Turkey Holiday Diary 10 min read
Kaş: Turkey’s Best-Kept Secret
Kaş (pronounced “kash”) is the kind of place that ruins you for other holiday destinations. It’s a small, laid-back town clinging to a hillside on Turkey’s southwestern coast, surrounded by mountains, ancient Lycian ruins, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.
There are no big resorts here. No massive all-inclusive hotels blocking the coastline. Instead, Kaş has charming boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, a vibrant arts scene, and more outdoor adventures per square kilometre than anywhere else in Turkey.
This Kaş Turkey travel guide covers everything from world-class diving and kayaking over sunken cities to finding the best rooftop bar for watching the sunset over a Greek island.
Scuba Diving in Kaş
Kaş is widely considered the best scuba diving destination in Turkey, and it’s easy to see why. The water visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, the marine life is abundant, and there’s a huge variety of dive sites — from shallow reefs to dramatic underwater canyons and even a few wrecks.
Best Dive Sites
- Canyon — Kaş’s signature dive. A dramatic underwater canyon that drops from 18 to 35+ metres, with walls covered in colourful sponges and home to groupers, moray eels, and octopus.
- Flying Fish Reef — A shallow reef perfect for beginners and snorkelers, teeming with damselfish, wrasse, and the occasional turtle.
- Uçanbalık — An underwater pinnacle that attracts large schools of fish. Advanced divers love this site for its currents and dramatic topography.
- St Didier Wreck — A French naval vessel from the early 1900s lying at 28 metres. The wreck is well-preserved and covered in marine growth.
- Fener Reef — A sloping reef with swim-throughs and small caves. Excellent for underwater photography.
Diving Practicalities
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Discover Scuba (beginners) | 2,000-3,000 TL (includes training, equipment, 1-2 dives) |
| Certified 2-dive trip | 1,500-2,500 TL (includes equipment) |
| PADI Open Water course | 8,000-12,000 TL (3-4 days) |
| Best season | May-October (water 20-28°C) |
| Visibility | 20-40 metres on good days |
Pro tip: There are about a dozen dive centres in Kaş. Look for PADI or SSI certified operations with good equipment and small group sizes. Ask to see the dive boat and equipment before paying. Most dive centres are clustered around the marina area.
Sea Kayaking to Kekova (Sunken City)
This is, without question, one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in Turkey. You paddle a sea kayak across calm, turquoise water to the island of Kekova, where an ancient Lycian city lies partially submerged beneath the sea. Through the clear water, you can see ancient walls, stairways, and building foundations just below the surface.
The sunken city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD, and the ruins slipped beneath the waves. Swimming and diving over the ruins is prohibited (it’s a protected archaeological site), but you can kayak right over them and peer down through the crystal-clear water. It’s like looking through a time portal.
Kayaking Tour Details
- Duration: Full day (typically 9 AM to 5 PM), with lunch and swimming stops included.
- Distance: Tours depart from Üçağız village, about 35 km from Kaş. Transport is usually included.
- Difficulty: Moderate. You don’t need kayaking experience, but basic fitness helps. Tandem kayaks are available.
- Cost: Around 1,500-2,500 TL per person including transport, kayak, guide, lunch, and swimming stops.
- What you’ll see: Sunken city ruins, Lycian rock tombs at Myra, Simena castle, secluded bays, and possibly sea turtles.
Pro tip: Book a kayak tour with a small group (8-10 people maximum). The large group tours feel rushed and don’t let you linger over the sunken ruins. Also, bring waterproof sun protection — you’re on the water all day with no shade, and the reflection off the water intensifies the sun.
Lycian Rock Tombs
The ancient Lycians carved elaborate tombs directly into cliff faces, and Kaş has some of the best examples. The most prominent one — a tall Lycian sarcophagus known as the King’s Tomb — sits right in the town centre on Uzun Çarşı street. It’s just standing there between the shops, like it’s been waiting 2,400 years for someone to notice.
On the hillside above town, you’ll find more rock-cut tombs. The largest is the Doric Tomb, carved to look like a Greek temple. The walk up is steep but the views over the town and sea are worth every step.
For the most impressive Lycian tombs in the region, take a day trip to Myra (near Demre, about 45 minutes from Kaş). The cliff face there is honeycombed with dozens of ornate rock tombs, and the adjacent Roman theatre is beautifully preserved. Demre is also famous as the home of St. Nicholas — yes, the original Santa Claus.
Kaputaş Beach
Kaputaş is one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey, and you’ve probably seen it without knowing its name. It’s a small cove at the base of a dramatic gorge, squeezed between towering limestone cliffs, with impossibly turquoise water.
The beach is about 20 km west of Kaş on the road to Kalkan. You reach it by descending a long staircase (around 190 steps) from the road above. The descent is the easy part — climbing back up in the heat is the real challenge.
- Sand: Mixed sand and small pebbles. Bring water shoes if you’re fussy about your feet.
- Facilities: Basic — there are sunbed rentals and a small snack bar in summer. No restaurants or showers.
- Crowds: Gets very busy in July-August. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best experience.
- Water: The colour is unreal. Bright turquoise from the freshwater springs that feed into the gorge.
Pro tip: Take a dolmuş from Kaş towards Kalkan and ask to be dropped at Kaputaş. The dolmuş runs regularly and costs almost nothing. Don’t drive unless you’re prepared to fight for parking on the narrow cliff road — it’s a nightmare in summer.
