A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Kaş, Turkey

Getting to and Around Kaş

Kaş is conveniently located between two major airports, making it accessible for international and domestic travelers.

By Air

The two primary airports serving Kaş are:

• Dalaman Airport (DLM): This is the nearest and most convenient airport, located approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive away . Many airlines, including SunExpress, Jet2, and easyJet, offer direct flights to Dalaman, especially from European cities.
• Antalya Airport (AYT): As a larger international hub, Antalya Airport offers more flight options but is further away, with a transfer time of about 3 to 4 hours by car.

From the Airport to Kaş

Once you land, you have several options to complete your journey to Kaş:

• Private Transfer: The most convenient and direct option . You can book a car in advance to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation in Kaş.
• Shared Shuttle: A more budget-friendly option, shared shuttles are available from both airports. Companies like Kaş Özgür Turizm operate services, though booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
• Rental Car: Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region at your own pace. Major rental agencies are available at both airports. The drive along the D400 coastal highway is incredibly scenic.
• Public Bus: This is the most economical but also the most time-consuming option. From either airport, you would need to take a Havaş or Muttaş shuttle to the main bus terminal (otogar) in Fethiye (from Dalaman) or Antalya. From there, you can catch a local bus or an intercity bus to Kaş.

Getting Around in Kaş

The town center of Kaş is compact and best explored on foot . Its charming, cobbled streets are largely pedestrianized. For venturing further, you can use:

• Local Buses (Dolmuş): These minibuses are the most common and affordable way to explore the surrounding area .
  • Routes: Dolmuşes departing from the Kaş bus station (otogar) serve popular destinations like the town of Kalkan, with a key stop at Kaputaş Beach along the way . You just need to tell the driver your destination .
  • Frequency: During the high season, services run frequently, at least once an hour . Outside of peak times, companies like Bati Antalya Tur operate services every two to four hours . Buses generally run from morning until evening, with last departures around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM .
  • Journey Time & Fares: The trip to Kaputaş Beach takes about 25-30 minutes . The full journey to Kalkan takes 30-40 minutes in total . Fares are inexpensive; a trip to Kaputaş costs around 20 TL (~$1 USD), while the fare to Kalkan can range from 45 TL to 160 TL depending on the company . It is best to have cash (Turkish Lira) to pay the driver on board .
• Taxis: Readily available for shorter trips, such as to hotels on the peninsula.
• Scooter/Car Rental: Renting a scooter or car in town is a popular way to explore nearby beaches and ancient sites independently.

Best Time to Visit

Kaş enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters.

• High Season (June - August): This period sees the hottest and sunniest weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) . It's the busiest and most expensive time, perfect for sun-seekers, but expect crowds .
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October): Widely considered the best time to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm, the sea is ideal for swimming, and the crowds have thinned. September is particularly perfect as the summer heat fades but the sea remains very warm.
• Low Season (November - March): The weather is cooler and can be rainy, with some businesses closing for the winter. However, Kaş is a working town that remains open year-round, offering a peaceful escape for those who don't mind the milder temperatures.

Where to Stay

Kaş offers a range of accommodation that favors character and charm over large-scale resorts, primarily divided between luxurious boutique hotels and cozy pensions .

• Boutique Hotels: Often found on the tranquil Çukurbağ Peninsula, these stylish, design-focused properties offer an intimate and upscale experience .
  • Characteristics: They are defined by personalized service, modern amenities, and stunning sea views . Many feature infinity pools, on-site restaurants, and private platforms built into the rocky coastline for sea access . Some are designated as "Adults Only" for a quieter atmosphere .
  • Price: Nightly rates can start from around $49-$109 and increase to over $300 for more exclusive properties, depending on the season and level of luxury .
• Pensions (Pansiyonlar): For a more budget-friendly and authentic Turkish experience, pensions are an excellent choice, often located in or near the Kaş Old Town .
  • Characteristics: These are typically smaller, family-run guesthouses known for their warm hospitality . Rooms are generally basic but clean and comfortable, equipped with essentials like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi . A major highlight is often the complimentary homemade Turkish breakfast served on a rooftop terrace with panoramic views .
  • Price: Pensions offer great value, with nightly rates starting from around $21-$60 (£24-£47) .

