s a great spot for photos! Even if you don’t plan to visit the beach itself, it’s worth adding Kaputas Beach’s Viewpoint to your Kas itinerary.
Must read: Istanbul Travel Guide
Getting there: Kaputas Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Kas, and the easiest way to reach it is by car or scooter.
However, as Kaputas Beach is one of the top beaches in Kas and Turkey and a Kas tourist attraction in itself, make sure to arrive early to reserve your spot. Parking might be hard to find in the afternoon in the high season.
Good to know: ‘Plajı’ means beach in Turkish.
Besides Kaputas Beach, here are the other great beaches in the Kas area:
- Küçük Çakıl Plajı (pebble beach)
- Büyük Çakıl Plajı (pebble beach)
- Inceboğaz Beach (pebble beach)
- Limanagzi Beach (beach with beach clubs, access by boat or hiking)
Inceboğaz Beach is a great beach in Kas for families with kids.
3. Antiphellos Amphitheatre
Antiphellos Amphitheatre in Kas is a small Hellenistic theater built in the 1st century BC as part of Antiphellos Ancient City. It is a stone’s throw from Kas’ square and is one of the top places to watch the sunset in Kas.
Kas amphitheater is unique, as it overlooks the sea and Kas town. It’s pretty rare that an ancient theater has a view like this.
Entrance fee: You can visit the Kas Amphitheater free of charge and it has no opening time. Visit in the morning or during the day for fewer crowds.
Antiphellos Amphitheatre is one of the main attractions in Kas, so expect it to be crowded, especially at sunset. It is popular with both locals and tourists, who like to hang out there during sunset and evenings. Sometimes, free performances are held here.
Don’t expect to spend much time here unless you plan to chill during the sunset, as there’s nothing else to do besides climbing the amphitheater and checking out the view.
Droning tip: If you try to drone at Kas Amphitheater during the sunset, someone might call the police. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to someone when we were there, so we avoided putting our drone up.
4. Kekova Island Sunken City boat trip
The best thing to do in Kas in undoubtedly to join a boat tour that visits many beautiful bays of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Kas is a perfect starting point for many boat tours, and the fun is guaranteed, whichever you choose.
We did this shared tour and visited Kekova Island Sunken City and Simena Castle, with lots of swimming stops and snorkeling (lunch included), and had a fantastic time.
📖 Read more about it in our travel guide here.
Kekova Island, located off the coast of Kas, Turkey, is home to a remarkable, sunken ancient city. During the tour, you can see the partially submerged ruins, including the remnants of buildings, walls, and paved streets that were once part of a thriving settlement.
This tour also visits Simena Castle, situated in the picturesque village of Kalekoy. We wrote more about it below.
- Check prices and availability of the Kekova and Sunken City Tour (with lunch).
RECOMMENDED TOURS
5. Simena Castle and Kalekoy village
Simena Castle, perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the picturesque village of Kalekoy, is one of the amazing things to see while in Kas. The castle dates back to the 4th century BC when it served as a strategic military outpost. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the rule of various civilizations, including the Lycians, Romans, and Byzantines.
The most popular way to visit Simena Castle is by boat tours from Kas, and that’s exactly what we did.
However, you might also drive towards Simena Castle and then walk the last part (about 1 km or less, depending on where you manage to park). Kalekoy itself is a small car-free village, and you might be stopped somewhere along the road and told you can’t drive anymore.
Personally, we wouldn’t bother going there by car. If you really want to visit, going on a boat tour is a better choice, as you get much more out of your day. There’s not much to do at the castle except admire the views (which are incredible, though).
Entrance fee: The entrance fee to Simena Castle is around 2.8 USD.
Right below Simena Castle is the small, cute Kalekoy village. It’s full of restaurants and small shops selling souvenirs. However, the prices are much higher than elsewhere.
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6. Kas harbor and lighthouse
From Kas Square, walk along the path towards the lighthouse at Kas Harbor and enjoy the peace and sounds of waves crashing. This is another excellent spot to watch the sunset in Kas, and we personally really enjoyed it after a long day.
7. Kas Panorama and hiking
If you like beautiful views, head out to one of the many viewpoints above Kas to get a better perspective of the beautiful bay and surrounding area.
We only managed to check out the Kas Panorama (📍location) upon driving to Antalya. It’s another great sunset spot in Kas.
Read next: Things To Do in Antalya (Travel Guide)
Another amazing thing to do in Kas is hiking to the “Sleeping Giant” cave above Kas (📍location). This cave offers the best views of Kas’ bays and Turkey’s coastline. From the photos we saw of it, it looks truly breathtaking.
The hike is considered easy to moderate, and it will take about 1 to 1.5 hours to climb.
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8. Lycian way
The Lycian Way is a renowned hiking trail in southern Turkey that stretches along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Antalya.
