Best Things To Do In Kaş – A 2025 Guide

Achingly pretty, slightly bohemian, quietly confident; the small town of Kaş on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is all of those things. And more besides.

We fell in love with Kaş the first time we visited in the late 1990s. And that love has never left us.

A pretty harbour, packed with small boats and traditional gülets. Cobbled streets and alleyways.

Fuschia-coloured bougainvillea climbing and tumbling from overhanging wooden balconies, wooden shutters shading the windows.

How could we not fall in love with the place?

We spend quite a lot of time in this town!

As with the centre of our hometown of Fethiye, Kaş is a beautiful town. And it manages to house a happy mix of traveller.

From campers and backpackers to those looking for a stay in a boutique hotel. No sprawling hotel complexes, here.

And also, as with our hometown, if you find yourself in Kaş out of season, no worries.

Kaş – A Year-Round Town

This is a working harbour town that doesn’t pull down the shutters once November arrives.

You’ll find lots of bars, restaurants and shops still open for business. And a modern town centre catering for life’s daily needs.

Kaş is upmarket without being pretentious. Maybe that’s because it is a working town.

That’s definitely one of the draws for us – it doesn’t exist purely for tourism.

But does that mean there’s nothing to do in Kaş?

No, of course not. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Let’s have a look at all the things you can see and do on a visit to this, one of our favourite places in Turkey…

For us, a perfect place for a day trip from Fethiye and for longer breaks, too.

Best Things to Do In Kaş, Turkey

Go Shopping And Explore

Kaş is perfect for shopping – both for life’s practical essentials and stunning, quality souvenirs.

The Market

If you’re staying in town in an apartment or a villa, one of our favourite things to do is to support the local market.

If you’re a fan of the same, then Kaş has a small Friday market near the bus station.

Even if you’re in a hotel or a pension, a wander around a Turkish market is always worth a bit of your time.

Souvenir Shopping

And then there’s the street shopping.

Shopping for souvenirs is an absolute must on the list of things to do in Kaş.

There are two reasons for this: your setting and the quality of the souvenir shops.

Uzun Çarşı is the most famous – and pretty – shopping street in Kaş. And is definitely not to be missed.

But don’t forget to explore the other pedestrianised narrow streets and alleyways of the old town.

We’re not big fans of shopping, but, like Bodrum centre, it’s a different experience here. You can find artisan products you might not see elsewhere.

Yes, you’ll get the Turkish carpets and kilims, leather bags and mosaic lighting.

But also look out for boutiques selling linens, handmade jewellery and individual artwork.

And, like we said, Kaş is very chilled. It has nothing to prove.

By and large, your shopping experience will also be chilled.

There’s a distinct lack of the old “Hello, yes please, come into my shop.”

In Search Of Ancient History

Whilst the centre of Kaş is not awash with ancient ruins, there are some relics of the past that are a must-see.

King’s Tomb

Kaş sits on Turkey’s Lycian coast. The King’s Tomb – also known as Lions’ Tomb – stands proudly at the top of Uzun Çarşı.

It’s a real chance to get up close and personal with a tomb from the Lycian era.

Like the tomb of Amyntas in Fethiye, it dates from the 4th Century BC. It’s also known as the Lions’ Tomb because the lid features two lions’ heads resting on their paws.

Unlike the tomb of Amyntas, however, you can reach the King’s Tomb with little effort.

The King’s Tomb is one of the largest free-standing sarcophagi in the area.

And you have it right on your doorstep when you are in the centre of Kaş.

Antiphellos Ancient Theatre

Compared to such splendour as the theatres at Hierapolis or Ephesus, for example, Antiphellos Theatre might seem a bit of an anti-climax.

It isn’t huge. And relatively recent restoration means it all looks rather pristine.

However, it is a sight (and a site) not to be missed in Kaş. And it’s a pleasant walk from the centre of town.

And, once you climb to the top, the views over the harbour and across to Greek islands are really pretty.

The sunset from Antiphellos is also famous.

So, if it’s a hot day, wait until a little later for your visit so that it’s cooler. And you can take in the sunset, along with other sunset appreciators, too.

Take Your Pick Of Kaş Beaches

Whilst Kaş is a harbour town, there are numerous small beaches and bays where you can enjoy the crystal clear waters around this area and chill.

If you follow this blog regularly, you’ll know we’re not usually beachy people.

However, one of our favourite things to do in Kaş is to hit the beach.

