16 AWESOME Things to Do in Kas, Turkey

Are you searching for an AWESOME list of things to do in Kas this summer? Then read on… because this list of the best 16 things to do, will turn your Kas vacation into one to remember!

Kas (pronounced Kash and written Kaş) has this magic to it… different somehow than other towns along the Mediterranean coast in Turkey.  A village vibe that is chill, but at the same time offers a ton to see and explore.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Kas was not on my list of places to visit in Turkey when we planned our one month road trip.  It was a destination we tacked on last minute… and one that we just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave.  

The night before we were due to hit the road, we sat in our treehouse over-looking our Mediterranean paradise views.  And we both guessed what the other was thinking… let’s stay a bit longer we said!  And BOOM!  Our stay went from a 4 day stay, to a two week stay in Kas.

And in that time, we felt like we found the perfect blissful balance of beach and adventure, with a sprinkle of culture and history.

This list of 16 things to do in Kas, covers everything you can see and do in this cool little town!  And in reality, you don’t need two weeks to do it ALL. Read through our list and pick your favourite things to do in Kaş.  

Where is Kas + Map

Where is Kas? Great question… it’s on the Mediterranean coast, part of the Antalya Province of Turkey.  Think crystal clear, turquoise coloured waters and you’re half way there.

A lot of Kas reminded us of our travels in mainland Greece.  And it’s not surprising that there are similarities, given that several Greek Islands sit just off the beaches of Kas. In fact, a day trip from Kas harbour to Greece, is one of our below recommended things to do.  But more on that later.

Kas is 1 ½ hours from Fethiye or 3 hours from Antalya.  But what contributes to this town’s charm is that it perhaps attracts fewer tourists, and instead reels in more travellers. Well this is my opinion anyway.  Also, it is significantly smaller than both Fethiye and Antalya, giving it a real beach-town feel. 

Use this map as your location guide to all the places we mention here in this post.  It is an interactive map, tap the number, zoom in and out. Before you know it, you’ll be navigating your way between all our top recommended 16 best things to do in Kas.

Getting to Kas

If you are heading to Kas, you will ideally need a car.  Many of the locations we mention here require a little driving.  Not a lot, but certainly enough to warrant having a vehicle.  

Car Rental – We rented our car through the booking platform QEEQ.  They are a third party website or app that show you comparative prices across all car rental agencies.  Therefore, they help you find the cheapest options available and they even throw in a couple of discounts too. 

Flights to Kas – The closest domestic airport to Kas is Dalaman Airport, or for an international airport then check out Antalya Airport.  

Bus to Kas – If you are looking at buses to Kas, then you’ll need the Kamil Koç bus from Izmir, Ankara or Istanbul.  Or from Fethiye or Antalya Bus Stations, it is possible to take a minibus (dolmus in Turkish).  From Antalya the trip is just over four hours, and from Fethiye it is two and half hours. 

For more information on how to get around within Turkey, then read our complete guide to road tripping in Turkey.  It covers everything you need to know!

Where to Stay in Kas

Because we travel full-time we need to find places on a budget!  Most of the time, I won’t recommend them to others as they are less than desirable if you are on holiday or vacation.  However, I always keep an eye out for a hotel that I would recommend to friends and family.  In Kas there were some beautiful little boutique hotels that were right up my street! 

Below are a handful of hotels I scoped out, they are very cute, they cover all budgets, are central and they come highly recommended on Booking.com.

Budget

Budget travellers will absolutely love Can Mocamp.  We drove passed this location every time we came in and out of town from our ultra-budget accommodation outside of Kas. 

You have options at Can Mocamp!!!  From dorm rooms, to tents, to bungalows to rooms… you choose your level of comfort.  What we loved about Can Mocamp was their proximity to town and the beach.  It’s only a 15 minute walk to Kas centre and the ocean is across the road. 

There is a cool little restaurant onsite, a lovely outdoor sitting area and you can expect great vibes. 

