Discover the best things to do in Kas, one of the most beautiful resorts on the Western Mediterranean coastline. The town is the ideal combination of historic and cultural heritage, natural beauty, and pleasant weather.
Located on the Turquoise Coast on the southernmost point of the Teke Peninsula, Kas, known as Lycian in the antique period, was home to one of oldest civilizations of West Anatolia and its history dates to 3000 BC.
Visiting Kas is totally worthwhile, particularly if you’re looking for a laidback and unspoiled Turkish seaside resort with plenty of things to do, including exploring ancient sites and swimming in some of the most picturesque beaches in Turkey.
I’d never heard about Kas before until a Turkish friend told me that it’s one of his favourite places in the whole country. One and half years later I visited this adorable town and fell in love with it. In this guide, you’ll find what to do in and around Kas.
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Planning a Trip to Kas – Turkey
Where is Kas?
Kas, one of the best towns on the Turkish Riviera, is situated 168 km (104 mi) west of the city of Antalya (check the exact location here).
How to get there?
You can get to Kas by plane, car or bus/van.
- By plane
The closest airports to Kas are Dalaman (148 km) and Antalya (200 km). Antalya is better connected to other cities in Turkey and Europe, so it might be easier to fly to/from this airport.
You can book your flights with Skyscanner, the website I trust, use and recommend.
- By car
Whether you’re driving from Dalaman, Fethiye or Antalya, to get to Kas, you must follow the D400, an east-west state road in southern Turkey.
The D400 is very scenic, but also winding and repeatedly climbs high into the mountains before falling back towards sea level. Drive carefully!
- By bus/van
There are buses and vans from Dalaman Airport and Antalya Airport to Kas and you can find the timetable and prices here.
How to get around?
If you’re planning to stay in Kas only, you may not need a car. You can use public transport, local taxis and book excursions.
But there are so many interesting things to do in Kas and nearby cities that I highly recommend renting a car. With a car is much easier and more convenient to get around. I rented a compact car for six days and paid 175 GBP.
Find the best deals and compare prices on Rental Cars and Discover Cars.
What’s the best time to visit Kas?
Kas has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. You can visit the city from April to November, but the best time is during the shoulder seasons May/June and September/October.
July and August are the busiest and hottest months and the temperature can get up to 30C.
Where to stay in Kas?
I suggest staying at least three days in the city. I stayed four nights at Kas Otel, but I didn’t like it that much. The location is great, but the breakfast had very few options and the internet signal was poor.
Some of the hotels in Kas that I recommend are 💰 Sole’n Blu, 💰💰 Golden Rose Otelcilik and 💰💰💰💰💰 Suna Sun Hotel.
Where to eat?
Kas has some nice and lovely restaurants. The ones that I recommend are Cafe Barcelona, Zaika Ocakbaşı, Derya Beach Restaurant, Pell’s Restaurant, Zoka Street Food, Maya Steak House and Mezetaryen Wine.
18 Best Things to Do in Kas (+Nearby)
1 – Explore Kas Old Town
One of the best things to do in Kas is undoubtedly explore its charming Old Town!
Featuring a maze of cobblestone alleys, quaint restaurants, cosy cafes, flowered-covered buildings, lovely squares, and many souvenir shops selling local arts and crafts, you will fall in love with this part of the city.
The most popular places to visit in Kas Old Town are the picturesque Doğruyol Cd. Street, also known as Kas Merkez, and the main square overlooking the harbour. But I suggest you find narrower and quieter streets for a more relaxed atmosphere.
2 – Take in the breathtaking views from the Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos
Antiphellos known originally as Habesos, was an ancient coastal city in Lycia. It was settled by the Lycians, occupied by the Persians, during the 6th century BC, and by the Greeks, during the 4th century BC, who built a Hellenistic amphitheatre that boasted 4000 spectator seats.
It is the only theatre in Anatolia facing the sea and has become one of the most popular Kas attractions.
The Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos, located just 500m from Kas main square, is a great spot to watch the sunset and provides stunning sea views.
P.S.: Depending on the time of the year you can’t see the sunset from Antiphellos, but even though it’s worth visiting it.
3 – Swim in the crystalline waters of Kaputas Beach
If you’re looking for the best beach in Kas, Kaputas is the answer.
Located about 21 km from Kas on the coastal road between Kas–Kalkan, Kaputas with its impressive glistening turquoise water is not only one of the most beautiful beaches on the Turkish Riviera but in the entire world.
This 150-m long pebbled beach enveloped by towering cliffs has all the amenities you need, including chairs and umbrellas (225 Turkish Liras = US$ 8 per set), toilets, restaurants, etc. Parking is limited and I recommend getting there as early as possible.
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4 – Take a Sunken City & Kekova Island boat tour
One of my favourite things to do in Kas is to take a boat tour to the Sunken City and Kekova Island.
The boat departs from Kas Harbour, and you can swim and snorkelling in gorgeous bays with crystal-clear turquoise water, discover the Sunken City, which was drowned into the sea during the earthquakes in 141 BC and 240 AC, until you get to the idyllic Kekova Island.
Once you stop at Kalekoy (Kekova) Island, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Simena Castle to admire the breathtaking views and taste the delicious local ice cream.
- This tour is very reasonably priced, and lunch is included. Book yours here.
5 – Soak up the sun at Big Pebble Beach
Are you looking for a nice beach to relax and sunbathe close to the city centre? Big Pebble is the place to go.
Located 1.4 km (19-min walk) from Kas Old Town, this family-friendly beach is enveloped by bright green hills and features amazing turquoise crystalline water.
Big Pebble Beach boasts six great restaurants (some of them only accept cash) and is one of the few places in Kas where you can eat by the sea. The seabed consists mostly of small pebbles and if you don’t want to lay your towel on the pebbles, you can get two sun beds & umbrella for 100 Turkish liras (US$ 3.70). Free Park is available for all.
- You may also like: Best Beaches on Rhodes
6 – Walk the Lycian Way
Whether you’re a hiker or an occasional stroller, while in Kas you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk a section of the Lycian Way, which was once the seaside route of the antique Lycia and is now considered one of the ten best trekking routes in the world.
The Lycian Way is over 500 km long and starts from Telmessos (Fethiye) and ends in Hisarçandir (near Antalya). But no worries because my suggestion is to walk from the Old Town or Big Pebble Beach to Limanagzi Beach, which is approximately 5 km and takes an average of 50 minutes.
The hike is easy to moderate, very scenic and you walk on a gravel stones path covered with trees. But the trail gets narrow near a cliff section, and you must hold onto a rope on the side of the cliff. Don’t panic, just be careful.
In the summer months, you can take a water taxi back to Kas after swimming in one of the coves of Limanagzi (100 TRY = 3.70 USD).
- Are you also a hiker? If so, here are The Best Hikes in the Algarve, Portugal
7 – Take a day trip to Kalkan
Located 30 km west of Kas, Kalkan, a small port town, is one of the most enchanting places along the Lycian Coast.
The beautiful painting-like city is nestled beneath Taurus Mountain and features amazing beaches, a long promenade brimming with fine restaurants, and a peaceful historic centre with narrow streets and houses in the Greek-Ottoman style.
You can combine a day trip to Kalkan with Kaputas Beach or Patara and Xanthos, as I did.
8 – Follow the footsteps of Saint Claus in Patara
Did you know that Saint Claus (Saint Nicholas) was born in Turkey? Yes, and while in Kas you can visit his hometown.
The Ancient City of Patara was first founded by the Lycians and the early settlements date to the 13th century BC. Centuries later, the city was controlled by the Persians, Greeks, and Egyptians.
