Kas

Kas, Turkey - Complete Travel Guide

Kas is a charming Mediterranean coastal town on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, known for its bohemian atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and impressive natural beauty. This former fishing village has evolved into a sophisticated yet laid-back destination that attracts travelers seeking authentic Turkish culture combined with world-class diving, hiking, and water sports. The town's narrow cobblestone streets are lined with bougainvillea-draped houses, boutique hotels, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and overlooking the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo), Kas offers a perfect blend of history and adventure. Ancient Lycian ruins dot the landscape, while the town center features a well-preserved Roman theater with panoramic sea views. The area is renowned for having some of Turkey's best diving sites, pristine beaches accessible only by boat, and hiking trails that wind through pine forests and ancient ruins, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and outdoor activities.

Top Kas

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Kas is considered one of the Mediterranean's premier diving destinations, with crystal-clear waters offering visibility up to 30 meters. The area features diverse underwater landscapes including caves, canyons, and ancient shipwrecks, with sites suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Popular dive sites include the Blue Cave, Canyon dive site, and various underwater archaeological remains.

Booking Tip: Book diving trips through PADI-certified operators for €35-50 per dive. Best visibility is from May to October. Look for operators offering small group sizes and equipment rental included. Many shops offer discovery dives for beginners.

Lycian Way Hiking

Trek sections of Turkey's most famous long-distance hiking trail, which passes directly through Kas and offers spectacular coastal and mountain scenery. The trail features ancient Lycian ruins, traditional villages, and panoramic viewpoints over the Mediterranean. Popular day hikes include sections to Kalkan, Patara, or the ancient city of Phellos.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided day tours cost €25-40 per person. Best hiking months are March-May and September-November. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Local operators can arrange luggage transfers for multi-day treks.

Boat Tours and Island Hopping

Explore the impressive coastline and hidden coves around Kas on traditional Turkish gulets or modern boats. Tours typically include swimming stops at secluded bays, visits to the sunken city of Kekova, and the charming Greek island of Meis. Many tours feature snorkeling opportunities and fresh lunch prepared onboard.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours cost €25-45 per person including lunch. Book tours that visit both Kekova and Meis island for the best value. Smaller boats offer more personalized experiences. Tours run April through October with best weather May-September.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Paddle through the calm, turquoise waters around Kas's coastline, exploring sea caves, hidden beaches, and the famous sunken city ruins of Kekova. The sheltered bays provide perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Many tours combine kayaking with swimming and snorkeling stops.

Booking Tip: Half-day kayaking tours cost €20-35 per person with equipment included. Morning tours offer calmer conditions and better visibility. Look for tours that include the sunken city of Kekova. No experience necessary as guides provide basic instruction.

Paragliding from Kas

Soar above the impressive Turquoise Coast with tandem paragliding flights that offer impressive aerial views of Kas, the Mediterranean Sea, and the dramatic Taurus Mountains. Flights typically last 20-30 minutes and require no previous experience, with certified instructors handling all technical aspects while you enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Booking Tip: Tandem flights cost €80-120 per person depending on flight duration and season. Best conditions are typically in the morning or late afternoon. Weight restrictions usually apply (70-110kg). Book with certified operators and check weather conditions as flights may be cancelled for safety.

Getting There

Kas is located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, approximately 190 kilometers from Antalya. The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport (150km away, 2.5-hour drive) or Antalya Airport (3-hour drive). Regular bus services connect Kas to major Turkish cities including Istanbul (12 hours), Ankara (8 hours), and Antalya (3.5 hours) via companies like Metro Turizm and Pamukkale. From Dalaman Airport, you can take a Havas shuttle bus to Fethiye and then connect to a local dolmus (minibus) to Kas, or arrange private transfers which cost around €100-150. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region and costs approximately €25-40 per day.

Getting Around

Kas town center is compact and easily walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a few blocks of each other. For longer distances and beach access, local dolmus minibuses run regularly to nearby villages like Kalkan and Patara for just a few Turkish Lira. Taxis are available but more expensive, while scooter and bicycle rentals (€10-15 per day) are popular for short trips around town. For exploring the wider region including ancient sites and remote beaches, renting a car is recommended as it provides access to good spots and scenic mountain roads that public transport doesn't reach.

Where to Stay

Kas Town Center

Cukurbag Peninsula

Kalkan Bay

Patara Beach Area

Islamlar Village

Bezirgan Village

Food & Dining

Kas offers an excellent dining scene that blends traditional Turkish cuisine with Mediterranean influences and fresh seafood. The town's waterfront restaurants serve daily catches including sea bass, dorado, and octopus, often grilled simply with olive oil and herbs. Traditional meyhanes (taverns) offer meze spreads with local specialties like hummus, stuffed vine leaves, and grilled halloumi cheese. For fine dining, several upscale restaurants feature innovative Turkish cuisine with impressive sea views, while casual lokantasi serve hearty home-style dishes like lamb stew and fresh pide bread. Don't miss trying local specialties such as Kas honey, fresh figs, and the region's excellent olive oil, and be sure to end meals with Turkish coffee or tea while watching the sunset over the harbor.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kas is during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are warm but comfortable (20-25°C), crowds are smaller, and prices are lower. Summer months (June-August) offer perfect weather for swimming and water sports with temperatures reaching 30°C, but this is also the busiest and most expensive period. Winter (November-March) sees mild temperatures and occasional rain, with many tourist facilities closed, but it's ideal for hiking and exploring ancient sites without crowds. The sea remains swimmable from May through October, with water temperatures reaching 26°C in summer.

Insider Tips

Visit the ancient Lycian sarcophagus in the town center early morning or late afternoon for the best photos without crowds

Take the short ferry ride to Greek island Meis for lunch - you can go visa-free for day trips and enjoy excellent seafood

Book accommodations on the Cukurbag Peninsula for impressive sunset views and a quieter atmosphere while still being walking distance to town

Kas