Seaside Kas should just be renamed to Heaven. The Turquoise Coast in southern Turkey will be your heaven if you’re in search of stunning Mediterranean beaches, delicious food and laid-back vibes. And for the best place on the Turquoise Coast, look no further than the resort town of Kas. Charming Kas has some of the best beaches in Turkey, as well as fun things to do and places to see for an unforgettable holiday.
Kas (pronounced as Cash), is one of those places that Mediterranean holiday dreams are made of. The best thing to do in Kas is simply to relax, swim and forget about the real world.
Being on the Mediterranean coast, Kas has a long, hot and dry summer, which is perfect for a beach vacation. Kas (together with the splendours of Istanbul) is why we have a soft spot for Turkey and the reason why we will return to Turkey in the future.
If you’re heading to the Turquoise Coast this summer, you should really spend a few days in this unspoiled resort town. Looking for things to do in Kas (if you can drag yourself off the beach)? Continue reading for some ideas of what there is to do in this special slice of heaven.
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Quick Guide to Kas, Turkey
When did we go? July
Where to stay in Kas? Villa Dundar
How long to spend in Kas? Anything between four days and a lifetime should be enough
Getting to Kas: The nearest airport is in Dalaman. Book an airport transfer to Dalaman Airport. We got a bus from Pamukkale to Kas.
Special experience: A hot towel shave for the men, and spending a day at the Limanagzi Beach clubs for everyone
Where to Stay in Kas
A Stunning Apartment With a Pool Just Outside Kas
We stayed at the excellent Villa Dundar, just outside of town and we loved it. We think that most people who are looking for a relaxing break from the real world would love Villa Dundar too.
Villa Dundar is located about a 10-minute drive by scooter from the centre of Kas town. It’s right above the Big Pebble Beach. As the saying goes: Just far enough, yet close enough.
With your own wheels, Villa Dundar offers you the choice to stay and relax in a quiet atmosphere, yet you could be in the centre of town within 10 minutes.
Definitely rent a scooter, whether you’re staying in town or not. Having your own wheels will give you the freedom to explore hidden coves, beaches and back roads whenever you feel like it.
The swimming pool is by far the best feature of the property. Large enough to do laps in, the pool is right outside your front door, and you will spend endless hours in here …living your best life in the Mediterranean 😂
The air conditioning is a welcome addition to the apartment, something that you’ll appreciate when coming here in summer. The kitchen (and washing machine) make it very suitable for self-catering if you prefer. There is also a fire BBQ outside in the garden if you feel like grilling your own fish or lamb chops (or kale for the good old vegans out there).
Anna the hostess is the kindest and most caring woman. It was Jin’s birthday, so I asked her for help to arrange something special for her. Anna pulled it off with party hats, balloons and a delicious cheesecake.
We really cannot recommend Villa Dundar highly enough.
A Pension in the Centre of Kas
Right in the centre of town, Meltem Pansiyon is a solid mid-range option if you’re looking for a guest house in town. We stayed here for our first night in Kas after arriving by bus from Pamukkale. Meltem is just a short walk away from the otogar (bus stop) in Kas.
We enjoyed our one-night stay at the Meltem. It was clean, friendly and well-located. However, we found the best breakfast in the whole of Turkey at Meltem! Every morning, a buffet breakfast of cheese, bread, baked goods, pies, fruit, fresh greens and tea is served on the rooftop.
We were really sad to be missing out on that breakfast when we moved to Villa Dundar. So we arranged with the owner that we would come back every morning to enjoy breakfast at Meltem, for a very reasonable price. Over the next 4 days, we scootered in every morning for Meltem’s breakfast of champions.
Meltem is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mid-range stay with a decadent breakfast right in the centre of Kas.
Enjoy the Best Beaches & Beach Clubs in Kas
The number one reason why you should come to Kas is the beaches! Situated on the Turquoise Coast, Kas has some of the best beaches in Turkey. If you’re dreaming of swimming in the liquid-glass-like waters of the Mediterranean, Kas will not disappoint.
