Things to do in Kas

No. 9 of Night Attractions in Türkiye

Kaş

Kaş is nestled along the Lycian coast of the Mediterranean in Türkiye, built upon the ruins of the ancient city of Antiphellos. It is a harbor town that blends Greek charm with remnants of Lycian civilization. Before the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye in 1923, a large number of Greek residents lived here, and the old town still retains the blue-and-white stone houses and cobblestone alleys they left behind. The town is a renowned diving destination in Türkiye, with shipwreck sites and aircraft wreckage scattered along the coast—including a well-preserved Dakota DC-3 transport plane wreck that you can enter and explore, as well as underwater canyons, reefs, and steep rock walls. The underwater visibility is excellent, and while diving, you may occasionally spot groupers, octopuses, and sea turtles. Beyond diving, taking a boat trip is a signature experience here; you can gaze at the semi-submerged ruins of the Sunken City of Kekova along the coastline, or take a short ferry ride for a day trip to the Greek island of Kastellorizo, which is just across the water. Several Lycian rock tombs and sarcophagi are scattered throughout the town and on the hillsides, with a 4th-century BC lion-shaped sarcophagus being particularly striking. The town also preserves an ancient open-air theater, where you can sit on the stone steps and look out over the azure sea. The old town is compact, making it easy to explore the main attractions on foot. The streets are lined with shops selling handicrafts and Mediterranean snacks, perfect for slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Kas

Kaputas Beach

Kaputas Beach is a pocket beach on the Mediterranean coast between the towns of Kas and Kalkan, nestled at the mouth of a steep canyon, flanked by cliffs that enclose a small, natural bay. The beach is a mix of light golden sand and gravel, and the water has distinct layers: deep blue in the distance, turning to a bright turquoise closer in, and a clear emerald green right by the shore, with sailboats and yachts often anchored in the bay. Above the beach is the coastal road from Kas to Kalkan. The viewing platform by the road is the perfect spot to overlook the entire bay, and many people take photos here before heading down the stairs to the beach. The water gets deep quickly not far from the shore, and the clear water near the shore is suitable for snorkeling. On the other side of the road is the entrance to Kaputas Canyon. When there is no water flowing, you can walk from the beach under the bridge into the canyon to get a close look at the cliff walls polished by water over the years. The beach is equipped with basic facilities such as showers and changing rooms, and simple drinks and snacks are also available.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Kaş

Antiphellos Ancient City

Antiphellos Ancient City is located on the hillside of the town of Kas Koyu and is the main surviving relic of the ancient Lycian city of Antiphellos. The name of the ancient city means "opposite the land of rocks" and it was once the seaport for the inland ancient city of Phellos, later developing into an important city-state in this area. The theater was built during the Hellenistic period and is embedded into the southern foot of the hill, following the terrain. The 26 rows of stone seats are relatively well-preserved, and it could accommodate approx. 4,000 spectators at the time. It was built without a fixed stone stage structure from the start, retaining the simple appearance of early Greek theaters, which is distinctly different from common Roman-style theaters. The theater's seating area faces the sea. Sitting on the higher stone steps, you can see the Mediterranean, the harbor of Kas Koyu, and the Greek island of Meis across the sea. At sunset, the sea surface glows with golden light. Other ruins of the ancient city are scattered nearby, such as cliff rock tombs and rock-cut tombs decorated with dancer reliefs. In the town center, there is also the King's Tomb sarcophagus, engraved with undeciphered Lycian inscriptions, which can be visited on the same trip as the theater. The stone steps laid more than 2,000 years ago are still in use today, and open-air performances such as concerts and plays are held here from time to time, giving the ancient theater a sense of enduring vitality.

Patara Beach

Patara Beach is famous for its fine white sand, clear blue sea, and spectacular sunsets. The water here is crystal clear, allowing you to see coral reefs and a variety of colorful marine life on the seabed. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving here, exploring the mysteries of the underwater world. In addition, Patara Beach is also an ideal spot for surfing and windsurfing, attracting many water sports enthusiasts. Along the beach route of Patara Beach, there are various bars, restaurants, and shops, offering a wide range of dining and shopping options. Here, visitors can taste local delicacies and purchase various souvenirs and handicrafts.

Patara Ancient City

In the village of Ovagelemiş, located between Antalya, Fethiye, and Kalkan, stands the quiet, once-glorious ancient port city of Patara. It boasts the world's oldest surviving parliament building and is famous not only for its 1.8 km long white sandy beach but also for its unique status rooted in profound history and mythology. Legend has it that this was the birthplace and wintering ground of the sun god Apollo, as well as the place of birth of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. Ceramic fragments discovered at the Tepecik Acropolis can even be traced back to the Middle Bronze Age. Stroll through the corridors of history: Walking on this land feels like traveling through a space-time where myth and history intertwine. Patara has been an important port since the classical period, and both Alexander the Great and Saint Paul left their footprints here. During the Roman period, it became the center of the Lycian League. The parliament ruins still preserve the circular stone bench layout, which is considered one of the earliest prototypes of a republican system in the world. The 30 m high lighthouse built during the Nero era bears witness to its strategic position as a hub for the empire's granary. Today, the ruins remain magnificent, including an arch, a semi-circular theater, Roman baths, and a 20 km long aqueduct system, all silently telling the story of the splendor of Mediterranean civilization. The Vespasian Baths and the Corinthian Temple are also historical sites worth seeing. Seaside vacation: Stepping out of the ruins, you are greeted by the stretching beach and fine white sand. During the day, you can swim, surf, or enjoy a cold beer at a beachside bar while watching pigeons soar freely in the sky. When night falls, the stone pillars and waves illuminated by the afterglow make you feel as if you have traveled back to the classical world of two thousand years ago.

Patara Sand Dunes

Kalkan Beach

Ancient City of Xanthos

The ancient city of Santhos was once the capital of Lycia in the Greek Archaic period. The ancient ruins found here date back to the eighth century BC. Today, rock tombs, sarcophagus tombs, as well as the Lycian culture and Lycia are still preserved here. The unique tombstones of the Acropolis, and even the theatre and churches from the early Greek era can be seen.

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