Kaş Travel Guide: Turkey’s Secret Mediterranean Escape

Kaş is a small coastal town on Turkey’s stunning Lycian Coast — a place where turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and laid-back vibes create a hidden paradise for travelers. Unlike big resorts, Kaş has kept its authentic soul. No high-rise hotels, no crowded beaches, just charming streets, boutique stays, and endless adventures for every kind of traveler.

This guide has everything you need: how to get here, where to stay, what to eat, what to pack, must-see places, best activities, local secrets, family tips, photo spots and more.

How to Get to Kaş

Kaş doesn’t have its own airport, which keeps mass tourism away. The nearest airports are Dalaman (about 2.5 hours away) and Antalya (about 3.5 hours). The drive itself is a highlight — you’ll pass winding coastal roads, pine forests, and gorgeous cliffside sea views. Many visitors rent a car for freedom to reach beaches like Kaputaş and hidden canyons like Saklıkent. Shuttle buses and private transfers are also available if you prefer not to drive.

Where to Stay in Kaş

Forget giant hotels — Kaş is all about small, family-run pensions, boutique hotels and hillside villas with unbeatable sea views. Many places include a fresh Turkish breakfast served on a terrace with the sound of the waves below. Staying in the old town puts you within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants and cafes. If you’d rather stay somewhere peaceful, hillside apartments or villas offer sunsets you’ll never forget.

Best Things to Do in Kaş

Kaş might be small on the map but it’s huge on adventure. Here, you can sail over ancient ruins, dive into underwater history, paddle through hidden coves or fly above turquoise cliffs — all in one trip.

Sail to the Sunken City of Kekova

One of Kaş’s most unforgettable highlights is a boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova. Centuries ago, this Lycian settlement partly sank into the sea after an earthquake. Today, you can sail right over the ancient ruins and see half-submerged walls, staircases and stone foundations through crystal-clear water. A boat trip along the sunken city and Kekova Island is the best way to swim in secret bays and explore tiny seaside villages at the same time.

Horseback Riding at Patara Beach

Patara Beach is one of Turkey’s longest and wildest stretches of sand — famous for its golden dunes and ancient ruins nearby. Riding a horse here at sunset feels like stepping into another world. It’s peaceful, quiet and open. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, a horse riding tour at Patara Beach is a unique way to experience nature.

Go Mountain Biking

Surrounding Kaş are rugged hills, pine forests and coastal trails — a dream for mountain bikers. You can pedal through scenic backroads, hidden valleys and cliffside paths with sea views. A mountain biking tour in Kaş is perfect if you love an active holiday and want to see more than just the town center.

Try Scuba Diving

Kaş is one of Turkey’s top diving spots. Warm, clear waters hide ancient amphorae, shipwrecks, caves and colorful fish. Whether you’re doing your first dive or you’re an experienced diver, you’ll love exploring underwater ruins and marine life. A scuba diving tour in Kaş makes it easy and safe with professional guides.

Tandem Paragliding over Kaş

Want the best view of Kaş? Take to the sky! Tandem paragliding is an incredible way to see the town, islands and coastline from above. You launch with an experienced pilot, float high over the sea and land softly near the harbor. If you’re feeling brave, tandem paragliding in Kaş is a bucket-list adventure.

Sea Kayaking at Kekova

If you’d rather paddle than sail, try sea kayaking around Kekova. Glide silently over the sunken city, find hidden coves, and soak up the sun far away from crowds. A sea kayaking tour in Kekova mixes history, adventure and total peace — all in one.

Relax at Kaputaş Beach

Just a short drive from Kaş is Kaputaş Beach — one of Turkey’s most photographed spots. Famous for its bright turquoise water, dramatic cliffs and iconic staircase down to the sand, it’s a must-see. Bring your towel, swim in clear waves, and take that postcard photo everyone wants. Go early in the day if you want to beat the crowds and find a good spot.

Cool Off at Saklıkent Canyon

Need a break from the summer heat? Head inland to Saklıkent Canyon — one of Turkey’s longest and most impressive gorges. Ice-cold mountain streams carve through towering cliffs. You can wade through the shallow waters, climb over boulders, and find hidden waterfalls along the way. Local cafes with wooden decks sit right above the river — a perfect place to relax with a gözleme (Turkish pancake) and fresh trout.

