Kaş is a little paradise that locals and travelers dream to live in. Kaş is 123 kms from Antalya and can be reached either from the Dalaman Airport or the Antalya Airport.
The best activities available in Kaş are hiking, diving, swimming at the most beautiful beaches, cruises, visiting ruins, and visiting islands... Holidays in Kaş can't ever go wrong.
If you are looking for activities to do in Kaş, here's a list of the best things to do. You will also find information about popular day trips departing from Kaş, including the ones that go to Greece.
Let's start with the best things to do in Kaş.
1. Kaş Harbor
Kaş used to be an important fishing port and is still frequented by boats and yachts. Directly opposite is the easternmost inhabited island in Greece, Kastellorizo, which takes only 30 minutes by boat.
The entire inner city of Kaş with its cobblestones, narrow streets and typical Greek houses is now a designated as a historical landmark and offers a dreamlike setting in front of the harbor.
Numerous restaurants and pubs have settled here, offering a fantastic view of the sea. There are also many restaurants and pubs in the city center.
2. Kasterllorizo, Spend the Day in Greece
Directly opposite is the easternmost inhabited island in Greece, Kastellorizo. The island is about 2.1 kilometers from the Turkish coast.
Between the beginning of May and the end of October, ferries run between Kaş and Kastellorizo, which is called "Meis" in Turkish. The journey takes about 30 minutes by boat.
The town center of this charming little island has been extensively restored in recent years and has a cosy flair. Perhaps you will also visit the Blue Grotto on the south coast of Kastellorizo Island.
Because of its low 1 meter entrance, the grotto, where you can swim and dive, can only be accessed from the sea by small boats. Sunlight falls into the cave and is reflected by the water, bathing it in a brilliant azure blue.
- Check out the complete guide to Kastellorizo Island in Kaş
- And also, check out other islands in Antalya
3. Kaputaş Beach
The river Kauptaş, which drains into the Mediterranean here, has carved a gorge about 200 meters long into the mountains. This is how the beach got its name.
Kaputaş Beach is located about 20 kilometers west of Kaş and can be reached via a stairway from the D400 highway, there is also a bus stop here. The natural beach has no showers or toilets, in summer umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent.
The sea gets really deep very quickly here. From the beach, a thin, unpaved path leads to the very narrow Kaputaş Gorge, which offers an impressive view of the steep rock cliffs.
- Read more about Kaputaş Beach in Kaş
- Check out all the great beaches in Antalya
4. Visit Xanthos and Letoon, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
About 35 kilometers from Kaş are the ancient city of Xanthos and the temple sanctuary of Letoon, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1988.
Xanthos was once the capital of the Lycian League, and the gods Leto, Artemis, and Apollo were worshipped in the nearby temple complex in Letoon.
Today the ruins, Lycian monuments, an ancient theater, and sarcophagi can be visited. Excursions are offered from Kaş. These are often combined with a visit to Patara beach and last all day.
- Learn more about the ancient city of Xanthos in Antalya
- Check out more ruins in Antalya to visit
5. Boat Cruise to the Islands
Boats depart from the port of Kaş several times a day to nearby islands. The most popular is the trip to Kekova Island, where you can also visit the ruins of the sunken city of Simena. Another option is a trip to the small Greek island of Kastellorizo, which is only 2.1 kilometers from Kaş.
Check out the Antalya Ticket Shop for more attractions in Antalya.
6. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Kaş is the diving capital of Turkey and one of the top 100 dive sites in the world because of its rich marine life and ancient relics. There are over 30 dive sites, all within a 20-minute boat ride.
There are several wrecks off the coast of Kaş that can be dived, such as the wreck of a Douglas C-47 Skytrain near the Kaş lighthouse.
Snorkeling can be done all along the coast or on one of the many boat tours offered from Kaş.
- Read more about diving in Antalya in this guide.
7. Cruise to Kekova Island
The ancient city of Simena, now called Kaleköy, with rock tombs and ruins can be reached only by boat from Kaş, Demre, or Üçağız.
Parts of the small Lycian coastal town, inhabited since the 4th century, were buried under the water as a result of an earthquake. Because of this, the city became an island.
Only a meter below the water surface, many of the ancient ruins and the harbor pier are clearly visible.