Things to Do and See

Kaş is a treasure trove of activities, from historical exploration to thrilling adventures.

Beaches and Boat Trips

• Kaputaş Beach: One of Turkey's most photographed beaches, this stunning turquoise cove is nestled between dramatic cliffs, about a 20-minute drive or dolmuş ride from Kaş . Arrive early to secure a spot before the crowds.
• Patara Beach: A short drive further west, Patara boasts an 18-kilometer stretch of white sand, backed by ancient ruins. It is a protected area due to nesting sea turtles.
• Limanağzı Beach: Accessible by a short water taxi ride from the harbor or a scenic hike, this bay is home to several beach clubs with calm, clear water .
• Town Beaches: For a quick dip, Küçük Çakıl (Little Pebble) and Büyük Çakıl (Big Pebble) beaches are within walking distance of the old town.
• Boat Trip to the Sunken City of Kekova: This is a quintessential Kaş experience and a must-do activity .
  • Itinerary & Duration: These are full-day excursions, typically lasting 8-9 hours from around 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM . The trip includes cruising over the submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Simena (swimming here is forbidden), with multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling in scenic spots like Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Burç Bay . A key stop is the village of Kaleköy (Simena), where you can hike up to a Byzantine castle for incredible views .
  • Cost & Inclusions: Shared tours generally cost between €40-€65 ($50-$77) per person . Private tours are also available, starting from around €340-€800 per group . Tours typically include the boat journey, a delicious Turkish lunch served on board, and often afternoon tea or fruit . Hotel transfers may be included, but drinks are often extra, and there may be a small entrance fee for Simena Castle (around €4) .

Adventure and Activities

• Scuba Diving: Kaş is renowned as one of the Mediterranean's premier scuba diving destinations, boasting crystal-clear water with visibility up to 40 meters . With over 30 dive sites, most just a short boat ride from the harbor, it offers an unforgettable experience for all skill levels .
  • Premier Dive Sites:
    • Wrecks: Kaş is famous for its wreck dives. The most iconic is the C-47 Dakota Plane Wreck, a WWII military transport plane intentionally sunk in 2009 . Resting at 14-22 meters, it's accessible to novice divers and features a large cargo hold to explore, though caution is needed due to lionfish . Other notable wrecks include the "Canyon" Wreck (Dimitri), a cotton freighter at 25-40 meters for experienced divers, and the Neptune Wreck, a former coastguard boat starting at 33 meters for advanced divers .
    • Canyons and Caves: The Canyon is a visually stunning dive between two sheer walls teeming with life, leading to a dramatic underwater passage or "chimney" . Big Wall features a drop from 20 to over 40 meters and includes a tunnel .
    • Historical & Artistic Sites: The Lycia-Kaş Underwater Art Park is a unique site with non-polluting replicas of over 600 Lycian artifacts, including a statue of Poseidon . At Neptune/Amphora Corner, divers can see hundreds of 2,000-year-old amphora fragments .
  • Marine Life: The waters are a haven for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), groupers, barracudas, moray eels, octopuses, and rays . Between June and October, you may even spot an elusive seahorse .
  • Planning Your Dive:
    • Dive Centers: Kaş has over 20 reputable, PADI-certified dive centers . Highly-regarded options include Subaqua Diving Centre (a PADI Career Development Center), Nautilus Dive Center (a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort), Dragoman Dive Center, and Oceanids Diving Center .
    • Courses & Costs: A "Discovery Dive" for beginners lasts about 3 hours and costs from €60 to $89 . The PADI Open Water Diver Certification course takes 3-4 days, allowing you to dive to 18 meters, and costs around €300-€350, though you should confirm if course materials are included .
• Paragliding: For a bird's-eye view of the stunning coastline, tandem paragliding flights launch from the mountains behind Kaş, landing near the harbor.
• Sea Kayaking: A peaceful way to explore the coastline, with guided tours available, including trips over the Sunken City of Kekova.