Kas is one of those places where you can spend the whole day on the beach. Get yourself a beach chair and settle in for the day. All beaches have some kind of beach bar or cafe, so you really can have a beach day.
Your daily routine will quickly revolve around bronzing yourself, taking refreshing dips, forgetting about your troubles and deciding what to eat or drink next.
Most beaches in Kas are rocky, pebble beaches. However, the crystal clear, warm and calm waters more than make up for that. The stunning Kaputas beach is an exception, which has a lovely sandy beach.
Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach is considered by many as one of the best beaches in Turkey. We agree Kaputas is pretty spectacular! Kaputas Beach is definitely worth visiting while you’re in Kas.
Before even setting foot on the beach, the views from the top of the cliff will blow you away. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best in the country as you look down over the azure and cerulean Mediterranean lapping onto the golden sands below.
Free facilities include changing huts, toilets, showers and there is also a beach bar and cafe with reasonably priced food and drinks. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for a few euros per day. Entrance to Kaputas Beach is free of charge.
Kaputas Beach is about 20 km outside of Kas, and the drive out along the Turquoise Coast on the scooter takes you past some spectacular scenery and deserted coves that you can explore. Dolmus (minibuses) between Kas and Kalkan will also drop you off at Kaputas.
Big Pebble Beach
A pebble’s stone’s throw away from our Villa Dundar, the Big Pebble Beach is another stunner of a beach that you should visit when you’re in Kas. The Big Pebble Beach (Büyük Çakıl Plaji) has crystal clear water and is not as busy as the other beaches in town.
As you approach the beach, you’ll notice the colour difference between the water’s edge and where it gets deeper. The reason for this is that freshwater springs filter through the pebbles right where the Mediterranean meets the land. The light blue water is fresh, spring water and much colder than the warm, dark blue saltwater behind it.
As the name suggests, this is a pebble beach, so getting into the water takes some balance work. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, and the friendly Mermaid Cafe serves tasty meals and ice-cold drinks.
Limanagzi
The sheltered bay of Limanagzi is our favourite beach in Kas. Limanagzi is about 3 km from Kas, and a relaxing 20-minute boat ride (about 15 TL) from the waterfront in town will transport you straight to Nirvana.
There are 4 beach clubs at Limanagzi and it’s a place you really can (and should) spend the whole day. These beach clubs are really low-key and laid-back, just how we like it. There is no loud music or parties, so don’t expect a Turkish version of Ibiza.
From east to west, the beach clubs are Nuri, Don Quixote, Otağ and Bilal. Boats from Kas usually dock at Nuri’s first and then continue to the others.
Don’t be tempted to jump off at Nuri’s. While it is pretty spectacular with the tombs cut into the rock and the crystal clear water, stay on the boat until you reach Bilal (often the last stop, but ask the captain to make sure).
Bilal Beach Club has cosy, covered gazebos with bean bags set up around the placid warm water that looks like liquid glass. These gazebos are free of charge, but of course, it’s expected to buy at least one drink. Food and drinks are very reasonable, anyway.
Spending a day at Bilal Beach Club is the best thing to do in Kas. It is so good in fact, that we did it twice.
Look out for turtles while swimming. They love the warm, crystal-clear water of Limanagzi as much as we do.
Sundowners at the Ancient Amphitheater
The Antiphellos amphitheatre, a short walk away from the Kas waterfront and the town square was built in the 1st century BC and is still in pretty good shape today. Come here for sunset, take a seat in the top row and watch everything turn golden.
Pack a bottle of wine, or something cold and bubbly and celebrate the end of yet another stunning day on the Turquoise Coast. Entrance to the amphitheatre is free of charge.
Go Up to Kas Viewpoints for the Best View
Kas squeezes in beautifully between the turquoise Mediterranean and the rugged mountains and cliffs behind it. These mountains are peppered with ancient Greek ruins and tombs cut into the cliffs. These mountains are also home to the Lycian Way, Turkey’s most popular long-distance hiking trail.
A trail starts from central Kas and leads up the cliffs through scrubs, olive trees and forest until it reaches the Kas viewpoint. Plan to spend about an hour each way to reach the viewpoint. For lazy relaxed people like us, there is also a road up to the viewpoint, and a scooter or car can get you up there in no time.