The sunken basilica is also famous and can be explored on a boat tour. In the town, charming alleys with old stone walls and cobblestones invite you to take a walk, while the medieval castle offers a spectacular view of the island of Kekova.
8. Tandem Paragliding
If you are staying in Kaş or in the surrounding areas, there is an opportunity for paragliding from the 600-meter-high Mount Assas. The meeting point is usually at the office of the providers and landing takes place near the port of Kaş.
Depending on weather conditions, the flight lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. The view of Kaş, the harbor, the sea, and the Greek island of Kastellorizo are unforgettable.
- Read this guide to tadem paragliding in Antalya
9. Ruins of Antiphellos
Kaş was founded on the former territory of the ancient city of Antiphellos. Antiphellos was first mentioned in documents in the 4th century BC. During Roman rule it was one of the most important cities in the region. Today, some of the ruins can still be visited.
On the western border of Kaş there is an ancient open-air theater, which is one of the few with a view of the sea. Next to it are rock tombs and Lycian sarcophagi.
- Here's a more detailed article about the ancient city of Antiphellos in Antalya
10. Excursion to Myra, Kekova, and St. Nicholas Church
With an organized tour to the ancient city of Myra, Kekova, and St Nicholas Church, you can spend an interesting day.
Myra is famous for its Lycian rock tombs, Roman theater, and the Church of St Nicholas, dedicated to the man who became the inspiration for Santa Claus.
Later sainted, the Bishop Nicholas of Myra is said to have been very active in helping the poor and needy.
Afterwards, enjoy a boat trip across the sea to the island of Kekova. Under the clear water you can see the remains of Simena, a city devastated by earthquakes about two thousand years ago.
Myra is approximately 185 kilometers from Kaş. Day trips from Kaş take about 12 hours.
- Here is a very detailed article explaining what to expect in the ancient city of Myra and another about St Nicholas Church's history and its meaning in the region.
11. Visit Patara Beach and the Ancient City of Patara
Patara used to be one of the most important Lycian cities and also one of the most important ports in the region. The city was also famous for its oracle, which is said to have been almost as good as the Oracle of Delphi.
Today, only the ruins of the once flourishing colony remain, such as the ancient theater, the lighthouse, parts of the city wall, temples, and many more.
Right next to it is Patara beach, an 18-kilometer-long sandy beach that is up to 300 meters wide in some parts. Because of its size, the beach has served as a film set for desert scenes in movies.
There is almost always wind blowing, which, along with the sound of the waves, forms gentle background music.
The beach is closed from mid-June to mid-August, because this is the time when the Caretta Caretta turtles comes ashore to lay eggs.
- To know more, check these articles about the ancient city of Patara and Patara Beach in Kaş
12. Jeep Safari
A full day excursion in the Taurus Mountains offers a welcome change from beach and sun bathing vacations. In the province of Antalya these excursions are organized all over the region, your hotel, for sure, can help you.
In a small group, you will ride in an open jeep up into the mountains. Slowly the vehicle moves through the narrow and dusty roads between the pine forests, where some villages are hidden in the mountain range.
These safaris take you up to 900 meters above sea level. When a riverbed is crossed, children especially enjoy the "water fights" between the jeeps. Lunch is served at a fish farm. Depending on the tour, there are also short breaks for swimming.
- See more activity ideas on the sports in Antalya page
13. Visit Saklıkent Canyon
Saklıkent Canyon National Park, near Kaş, is famous for its 18 kilometer long canyon, where rafting is also possible. It's located in a national park shared with the neighboring province of Muğla.
The river flows from the mountains into the plain through a narrow valley that is up to 300 meters high. There are footbridges mounted on the rock walls for the first 200 meters, which lead to a small restaurant.
From there the canyoning tours start. If you want, you can also wade a little further into the canyon without a guide.
Rafting on floats in front of the river is popular. Organized tours usually include mud baths near the canyon.
The jeep safaris that lead into the canyon usually also stop at the nearby ancient ruins of Xanthos and Patara.
- Check this rafting in Antalya guide for more fun and adventures.
14. The Best Beaches
Kaş is not known for its sandy beaches, but for its dreamlike bays with crystal clear water. The beaches in and around the city are mostly pebble beaches.