History and Culture

• Antiphellos Ancient Theatre: Located a short walk from the center, this beautifully preserved Hellenistic theatre offers a fantastic view over the town and sea, especially at sunset.
• Lycian Tombs: The most prominent is the King's Tomb (or Lion Tomb), a monumental sarcophagus at the top of a main street. You can also see rock tombs carved into the cliff face above the town.
• Explore the Old Town: Spend hours wandering the narrow, cobbled streets. Discover Uzun Çarşı, the main shopping street, filled with boutique shops selling handmade jewelry, textiles, and local crafts.
• Day Trip to Myra and St. Nicholas Church: About a 40-minute drive east, the town of Demre is home to the ancient city of Myra, with its impressive Lycian rock tombs and a large Roman theatre. Nearby is the Church of St. Nicholas, the original resting place of the 4th-century bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

Day Trips and Hikes

Day Trip to Kastellorizo (Meis), Greece

A highly rewarding day trip is the short journey to the picturesque Greek island of Kastellorizo, known as Meis in Turkey .

• Logistics: Two main ferry companies, Meis Express and Meis Ferry Lines, operate the route . You can buy tickets at their offices in Kaş's main square or book online .
• Schedule: Ferries typically depart Kaş around 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM and return from Kastellorizo around 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM, giving you about five hours on the island . The crossing is very quick, taking only 15-20 minutes .
• Costs: A same-day return ticket costs between €30 and €35 . In addition, you must pay a Turkish port tax of around 130 TL at the port and a Greek port tax of about €5, which is often collected at booking .
• Passport & Visa: You will go through passport control in both countries as you are entering the Schengen Area . A valid passport is essential . Crucially, depending on your nationality, a Schengen visa may be required. You must verify the latest visa requirements for your citizenship before your trip .
• What to Do: Highlights include exploring the harbor's colorful neoclassical houses, visiting the stunning Blue Cave, and climbing to the Castle of the Knights for panoramic views .

Hiking the Lycian Way

Kaş is an excellent base for exploring sections of the Lycian Way, one of the world's most beautiful long-distance hiking trails .

• Kaş to Limanağzı Bay:
  • Details: This popular coastal hike starts directly from Kaş and offers constant, breathtaking sea views . The trail passes ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face, with a memorable section featuring rope handholds for navigation .
  • Difficulty & Duration: Easy to moderate, taking 1.5 to 2 hours one-way for the 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles) trail . From Limanağzı, you can take a water taxi back to Kaş harbor .
• Hike to Phellos Ancient City:
  • Details: This more rugged and remote hike takes you into the mountains to the ancient city of Phellos . A popular route is to take a taxi to the village of Çukurbağ and hike up to the ruins before descending back to Kaş . The trail involves significant elevation changes .
  • Difficulty & Duration: Moderate to challenging, taking 4 to 6 hours to complete the 10-14 km route . The reward is panoramic views and the extensive ruins of Phellos, including Lycian sarcophagi .
• Hike to Aperlai via Apollonia:
  • Details: This hike requires a 30-minute taxi ride to the village of Kılıçlı . The trail leads to the ruins of Apollonia before descending to the coastal ruins of Aperlai, a Lycian port famous for purple dye production . Parts of the city are now submerged, creating a "sunken city" visible in the clear water .
  • Difficulty & Duration: Moderate, covering about 12.5 km in approximately 5 hours .

Food, Drink, and Nightlife

The culinary scene in Kaş is a major highlight, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Turkish flavors and modern Mediterranean cuisine .

Recommended Restaurants

Traditional Meyhanes (Taverns)

A visit to a meyhane is a quintessential Turkish experience, centered on rakı, fresh fish, and a convivial atmosphere of sharing mezes (appetizers).

• Nereid Meyhanesi: An upmarket choice known for exquisite seafood, spectacular sea views, and unique mezes like orange octopus .
• Beyhude Meyhane: Praised for its romantic ambiance, live music, and use of organic, locally sourced produce .
• Zaika Ocakbaşı: An acclaimed grill house in an intimate courtyard setting, famous for high-quality grilled meats like lamb şaşlık . Reservations are highly recommended, often months in advance .
• Ruhi Bey Meyhanesi: One of Kaş's most well-known taverns, offering a classic experience with a specialty of sole fish cooked in milk .

Casual Eateries

For a relaxed and budget-friendly meal, these spots are highly recommended.

