Kaş is a small coastal town located on Turkey’s southwestern Mediterranean coast, between Fethiye and Antalya. Set against the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, the town overlooks a clear stretch of sea facing the Greek island of Kastellorizo. Originally a fishing village, Kaş has developed into a relaxed holiday destination while maintaining much of its traditional character. The centre is made up of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and small shops and cafés clustered around a harbour and town square.
The area around Kaş is historically significant and forms part of the ancient region of Lycia. Several archaeological sites are located within easy reach of the town, including the ancient cities of Patara, Xanthos and Myra. In Kaş itself, visitors can see Lycian rock tombs carved into the hillsides and a small Hellenistic theatre overlooking the sea. Just offshore lies the Kekova region, known for its partially submerged ruins from an ancient settlement that was affected by earthquakes in antiquity.
The coastline surrounding Kaş is known for its clear water and rugged landscape. Rather than long sandy beaches, the area is characterised by small coves, pebble beaches and rocky swimming platforms. Kaputaş Beach, located between Kaş and Kalkan, is one of the most well-known beaches in the region. Boat trips are a common way to explore the coastline and nearby islands, and the area is also popular for activities such as snorkelling, sea kayaking and scuba diving.
Gökseki is a small residential area located on the hills just outside Kaş, around a 10-minute drive from the town centre. Positioned slightly inland and at a higher elevation, it offers open views across the Mediterranean and the surrounding countryside. The area is quieter and less developed than central Kaş, with a mix of traditional homes and modern villas set among olive groves and natural landscape. Its peaceful setting and proximity to Kaş make Gökseki a convenient base for visitors looking to explore the wider region while staying in a more secluded environment.
The Region
Kas have become boutique resorts, with cobbled streets and converted Greek houses, which belonged to the Greek merchants before the exchange of population in the 1920’s. Once quiet fishing harbours these days you are more likely to see traditional wooden gulets taking tourists to soak up rays on the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean. A boat trip is a must do, from the boat you can snorkel and usually a delicious lunch is prepared on board. Keen walkers should check out the Lycian way for designated walking paths in the area.
You cannot come to this area without spending some time exploring the many Lycian sights, such as Xanthos, Patara, Myra or the sunken city of Kekova.
Patara is said to be where democracy started (they excavated stone voting block) and is also said to be the birthplace of St Nicholas, who became bishop at nearby Myra. The ruins here include an ancient theatre, city walls, government build and agora. The lighthouse on the site is said to be the earliest of its kind. Visit Patara in the late afternoon and finish the trip with a drink on the sandy beach watching the amazing sunset.
The Salikent Gorge is a great place to visit, especially if you want to cool off in the fresh waters whilst walking up the gorge. For the more energetic there are rafts and rings to ride the flowing waters. Further down you can enjoy a day canoeing toward the beach.
Islamlar sits 8 km above Kalkan. Once the place Kalkan folk went to cool off at one of the trout farms built to make use of the mountain’s springs. Today Islamlar houses many a villa, enjoyed by Istanbul Turks who prefer a holiday in slightly cooler and cleaner air. Here the locals grow grapes and pomegranates, but you’ll mainly see the men sat gossiping next to the local teahouse. The trout farms remain a place to come for a wonderful fresh meal, or a breakfast consisting of fresh local fare. The rocket will be the freshest & most tasty you’ve ever had; and the fresh chips cooked in olive oil take some beating.
By night both Kalkan and Kas come alive. Kas has more of a bohemian feel, people ambling through the cobbled streets, passing the ancient tomb in the street, haggling for textiles, carpets and other goodies, maybe stopping for the traditional Turkish ‘maras’ ice cream, a tulip-shaped glass of tea or a wonderful kebab in the shadow of the mosque. Most of the villas in Kas are just out of town on the Cukurbag Peninsula. A reasonable (5km) taxi or Dolmus (local bus) ride into town. Be sure to try the Piyaz, a white bean salad with tahini sauce.
Travelling along the coast, towards Kalkan you pass the modern marina, the children’s beach park (run by the local hotel school) and halfway to Kalkan the stunning Kaputas Beach, cut in a gorge with all different shades of turquoise in the sea.
Kalkan is a more sophisticated resort, with the villas built onto the mountainside. Evening are spent enjoying the rooftop restaurants, perched on the top of the old ‘konak’ houses. Then wandering to a seaside bar for a cocktail, after shopping for glass lanterns, Iznik pottery, handbags or pestemel towel. Do visit the ‘pastane’, local patisseries which do the most delicious morning pastries and you must try the ‘Gozleme’ pancakes at the Thursday market.
Other things to do in the area include scuba diving as the visibility is excellent, paragliding, horseriding on Patara Beach or kayaking around the sunken ruins at Kekova.
