The 10 Best Things to Do in Kas, Antalya

This content was last updated on 24.01.2024 22:20

I will introduce you to this place a little and show you some ideas for excursions and Kas sights. Before I get started, here are a few basic facts about this unique travel destination. Where is Kas in Turkey? The beautiful town of Kas is located on the Mediterranean Sea, about 180 km south-west of Antalya. It is a town in the Turkish province of Antalya.

For your journey you have the choice between Dalaman Airport, which is about 150 km away, and Antalya Airport, about 200 km away. The transfer time to Kas is between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the airport.

Kas itself is not a destination for a classic Turkey beach holiday, which is why it is not really known to many holidaymakers. You will look in vain for 5-star all-inclusive hotels here. Also, the characteristic coastal town does not have a sandy beach, but who needs one when you get crystal clear and turquoise bays instead. For me it is the most beautiful sea I have ever seen in Turkey. But now to the Kas sights and things that you should definitely do during your holiday in Kas.

Kas Sights

1. Antiphellos, Kas Old Town, Port

The beautiful old town of Kas is one of the reasons why I have such a crush on this place. The town center with its typical Greek houses is a listed building. Kas was founded on the former territory of the ancient city of Antiphellos. On the western outskirts you will find the ancient amphitheater of Antiphellos (admission is free). If you would like to visit a Turkish bazaar, you can find it in Kas every Friday with fruits, vegetables and textiles.

The best way to explore the old town is to walk down to the harbour. At the harbor you can marvel at boats and yachts and get information about the boat trips on offer. A good starting point for your tour of the old town is the square with the Atatürk monument right next to the harbour. Kas is known for its many small bars and restaurants, which makes the evening atmosphere there even livelier. Take your time and stroll through the small streets, eat something typical Turkish and treat yourself to a drink in one of the inviting bars. However, you should not miss to follow one of the alleys to the top of the hill. Here you will find an ancient burial site, the lion's tomb.

2. Kaputas Beach

Kas itself is not known for its sandy beaches, but for its beautiful bays with clear, light blue water. However, if you drive from Kas towards Kalkan, you can reach the famous Kaputaş Plaj (Kaputaş Beach) in a good 20 minutes. A fine sandy beach and turquoise blue water await you here. In order to secure one of the coveted loungers, you should set off very early. You are never alone for long in this beautiful bay.

Admission is free. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for a fee.

3. Patara Ruins and Patara Beach

You can reach the ancient ruins of Patara in about 50 minutes by car. Patara was considered one of the most important cities of Lycia. Some of the buildings date back to the 7th century BC. Even today new parts of the city, which had disappeared under the sand of the dunes, are uncovered.

After your hike through the well-preserved ruins of ancient Patara, you should definitely make a detour to the beautiful Patara Beach. Around 12 km of fine sandy beach with dunes and clear water await you here. Patara Beach is also a breeding ground for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle, which is why it is a nature reserve and may not be built on. Therefore, some sections of the beach are also closed. At night the beach is even completely closed.

Admission: Beach: 40 TL; Ruins and Beach: 70 TL (Entrance is free with the museum card). There is a gate you must pass through. Here you pay the entrance fee.
Opening times: Daily from 08:00 - 20:00

There is a restaurant on the beach, as well as a lounger and umbrella rental. Toilets and showers are also available.

4. Xanthos and Letoon

The ancient city of Xanthos used to be the capital of Lycia and, together with the associated temple district of Letoon, is at the center of Lycian history. Just a look at the history of Xanthos is enough to be astonished. Archaeologists estimate the city's origins to be in the 7th century BC. The ancient ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. These include a Roman theater, the agora and the columned street. The oldest part of the city, the small Lycian acropolis, still has the remains of a small temple.

Ancient Letoon is located 6 km from Xanthos. What is interesting here is the fact that Letoon was not a city but rather a religious site. Leto, Artemis and Apollon were worshiped here for more than eight centuries until late antiquity. The sanctuary of Letoon has three temples in total. To the south lay the sacred, hot spring. Today the remains of a magnificent Nymphaion from the Roman Empire can be seen here.

Entry: Xanthos: 14 TL, Letoon: 12 TL
Opening times: In winter daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in summer from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m
Getting there: From Kas in the direction of Kalkan, the distance to Xanthos is about 45 km.

