KAS, TURKEY: A GUIDE TO THE TURQUOISE COAST

I first visited Kas years ago on a two-week road trip through Turkey. It was a pretty epic adventure packed with incredible destinations, but nowhere was as memorable as Kas, a small coastal town in the Antalya Province. Recently, I was lucky enough to return to Kas where I spent even more time exploring this stretch of Turkey’s dazzling Turquoise Coast. Not surprising, Kas has become more touristed in recent years, but thankfully it’s retained all of its charm. In fact, I loved it more this second time around. Below is my complete travel guide to all-things Kas including the best beaches, day trips, restaurants and hotels, as well as itinerary ideas and sightseeing tips.

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HOW MANY DAYS IN KAS?

FOUR DAYS. Four to five full days is enough time to enjoy Kas and its surrounds at a relaxed pace, as well as fit in a day trip or two (there’s plenty to see in this part of Antalya). Leisurely evening strolls are the best way to experience the Old Town, while days can be spent enjoying the stunning coast, visiting the Greek island of Kastellorizo, hiking Turkey’s deepest gorge or exploring the ancient Lycian ruins of Pinara.

WHEN TO VISIT KAS

• APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER (shoulder season) – Kas is a coastal destination best experienced when the sun is shining and temperatures are warm. Both May and September are great months to visit, before and after the busy summer season. April and October weather can be hit or miss.
• JUNE-AUGUST (high season) – The summer season is the busiest time of the year to visit. The weather is warm and sunny with no rainfall.
• NOVEMBER-MARCH (low season) – Avoid visiting in the low season when weather is cold, and much to cold to enjoy the coast.

KAS TRAVEL TIPS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira. While a lot of businesses take credit card, you’ll still need cash for smaller purchases.
• HAGGLING – Kas is generally very stress free, no aggressive hagglers in this little town.
• DRESS CODE – Kas is a coastal beach destination. I wore swimsuits at the beach, and then rompers and sundresses in town.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KAS

BUYUK CAKIL (BIG PEBBLE BEACH)

It’s a 20-minute walk from Old Town to reach this lovely pebble beach where rocky outcrops plunge into the sea. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent.

CINAR BEACH

Cinar Beach sits on the thinnest stretch of the Kas Peninsula, along the road out to the coastal hotels. Calm water and good vibes make this a popular spot for sunbathing. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent.

KAPUTAS BEACH

One of the most famous beaches in Turkey is a 20-minute drive north of Kas. Arrive early to secure a parking spot, and to snap a photo from the famous viewpoint that attracts late morning crowds. The beach can be accessed by a staircase built into the cliff that leads down to the stunning turquoise water below – a great place to spend the day swimming and sunbathing. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent.

OLD TOWN KAS

One of the cutest destinations on the Turquoise Coast, Old Town Kas is a charming cluster of pedestrian streets that will remind visitors of the Greek islands. Colorful facades line the cobbled lanes, home to funky boutiques, lovely cafes, al fresco dining and carpet shops.

KUCUK CAKIL (LITTLE PEBBLE BEACH)

Küçük Çakıl is a second beach within walking distance from Old Town, and it’s one of my favorite spots in Kas. The cove sits inside a narrow break in the rocks where beachgoers will find a small pebble cove and sparkling turquoise shallows. Stairways to the sea are carved into the surrounding rocks where dozens of white umbrellas and beach loungers are perched over the water.

KAS DAY TRIPS

KASTELLORIZO ISLAND

That’s right, it’s possible to day trip to Greece from Kas’ coast in Turkey. It takes a mere 20 minutes to reach Kastellorizo Island from the Old Town harbor, a ferry ride that some travelers even use as a gateway to island hopping in Greece. Also known as Meis, the little island is home to a charming waterfront lined with colorful restaurants and shops, as well as a surreal Blue Grotto that can be visited by boat. The coastline is stunning, and most visitors spend the day swimming and lounging. I booked our ferry tickets though Meis Express.