Spanning over 500 kilometers, this ancient route offers trekkers a unique way to explore the Turquoise Coast of Turkey through well-marked paths and stunning vistas. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
Of course, hiking the whole trail is not for everyone, but you can walk some parts of it at each of the coastal cities on the route, including Kas. So we’d recommend it if you like chasing amazing views.
You can check out Lycian Way: Segment 17 trail for great hiking in Kas.
9. Paragliding
Kas is another famous spot for paragliding in Turkey, although it’s not as popular as Oludeniz. The take-off point in Kas is 650 meters above sea level in the foothills of Asas Mountain, and it offers breathtaking views of the rugged mountains, azure waters, and charming seaside village.
You can organize a paragliding experience in Kas here.
We personally did it in Oludeniz (near Fethiye), and it was one of our top experiences in Turkey. (Read more about it here). So, if you can, we’d recommend doing a day trip to Oludeniz for the most memorable experience.
10. Saklikent Gorge in Saklikent National Park
Saklikent Gorge in Saklikent National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder in southwestern Turkey. Carved by the Eşen River, this 18-kilometer-long canyon is surrounded by towering limestone walls reaching up to 300 meters in height.
Even though it’s 18 km long, you can only explore around 4 km of it. The first part of the path (very short) is on a wooden boardwalk, and in the second part, you walk through ankle-deep water. Although the water can get up to knee-deep, depending on the season you visit.
The Saklikent Gorge is a must-visit place from Kas. The scenery is absolutely stunning, so don’t miss out on this unique attraction while in Turkey!
Entrance fee: Saklikent Gorge costs around $1 per person. Parking is around $1.5.
Travel tip: Even though you can rent their rubber shoes, we suggest taking your own. Maybe take something you don’t feel sorry for, or that can survive walking through water and clay/mud. Our regular semi-hiking shoes were fine, though.
Getting there: Saklikent National Park is about a one-hour and ten-minute drive from Kas (64 km). It’s easy to get there by renting a car.
- Join the Saklikent Gorge Tour from Kas (including other spots)
11. Tlos Ruins
If you decide to visit Saklikent Gorge, you might as well drive an extra 20 minutes to check out Tlos Ruins.
The Turkish Riviera has many ancient ruins scattered around, but the Tlos Ruins are one of the less-visited in the area, so they’re perfect for avoiding crowds and still seeing some beautiful ruins.
The tombs are located on a hill overlooking the village of Tlos. The Lycians built the graves in the 4th century BC, and they’re a fascinating example of Lycian architecture.
- Must visit in Turkey: Ephesus Ancient City Travel Guide
Entrance fee: As of 2024 Tlos Ruins ticket is about $3.7 per person. However, you can see some parts free of charge, but the main castle (with great views) is charged.
Opening hours: 08:30 am – 5:30 pm
Time needed: Make sure you plan for at least 1 hour at the ruins so that you can explore them properly!
Getting there: The drive from Kas to the Rock Tombs of Tlos takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is scenic, with great views.
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12. Patara Beach & Patara Ancient City
Another great day trip from Kas is Patara, the longest beach in Turkey. You can reach it by car in about 45 minutes. Surprisingly, compared to other beaches, it’s still not built out.
What makes Patara Beach unique are the sand dunes in one part and the ancient Patara city nearby.
This is also one of the last few beaches in the world where endangered Caretta sea turtles still lay eggs, which is why this area is also a protected National Park.
Time to see turtles: between May to October
Patara Beach has a paid part where you can find sunbeds, bars, and other amenities and a free part where the sand dunes are. If you go to the paid part, expect to pay a bigger fee as you’ll most likely be entering through the part of the ancient city.
We parked at the Sand Dunes, where you can watch the sunset. There’s no entrance fee, but since this is a protected area, guards will arrive around 8 PM, and you will have to leave.
Make sure you plan for at least a few hours at the beach so you have enough time to enjoy it. Unfortunately, we only made a short stop as we arrived very late.
13. Kastellorizo Island, Greece
Kastellorizo, a picturesque Greek island, is only 6 km away and makes an excellent day trip from Kas. You can visit two countries in one day.
An absolute must-visit in Kastellorizo island is the Blue Grotto (Blue Cave), a stunning sea cave accessible by boat.
Fun fact: We visited the famous Blue Cave in Croatia, which is absolutely stunning. However, it’s forbidden to swim inside. But here, at Kastellorizo Island, swimming in Blue Cave is allowed.
Other highlights of Kastellorizo island are the Red Castle, which offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding azure waters, Kastellorizo town, harbor, and beaches.
Getting there: Kastellorizo is easily accessed by a short 20-minute ferry ride. For the most convenience, book a return ticket. That may be a bit cheaper option than booking it separately here.
14. Pamukkale Day Trip
Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southwestern Turkey, is a natural wonder known for its stunning white travertine terraces and thermal springs. Formed over centuries by the calcium-rich waters, the terraces cascade down the hillside, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly landscape.