Büyük Çakıl Plajı

Our favourite – even when the beds and umbrellas pack the bay in summer.

The walk to Büyük Çakıl Plajı (Big Pebble Beach) is undulating. And you can get the dolmuş here if you can’t face the trudge.

Your reward, however, is a swim in the calm, cool waters. And a cold beer at one of the snack bars in the bay.

For us, the best time to travel is in spring and autumn. So these beautiful beaches are relatively quiet when we’re there.

Küçük Çakıl Plajı

You can swim in the centre of town at Küçük Çakıl Plajı (Little Pebble Beach). Or use one of the beach clubs surrounding it.

Whilst this little-pebbled bay is free to enter, the ‘beach clubs’ on the surrounding rock faces have paid facilities, bar, restaurant and steps leading you down to the water.

Limanağzı

In high season, you can take a taxi boat to Limanağzı. We love this little sail across to the bay.

Once here, you can take your pick from a handful of small beach clubs where you can also get drinks and snacks.

All around Kaş, the Mediterranean waters are great for swimming but Limanağzı always looks extra tempting.

Or you can go to one of the bays or beach clubs on the Kaş Peninsula.

And heading west, out of town, there are also roadside bays and beaches that the local Kaş municipality are working on to add further simple facilities.

Kaputaş Beach

And it would be remiss of us not to mention the Instagram favourite. The most well known of the roadside beaches.

The (in)famous Kaputaş Beach is hugely popular and is only a 25 minute drive (or take the Patara dolmuş) west of Kaş.

If you’re driving and it’s high season, get there early for a parking spot!

Alternatively, if you’re on the dolmuş, it’ll take you west along the D400, past Kaputaş and all the way to the spectacularly long and sandy Patara Beach.

Kaş Diving

When it comes to outdoor activities, Kaş is well-known for being one of the best places in Turkey to go scuba diving.

Azure blue, crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and underwater wrecks are a real draw for divers.

We’re not divers – Barry once did a try a scuba dive, but that’s as far as our expertise goes – but divers we do know rate Kaş highly.

One of Kaş’s most famous underwater wrecks is a replica of the ancient 3,400 year old sunken ship, Uluburun.

Whether you’re a first timer, an old pro, or you are wanting to develop your skills further to boost your scuba diving qualifications, Kaş has local dive centres to suit.

Head Out On A Boat Trip

If you’re looking for a more leisurely boat tour from Kaş, day boats leave from the harbour in the summer season.

Lunch and swim stops at places like Inönü Bay – a beautiful place for a swim – are included.

Also chances to see ancient ruins such as Kekova Sunken City and Simena Kaleköy.

It is also possible to leave the harbour early evening and watch the sunset over the bays by doing a sunset trip.

There are boats of various sizes offering trips on the water. Some take small groups if you don’t want to be on a larger boat.

Take A Hike

There’s no shortage of steep hills around Kaş where you can quickly get some height and appreciate the spectacular scenery of this part of the Turkish Riviera.

The long distance Lycian Way passes through Kaş. But if you don’t want to be heading into the mountain paths there’s a couple of routes you can choose to do on foot or wheels and still get the rewards of amazing views.

Bayındır

Head uphill along the road past Big Pebble Beach and you will soon be on a steep winding climb up a narrow road towards the village of Bayındır.

You can drive or – in cooler weather – cycle or walk this Bayındır circular route.

The full route is around 8 km. And, as you can see, the views are very much worth your effort.

These days, there’s also a couple of places serving up traditional village Turkish breakfast along the route.

Most recently, we stopped off at Fesleğen Kokusu for our breakfast treat. And we didn’t need to eat again for the rest of the day!

Kaş Peninsula

And if you’re not already staying on the beautiful Kaş Peninsula, do take a walk or drive around here for the fabulous views. And for the beaches and bays we already mentioned.

Kaş Restaurants & Bars

Our favourite subject! And Kaş has oodles of choice to suit all budgets when it comes to eating and drinking.

The Bars

Kaş has a vibrant nightlife – especially in the summer months.

But, we’re talking bars; not clubs.

There are jazz bars – the Kaş Jazz Festival takes place each August – blues and rock bars, cocktail bars with live DJ sets.

And just chilled out bars with a great vibe.

It’s that sort of place.

Hide away in the side streets. Sit around the main square for people watching. Or get a bit of height and sit yourself somewhere overlooking the water.

Dejavu gets very busy at sunset and has great music, rickety furniture and a chilled vibe. Everything we love in a bar.