If you’re curious about our ultra-budget accommodation, where we stayed… read below for the details! 

Mid-range

This hotel would be my top pic.  I loved the location and the nice view over the Med, in terms of proximity to everything in town you can’t get much more central.  The full Turkish breakfast is raved about on Booking.com – I’ve included a photo because I’m a total food person!

Also, given that this hotel falls in our mid-range category, it hits the mark for value for money.  In other words, it’s totally reasonably priced if you are on a 7 to 10 day holiday.  

Customers rate them very highly, so they score a solid 9+ or superb across the board!  Go check out the Kuytu Terrace Bed and Breakfast for more.

Luxury

Not outrageously expensive are the Luff Suites.  To be honest they are only a little more than our mid-range category.  And they are lush!  The rooms are modern and stylish, so you’ll feel right at home rather than feeling boxed in – as you might in an old-school hotel.

The best part is the service, the team at the reception are super friendly and helpful!

If you like what you see at the Luff Suites, but they are a little over your price range, then check out the Luff Boutique Hotel.  These rooms are just as funky, but you’ll save a bit more on the overall bill.  On Booking.com they are listed as a Sustainable Property, so naturally they get our vote!

Ultra-budget

As promised this is the Airbnb Treehouse where we stayed.  A 20 minute drive from town, this treehouse was an adventure and a first for our family of four.  So, if you are looking for a new experience then I can definitely recommend this cute space.

✋ Hands up if you have stayed in a treehouse before!

Things to Do in Kas

Many of the activities here are based in, around, or on the water.  We are real water lovers and maybe that’s why Kas struck a chord with us.  But the best part is that the prices for boating around the islands and beaches of Kas are very reasonable.  Read below for our favourite 16 things to do in Kas.

Check out our Beach Vacation Packing List for our recommendations on what to pack for activities in and around the ocean.

Simena Sunken City at Kekova Island 

We definitely recommend a visit to the Simena Sunken City on Kekova Island by kayak!  

How did the Sunken City come to be?  Well so the story goes, 2000 years ago there was a huge earthquake and the city on Kekova Island literally slid into the ocean.  Kind of horrific really when you think about it, but for now it has created an incredible piece of history to kayak over.

You can no longer rent a kayak from the neighbouring village of Kaleköy and take a self-guided tour.  To reach the Simena Sunken City of Kekova you are now required to take a guided kayak tour.

This is a great review on kayaking the Simena Sunken City.  Written in association with the Lonely Planet and Turkey Tourism. 

Boat tours also take you passed the Sunken City, but they can’t stop and so you cruise on by very quickly.  Honestly if you do one special thing in Kas, then kayaking the Sunken City should be it.  The turquoise waters make kayaking these ruins a unique experience.

Some time ago, visitors could swim among the ruins, however these days swimming is prohibited.  Sadly, tourists used to take pieces of tiles, mosaics and pottery from the site, therefore forcing tighter restrictions around how the Sunken City could be visited.

Bring a dry bag, and waterproof camera for the trip.  Tours take six hours and will generally depart from Uçağiz with a lunch stop in Kaleköy.  Read on for more on Simena and Kaleköy.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy

If you cannot visit the Sunken City by kayak, maybe you are travelling with young children or you’re on a tight budget.  Then know that you can visit Simena Castle and Kaleköy village without having to take a tour.  As most blogs point out, Simena (Kaleköy) village, which is opposite Kekova Island, is a car free space.  There are no roads in Kaleköy, this is what makes it special.

BUT… you can still get there by car.  Let me tell you how…

Take the Kaleüçağız Köyü Yolu road towards Uçağiz village and Kaleköy.  If like us, you reach the Uçağiz village and a man stops you and says you can’t drive any further because the road beyond this point is for locals… don’t believe him!  He tried to scam us, and also friends travelling through a month later.  He is a boatman trying to sell you a boat tour.