Day Trip to Meis (Kastellorizo), Greece
Here’s something most people don’t expect — from Kaş, you can see Greece. The tiny Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) sits just 2 km offshore, and regular ferries make the 20-minute crossing.
Meis is a charming, sleepy Greek island with colourful harbourside houses, a couple of waterfront tavernas, a small castle, and the famous Blue Cave. It’s a wonderful day trip that lets you experience two countries in one day.
Meis Ferry Practicalities
- Journey: 20 minutes each way by ferry.
- Cost: Around 800-1,200 TL return (prices vary by season).
- Schedule: Typically one morning departure and one afternoon return, but check current timetables.
- Documents: You need your passport. Turkey to Greece is an international border crossing. UK and EU citizens enter Greece visa-free. Check requirements for other nationalities.
- What to do: Stroll the harbour, swim off the rocks, visit the Blue Cave by small boat, eat fresh seafood at a taverna, and climb to the castle for views.
Pro tip: The ferry can sell out in summer — book at least a day in advance from the ticket offices near the Kaş harbour. Also, Meis is tiny with limited ATMs and not everywhere accepts cards, so bring some euros.
Nightlife in Kaş
Kaş has a vibrant but relaxed nightlife. This isn’t a clubbing destination — it’s more about atmospheric bars, live music, and cocktails with a view.
- Hideaway Bar — A rooftop bar famous for its cocktails and sunset views over Meis island. Gets packed in the evenings — arrive early for the best seats.
- Mavi Bar — Live music most nights, with a mix of Turkish and international acts. Great atmosphere.
- Echo Bar & Cafe — Another popular spot with live music and a bohemian vibe.
- Noel Baba Bar — On the harbour, casual and social. Good for people-watching.
- Bahçe (The Garden) — Cocktails in a lush garden setting, slightly away from the harbour bustle.
The nightlife in Kaş centres around Uzun Çarşı (the main shopping street) and the harbour. On warm summer evenings, the whole town comes alive with music spilling from open doorways, and you can bar-hop on foot easily.
Where to Eat in Kaş
For a small town, Kaş has a remarkably good food scene. The fish and seafood are outstanding — caught locally and served the same day.
- Bi Lokma — Creative Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. One of the best restaurants in town. Book ahead in summer.
- Çınarlar Restaurant — Under a huge old plane tree, serving authentic Turkish home cooking. Try the meze selection and grilled fish.
- Harbour-side fish restaurants — Several excellent fish restaurants line the harbour. Choose your fish from the display, they weigh it, and grill it. Simple, fresh, and perfect.
- Simit Evi — For a cheap breakfast or snack, grab a freshly baked simit with çay for almost nothing.
- Mama’s Kitchen — Home-style Turkish food at reasonable prices. The mantı (Turkish ravioli) is excellent.
Pro tip: For the freshest and cheapest fish, walk to the Friday market (Cuma Pazarı) where local fishermen sell their morning catch. Some restaurants will even cook market fish that you bring in, for a small charge.
How to Get to Kaş
Getting to Kaş requires a bit more effort than reaching Antalya’s bigger resorts, but that’s part of its charm — the journey keeps the mass tourism away.
- From Antalya Airport: About 190 km, roughly 3-3.5 hours by car. The road is winding and scenic as it hugs the coast. You can take a direct bus from Antalya otogar (about 4 hours, 250-400 TL) or arrange a private transfer (2,500-4,000 TL per car).
- From Dalaman Airport: About 150 km, roughly 2.5-3 hours. Dalaman can be a better option depending on your flight. Buses and transfers are available.
- By car: Renting a car is highly recommended for Kaş. It gives you freedom to explore Kaputaş, Kekova, Myra, Patara, and other nearby treasures at your own pace. The coastal drive is spectacular.
Within Kaş, the town centre is entirely walkable. For beaches and sights outside town, you’ll need a car, scooter, or dolmuş.
Where to Stay in Kaş
| Area | Best For | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Town centre / harbour | Walkability, restaurants, nightlife | 1,000-3,000 TL |
| Çukurbağ Peninsula | Boutique luxury, sea views, quiet | 2,500-6,000 TL |
| Hillside above town | Views, pools, peaceful | 1,200-3,500 TL |
Kaş specialises in boutique and pension-style accommodation. You won’t find big chain hotels here, and that’s exactly the point. Many pensions are run by friendly local families who’ll treat you like a guest, not a room number.
Practical Tips for Kaş
- Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. July-August is busy and very hot.
- Scooter rental: A popular way to get around. Costs around 400-700 TL per day. Drive carefully — the roads are narrow and winding.
- Çarşamba Pazarı: The weekly market on Wednesday is great for fresh produce, spices, olives, honey, and cheap clothing.
- Sea shoes: Most swimming spots in Kaş are rocky. Bring water shoes or you’ll regret it.
- Learn one word: “Kekova” — it opens the door to conversations with locals who are proud of their sunken city.
Kaş is special. It’s the Turkey that existed before mass tourism bulldozed character in favour of convenience. If you want real adventure, authentic culture, and jaw-dropping natural beauty without the crowds, Kaş is the place. Just don’t tell too many people about it.
Our previous article Belek Travel Guide: Golf, Luxury Resorts & Beaches in our article titled antalya, Beach Holidays ve Mediterranean provides information about.