Kaş is a small, quietly bohemian harbour town on Turkey's Mediterranean 'Turquoise Coast' in Antalya Province, built over the ancient Lycian port of Antiphellos. Its cobbled old town of whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped houses and the 4th-century-BC Lion (King's) Tomb standing in the middle of the bazaar are its signature, and it doubles as Turkey's unofficial diving capital, a trailhead for the Lycian Way, and the launch point for boat trips to the sunken city of Kekova. As of 2026 Kaş remains refreshingly free of big package resorts, so it is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace over a few days of walking, boating and swimming — ideally in May–June or September–October to avoid the peak-summer heat and crowds.
The 4th-century-BC Lion Tomb (King's Tomb) rising in the middle of Uzun Çarşı bazaar — a Gothic-lidded Lycian sarcophagus that is the town's emblem
The Antiphellos Theatre, a Hellenistic theatre built facing the sea (said to be the only sea-facing one in Anatolia) — free to enter and a favourite sunset spot
Kaputaş Beach, a Blue Flag turquoise cove hidden in a gorge between Kaş and Kalkan, reached by a long flight of steps
The sunken city of Kekova and Simena (Kaleköy) castle — a Lycian town partly submerged by an earthquake, seen by glass-bottom boat or kayak
World-class diving and the Lycian Way — around 30 dive sites within 20–30 minutes by boat, plus the long-distance trail and paragliding above the town
Good to know
SeasonJuly and August bring daytime highs around 35°C and the heaviest crowds. Book accommodation and boat tours well ahead; for hiking and comfortable sightseeing, May–June or September–October (shoulder season) are far more pleasant.
SafetyKaputaş Beach is reached by a steep staircase of roughly 180–190 steps with little shade or facilities. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and in summer arrive before 8am or late afternoon because parking is very limited.
RulesSwimming, diving, snorkelling and anchoring are banned within the Kekova sunken-city protection zone, and boats must pass slowly. Swim only in the permitted coves nearby, such as Tersane and Aquarium (Akvaryum) bays.
RulesFerries from Kaş harbour to the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) run roughly May–October and require a passport. Many nationalities need a Schengen visa, so confirm your entry requirements and the latest timetable before travelling.
MannersDress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) at mosques and religious or heritage sites and on the Lycian Way. Tipping around 5–10% in cafés and restaurants is customary, and polite bargaining in the bazaar is normal.
CautionAgree the fare before boarding any taxi without a meter, and prefer reputable operators over harbour touts for boat tours. The Turkish lira is volatile, so favour card payment and treat all quoted prices as 'to be reconfirmed'.
SafetyThe D400 coastal mountain road to Kaş is winding; take care with night driving and speed in a rental car, and on boat or kayak trips wear a life jacket and check wind and sea conditions.
Practical info
Kaş has no railway and is reached only by road; the nearest airports are Dalaman (about 2.5 hours) and Antalya (about 3–3.5 hours). Intercity buses and dolmuş minibuses arrive at the Kaş otogar, a 5–10 minute walk from the harbour and old town; the Lion Tomb and Antiphellos Theatre are free to visit and Kaputaş is a public beach (sunbeds are paid). Kekova boat tours leave from Kaş harbour — always reconfirm current fares, sailing times and ferry schedules.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
