Pietro's Kaş Guidebook
Beaches
Despite the fact that most of the coastline is rocky, Kaş has many incredible beaches with warm turqoise water, each with a different beauty and soul.
This is a double pebble beach, separated by the only road that connects the peninsula to the main land. On one side, the water is always perfectly calm and with no current, even on the most windy days. Because of some underwater freshwater springs, the water on the surface feels cold, but if you swim out or dive down, the water immediately gets warmer. There is a great bar and restaurant and nice views of the new Kaş marina. Occasionally a DJ comes to play music and youngsters party, but it is mostly a beach for families. This is the perfect beach to bring small children and even teach them how to swim. On the opposite side, the beach faces the greek island of Kastellorizo. It is less protected, but perhaps even more scenic.
İnceboğaz Çınar Beach
Beyhan Cenkçi CaddesiThis is a double pebble beach, separated by the only road that connects the peninsula to the main land. On one side, the water is always perfectly calm and with no current, even on the most windy days. Because of some underwater freshwater springs, the water on the surface feels cold, but if you swim out or dive down, the water immediately gets warmer. There is a great bar and restaurant and nice views of the new Kaş marina. Occasionally a DJ comes to play music and youngsters party, but it is mostly a beach for families. This is the perfect beach to bring small children and even teach them how to swim. On the opposite side, the beach faces the greek island of Kastellorizo. It is less protected, but perhaps even more scenic.
This beautiful pebble beach is often on Turkey's postcards. Because of the dissolved lime rocks at the end of a canyon, the water looks magically turquoise, more then any other beach near Kaş. On the left side of the beach, there are some really good cliff jumping spots for the thrill seekers. There is a restaurant/bar and you can rent out sunbeds and umbrellas. It is a huge tourist attraction for people from Fethiye and Kalkan, so you can expect it to be crowded and the parking can sometimes be a bit hectic. It takes 45 minutes to drive to there from Kaş on an incredibly beautiful coastal road with many curves.
219 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Kaputas / Caverna Azul
This beautiful pebble beach is often on Turkey's postcards. Because of the dissolved lime rocks at the end of a canyon, the water looks magically turquoise, more then any other beach near Kaş. On the left side of the beach, there are some really good cliff jumping spots for the thrill seekers. There is a restaurant/bar and you can rent out sunbeds and umbrellas. It is a huge tourist attraction for people from Fethiye and Kalkan, so you can expect it to be crowded and the parking can sometimes be a bit hectic. It takes 45 minutes to drive to there from Kaş on an incredibly beautiful coastal road with many curves.
This pebble beach is the largest in close proximity to Kaş and the one that gets the most sun during the day. It has amazing views of the Kaş archipelago. It has an average restaurant and bar, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach can get larger waves, but usually doesn't have much current. There is plenty of good parking.
14 moradores locais recomendam
Kaş Belediyesi Acisu Halk Plaji
This pebble beach is the largest in close proximity to Kaş and the one that gets the most sun during the day. It has amazing views of the Kaş archipelago. It has an average restaurant and bar, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach can get larger waves, but usually doesn't have much current. There is plenty of good parking.
This beautiful pebble beach is sheltered in a scenic protected bay overlooking the Kaş archipelago. This beach has several retaurants and bars, and has a wonderful atmosphere. Wonderful for families and kids. It lies 5 minutes east of Kaş by car.
30 moradores locais recomendam
Büyükçakıl Plajı
This beautiful pebble beach is sheltered in a scenic protected bay overlooking the Kaş archipelago. This beach has several retaurants and bars, and has a wonderful atmosphere. Wonderful for families and kids. It lies 5 minutes east of Kaş by car.
This is a beautiful and enormous fine sand beach. It takes 70 minutes to drive to it from Kaş, along a beautiful scenic road. The beach is right next to the archeological park of Patara, which used to be one of the most important cities of the Lycian empire 2500 years ago. Be careful swimming here because although the water is shallow, the currents can be very strong and dangerous.
308 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Patara
This is a beautiful and enormous fine sand beach. It takes 70 minutes to drive to it from Kaş, along a beautiful scenic road. The beach is right next to the archeological park of Patara, which used to be one of the most important cities of the Lycian empire 2500 years ago. Be careful swimming here because although the water is shallow, the currents can be very strong and dangerous.