At Pamukkale, you can explore its incredible white travertines and hot springs, bathe in the pools, or stroll around the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Getting there: While a bit far away, Pamukkale is easily reachable from Kas by car. While this is doable on a day trip from Kas, we would recommend staying overnight in Pamukkale, as it takes close to 4 hours to get to Pamukkale from Kas.
Best restaurants in Kas
Kas has a lot of great restaurants, and it also has a few fantastic vegetarian/vegan ones.
List of recommended restaurants in Kas:
- Bay Kofte (Turkish, specialized for meatballs)
- Beyhude Meyhane (Steakhouse, Seafood, Mediterranean)
- Pisekar Vegan Food (Mexican, Mediterranean, Asian – gluten-free options)
- Bunbun (Turkish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal)
- Keyf-i Dem Restaurant Meyhane (Seafood, Mediterranean, Turkish)
Our favorite restaurant in Kas was Pisekar Vegan Food. It serves good food, has nice portions, and has pretty reasonable prices. Make sure to try their fantastic chocolate cake!
Another place we recommend is Bunbun Kas. It’s not a vegetarian one, but it has vegetarian/vegan options. Their specialty is the steamed bun, which reminds us of our time in Vietnam and the endless Banh Bao (steamed buns) we ate there.
Oburus Momus is one of the top recommended restaurants in Kas, but they didn’t work the day we wanted to visit. It gets super busy, so make sure to make a reservation a day before.
Where to stay in Kas?
Kas is a small town, so the best place to stay is in Kas itself. There are cute boutique hotels and apartments in Kas, but make sure to book ahead, as the best ones are booked out quickly, especially during the high season.
Recommended hotels:
$$ Belinda Hotel – hotel rooms with sea view, pool and breakfast
$$ Happy Kas Apart – apartment with sea view and private parking
$ Sole’n Blu – hostel (private rooms available) with a pool
- Check availability: Kas’ top-rated Hotels
We stayed at White House Apart, a few minutes’ walk from the square. The rooms were relatively small but cute, and we had a nice view from the balcony. Nowadays, they also have bigger studio rooms available.
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How to visit Kas
To get to Kas, it’s best to fly into Antalya Airport (3 hours away – book airport transfer) or Dalaman Airport (2.5 hours away – book airport transfer).
The closest airport to Kas is Kastellorizo Airport on Kastellorizo, a small Greek island only 6 km away. However, keep in mind that you’re first flying to Greece, and then you still need to book a ferry to Kas, Turkey.
Turkey also has good bus connections, so you can easily get to Kas by bus, not only from nearby destinations but also further away places, even Istanbul.
- Check all bus options to Kas
Otherwise, you can drive to Kas along the coastline between Fethiye and Antalya. We rented a car in Istanbul and went on a Turkey road trip, during which we also visited Kas.
- We recommend booking a car online in advance here.
Getting around Kas
If you don’t plan to explore far outside Kas, the best way to get around is on foot or by using a taxi or bus.
Otherwise, we recommend renting a car for the most freedom.
How many days in Kas?
The main highlights of Kas can easily be explored in one full day. However, Kas deserves at least two to three full days if you’d like to really experience Kas and the surrounding area entirely (as well as fit in at least one day trip).
We spent three full days in Kas but wished we could have stayed longer. To us, it was a perfect spot for a nice vacation.
Prices in Kas
Although Kas is not the cheapest area in Turkey, it is still somewhat affordable, especially if you book your accommodation and activities in advance.
| Hotel: 60 – 250 USD | Check availability |
| Car rental: 25 – 70 USD | Check car rental deals |
| Tours: 20 – 100 USD | Check tours and activities |
| Food: 10 – 40 USD | Check top-rated restaurants |
| Transport: 2 – 20 USD | Check transportation options |
| Mobile Data: 5 – 30 USD | Check data options |
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Best time to visit Kas
As a coastal town, Kas is best visited during spring and fall shoulder seasons (April, May, September, and October). The mild temperatures and fewer crowds make this time ideal.
We visited Kas at the end of October and had a great time. The sea was warm, it wasn’t hot, and there weren’t crowds.
The peak summer season is from June to August, and while it can be busy and hot, it’s the best time for a proper beach holiday.
Kas’s low season is from November until March, and this is the least ideal time to visit as it’s too cold to enjoy the coast, and many things are closed.
Is Kas worth visiting? – Personal thoughts
Kas, Turkey, is one of the cutest towns on the Turkish Riviera and is absolutely worth visiting. It offers lots of different things to do, from water activities and beach relaxation to hiking and historic spots.
We would gladly visit Kas again and have a proper week-long vacation.
If you can, we would recommend doing a similar Turkish Riviera road trip as we did. We rented a car in Istanbul, drove to Bursa and Izmir, and then the Turquoise Coast, visiting Fethiye, Oludeniz, and Kas. We then went to Antalya, drove up to Ankara, and finished off in Istanbul.
Thank you for reading this article on Kas, Turkey. We hope we convinced you to visit and, above all, helped you plan your trip.