Instead carry on as far as this road will take you to the closest point near the Simena Castle.  At this point you can park and walk 20-30 minutes over the hill, passed the Simena Castle and down through the village of Kaleköy.

There are many places to stop for something to eat or local homemade ice-cream stands.  The village is small but incredibly beautiful, and it doesn’t take long to explore.  You can also buy an entrance ticket to the Simena Castle and visit on the way in or out.  If you follow the paths towards the furthest western part of the village, you’ll find a sarcophagus in the water.  Behind that is a small island.  You can swim here, explore the small island on foot and basically enjoy an afternoon in the sun.

Myra Ruins and Rock Tombs

In the heart of the not so pretty Demre, around 40-50 minutes from Kas are the ruins and rock tombs of Myra.  Demre is east of Kas and basically a town made of plastic and glass houses for produce. It’s far from pretty, but worth a drive if you love the historical side of Turkey. 

Entrance to the Myra open air museum and tombs will cost you around 70 TL per person (current for 2022), while children under eight are free.  There is a large amphitheatre to visit, the Sarcophagus of Saint Nicholas and many faces carved from rock.  And the rock tombs are what makes Myra stand out among other ruins.

A visit will take no more than an hour.  So, we recommend visiting Myra ruins early in the morning and then check out another destination in the afternoon.  Simena Castle is on the way back to Kas, or the ruins of Kyaneai Ören Yeri. Both are mentioned here in this post.

Wander the Ruins of Kyaneai Ören Yeri

On our drive back from Myra, we passed more rock tombs high on a hill which caught our attention.  With a little investigation and poking around on Google Maps we discovered a historical site complete with necropolis and amphitheatre.  If you really want to get off the tourist trail, then plan a visit here!

There are two roads up to the Kyaneai Ören Yeri ruins and both are a little sketchy to be honest.  You can take the road up through the Yavu village or you can enter from the main road (D400) further west. Both require a drive along a gravel road, with big pot holes.  That said, we managed it in our rental car.  So just take your time and navigate the road carefully. 

We parked where the two roads from each direction meet in the middle.  From here we walked the final small stretch of road, which took around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you could park on the road leading towards the village and walk up.  This would take a little longer, but it’s very doable.  

Once you have arrived, you can explore the somewhat overgrown amphitheatre which is beautiful in its own right.  Then walk around the sarcophogi and next hook around towards the rock tombs which can be seen from the roadside.  There is almost no chance you will meet anyone else along your adventures at Kyaneai Ören Yeri, save for a few tortoises perhaps.

Day Trip From Kas to Meis Island, Greece

If you are wanting a slice of Greece, then a boat trip to Meis Island is a fab opportunity to take advantage of. This Greek isle is only 6 km from Turkey!  

Book your return ferry ride to Meis here with Get Your Guide.  You’ll need to have a passport that you can enter Greece on with no restrictions, and of course one that you can return to Turkey on easily too.  

When you arrive, the passport process is straight forward and then you can explore the colourful harbourside village freely for the day.  If you can find a boatman who can take you to the Blue Cave for a good price, don’t pass up the opportunity.  The cave has a small entrance but opens up inside into a giant blue cave!

Back at the harbor, walk up the hill to the Red Castle, admiring the colourful houses on the way up.  And enjoy the view from the top.  

Meis is very pretty, it’s a lovely little day trip from Kas and a quick slice of Greece.

Wander the Streets of Kas

Kas is picturesque, of that there is no doubt.  We enjoyed browsing the shops within the few narrow lanes of Kas.  There are few shops, but what is available is good quality and it’s unique.  

As you wander the streets, keep your eyes peeled for the three tiered King’s Tomb also known as the Lion’s Tomb.  The sarcophagus is covered in detailed inscriptions, it also has four well preserved lions’ head carvings at each corner.