Sightseeing
Southwester turkey is rich in history and natural wonders
This 12km canyon is one of Turkey's great natural wonders, a sight to behold. It means "hidden paradise", because 300m inside the canyon there is an incredible oasis with giant freshwater springs coming out of the rock. The canyon becomes deeper and narrower as you walk up it, and it becomes increasingly challenging to hike up. The first 1 km can be hiked by almost anybody. The first 2.5 km involve scarbling over some rocks and walking in water, but most able-bodied people can still do it. After that, you need to know how to climb or hire a local tour guide to keep going. In some parts, the canyon is so deep that it becomes as dark as the night, with incredible rock formations of marble and limestone everywhere. The water is cold because it comes from underground caves, directly from the mountain's snowmelt. It is truly an adventurer's dream, but be careful, as there is risk of injury and flash flooding during winter and spring (check the weather!). If you want to hike up the canyon, bring drinking water and buy the water shoes at the shops outside the canyon before you go in.
At the end if the canyon, everything is very accessible to families, charming and beautiful. There are many restaurants and shops by the river. People (and kids) can rent out inflatable donuts to raft down a section of the river.
It takes 80 minutes by car to drive to Saklikent from Kaş along a beautiful scenic road.
434 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Nacional de Saklıkent
No : 26 Saklıkent SokakThis 12km canyon is one of Turkey's great natural wonders, a sight to behold. It means "hidden paradise", because 300m inside the canyon there is an incredible oasis with giant freshwater springs coming out of the rock. The canyon becomes deeper and narrower as you walk up it, and it becomes increasingly challenging to hike up. The first 1 km can be hiked by almost anybody. The first 2.5 km involve scarbling over some rocks and walking in water, but most able-bodied people can still do it. After that, you need to know how to climb or hire a local tour guide to keep going. In some parts, the canyon is so deep that it becomes as dark as the night, with incredible rock formations of marble and limestone everywhere. The water is cold because it comes from underground caves, directly from the mountain's snowmelt. It is truly an adventurer's dream, but be careful, as there is risk of injury and flash flooding during winter and spring (check the weather!). If you want to hike up the canyon, bring drinking water and buy the water shoes at the shops outside the canyon before you go in.
At the end if the canyon, everything is very accessible to families, charming and beautiful. There are many restaurants and shops by the river. People (and kids) can rent out inflatable donuts to raft down a section of the river.
It takes 80 minutes by car to drive to Saklikent from Kaş along a beautiful scenic road.
Pamukkale is the greatest travertine hot spring in the world, and if that was not enough, the Greeks and the Romans built an incredible city over it which is one of the best preserved archeological sites in the Mediterranean. "Pamukkale" means castle of clouds, due to the white traverine rock that naturally forms from the cooling of lime water from the hot spring, and there is a whole mountainside of it! At the top, Cleopatra's pool is where the water comes out of the ground, and it lies in the fallen ruins of the Temple of Apollo. You can swim in the 40C water, surroded by ancient columns.
This amazing spot is far from Kaş. It takes 3-4 hours each way by car. In peak travel season, Pamukkale can also get quite crowded. Despite that, I still recommed it as one of Turkey's greates natural and archeological wonders.
69 moradores locais recomendam
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is the greatest travertine hot spring in the world, and if that was not enough, the Greeks and the Romans built an incredible city over it which is one of the best preserved archeological sites in the Mediterranean. "Pamukkale" means castle of clouds, due to the white traverine rock that naturally forms from the cooling of lime water from the hot spring, and there is a whole mountainside of it! At the top, Cleopatra's pool is where the water comes out of the ground, and it lies in the fallen ruins of the Temple of Apollo. You can swim in the 40C water, surroded by ancient columns.
This amazing spot is far from Kaş. It takes 3-4 hours each way by car. In peak travel season, Pamukkale can also get quite crowded. Despite that, I still recommed it as one of Turkey's greates natural and archeological wonders.
Kekova, the "sunken city", is a must-see area near Kaş of great historical importance and natural beauty. It used to be an important trade and cultural hub in the Licyan era, until 2 powerful earthquakes sank it all below the sea. In many spots, you can see the foundations of the buildings carved into the rock and ancient tombs rise halfway out of the water. The Ottomans also built the scenic Simena castle overlooking Kekova bay, where there is now a wonderful town with shops and restaurants. The entire area is very well protected from the open sea, so the water is considerably warm and calm, up to early winter.
You cannot reach this area by car, the closest road only arrives up to the village of Üçağız. After that, you can either hike to the Simena castle or reach it by water, with a relaxing boat tour or an adventurous kayak ride.
137 moradores locais recomendam
Kekova Island
Kekova, the "sunken city", is a must-see area near Kaş of great historical importance and natural beauty. It used to be an important trade and cultural hub in the Licyan era, until 2 powerful earthquakes sank it all below the sea. In many spots, you can see the foundations of the buildings carved into the rock and ancient tombs rise halfway out of the water. The Ottomans also built the scenic Simena castle overlooking Kekova bay, where there is now a wonderful town with shops and restaurants. The entire area is very well protected from the open sea, so the water is considerably warm and calm, up to early winter.
