Kas Travel Guide

Delightfully situated among towering vertical cliffs, Kas is the Turquoise Coast's second major holiday resort and, while it lacks expansive sandy beaches, the dramatic coastline offers easy access to crystal-clear and unpolluted Mediterranean waters. Kas is also home to a wide range of outdoor activities and boasts a lively nightlife, ensuring its reputation as a satisfying and memorable holiday destination.

The town serves as the centre for glass-bottomed boat trips to the sunken cities around Kekova Island, where the remains of ancient civilisations can be seen just below the surface of the water. Visitors can also explore the surrounding archaeological sites at Demre, Myra and the Xanthos Valley. Kas itself is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos, with notable ruins including a Hellenistic theatre, the monumental Lion Tomb, and various hillside rock tombs scattered throughout the town.

Despite attracting thousands of visitors each year and the development of what was once a simple fishing village, Kas has managed to preserve its small-town charm through narrow cobbled streets and unique boutique shops, which offer a distinct and welcoming atmosphere.

Shopping

Kas offers plenty of great shopping opportunities, though visitors will need to sift through the carpet shops, souvenir stalls, and counterfeit sportswear to find the real gems. The best shopping is found in the town's boutique stores, where travellers can pick up locally crafted tools, hand-carved artefacts, silver and gold jewellery, and plenty of Turkish kilims (handwoven rugs). These shops showcase the region's artistic heritage, making them the perfect place for those seeking a special, authentic souvenir.

Restaurants

The destination has a growing number of cafes, restaurants and patisseries that offer a wide variety of dining options. Visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to eat, with dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. From fresh local seafood to meze (similar to Spanish tapas), Kas provides a culinary experience that will linger on the taste buds for hours. Guests can also indulge in regional specialties such as pide (Turkish flatbread pizza) and köfte (Turkish meatballs), all made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Nightlife

When the sun sets over the fishing town of Kas, the streets come to life with bars and cafes emitting warm glows of light, laughterand local music. The town's romantic atmosphere makes it a popular destination for couples, which means it tends to have a more relaxed vibe compared to other Turkish resorts. Kas isn't known for trendy dance clubs, so those seeking a lively, party-centric nightlife might prefer to visit elsewhere. However, for those looking to enjoy a laid-back evening, Kas offers a delightful range of bars and intimate cafes where locals and visitors gather to unwind.

Holiday activities

With its picturesque hillsides and breathtaking views of the Turquoise Coast, it's no surprise that paragliding is a popular activity in Kas. Other activities include scuba diving, sea kayaking, banana boat rides, snorkelling, swimming and parasailing. Jeep safaris are also a popular choice for more adventurous travellers, as they offer the chance to explore the surrounding natural beauty. A walk up to the castle provides fantastic panoramic views of the Aegean, while nearby villages and ruins give even more opportunities to soak in the region's rich history and stunning landscapes.

Any negatives?

Kas has two main beaches, Buyuk Cakil (Big Pebble Beach) and Kucuk Cakil (Little Pebble Beach), both of which are pebbled rather than sandy. While these beaches are attractive in their own right, many visitors prefer the nearby Patara Beach for its long, sandy shores and calm waters. Patara is one of the most beautiful and expansive beaches in the region, making it a popular day trip destination for those staying in Kas.