We also like to duck into the doorway above, off the square into the little world that is Hideaway Bar.

Time To Eat

As for eating, whatever your budget, you’ll easily be able to fuel yourself so that you can go out and explore all of these things to do in Kaş.

Kaş has the usual famous Turkish street foods like midye dolma (stuffed mussels). It also has its own speciality – fresh raw almonds served over ice. They’re great!

On the main road leading into town, you’ll find great budget options such as lokantas and salons serving up traditional Turkish soups, tasty pide or döner kebab.

In the centre, well, take your pick!

Anything from traditional Turkish food and specialist köfte restaurants to trendy pizza and burger joints, sushi bars, seafood restaurants and eateries serving up international cuisine.

Peruse at your leisure. And, again, don’t neglect the narrow side alleys. Lots to discover in those.

Day Trips From Kaş

If you’re staying around for a while and using Kaş as your base, there are lots of places to explore, nearby.

Kaş is right at the heart of Lycian Turkey on the Mediterranean coast (see map above or below).

There are numerous ruins and coastal villages and beautiful bays to visit both to the east and the west. And there’s a Greek island just opposite!

Do these trips under your own steam using public transport or hire car. Or you can book experiences via the various agents in town.

Meis – Kastellorizo Greek Island

If you do get to make the short ferry ride from Kaş to the Greek island of Meis you will be rewarded with a tempting slice of Greek island life.

For us, it’s a favourite place to spend a day.

Once you reach this tiny Greek island, there are a few things you can do in Meis to while away your time.

We love this island and visit often.

You can book your trip at one of the offices off the main square. Don’t forget your passport!

Demre

The small town of Demre is just a 40 minute drive away and a very worthwhile day out from Kaş. In the 2020s it is becoming a standalone tourist resort in its own right.

Visit the ancient ruins of Myra with its famous Lycian rock tombs.

And go to see the Church of St. Nicholas (yes, the Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus), which also houses his tomb.

There’s also the ancient Andriake harbour and museum.

You can chill out on the beaches and enjoy the beach bars in the area after you’ve explored the sights.

Kalkan

Just 30 minutes west of Kaş is pretty Kalkan.

Much building of villas and apartments from the town, climbing up the hillside.

But this doesn’t affect the beauty of the old side streets and alleyways which climb steeply away from the harbour.

Visit Kalkan for shopping and dining. If you get hot and bothered, there’s also a small public beach with tempting, crystal clear water where you can take a dip.

Patara

As well as a huge stretch of soft sand, sand dunes, snack bar – a real treat for beach lovers – you can explore the archaeological site which features the groundbreaking restored lighthouse, completed in 2025!

Oh, and it’s another great place to catch the sunset.

Development is minimal here due to the beach being a nesting area for Caretta Caretta sea turtles.

A local dolmuş runs to here from Kaş.

There are so many historical sites in this area.

If you want to bag yourself a site on the UNESCO World Heritage list, you can have a double whammy.

A 50 minute drive west from Kaş (and 20 minutes’ north of Patara) will also take you to the twin UNESCO World Heritage sites of Letoon and the ancient city of Xanthos.

Saklıkent Gorge

A popular excursion from most resorts in the area, so expect Saklıkent Gorge to be crowded in high season.

It is, however, not to be missed.

Breathtaking beauty – and breathtakingly icy cold water!

Even in the southern Turkish hot summer temperatures, this water is a real tester!

Saklıkent and nearby Gizlikent Waterfall are just over an hour’s drive from Kaş.

Kaş – Our Chillout Zone

We know this area of Turkey quite well.

So, for us, when we go to Kaş, it’s a trip where we take a night or two just to chill out and enjoy the town itself.

We usually stay in small hotels – Hideaway has been a favourite of late. And we have also stayed in a seafront hotel, Gardenia (a very kind gift from a reader).

Kaş also has a few campsites and self-catering apartments and villas.

As we said, although Kaş is a popular tourist destination, this is not the land of sprawling mass tourism and huge hotels with multiple facilities.

It’s relatively long distance from both Dalaman Airport and Antalya Airport helps to keep that in check.

Go to Kaş, kick back, relax!

Kaş – Frequently Asked Questions

Southern Turkey is littered with places where you can take a laid back break away from the big tourist centres.

If ‘laid back’ is your thing, check out our articles on spending time in Datça, chilling out in Dalyan and mooching around the very pretty Akyaka.

Places To Stay In Kaş

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