• Bi'Lokma: A beloved restaurant serving a rich variety of fresh, home-style Turkish dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner .
• Yeşil Restaurant: A family-run establishment favored by locals for its scrumptious, homemade Turkish food at reasonable prices .
• Kervan Pide ve Kebap Salonu: Highly recommended for delicious and affordable pides and kebabs .
• Cinarlar Pizza Garden: Celebrated for its wood-fired Turkish pizzas and exceptional service, with gluten-free options available .

Upscale and Innovative Dining

• L'Apéro: Run by a French chef in a historic house, this restaurant offers a unique fusion of French-Mediterranean flavors, including escargot, with vegan and gluten-free menus .
• Müpptela Ocakbaşı: Tucked away in a leafy, tranquil setting, this grillhouse is known for its excellent mezes and perfectly grilled meats in a relaxed atmosphere .
• Smiley's Restaurant: A long-standing favorite by the harbor, offering generously portioned and reasonably priced kebabs and seafood .

Nightlife

The nightlife in Kaş is characterized by vibrant, cozy bars with live music rather than massive clubs .

• Echo Bar: A distinctive venue in a converted 150-year-old barn, renowned for hosting live performances from jazz to local bands and DJ nights .
• Mavi Bar: An iconic, atmospheric spot on the main square, instantly recognizable by its colorful decor and perfect for people-watching .
• Queen Bar: Known for its exquisite cocktails and a rooftop terrace offering sensational views .
• Deja Vu: A laid-back bar with fantastic sea views and a great indie music soundtrack, perfect for sunset drinks .
• Cafe Barcelona: A casual, pub-like spot on a cozy side street for a more relaxed evening .

Practical Information

• Currency: The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's useful to have cash for smaller purchases, local markets, and dolmuş fares .
• Language: The official language is Turkish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A simple "merhaba" (hello) and "teşekkür ederim" (thank you) will be warmly received .
• Visa: Check the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website for the latest visa requirements for your nationality before you travel.
• Safety: Kaş is considered a very safe destination with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere .

Local Customs and Etiquette

While Kaş is a relaxed resort town, being mindful of local customs will enrich your experience .

• Dress Code: Casual attire like shorts and sundresses is common . Swimwear is fine at the beach, but it's polite to wear a cover-up when walking through town or entering shops and restaurants . When visiting a mosque, modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women must cover their hair with a scarf .
• Tipping (Bahşiş): Tipping is not mandatory but is a common and appreciated gesture for good service .
  • Restaurants: 5-10% is standard, while 10-15% is appropriate for upscale dining . It's best to leave tips in cash .
  • Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common practice .
  • Tour Guides & Hotel Staff: Tipping your tour guide (around 10% of the tour cost) and hotel staff (5-10 TL) is a kind gesture .
• Social Etiquette: Turkish people are known for their hospitality (misafirperverlik) . It is polite to remove your shoes when entering a Turkish home and to accept an offer of tea . A firm handshake is a common greeting, and using the respectful titles "Bey" (for men) and "Hanım" (for women) after a first name is appreciated .

Executive Summary

Kaş is an idyllic destination on Turkey's Turquoise Coast that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture . Easily accessible via Dalaman or Antalya airports, the town is celebrated for its charming, bougainvillea-lined old town, which has resisted mass-market tourism in favor of boutique hotels and authentic experiences . The best times to visit are the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, which provide ideal weather for enjoying the region's stunning beaches, world-class scuba diving, and a vibrant culinary scene .

Key activities include taking a full-day boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova and exploring ancient Lycian ruins like the Antiphellos Theatre . The town is renowned as a premier diving destination, with over 30 sites featuring dramatic canyons and famous wrecks like a C-47 Dakota plane . Kaş is also an excellent base for day trips, including a 20-minute ferry to the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis) and hiking accessible sections of the scenic Lycian Way to destinations like Limanağzı Bay or the mountain ruins of Phellos . The town itself is a delight to explore on foot, with a fantastic culinary scene rooted in Mediterranean traditions . Visitors can feast on fresh mezes and grilled seafood at traditional meyhanes like Nereid or enjoy innovative cuisine at upscale spots like Zaika Ocakbaşı . The nightlife is lively yet relaxed, centered around atmospheric bars with live music, such as Echo Bar . By embracing local customs, visitors can fully appreciate the warm hospitality that defines this unforgettable and authentically Turkish destination .