Kaş is a picturesque town located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, nestled between the turquoise waters of the sea and the rugged mountains of the Lycian Peninsula. Known for its natural beauty, Kaş offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and a laid-back atmosphere that attracts both local and international visitors. The town has retained its charming, small-town character, with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and vibrant bougainvillea climbing up walls. Its harbor is a bustling center, where visitors can stroll along the seafront, enjoy seafood at local restaurants, or take boat trips to explore nearby islands and secluded beaches.
The town itself was once known as Antiphellos, a part of the Lycian civilization. Today, visitors can explore remnants of ancient ruins, such as the impressive theater, Lycian rock tombs, and the well-preserved sarcophagi scattered around the area. The nearby Kekova region, with its sunken city and Byzantine castles, offers an unforgettable journey into the past, accessible by boat or kayak.
In addition to its historical allure, Kaş is a hub for outdoor activities, especially for those who love diving, hiking, and exploring the natural surroundings. The crystal-clear waters make it a renowned diving destination, with numerous dive sites that boast rich marine life and underwater ruins. The surrounding mountains and hills provide excellent hiking trails, including parts of the famous Lycian Way, one of Turkey's most popular long-distance trekking routes. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the sea or adventure in the wild, Kaş offers a diverse range of experiences in a breathtaking setting.
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.
