It’s perhaps not the first destination that springs to mind on the Turkish Riviera, but the picturesque town of Kaş comes highly recommended. Lying a little further along the coastline than Kalkan, this charming Mediterranean resort has much to offer both the holidaymaker and those who live in Turkey.
Although primarily a tourist centre, Kaş is relatively unspoiled compared to other more fashionable places in the area. It’s a working town with an authentic, laid-back vibe and a thriving community. Some hotels and guest houses offer year-round accommodation, even accepting guests’ dogs, so it’s a popular base for those who want to explore during the off-season. The harbour is also a regular stop-off point for the yachting community, with many choosing to spend a night or two moored up as part of their voyage.
Enjoy the town centre
Kaş is a town that seems comfortable with itself. Its charm lies in its lack of pretension – it doesn’t need to be anything it isn’t as its army of devotees love it just the way it is. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets, lined with whitewashed buildings and vibrant bougainvillea. Discover shops selling hand-made clothing, crafts, jewellery and all manner of souvenirs. It’s easy to lose yourself in such a relaxed atmosphere.
The modern town sits on what was Antiphellos, a Greek shipping port. Some ruins are still visible today, including a theatre and fourth-century lion tomb, one of the area’s Lycian rock tombs, which features two carved lion heads. The wide and open space near the harbour is bordered by cafés, bars and restaurants, making it the perfect place to chill out as you watch people and boats come and go.
Discover the sunken city of Kekova
One of the most popular excursions from Kaş is a trip to Kekova. As well as exploring the island itself, there’s the chance to see the sunken city – an ancient town destroyed by an earthquake in the second century. While swimming is forbidden among the ruins, you can easily see them through the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. As well as regular boat trips leaving from Demre, you can also take a kayaking trip and paddle directly over the area.
Go scuba diving
Kaş has a deserved reputation as one of the best places in Turkey for scuba diving. The ecosystem here is almost untouched, offering excellent opportunities to spot sea turtles along with all kinds of fish and ocean life. Seasoned divers will love to explore the waters in Kaş, which even feature a sunken ship and underwater valley. Those who fancy trying it for the first time are also catered for, with many companies offering beginners’ courses.
Visit Kaputaş Beach
One of the most stunning beaches in the area, Kaputaş is worthy of a visit if you’re staying in Kaş. Head out along the coast road towards Kalkan, which itself offers breath-taking views of the area – be sure to have your camera handy.
Kaputaş is enchantingly beautiful, with turquoise waters and a mix of shingle and sand on the beach. Some visitors are daunted by the effort needed to get down to the shore, as there are 180 or so steps to climb down (and then up again). But there’s no need to rush – take it steady, pause to admire the scenery, and you’ll get there. We promise it’s worth the effort.
Marvellous Meis
During summer, ferries leave Kaş daily for the short hop over to Meis, a Greek island lying two kilometres off the Turkish coast. The journey takes around 45 minutes, giving day visitors a good few hours to explore before the afternoon trip back. As well as colourful buildings, a museum and ruins, take your pick of the delightful bars and restaurants around the harbour, all serving fresh fish, traditional Greek dishes and delicious coffee and cakes.
First-timers should be sure to take a speedboat trip to the Blue Cave, a natural phenomenon of stunning beauty. Although it’s the smallest of the Dodecanese, Meis is charmingly enticing and many people plan to stay overnight, taking the ferry back to Kaş the following day.
Try paragliding
You can’t fail to see the paragliders when you’re in Kaş, their coloured canopies floating gracefully down to earth from Asas Mountain. While undoubtedly an adrenaline rush, the flight itself is serene, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy stunning views and a unique aerial perspective on the area. You’ll travel by minibus to the jump site, at an altitude of 600m, and be given full instructions beforehand.
Tempted to buy?
If you’re considering purchasing a villa or apartment in Antalya province, whether for full-time living or as a holiday home, take a look at our buyer’s guide. Our website also lists our current portfolio of properties.
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