You cannot reach this area by car, the closest road only arrives up to the village of Üçağız. After that, you can either hike to the Simena castle or reach it by water, with a relaxing boat tour or an adventurous kayak ride.
Uyluk Tepe is not a hill, it is a giant 3016m limestone mountain that is one of the tallest in the region. Hiking up to the summit is arduous, but it can be easily done in a single day, even starting in Kaş.
The mountains can be a welcome contrast to the hot sea weather of Kaş. The peaks are often capped with some snow, and all around there are vast highlands and alpine lakes where domestic goats and sheep graze. The clouds dance around the mountain peaks, and the views are spectacular. It looks like a land out of a fairy tale.
The hike to the summit takes 3-5 hours on the way up and 2-3 hours on the way down. There is a considerable amount of scrambling involved, but no dangerous climbing. To reach the trailhead, you need a 4-wheel car, as the mountain roads are unpaved and somewhat scary. It takes 1.30-2 hours to drive to the trailhead from Kaş. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. I recommend starting as early as possible in the day so that you get better weather and can get back to Kas in the afternoon.
On the way down, make sure to visit the lake Yeşil Göl and have a nice Pide or Lahmacun in the village of Gömbe, since they are on the way.
Uyluk Hill
Uyluk Tepe is not a hill, it is a giant 3016m limestone mountain that is one of the tallest in the region. Hiking up to the summit is arduous, but it can be easily done in a single day, even starting in Kaş.
The mountains can be a welcome contrast to the hot sea weather of Kaş. The peaks are often capped with some snow, and all around there are vast highlands and alpine lakes where domestic goats and sheep graze. The clouds dance around the mountain peaks, and the views are spectacular. It looks like a land out of a fairy tale.
The hike to the summit takes 3-5 hours on the way up and 2-3 hours on the way down. There is a considerable amount of scrambling involved, but no dangerous climbing. To reach the trailhead, you need a 4-wheel car, as the mountain roads are unpaved and somewhat scary. It takes 1.30-2 hours to drive to the trailhead from Kaş. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. I recommend starting as early as possible in the day so that you get better weather and can get back to Kas in the afternoon.
On the way down, make sure to visit the lake Yeşil Göl and have a nice Pide or Lahmacun in the village of Gömbe, since they are on the way.
Together with Xanthos, Patara was the most important city of the Lycian League. It is an archeological park with many ruins, including an amphitheater that is one of the first architectural cradles and symbol of early democracy. Next to the archeological park lies the vast sandy Patara beach, so you can see both in 1 trip. It takes 80 minutes to drive to from Kaş along a scenic coastal road.
Patara Ruins
Together with Xanthos, Patara was the most important city of the Lycian League. It is an archeological park with many ruins, including an amphitheater that is one of the first architectural cradles and symbol of early democracy. Next to the archeological park lies the vast sandy Patara beach, so you can see both in 1 trip. It takes 80 minutes to drive to from Kaş along a scenic coastal road.
This archeological park is in the city of Demre. There are elaborate Lycian tombs carved into the mountainside, along with a large amphitheater. Not far from there, there is the orthodox church and tomb of St. Nicholas. It takes 30 minutes to drive here from Kas, perhaps 50 min if you take the scenic coastal route.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Ruínas de Myra
13 Cengiz Sk.This archeological park is in the city of Demre. There are elaborate Lycian tombs carved into the mountainside, along with a large amphitheater. Not far from there, there is the orthodox church and tomb of St. Nicholas. It takes 30 minutes to drive here from Kas, perhaps 50 min if you take the scenic coastal route.
This is the supposed final resting place of St. Nicholas, the Christian martyr who inspired the Christmas story of Santa Claus. This old orthodox church is a spiritual pilgrimage destination and is also beautiful for its history and architecture. The Myra ruins are nearby, so both can be seen in sequence. The drive from Kas takes 30 minutes, and 50 minutes if one takes the scenic coastal route.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Church of St. Nicholas
This is the supposed final resting place of St. Nicholas, the Christian martyr who inspired the Christmas story of Santa Claus. This old orthodox church is a spiritual pilgrimage destination and is also beautiful for its history and architecture. The Myra ruins are nearby, so both can be seen in sequence. The drive from Kas takes 30 minutes, and 50 minutes if one takes the scenic coastal route.