As well as awesome shopping this area has some great restaurants and bars to try out in the evening.  Look out for Zühtü Meze Cocktails, they have a drool-worthy menu and provide an interesting take on traditional Turkish dishes.  Or if you want a restaurant with a view over the harbour then grab a table at Oburus Momus or Maşuk Meyhane Kas. See the map for the locations of these restaurants.

Similar to the markets in Fethiye (below), but on a smaller scale the farmers’ markets (Kas Pazari) are also ideal for a walk around on a Friday.

Antiphellos Ancient City

A short walking distance from the centre of town you can’t miss the Ancient City of Antiphellos. This large amphitheatre is a popular visiting place for tourists but is also a bit of a local hangout.  Go there early in the morning and catch groups doing yoga!

Day Trip to Fethiye

A day trip to Fethiye is a great day out, as it’s only an hour and half from Kas.  Fethiye is a nice city to see, and a busy place to visit among travellers road tripping through Turkey!  There is a long promenade along the beach that makes for a nice walk and explore. Or stroll along the harbour and admire the launches and boats docked side by side.

We recommend heading to Fethiye on a Tuesday or Friday when the farmers’ market is running.  The makeshift tents and coverings span a huge area and the range of available produce is fantastic.  As well as the freshest of fruit and veggies, browse for dried fruits and nuts, olives and olive oil, butter, eggs and much more.  Eat hot Gözleme and grab yourself some supplies for the week at a super price.

Then head to the Amyntas Rock Tombs.  There is a small price to enter as it’s not a big space.  But the rock tombs are interesting to wander among and the view over the city is good.  You can walk up from the Fethiye City Centre, it will take no longer than 20 minutes.  Then when you are finished grab a bite to eat at the cute little Köşe Kahve Fethiye a nearby little café on the corner.

There is also the Castle of Fethiye if you’d like to explore Fethiye history a little further.

Saklıkent Canyon

Between Fethiye and Kas, Saklıkent Canyon is a popular destination for both international and local tourists.  

The canyon stretches an 18km distance, but if you park at the car park you can explore as little or as much as you like.  Look for the natural mud pools, apply some mud to your skin and give yourself a mineral rich treatment!

Available activities in the canyon include, canyoning (naturally), rafting, ziplining and others. 

Butterfly Valley

Very close to Fethiye, only a 40 minute drive, is Butterfly Valley.  But be warned: the visit to this stunning beach is not necessarily a straight forward one.  

Option One – Is a hike!  The hike in is a little on the treacherous side… certainly not for people with young children.  I love a challenge, but we figured with a seven and nine year old in tow, it might be asking a bit much.  

However, read this post – it is written by someone who did the hike and explains in detail what to expect and how to navigate the track to Butterfly Valley from Faralya.

Option Two – is a boat tour, departing from Ölüdeniz.  Which takes you on a cruise around some of the beautiful bays and cliffs of this part of Antalya.  One being Butterfly Valley.  Follow the link above to find out more about visiting Butterfly Valley by boat.

Patara Beach

Just over an hour from Fethiye and 50 minutes from Kas, is Patara Beach.  This is a very long stretch of sandy beach where turtles come to nest.  

Here you can also find the Patara ruins.  In fact, it is in this ancient city where Saint Nicholas was born.  The Saint Nicholas of whom Santa Claus is said to be named after.  The same Saint whose tomb can be visited at the Myra ruins.  You see all the dots are starting to connect!

Anyhow Patara is a beautiful beach to chill on for a day.  It’s a little more exposed than the small beaches of Kas and so if a long sweeping beach with waves is your kind of beach, then you may want to check it out.

Take a Boat Water Taxi to Limanağzı Beaches

There are a few beaches in Kas that you cannot reach by car.  To the east of Kas is Limanağzı, and there are a few little coves here including Bilal’s Beach and Delos Beach. There are a number of beach bars, where you can rent an umbrella and chair and spend the day catching rays and downing cocktails.