Take a Day Trip to Meis Island

For something truly special, hop on a ferry and visit Greece for the day! Meis (also called Kastellorizo) is a tiny Greek island just 20 minutes from Kaş by boat. It’s full of colorful waterfront houses, old churches, cozy tavernas and the famous Blue Cave. You’ll need your passport and a valid Schengen visa — but this mini trip is worth every minute for the atmosphere alone.

Hike Part of the Lycian Way

Kaş sits right along the Lycian Way — a world-famous long-distance hiking trail that runs for hundreds of kilometers along the coast. Even if you don’t have time for the whole thing, a half-day hike near Kaş is pure magic. Expect olive groves, ancient ruins and breathtaking sea views. Early morning or late afternoon is best to beat the sun. Good shoes, water and a camera are all you need.

Shop at Local Markets and Boutiques

Kaş isn’t just about beaches — it’s also great for slow shopping. Every Friday, a local market pops up with fresh fruits, spices, olives, cheeses and handmade crafts. Wander the colorful stalls and pick up something unique. The town is full of small boutiques selling handmade silver jewelry, colorful textiles and beachy clothes — perfect for a laid-back souvenir that reminds you of Kaş.

Where to Eat and Drink in Kaş

Kaş has a food scene that’s simple but so satisfying. You’ll find seaside fish restaurants serving the catch of the day, cozy meyhanes with endless plates of meze, and tiny rooftop bars with sunset views over the harbor. Grab a glass of local wine or a cold beer, share fresh calamari or grilled octopus, and watch the sun dip behind the islands.

Don’t miss an after-dinner stroll through the narrow streets. Stop for Turkish coffee or find a bar with live music and friendly locals. Nights here are relaxed but never boring — just the right amount of buzz for a small coastal town.

Nightlife in Kaş

Kaş doesn’t have giant clubs — and that’s the beauty of it. Nights here are about small rooftop bars, hidden cocktail spots and flower-filled side streets where people play live acoustic music. You can sit under fairy lights with a cold drink, talk to new friends, or just listen to the sea in the background.

Practical Tips for Kaş

• Getting around: The old town is walkable. For beaches like Kaputaş or day trips to Saklıkent, rent a scooter or car — but parking is limited in summer.

• Safety: Kaş is very safe, even for solo travelers. Locals are friendly and used to visitors.

• Best time to visit: May to October is perfect. July and August are hottest (30–37°C). If you want fewer crowds, come in late spring or early autumn.

• Money: Most places accept cards but keep some cash for markets and small cafes.

• Reservations: In high season, book popular restaurants ahead — tables by the water go fast!

Kaş Weather Guide

Kaş has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry with lots of sunshine and warm nights. July and August can reach 35–37°C (95–98°F). The sea stays warm until October — perfect for swimming and diving. Winters are mild and quiet, some hotels close but the town keeps its charm.

Family-Friendly Kaş

Kaş is great for families too. Calm beaches, family-run pensions, gentle boat trips and easy town streets make it super kid-friendly. Kekova boat tours and Friday markets are fun for kids. Many restaurants have child-friendly menus and high chairs.

What to Pack for Kaş

Don’t come unprepared — the sun here is strong! Bring:

• High SPF sunscreen and a good hat
• Light, breathable clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• A light jacket for cool nights
• A reusable water bottle
• Swim shoes if you plan to explore rocky coves
• Your snorkel mask if you prefer your own

Photo Spots in Kaş

Kaş is an Instagram dream. The staircase at Kaputaş Beach, the old Lycian tombs at sunset, colorful boats in the harbor, rooftops at golden hour and the view from a paragliding flight — all perfect for that “I’m in paradise” shot.

Final Thoughts

Kaş is more than just another beach town — it’s a mood. Lazy breakfasts by the sea, clear water you can see your toes in, history under your feet and endless adventures above and below the surface.

Once you’ve watched a sunset over the islands, sailed above a sunken city, shared meze in a local tavern and hiked an ancient path — you’ll understand why so many people come back here again and again.

So pack light, plan loose, and let Kaş do its magic.