This gorgeous refurbished Greek amphitheater is one of the few that has an incredible view of the sea. It is within walking distance of the Kas center, so it is often a relaxed spot where people go to hang out after a fun night in town.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Cidade Antiga de Antiphellos
This gorgeous refurbished Greek amphitheater is one of the few that has an incredible view of the sea. It is within walking distance of the Kas center, so it is often a relaxed spot where people go to hang out after a fun night in town.
Kastellorizo (also called Meis) is a small Greek island only 2 km south of Kaş, Turkey. The harbor is full of sea turtles, lined with charming restaurants and rainbow-colored houses.
The ferry boat takes only 25 min from Kas. You will need your passports to go through customs!
Kastellorizo, Megisti 851 11, Grécia
Kastellorizo (also called Meis) is a small Greek island only 2 km south of Kaş, Turkey. The harbor is full of sea turtles, lined with charming restaurants and rainbow-colored houses.
The ferry boat takes only 25 min from Kas. You will need your passports to go through customs!
City/town information
This rural mountain village is very close to Kaş, only an hour away by car. It feels very different and isolated from the coastal towns. The weather is cooler, and the people live a slower, relaxed life. All around there are giant limestone mountains that are a hiker's paradise (see Uyluk Tepe). Only 20 min ride away by car you can see the beautiful alpine lake of Yeşil Göl, a popular picnic and camping spot.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Gömbe
This rural mountain village is very close to Kaş, only an hour away by car. It feels very different and isolated from the coastal towns. The weather is cooler, and the people live a slower, relaxed life. All around there are giant limestone mountains that are a hiker's paradise (see Uyluk Tepe). Only 20 min ride away by car you can see the beautiful alpine lake of Yeşil Göl, a popular picnic and camping spot.
Food scene
This charming barbeque restaurant is hard to find uless you are looking for it. Try the lamb shank, the gavurdagi salad, and the Alinazik Kebab. The best mezzes are: Muhammara, Atom, Abagannus.
Pirzula Meyhane
No:10 Terzi SokakThis charming barbeque restaurant is hard to find uless you are looking for it. Try the lamb shank, the gavurdagi salad, and the Alinazik Kebab. The best mezzes are: Muhammara, Atom, Abagannus.
Also called "Mama's Kitchen". Simple and really tasty. Great for a brunch. Don't miss out on the Mama's Pastry, the Karniyarik, and the Hunkar Begendi. They also have great mezzes.
Bi Lokma Bahçe
No:21 Uğur Mumcu CaddesiAlso called "Mama's Kitchen". Simple and really tasty. Great for a brunch. Don't miss out on the Mama's Pastry, the Karniyarik, and the Hunkar Begendi. They also have great mezzes.
Do you want to have the breakfast of a king? This is the place to go. Their breakfast menu is full of variety and everything is super tasty. Their cocktails are also really good, sometimes too good for the morning breakfast haha. They also have a great ambiance and music choice.
Pell's Gece/Gündüz/Lezzet
No: 5/1 Zümrüt SokakDo you want to have the breakfast of a king? This is the place to go. Their breakfast menu is full of variety and everything is super tasty. Their cocktails are also really good, sometimes too good for the morning breakfast haha. They also have a great ambiance and music choice.
This restaurant is more high-end than most. They have a good wine selection and many intricate appetizers dishes. Good place for a romantic date.
Demeti Kaş
No:18/1 Süleyman Sandıkçı Sk.This restaurant is more high-end than most. They have a good wine selection and many intricate appetizers dishes. Good place for a romantic date.
You want to have the best fish in town? Buy it straight from the fish market and make it at home, trust me. You want to go in the early morning, right when the new fish is brought in. Try to get your hands on wild seabass, "levrek deniz". They can clean it and theoretically even fillet it for you. Grill it, oven it, or even make a ceviche. If you want to save money, the large-sized farmed sea breams are also really tasty.
KAŞ BALIK MARKET
37/A Cukurbağlılar CaddesiYou want to have the best fish in town? Buy it straight from the fish market and make it at home, trust me. You want to go in the early morning, right when the new fish is brought in. Try to get your hands on wild seabass, "levrek deniz". They can clean it and theoretically even fillet it for you. Grill it, oven it, or even make a ceviche. If you want to save money, the large-sized farmed sea breams are also really tasty.
A relaxed plant-based restaurant for vegan and vegetarian dishes, plus drinks.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Oburus Momus
No:13 Hükümet Cd.A relaxed plant-based restaurant for vegan and vegetarian dishes, plus drinks.
One of the best barbeque restaurants in Kas. Reserve plenty of time in advance as it is super popular.
29 moradores locais recomendam
Zaika Ocakbaşı
No:26/1 İlkokul Sk.One of the best barbeque restaurants in Kas. Reserve plenty of time in advance as it is super popular.