During the first century BC Patara was a powerful trade centre with a spectacular theatre, an agora, and the grain silos of the Lycian Federation. Under the Roman empire, Patara became one of the wealthiest and largest cities in Lycia.
The town acquired a significant place in the history of Christianity as it was the birthplace of Saint Nicholas and where he formed his creed. Saint Methodius was martyred in Patara and the town was also the departure harbour to Rome for Saint Paul and Saint Lucas.
Patara is one of the best places to visit near Kas! You can wander around its colonnade Harbour Street, be in awe of the impressive 5000-seat Roman theatre, admire the council chamber and much more. My recommendation is to visit Patara early in the morning or late afternoon because of the heat and bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The ticket costs 200 TRY (US$ 7.30).
- Read next: Best Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece
9 – Watch the sunset from a dune
When visiting the Ancient City of Patara, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go to Patara Beach, the longest beach in Turkey.
To get to Patara Beach you need to leave the ancient city, drive towards the little town of Gelemis and follow the directions (look for Patara Kum Tepesi or Patara Sand Dunes on Google Maps).
Once you park your car, you can go for a walk along this 12-km-long beach, sunbathe, horse riding and, if you’re lucky, you can see the endangered Loggerhead turtles of Patara. But my suggestion is to watch the sunset from the dune. It’s a wonderful spectacle and a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
- Looking for some inspiration? Here are 10 Pictures to Inspire You to Visit Folegandros
10 – Be in awe of the Ancient City of Myra
One of the best things to do near Kas is to visit Myra, a prominent town of ancient Lycia, located 2 km from the centre of Demre (45 km from Kas).
The history of Myra begins with the Bronze Age settlers and during the 5th century, it was one of the most important settlements during the Classical Period and the capital city (metropolis) of the Lycian region during the Roman Imperial Period.
When visiting Myra you can see the impressive remnants of the antique theatre, one of the best-preserved theatres in the Lycian Region, built during the Roman period with a capacity for approximately 11,000 spectators; the acropolis; and the distinctive, and yet monumental, stone-carved necropolis at the top of the hill.
Myra archaeological site is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 and tickets cost 300 TRY (US$ 11)
11 – Pay a visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas
Close to the ancient city of Myra, you find Demre, which is known as the town of Saint Nicholas. He worked as the episcope in that region and was declared a saint after his death for his helpful nature and miraculous healing abilities.
Whether you are a religious person, or not, you should pay a visit to Saint Nicholas Church and Museum.
The church was probably built in a basilica plan near the tomb of the saint in the 6th century. It had been damaged either by an earthquake or attacks from the south in the 8th century, was reconstructed as a domed church in the 9th or 10th century and equipped with beautiful frescoes and floor mosaics during the Middle Byzantine period in the 11th century.
Saint Nicholas Church has been attracting pilgrims since the Middle Ages and it’s a remarkable place to visit. It’s totally worth taking a half-day trip from Kas to Demre!
11 – Enjoy Kas nightlife
Kas doesn’t have a bustling nightlife such as Oludeniz and Antalya, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot have some fun after the sun goes down.
The Old Town is the place to go to enjoy Kas’s nightlife. If you want to shake your booty, you will find some nice bars with great live music. The best option is Queen Bar, but it’s also worth checking out HiJazz, Oxygen Pub and Koos Terrace.
And if you want just to sip some cocktails and people watch, the lovely and very central Café Barcelona is the place to be.
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12 – Go scuba diving
Kas is a preferred centre for diving thanks to the beauty of its bays, the rich underwater flora and fauna, the underwater caves, and the sunken ship.
The most famous one of the 30-plus diving spots is the Uluburun Batigi (shipwreck), which is located 8,5 km southeast of Kas. It’s estimated to be from the Bronze Age – 14th century BC.
There are more than 10 scuba diving schools in Kas and my recommendation is to book your scuba diving experience online in advance.