You have an option to hike in or take a water taxi from Kas Harbour.  The round trip is not super expensive, just head to the harbour and chat to the guys here about catching a ride.

If you decide to walk there you are linking onto the Lycian Way – a 29 day walk known to hikers all over the world.  Read more about the Lycian Way here from a hiker who did it in 24 days.  

The track starts in town and is easy to navigate through the AllTrail App.  When you have the app downloaded, search for Kas and find Segment 17 of the Lycian Way. The first 4km of this walk will bring you to the Limanağzı Beaches.

Kaputaş Beach

This is probably one of the prettiest beaches in Turkey.  A white sandy beach with STUNNING turquoise waters!  This photo sums it up though right.  To get to Kaputaş you’ll take a 20 minute drive or taxi from Kas.

But I’m not going to lie, it gets busy!  SO… here is what I propose.  Get there early in the morning and head there mid-week if you can.  You can get lucky and catch it on a quieter day if school is in and locals are at work.  Otherwise you can expect some big crowds and a carpark challenge.

The carpark spaces fill quickly, and when they’re gone an unofficial parking on the road seems to be accepted.  It is a busy little road though with limited pedestrian space.  But we recommend just do as the locals do, park on the side of the road and take care as you walk to the beach entrance.  

A steep walk down, brings you to a little restaurant.  There are some public toilets here open for everyone to use.  Carry on down further and you reach the beach where you can either grab an umbrella and beach lounger or throw your towel down on the sand.

Note:  There is a strict no food from outside policy on Kaputaş.  But we did sneak in snacks and at the far end of the beach no one seemed to notice.

Small Pebble Beach (Küçük Çakıl)

Not far from the middle of town is Small Pebble Beach. This is a casual place and a cute stop to jump in for a dip.  

It gets a lot of shade at each end of the day, as it’s so teeny tiny.  But there are a couple of restaurants on either side of the beach which you could eat at.  Or even hire a lounger at Derya Beach Restaurant and sip cocktails all afternoon.

Small Pebble Beach is a 10 minute walk from the centre of town.  Follow the water’s edge from Kas Harbour, keeping the ocean on your right and you’ll stumble upon it.

Big Pebble Beach (Büyükçakıl Plajı)

Further along from Little Pebble Beach is… you guessed it… Big Pebble Beach.  This one is set up for day-stayers.  There are loungers and umbrellas to rent from a few beach restaurants.  But you can also just put down a towel on the beach without needing to pay for the pleasure.

The walk from Small Pebble takes 15 minutes and it’s over a big hill, so bring water and a hat.  It is certainly a little easier if you are driving and you can park for free in the carpark.  

We definitely recommend bringing beach shoes too if you have them.  Walking on the pebbles can be tricky as you enter and exit the water!

İnceboğaz Çınar Beach

For an easy little beach to kick about on with young kids head to İnceboğaz Çınar beach.  There is a narrow stretch on the small peninsula that juts out of Kas.  On this slim stretch of coastline and on each side are two small beaches.  

One is more exposed with pebbles and beautiful blue waters.  And on the opposite side is the less exposed beach as it faces the mainland.  This is a calmer beach and great for young kids. Park on the road between the two and you can decide what you’d prefer.  It takes two minutes to walk from one side to another, so check them both out and make a call!

More on Turkey

There we have it, in no particular order – 16 Awesome Things to do in Kaş!  We’d love to hear from you… did you visit any of these destinations?  Are you planning a visit to Turkey and considering Kaş as a possible spot to visit?

Be sure to check out the rest of our travel series for Turkey – 

• 17 Magical Things to Do in Cappadocia
• A Turkey Road Trip to Remember
• How to Visit Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove
• 4 Unforgettable Days in Istanbul
• Visit Pamukkale Travertine Terraces Like a Pro!
• Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia – An Honest Review

📍And don’t forget to Pin this post 16 Best Things to Do in Kas for later!

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