MYRA RUINS

This ancient Lycia archeological site sits less than an hour away from Kas. Spend a morning marveling at the dazzling historical ruins including rock tombs carved into the cliffs, an ancient theatre and crumbling stone reliefs.

PINARA RUINS

Explore the ancient Lycian city of Pinara, about an hour’s drive from Kas, located at the base of Mount Babadag. Incredible historic sights line a scenic trail including temples and rock-cut tombs built into the cliffs. They say settlement dates as far back at the 5th century BC.

SAKLIKENT GORGE

Turkey’s longest and deepest gorge sits an hour away from Kas – easy to reach for a full day’s adventure. The flooded gorge is open for hiking during the warmer months of the year, April through September. It’s best to explore the gorge in sturdy water shoes, as a good portion of the trail requires hiking in water. Arrive early to explore without crowds of tourists.

WHERE TO STAY IN KAS

ALLEY PRIME HOTEL

There are no lavish five-star resorts in Kas – that’s part of the charm in staying here. For visitors looking for something a bit more luxurious, Alley Prime Hotel is one of two upscale options available. Situated on the Kas peninsula, rooms are spacious, clean and most have sea views. The hotel’s infinity pool and loungers sit on the rocks overlooking the water.

AMPHORA HOTEL

Affordable boutique hotel is located on the peninsula, a 10-minute drive to Old Town. Rooms are simple, and clean, but nothing special at all. Similar to most property’s in the area, Amphora Hotel occupies a stunning stretch of rocky coast filled with colorful umbrellas and sun beds.

LUKKA EXCLUSIVE HOTEL

Lukka Exclusive Hotel is a lovely little gem located on a prime stretch of real estate on the Kas peninsula. Reminicent of the Greek islands, the boutique property is built up a cliff with white sun beds, luxury loungers and cabanas scattered along the rocks. This is my favorite hotel option in Kas – I’ve stayed here twice.

KAS RESTAURANTS

CAFE CORNER

A dozen outdoor tables occupy a charming corner in Kas where Cafe Corner serves up delicious fresh seafood including garlic butter shrimp, grilled fish and classic Turkish meat dishes. Owner is very sweet – I’ve dined here several times.

CINARLAR PIZZA GARDEN

This outdoor restaurant sits in the heart of Old Town, food is very good.

GYPSY KITCHENETTE

Popular breakfast spot with offerings that include a delicious selection of homemade sandwiches, toasts, salads, omlettes and egg creations.

DUDU MUTFAK

Another solid breakfast option that is also pretty adorable thanks to a lovely mix of pastel pillows, tables, chairs and plates.

LILY’S CORNER

For a Western fix, grab lunch or dinner at Lily’s Corner. This tiny restaurant tucked away in a corner in Old Town serves up a variety of pizzas, a nice break from seafood and Turkish cuisine.

SEMPATI TURKISH CUISINE

Baby blue tables and white chairs make up the al fresco dining at Sempati located on a pedestrian lane in Old Town. Food is solid, but menu offerings are similar to most of the restaurants in town – a mix of fresh seafood and classic Turkish dishes.

ZULA MEYHANE

This is my favorite restaurant in Kas. The fresh seafood is absolutely delicious, but it’s the ambiance that really makes dinner here special. Tables occupy an airy open courtyard surrounded by Greek-style stone walls accented with red and turquoise shutters and trim. Fairylights illuminate the courtyard in the evenings, and it’s the dreamiest setting for dinner.

GET AROUND KAS

While everything within Old Town is walking distance, visiting Kas with a car is a much more complete experience. A rental car makes a slew of day trip options possible, as well as access to outlying beaches and the hotels on the Kas Peninsula. There is a small paid parking lot on the waterfront to park when visiting Old Town.

GET TO KAS

The closest airports to Kas are Dalaman Airport (two hours by car) and Antalya Airport (three hours by car). I flew from Istanbul to Dalaman, where I rented a car, and Kas was my first stop on a roadtrip through western Turkey. Driving to Kas was very easy and straightforward.