5. Saklikent Canyon

Especially in summer, a trip to the Saklikent Canyon, about 63 km away, is an absolute must if you spend your vacation in Kas. You can consider whether you want to do the excursion together with a tour operator or whether you prefer to travel alone. The entrance to the deep gorge is via a wooden promenade, past rock faces that tower more than 200 m into the air. On hot summer days, these offer the perfect shade for a short hike.

Especially the view of the shimmering blue river is guaranteed to make your eyes shine! Wade through the water to the waterfall, relax on the riverbank, dine at the riverside restaurant or explore the area on a jeep safari. The possibilities are varied.

Entry: 13 TL
Opening hours: 08:30 - 19:45
How to get there: 63 km from Kas. By car you need about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Parking (subject to charge) available.

6. Apollonia and Aperlai, Hiking the Lycian Way

Fancy hiking, ancient ruins and bathing fun in one trip? Then make your way to Aperlai, stopping for Apollonia first. The ancient cities belong to the well-known region of Kekova and lies between Kas and Demre. The ancient city was built on a mountain. According to the ruins of Apollonia, the date of foundation dates back to the 4th century BC. There you can still find graves, parts of a fortress wall and more.

Aperlai used to be a small port town and existed until the end of the 7th century AD. Along your route you will see the Lycian sarcophagi. Some ruins, including a sarcophagus, are partly in or even under water. Then the crystal clear water of the bay is already waiting for you. You can then make your way back refreshed.

How to get there: About 22 km from Kas. Apollonia is located on the Kaş-Finike road, near the village of Sahil Kılınçı. After Aperlai, continue along Sahilkılınçlı Street to the end. From there you continue on foot. Depending on where you start from, your hiking time will vary. Many boat tours also pass Aperlai and there are bathing stops nearby.

Note: Please remember to take enough water with you on the way. Bathing shoes are highly recommended for swimming in the bay near Aperlai.

7. Kekova and the Sunken City of Dolichiste

Kekova is a small, now uninhabited, Turkish island off the Lycian coast. On its northern side lie the mostly sunken ruins of the ancient city of Dolichiste. The site was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD and then rebuilt but later abandoned. Another tremor, believed to have occurred in the 10th century, meant that most of the ruins are now submerged.

You can explore the ruins on a boat tour. However, swimming, diving or snorkeling is prohibited in the area of the sunken cities. Since 1990, the Kekova region with its approximately 260 km² has been under nature protection.

8. Simena - Kalekoy

Kaleköy was built on the remains of the ancient city of Simena. Inscriptions and finds indicate that the place was already in use in the 4th century BC. A medieval crusader castle towers above the village. Otherwise there are only a few preserved ruins. The remains of the Titus thermal baths are now in the water. A single sarcophagus protrudes freely from the water.

Kaleköy is on the Lycian Way and can only be reached on foot via the hiking trail or by boat. The people of Kaleköy live from tourism. At every corner you can buy handmade jewellery, magnets and other souvenirs. A real opportunity for loved ones back home to buy a great holiday souvenir.

Entrance to the castle: 17.5 TL (payment only possible in Turkish lira)
Castle opening times: In summer from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in winter from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
How to get there: By boat or via the Lycian hiking trail through rough terrain

9. Kyaneai

Now comes a little insider tip, which is not very touristy. Kyaneai was an ancient and Byzantine city in Lycia. The ruins are on a hill above the village of Yavu. However, the effort of the climb is worth it. In addition to a magnificent view, the remains of an amphitheater and many other remains of the city await you at the top. Kyaneai also has the largest sarcophagus necropolis in Lycia, with more than 380 specimens.

Getting there: From Kas it takes about 26 minutes inland. The destination is the village of Yavu, 24 km away. From there it's about an hour's walk. There is also a gravel path further up, but this is only suitable for off-road vehicles.

10. Kastellorizo (Meis)

Opposite Kas is the small Greek island of Kastellorizo. A ferry runs weekday mornings from Kas to Kastellorizo and back in the afternoon. So if you want to get a taste of Greek air during your holiday in Turkey, this little excursion is a great idea.

A sight of Kastellorizo is the Blue Grotto on the southeast coast of the island. The entrance from the sea, which is only about 1 m high, only allows small boats to enter when the sea is calm. The starting point for the small boat tour is the harbour. Inside the grotto you can swim and snorkel.

Crossing: The ferry crossing takes just 20 minutes. The cost of the return trip is around €35