Activities
A traditional Turkish Hammam at the new Kas Marina. They have all sorts of massages, a sauna, and a steamy Turkish bath. When you come out, you will feel as clean as you could possibly be.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Spa Marin
A traditional Turkish Hammam at the new Kas Marina. They have all sorts of massages, a sauna, and a steamy Turkish bath. When you come out, you will feel as clean as you could possibly be.
Great diving company. Many tour agencies offer diving packages, but in the end, they send you to this company, so you might as well skip the middleman. They offer exploratory dives for beginners, normal dives, and packages to get almost any PADI scuba diving license. They are often quite busy, so organize this well in advance.
Kas has great diving, with some of the best wildlife in the Mediterranean sea, a lot of archeological remains, shipwrecks, submerged war planes, and an underwater temple.
Dragoman Diving and Outdoor
15 Uzun ÇarşıGreat diving company. Many tour agencies offer diving packages, but in the end, they send you to this company, so you might as well skip the middleman. They offer exploratory dives for beginners, normal dives, and packages to get almost any PADI scuba diving license. They are often quite busy, so organize this well in advance.
Kas has great diving, with some of the best wildlife in the Mediterranean sea, a lot of archeological remains, shipwrecks, submerged war planes, and an underwater temple.
Bars and Nightlife
When it comes to location, you can't beat this seated bar. It is at the intersection of the nicest streets in Kas, and the energy of the people walking makes for a great ambiance. The music selection is wide-ranging and great. The bar itself has nice strong drinks, and I recommend the Strawberry Daquiri. It also has a cute shot bar that can turn your night upside down.
Old House Cafe & Bar
Doğruyol CaddesiWhen it comes to location, you can't beat this seated bar. It is at the intersection of the nicest streets in Kas, and the energy of the people walking makes for a great ambiance. The music selection is wide-ranging and great. The bar itself has nice strong drinks, and I recommend the Strawberry Daquiri. It also has a cute shot bar that can turn your night upside down.
This bar is great for its live music. Often upbeat and highly engaging, this place attracts some of the best musicians that come to Kas.
HiJazz
Zümrüt SokakThis bar is great for its live music. Often upbeat and highly engaging, this place attracts some of the best musicians that come to Kas.
Looking for a bar with modern club, house music? This is the one after 8pm. It is a bit detached from the rest of the nightlife, but still within a 2 minute walking distance.
Loop Kaş
No:12 Hükümet Cd.Looking for a bar with modern club, house music? This is the one after 8pm. It is a bit detached from the rest of the nightlife, but still within a 2 minute walking distance.
You want to dance with the loudest and most popular music of the moment? Red Point and No 11 are the center of the party in Kas. Many people get quite drunk, look for partners, and enjoy the cacophonous and rowdy atmosphere. The bars have great drinks and the street covered in vines is very charming.
21 moradores locais recomendam
Red Point Cafe & Bar
No:3 İbrahim Serin Cd.You want to dance with the loudest and most popular music of the moment? Red Point and No 11 are the center of the party in Kas. Many people get quite drunk, look for partners, and enjoy the cacophonous and rowdy atmosphere. The bars have great drinks and the street covered in vines is very charming.
This venue is often a more relaxed bar with good live music. Depending on the musician, the atmosphere can be very different.
31 moradores locais recomendam
Echo Bar
No:20 Liman Sk.This venue is often a more relaxed bar with good live music. Depending on the musician, the atmosphere can be very different.
Conselho para os viajantes
Não perca
The Friday farmer's market is a must
Every Friday morning from 8 am to 2 pm, a temporary farmers' market becomes the most colorful, bustling, and fun part of Kaş. There are many stands that sell top-quality fruits, vegetables, spices, and even clothing. There are stands where you can eat traditional street food and a delicious breakfast. This is the type of market where you go to enjoy the scene even more than to buy ingredients.
My top recommendations are village pomegranate syrup (not the sugary industrial one), honeycomb, fresh artisanal yogurt, and the milk from the old ladies that sell it in used soda bottles.
Costumes e cultura
Locals say "no" by lowering their heads
This can be confusing to foreigners who typically would interpret it as a nod.
Reserve antes de ir
Make a Reservation at Zaika Ocakbaşı
This is probably the best barbeque/kebab restaurant in Kas, and unsurprisingly it is really hard to get a reservation.
Costumes e cultura
Fish at restaurants is often overcooked
Make sure to inspect the fish for freshness and I recommend asking the waiter/cook not to overcook it
Reserve antes de ir
Kas is the scubadiving capital of Turkey
If you want to dive or get a license, organize it ahead of time because the diving agencies are often very busy.