In the immediate vicinity of the harbor is Küçük Çakıl Plajı, a small pebble beach with 2 beach clubs, about 15 minutes away is Büyük Çakıl Plajı.
About 1.5 kilometers out of town is Inceboğaz Beach. To the east of Kaş lies Limanagzi Beach, a small bathing bay that blends beautifully into the natural landscape and hosts 4 beach clubs. It can be reached either by boat from the harbor or by a small footpath.
On the way to Kalkan, 5 kilometers west of Kaş, is another beach club with bar and restaurant.
The natural Kaputaş Beach, 20 kilometers west of Kaş is one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. It's located at the mouth of a river and also offers access to a 200-meter-long gorge.
The 18 kilometer long sandy Patara Beach is about 42 kilometers from Kaş. This is where the Caretta Caretta sea turtle lays their eggs.
- Check out our list of the 25 best beaches in Antalya.
15. Nightlife in Kaş
There are no really big nightclubs in Kaş. The entire city center with its cobblestone, narrow streets and typical Greek houses is littered with countless pubs and restaurants and offers a dreamlike backdrop in front of the harbor.
The restaurants close late and many bars are open until deep into the night. The mild climate means that people sit outside, with music sounding from every door. The closest place to a nightclub is the Redpoint Café & Bar near the harbor.
- For crazy nights, check out our guide to nightlife in the Antalya region.
16. Hiking and the Lycian Way
In Kaş there are numerous options for hiking. In total, the area has 38 hiking trails. One of them is the 9.6 kilometer long trail that leads from Kaş to Limangazı Bay, which can only be reached by boat or on foot. It takes about 2.5 hours to walk this distance.
Another option is a circular walk between two bays, which covers a total of 15 kilometers and takes about 6 hours. In addition, sections of the Lycian Way can be hiked from Kaş. On the routes, you will pass ancient ruins and old houses, always accompanied by the breathtaking views of the coast.
- Here is our fully detailed article about hiking trails on the Lycian Way.
17. Sea Kayak at Kekova Island
Sea kayaking is offered in Kaş, the tours mostly lead to the island of Kekova. As the sea is very calm here, these tours are also ideal for beginners. After a short swim break, you paddle to the sunken city of Simena.
Swimming and diving are not allowed in the town, but you can paddle directly above the ruins in the kayaks. Sea kayaks are usually very narrow and long, which makes them very maneuverable. If you like, you can just paddle along the coast.
18. Private Kekova Sailing Tour from Kaş Marina
From Kaş, private sailing tours are offered to the island of Kekova and the sunken city of Simena. Beneath the clear water, you can easily see the remains of Simena, a city devastated by earthquakes about two thousand years ago. The sailing tour starts in the morning and last all day. There are swimming and diving breaks.
No previous sailing experience is required, but those who want, can learn a lot about sailing on this tour. As this is a private tour for you personally, you can decide how long you want to stay at the places you visit.
Lunch on board is included as well as drinks. Departure times vary depending on the provider.
19. Sunken City Boat Cruise
These boat tours start from the port in Kaş and stop in various bays along the way, such as Inönü Bay and Akvaryum Bay. The water here is as clear as in an aquarium, hence the bay's name. There are swimming and snorkeling breaks, before the journey continues to Kekova.
Here, under the clear water, the ruins of Simena, a city devastated by earthquakes and buried under the sea some two thousand years ago, can be seen quite clearly. After visiting the historic castle, the cruise continues and finally ends in the port of Kaş.
Lunch on board is included on these tours, and there are options for deluxe or shared cruises. Depending on the operator, the tour route varies slightly.
20. Visit a Bazaar
Every Friday, a weekly market is held in Kaş. In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables from the region, clothing, household items, and souvenirs are also sold. The market is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Directly opposite Kaş is the small Greek island of Meis. Boats leave twice a day from Meis to Kaş and vice versa. The almost 5 kilometer trip only takes about 15 minutes.
The inhabitants of Meis take the opportunity to go to Kaş in their own motor boats to do their shopping. Greek - Turkish neighborhood, it couldn’t be better...
As you plan your trip to Kaş, check out our selection of the best hotels in the Antalya Region. For more attractions and deals, also check out the Antalya Ticket Shop.
If you liked this article, mention it in the comments below and make sure to check out other towns and things to do in the Antalya Province: