Kas Travel Guide - Places to Visit

A vast sea awaits you in Kaş. Silent, blue and infinite... Two fish are frolicking in the distance, while on the other side a diver is making his way to deeper caves.

Kaş, one of the most unspoiled towns in the Mediterranean, is a quaint harbor town on the coastline stretching from Antalya to Fethiye. Where the steep slopes of the Taurus Mountains to the west meet the sea, it is surrounded by peninsulas, islets and the neighboring island of Meis.

The Çukurbağ peninsula, with its whitewashed houses, stretching out into the blue of the Mediterranean with large and small bays, and the island of Meis, which is almost a stone's throw from the tip of the peninsula. There is also a mutual exchange between the two points that are so close. Meis, whose ancient name was Megiste, is a well-preserved and well-maintained tourist center. There is also an airport where small planes can land and take off. While we do not have a single airport on the hundreds of kilometers of coastline between Antalya and Dalaman, and tourists are transported to Kaş with a tiring land journey that takes at least 5 hours, the fact that there are buzzing flights to the tiny island of Meis makes the hearts of Kaş's tourists ache.

Here it is; The view that unfolds before your eyes when you look from above before entering Kaş. The asphalt road that surrounds the Çukurbağ peninsula starts from inside Kaş, in front of the harbor. The ancient theater is located to the right of this road. It is well preserved. To the northeast of the theater is the necropolis of the city. An interesting tomb, mostly carved from rock in the Doric order, is located here. The entrance wall is adorned with female figures.

The Çukurbağ peninsula has been opened to settlement in recent years. First, villas were built, then row after row of boutique hotels. The surroundings of the peninsula are rocky but the sea is magnificent. That's why most of the diving is done on this side. It is known that the name of Kaş was Habessos in the 2nd millennium BC. According to an inscription written in two different languages found in the city, it is said that it was built on top of the ancient port city of Antiphellos in the Middle Lycia Region during ancient times. Until the beginning of the 20th century, it was also called Andifli. Thanks to the trade of cedar wood and oak gallnuts obtained from the region's forests, as well as sponge diving, it has developed into a rich city that is self-sufficient.

One of the remarkable monuments among the historical remains of Kaş is a sarcophagus dating back to the 4th century BC, which can be seen on the long market street. While wandering around the town, it is possible to come across many rock tombs, sarcophagi, and mausoleums, as well as tomb monuments. To the west of the city, the theater of Antiphellos, dating back to the Hellenistic period, is in very good condition. Kaş is not only rich in historical artifacts but also a complete natural paradise: You can cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Kaputaş Beach, located on the road to Kalkan, with Big Pebble, Small Pebble beaches. Also, don't forget to visit the ancient city of Sebeda and Limanağzı Beach, the second harbor of Antiphellos, which can only be reached by sea and hiking routes. Kekova (Simena), where nature and history merge, can be reached by boat or by land to Üçağız (Theimioussa), then you can explore sunken cities and bays adorned like pearls by motor or sea kayak.

The caves around Kaş, such as the Blue Cave, Aşırlı Island Sea Cave, Kekova Island Sea Cave, and the famous Pigeon Cave with its pigeons, as well as the Hıdrellez Cave with its hairless bats and the remains of a sacred spring, are remarkable. Kaş, which is becoming increasingly popular as a center for all kinds of nature activities, is one of the most important diving centers in the Mediterranean. With its varied coastline, ancient wrecks and amphorae, reefs, canyons, and caves enriched by fauna and flora, where a large part of the prohibited areas are open to diving, where there are no strong currents, and with its clear and turquoise sea, it deserves this interest.

The Lycian Way offers numerous opportunities for hiking between the local trekking routes and ancient cities. On one of the most beautiful routes of the Toros Mountains, you can walk through cedar forests, rich maquis communities, valleys, and canyons. For those who do not want to spend their holidays just swimming, these hikes offer a good alternative to observe plants, birds, and other harmless animals according to the season, as well as to explore ancient cities that have not been overrun by tourists, to get to know unspoiled villages and their local characteristics. Day trips and overnight trips are organized to the plateaus for those who want to escape the scorching heat of summer. Day trips to ancient cities are also organized for those who want to get to know the Lycian civilization better.

In addition to ancient cities such as Xanthos, Letoon, Patara, Phellos, Pinara, Tlos, Istlada, Apollonia, Aperlai, Simena, ısinda, Kyaenai, Arykanda, and Myra, which are located around Kaş, many unnamed ruins are waiting to be discovered. The Kaş Festival, organized by the Kaş Municipality, which gives this extraordinary holiday destination an international status, is held every year in June-July.

If you are interested in underwater activities in Kaş, there are diving clubs such as Barakuda and Bogainville. If you want to go to the surrounding places of interest by land; Blue Cave is 19 km away, Kalkan 25 km, Xanthos 44 km, Patara 49 km, Letoon 50 km, Demre 48 km, Antalya is 185 km away. There are also car rental services for your trips. You can also prefer to travel with tours. Tourists who arrive at the capital of Lycian Civilization, Xanthos, with early morning departures, have lunch at Saklıkent Canyon, which is 18 km away. Then they visit Patara Beach, which is 17 km away, after the canyon tour. After swimming and visiting ancient cities, they return to Kaş in the evening. Another route ends with a swim at Myra St. Nicholas, Rock Tombs, Santa Claus Church, and Demre Beach.

ONE OF OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN KAŞ:  Suna Sun Hotel, +14 https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/suna-sun-hotel

ANOTHER SUGGESTION:  Kasinn Apart https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kasinn-apart

WHERE TO STAY IN KAS and KALKAN?

We have reviewed hotels in Kaş and Kalkan for you. You can see our Kas Kalkan Hotel Recommendations from https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kas-hotels

Places to visit in Kas
Kaş is a very different neighborhood with its history, culture and natural beauties. There are many places you should visit. The Büyükçakıl and Küçükçakıl Beaches in Kaş, the Tomb of the Dancers, the sarcophagus on Uzun Çarşı Street in the center of the district, the theater of Antiphellos overlooking the sea on the right of the road to the Çukurbağ Peninsula are among the places to be seen. You can visit these places.   
The Blue Cave, Aşırlı Island Sea Cave, and the Pigeon Cave, famous for its pigeons, are among the places that those who are interested in this direction should visit. Be sure to follow and see Kaputaş Beach between Kaş and Kalkan on your way.   
Around Kaş, there are ancient cities such as Istlada, Apollonia, Isinda, Kyaenai as well as many ruins with unknown names. These are large and small ancient settlements. You can visit these places.   

History buffs who want to trace the past can join tours to nearby ancient cities such as Xanthos, Letoon and Myra. Near Xanthos and Letoon, add Patara, Turkey's longest sandy beach, to your list of places to see.Perhaps you can witness the emergence of caretta carettas.     On the way back to Patara, Kaputaş Beach, whose fame has spread around the world, attracts you with its deep blue sea. If you want to take an adventurous walk, you can go to Saklikent Canyon.  A boat trip to see Kekova, the only sunken ancient city in our country, which is not accessible by road, can be very nice.     ou can go to Kalkan, a village very close to Kaş, and take a stroll in the evening market and stone streets.With its fascinating sea view, Kaş Ancient Theater is waiting for you with its history dating back to the 1st century BC.
Daily tours to Meis Island.If you have a visa, you can go to Meis Island by boat departing from Kaş harbor. The distance between Kaş and Meis is about 3-4 km. Saklikent tours.After about 2 hours of travel, you can reach Saklikent Canyon, which is 13 km long.Active moments await you in Saklikent, where you can capture many different photo frames. Kaputas Beach. This turquoise beach is about 70 km away. Limanağzı Boat Tour. A trip where you can't get enough of swimming and see unforgettable views. Kekova Boat Tour. Boats departing from the harbor visit Bayındır Harbor, Kaleköy, Kekova Island (sunken city), Tersane Bay.

FOOD AND DRINK IN KAŞ

Some with live music, others in a quiet garden setting. Mercan Restaurant, located on the coast of Kaş Marina, impresses with its rich menu, reasonable prices, friendly, experienced and eager staff. The specialty of the restaurant run by Mustafa Eriş, who welcomes guests with his unique turban-shaped chef's bonnet and snow-white clothes, is honesty.Among the more than 30 bars and cafes in Kaş, Rejevu Bar attracts attention, while those who like to drink beer with the popular hits of hard rock bands such as the Doors, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pearl Jam, etc. fill the Mavi Bar and its surroundings to capacity. Smiley's & Garden Restaurant Cafe-Bar next to Kaş Marina is another restaurant where you can eat grilled fish at any time of the day. The fish you can order at the restaurant overlooking the marina is daily and served with lavash bread fresh from the oven.

Food and drink recommendations: From Fooduristik.com

Zaika
"Good Ingredients, Traditional Cooking, Fair Price, Good Food" is the perfect motto.
I think it is an important point that the service is smooth and friendly at the height of the season. After setting up at a nice table in the garden and choosing the appetizers that suit your taste from the menu (because I think they are all delicious in general), I recommend you to pop a Shashlik Kebab. Address:İlkokul Sokak No: 13 / 1 Kaş - Antalya Phone:242 836 23 73
Bi' Lokma Kas
Bi Lokma Bahçede is one of the ideal choices for a nice breakfast. You get a mixed breakfast with a motherly touch. Except for the cheese, everything was in the right consistency, and although it is not an exaggerated feast of flavor, it offers what is expected from a breakfast. The service is fast and everyone is friendly.There are also very cute cats around.Address:Hükümet Cad. 
No:2, Kas Phone: 0242 836 39 42

Ruhi Bey Tavern
The most enjoyable part of the "Where to eat in Kaş?" section. This summer we finally met Ruhi Bey Meyhanesi, a place I've wanted to try every time I've been to Kaş but never had the chance. Setting a delicious table and watching the night go by. I think it is one of the first taverns to visit in Kaş. 
Of course, there are taverns in the neighborhood where you will be much more satisfied, but you can stop by Ruhi Bey Meyhanesi to catch the guaranteed standard.Address: Andifli Mahallesi Süleyman Sadıkçı Sokak / Kaş Phone: 242 836 35 55
Dolphin | Özge's Recommendation
In the tavern category, it can take a step forward only with its view.The appetizers were normal and the fish was delicious.Like almost every place in Kaş, the waiters were very attentive.But despite the view, I didn't feel like the spirit of a tavern was there.The prices were a bit higher than Ruhi Bey's.Still, it is recommended for those who want to watch the sunset with raki and fish. Address: Sandikci Sok. No:7, Kaş Phone: 0242836 35 38

Homburger Kas
If you want to take a short break from seafood, head to Homburger. Offering alternatives for burgers and fries, I think it's a clean suggestion. It can be added to the list. Address: 
Andifli mah. Öztürk sk.No:17/F, Kaş Phone: 0541 917 06 28
Dudu Kitchen
The breakfast is great. Let me add it as a note to those who will be on their way.In addition to breakfast, there are also home-cooked meals.Address:Andifli Mahallesi, Süleyman Sandıkçı Sokak No:1/3, Kaş Phone: 0536 347 10 94
Oburus Momus
Run for vegetarian and vegan delicacies.It's one of the places I love to visit for something green and fresh.If you order yourself a nice bowl with falafel, you can enjoy it calmly. Note: It is possible to find the famous Eggplant Crème Brule of Retro Bistro, which I loved last summer but has now closed and started serving from home, at Oburus Momus. Address: Andifli Mahallesi, Necipbey Cd. No:22, Kaş Phone: 0507 704 20 32

While we're on the subject, I'll leave Kaş Gourmet Falafel here, which is one of the places I want to knock on the door for falafel.
L'Apero
This place became one of my favorite places after Zaika. The ambiance is very pleasant, the place has a French touch and you can go for dinner, dessert and coffee. I wish they had a breakfast menu. 
Address: Andifli Mah. Arisan Sok. 1A Kas
Telephone: 0242 836 20 85

WHAT TO DO IN KAS

Have a coffee at Mavi or Don Quixote cafe and look around.Be sure to take a boat tour; see the village of kekova, Simena, Üçağız.If you haven't seen Xanthos, one of the most attractive of the ancient cities, be sure to go... Take a day trip to Patara and Demre. Dive into the side streets of Kaş and admire the houses, flowers and architecture. Lycian walks and bike tours or early morning hikes on the Çukurbağ peninsula.

Hi Jazz

We told you that Jazz music in Kaş has a different story. This is one of the few venues that hosts this story and performs only live. Hi jazz, which plays rock jazz blues and many alternative music, has hosted many names such as Ediz Hafizoglu, Feti Çağlayan, Süleyman Bağcıoğlu, Tümer Dalgakıran, Ercan Temel, Fatma Baba, Sinem Yılmaz. A great option to listen to quality live music and sip your beer. Address: Andifli Mahallesi, Zümrüt Sk.
Echo Bar

 The other address for jazz and alternative music. Housed in a beautiful historical stone building, Echo is one of the most famous performance bars in Kaş. The bar has a large area and hosts famous names and bands throughout the summer. Yeni Türkü, Birsen Tezer, Bülent Ortaçgil, Jehan Babur, Sibel Köse, Can Gox, Yüzyüzeyeyken Konuşuruz, Sarp Maden, Adamlar are just a few of them. There is also a big garden at the entrance to have a drink and chat before the concerts. Address: Andifli Mahallesi, Kaş, 07580 Website Tel: 0539 633 32 46
Gagarin

 It's a relaxed, laid-back rock bar with personality. It is also the hippest place in Kas. You can see many famous names in the DJ booth. Aylin Aslım, who moved to Kaş 2 years ago and owns the place, plays and occasionally brings her visiting friends to the DJ booth. You are likely to encounter a surprise name every time you visit.

If you start the night with a bacon burger against the view of Kaş Harbor in the cool and calm of the evening - no matter how crazy your night ends - you won't feel the hangover effects the next day. That's the legend on the streets. It's free to try. Their cocktail menu is also quite satisfying. The Tourist Omer cocktail is our favorite. Address: İskele Geçidi Sokak No: 2 Andifli Mahallesi, 07580 Tel: 0531 838 78 64
No 11

 We've already mentioned that the bars in Kas are very close to each other, even in rows. No:11 is a great place right in the middle of them. The cocktail menu is very extensive. Weasel Vodka and Gumdrop Vodka Shot are the trademark drinks here. The Pear Martini is also a favorite. The staff have been in the business for years and know how to make you feel comfortable. Nostalgic Turkish pop is played a couple of days a week, while the rest of the days are mostly popular music. The place welcomes a crowd that overflows the streets and is one of the places you should visit. Address: Terzi Sk. No:1 Andifli Mahallesi Tel:+90 536 482 43 32