Regardless of how you reach the summit, the views from the top are breathtaking. You’ll have a sweeping view over the town of Kas, the houses, the mosque, the boats in the marina and the countless bays and beaches of the peninsula below. The island that you see just offshore is the Greek island of Meis.
Come up to the viewpoint a while before sunset for the absolute best view in Kas.
Embrace the Mediterranean Diet
The atmosphere along the waterfront and narrow streets around the town square becomes electric towards the end of the day, as restaurants start getting ready for dinner and we holidaymakers start to return from a day at the beach.
Going around and checking out the menu of the day boards is part of the fun when deciding where and what to eat. As to be expected of a seaside town, the seafood is fresh off the boat.
For the best seafood, especially calamari, we suggest you head down to Smileys. Come early, or be prepared to wait in line before getting a table.
After dinner, head to the town square or one of the cafes along the waterfront for a portion of diabetes baklava and tea. Order a hookah pipe if you like and enjoy the cool sea breeze, people-watching and the joyous holiday atmosphere.
Get a Hot Towel Shave at a Barber
This one is a must-do for all our guys out there! (Ladies, if you’re reading this, you must take your man to a Turkish barber while you’re in Turkey). A visit to a Turkish barber is most likely the most luxurious thing for men to do in Kas.
Your barber will start by steaming your face to open up your pores to cleanse your skin. I felt like a sultan after this first step already. Next, the barber will wrap a hot towel around your face to further soften your skin. After a few relaxing minutes wrapped in a hot towel, your face will get lathered in shaving soap before getting a close shave with a straight-edge razor.
Another hot towel will be used to pat dry your face after the shave. To end off the whole experience, aftershave will e massaged into your face, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and smelling great.
You’ll leave that barbershop with a face as soft as the baby’s proverbial butt, feeling like a brand new man.
There are several barbershops in town. I got my haircut and shave at Cadde Kuafor on the main street, between the otogar and the waterfront. This place comes highly recommended!
Stroll Around Kas Old Town
Kas is a small town and is best explored on foot. The narrow streets around the town square and along the waterfront are packed with boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Unique souvenirs to buy are traditional Turkish towels, olive soap and there are even a few carpet shops. However, for the best carpet shopping in Turkey, we suggest going to Cappadocia.
Aimlessly wandering through Kas, browsing the shops, making friends with the local cats and dogs, spotting ancient tombs scattered throughout town or staring vacantly over a cold Efes lager of strong Turkish coffee is perhaps the thing to do in town itself.
Other Things to Do in Kas
If you’re looking for more active things to do in Kas, you’ll be happy to know that there is a ton of activities to keep you entertained. Scuba diving in Kas is supposed to be the best in Turkey, while snorkelling is just as good.
The most popular day trip from Kas is to the Kekova and the Sunken City. Kekova with its unreal turquoise water is also home to the underwater ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient Lycian town. The town was completely submerged after an earthquake in the 2nd century. See these underwater ruins up close by taking a kayak tour over the Sunken City.
Thrill-seekers will love paragliding over Kas, Meis island in Greece and the Lycian Way.
How to Get to Kas
The nearest airport to Kas is Dalaman Airport, about 1.5 hours away. All travel agents in town will hook you up with a seat in a minibus from Kas straight to Dalaman airport. These minibuses will come and collect you from your accommodation in Kas. Families or small groups will find a private transfer much more convenient and better value.
Reaching Kas from Antalya airport takes about 3 hours. Arrange your airport transfer between Antalya and Kas before arrival. Both Dalaman and Antalya airports have regular, direct flights to Istanbul.
If you’re planning on heading to the stunning hot springs of Pamukkale before or after visiting Kas, the Fethiye Seyahat bus company runs a direct bus daily between the two towns. The journey should take about 5 hours. Buy your ticket the day before from a travel agent in town.
Best Things to Do in Kas Map
And THAT is how you do Kas. We are sure you will love Kas as much as we did. Drop us a message from Kas if you really want to make us jealous, or if you have any questions before your trip.