Kaş: The Hidden Gem of the Turkish Riviera

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Maria Misle
Curated By

Maria Misle

  • Turkey

  • Beaches

  • Couples Travel

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Small Town

Advisor - Kaş: The Hidden Gem of the Turkish Riviera
Curator’s statement

Kaş is one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way. It has this rare free-spirited energy that feels completely its own, a tiny charming town nestled between turquoise sea and dramatic mountains. What makes it so special is how genuinely authentic it still feels, like it has not been polished into a tourist product yet. Every time I think about Kaş, I think about that perfect combination of laid-back Mediterranean life and breathtaking natural beauty that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else.

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Where to stay in Kaş

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Things to do in Kaş

Explore the town in the afternoon and evening

The town of Kaş really comes alive in the afternoon and into the evening. Wander the charming streets and discover tiny boutique shops selling local jewelry, ceramics, and handmade goods. The vibe is relaxed and unhurried, which is exactly how it should be. Do not skip the evening stroll—the town lights up beautifully at night.

Kaputas Beach

One of the most stunning beaches in Turkey, Kaputas is tucked at the bottom of a steep staircase between two cliffs with jaw-dropping turquoise water. Go early because it fills up fast and parking gets tricky later in the day. It is absolutely worth the early start—you will not believe how beautiful it is.

Day trip to Kekova

This is a non-negotiable. Kekova is an island with ancient sunken ruins just beneath the surface of the water, visible from a boat or while snorkeling, and it feels like something out of a dream. Book a boat tour from Kaş and make a full day of it. Easily one of the most magical experiences in the region.

Sunset at Antiphellos

The ancient Lycian ruins of Antiphellos sit right in town and offer one of the best sunset views in Kaş. Grab something to drink, find a spot among the ruins, and watch the sun go down over the sea. It is one of those simple moments that genuinely stays with you.

Beach club day

Whether your hotel has its own beach club or you visit one nearby, spend at least a full day on a sun deck soaking it all in. The sea in Kaş is incredibly clear and calm, and a slow, lazy beach day here is pure bliss.

Scuba dive and kayak

Kaş has some of the best diving in the Mediterranean, with amazing underwater visibility and sunken ruins to explore. If diving is not your thing, sea kayaking is another fantastic way to see the dramatic coastline up close. Either way, getting out on the water is a must.

Day trip to Kastellorizo

If you are up for a little adventure, take a short boat ride over to Kastellorizo, a tiny Greek island sitting just across from Kaş. It is surreal how close it is, and the island has a completely different vibe that makes it a really special half-day or full-day trip. Just keep in mind you will need a Schengen visa for that one, so plan accordingly.

Places to eat & drink in Kaş

Maya Steak and Wine

Right in the town center, Maya is the go-to spot for a great steak dinner in Kaş. The wine list is solid, and the atmosphere is lovely for a proper evening out. A must if you are a steak lover.

Zaika

One of the locals' absolute favorites, Zaika serves incredible grilled meat and is the kind of place that feels genuinely special. Make sure to book a reservation in advance because it fills up quickly, and you really do not want to miss this one.

Oburus Momus

A wonderful option if you are looking for something lighter, Oburus Momus serves great vegetarian food paired with one of the best sunset views in town. Even if you are not vegetarian, the views alone make it worth a visit.

Sushi Kaşi

Yes, genuinely great sushi in a small Turkish coastal town! Sushi Kaşi is a fun and delicious surprise and a great option when you are in the mood for something a little different. It is right in town and consistently good.

Cafe & Bar Celona

A great spot for drinks with an easy, fun vibe. Perfect for kicking off your evening or winding it down with a cocktail in hand.

Old House Cafe & Bar

Charming and laid-back, Old House is a lovely place to settle in for a drink and good conversation. A true Kaş classic that locals and visitors both love.

Need to know

  • If you are deciding where to stay, know that the peninsula has the nicer, more resort-style hotels with beautiful views and great facilities. The only tradeoff is that you will need a taxi every time you head into town, but it is completely worth it if you are staying somewhere really special. Taxis are super easy to get, your hotel can call one for you, and there is a taxi station right in town. The ride from Kaş town to the peninsula runs around $5 to $10, which is very reasonable.

  • One important practical tip: bring cash! Taxis and many local shops and restaurants in Kaş operate on a cash only basis, so make sure to have Turkish lira on hand before you head out for the day.

  • English is quite limited in Kaş, more so than in bigger Turkish cities, so download a translation app before you go. The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming though, so do not let that stop you from exploring and connecting with people.

  • The best time to visit is summer, and June is my top pick. It is early in the season so it has not gotten too crowded yet, but the weather is already gorgeous. July and August get busier and hotter, so if you can swing June, do it.

  • To get to Kaş, you can fly into either Dalaman or Antalya airport. Dalaman is the closer of the two. From Dalaman, you can grab a taxi or a shared transfer right outside the airport. If you want to make it even easier, pre-book your transportation before you arrive, it tends to be a bit cheaper and takes all the guesswork out of it.

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Maria Misle

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