13 – Go paragliding
If you are an adrenaline junkie or just want to spice up your Kas trip, you should go paragliding.
You will jump from an altitude of 600m, soar over the turquoise waters of Kas and enjoy a 30-minute descent that offers unrivalled bird’s-eye views of the old town, the peninsula, and the Greek Island of Kastellorizo.
Tandem paragliding is one of the best things to do in Kas and prices start from 69 euros. I went paragliding for the very first time in Oludeniz and I a much paid higher price.
- Read next: Best Areas to Stay in Santorini
14 – Visit the Ancient City of Xanthos
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site to put on your list is Xanthos, the oldest ancient city in Turkey and the Lycian capital for an extended period.
Xanthos, which blends Lycian traditions with Hellenic influence, has a very tragic history. After a long war with the Persians in the 6th century BC, the city’s inhabitants killed themselves and burned the city to not be captured by the enemy.
When visiting the archaeological site, you’ll find some Lycian tombs (including Harpy Tomb, an 8.87m tall tomb that is believed to carry away the souls of the dead to the underworld), the famous Xanthos Obelisk (which has the longest inscription in the Lycian language of 250 lines), the foundation of the temple of Artemis, a well -preserved Roman Theatre, an acropolis, etc.
Xanthos is located on the Kas–Fethiye road, 45 km from Kas and 13 km from Patara. It’s open from 08:30-19:30 (summertime) and 08:30-17:30 (wintertime). Tickets cost 50 TRY (US$ 1.85).
- Looking for a hidden gem island to visit in Greece? I recommend Astypalea
15 – Play the archaeologist
Kas is booming with history and wandering around its streets you stumble upon many ancient ruins.
In Old Town, you find the King’s Tomb, an elevated Lycian sarcophagus consisting of a lower burial chamber, a plain base, and an arch lid. On Necipbey Cd, the street that connects the centre to Antiphellos, you find a Hellenistic Temple, the only religious architectural structure from the ancient city of Antiphellos, dated to the 1st century BC.
There are also some ancient ruins on two roundabouts at Atatürk Boulevard and on the Lycian Way near Limanagzi Beach.
16 – Take a daytrip to Saklikent
Many gorges start at Taurus Mountain and reach the Mediterranean coast, but the most famous one is Saklikent (Hidden City), one of the largest canyons in Europe and the deepest canyon in Turkey.
The waterfall is lovely in all seasons and has a smooth taste. In summer the water level is appropriate for a long walk, but in the winter the water rises too high to enter the opening.
Saklikent is also an excellent place for outdoor sports. You will find several restaurants and treehouses to have a relaxed time.
17 – Take pictures for your socials
A trip to Kas can be an unforgettable experience! Apart from learning plenty of interesting facts and creating memories that will last forever, it’s also an opportunity to boost your social accounts.
Kas has many photo opportunities, particularly in the Old Town, to please everyone. The beaches and islands with their crystal-clear waters are not only a feast to the eyes but also very Instagrammable.
18 – Escape to Greece
Are you spending more than 3 days in Kas? What about exploring an exquisite Greek island?
Kastellorizo, one of the smallest and prettiest islands of the Dodecanese complex, is a typical Mediterranean town with cobblestone alleys, beautiful churches, and lovely stone houses in Dodecanese style decorated with blue window frames, white curtains, and bougainvillaea.
During your stay, you can go on a boat to the famous Blue Cave, take a 20-minute stroll up the hill to explore the castle, visit the renovated museum-mosque and some pilgrimage sites, and wander around the scenic town.
Kastellorizo is located approximately 7 km (4 mi) – 20 min ferry – away from Kas, which makes it a perfect escape before heading back home. Book your roundtrip ticket in advance here.
This is my list of the 18 best things to do in and around Kas. If you find something else, let me know in the comments below.
I hope this guide will help you plan your trip, and that you will have an unforgettable time in Turkey.
Safe travels and have fun in Kas.
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