Kaş Travel Guide 2026: Lycian Ruins, Diving and the Kekova Islands

Kaş is Turkey’s most complete small coastal town — a genuine harbour community with whitewashed houses and bougainvillea, Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliff directly above the main street, a Roman theatre with sea views 300m from the town centre, and what many divers consider the best scuba diving in the eastern Mediterranean within 20 minutes by boat. The Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis) is 4km offshore and served by daily ferry. The Kekova sunken city — a Lycian city submerged by an ancient earthquake — is one of the most remarkable sites in Turkey, accessible by day boat from Kaş.

Unlike Bodrum or Marmaris, Kaş has avoided the large-scale resort development that defines much of the Turquoise Coast. The town has strict height regulations; the historic character of the harbour area is intact; the tourist presence is significant but hasn’t overwhelmed the local rhythm. This makes it the most authentically charming coastal town between Fethiye and Antalya.

Key facts

• Population: Approximately 9,000 permanent residents; significantly more in summer
• Currency: Turkish Lira (₺). Kaş prices are moderate — higher than inland Turkey but lower than Bodrum
• Best months: April–June and September–November. July–August: full, hot (30–33°C), and expensive
• Airport: Dalaman (DLM), 150km west, or Antalya (AYT), 200km east. Transfer by bus (3 hours from either)
• Ferry to Greece: Daily service to Kastellorizo (Meis) in season; ₺300–500 return

Getting around

Kaş town is entirely walkable — the harbour, the theatre, the Likya Yolu (Lycian Way) trailhead, the main market street, and the beach access points are all within 15 minutes on foot. For beaches outside town (Küçük Çakıl, Büyük Çakıl, more remote coves), walking or taxi (₺50–100).

Dolmuş connections:

• Kaş to Kalkan: 30 min, ₺25
• Kaş to Demre/Myra: 30 min, ₺30
• Kaş to Fethiye: 2 hours, ₺80

Kaş town

The harbour promenade (Cumhuriyet Meydanı) is the social centre — tea houses, fish restaurants, and boat-trip operators. The main shopping street (Uzun Çarşı) runs perpendicular to the harbour: silver jewellery workshops, local textile producers, and a few genuinely good food shops.

The Lycian tombs: Two massive Lycian rock tombs cut directly into the cliff above the town — the Lion Tomb and the Doric Tomb. Visible from the harbour; the Lion Tomb is one of the most impressive Lycian monuments on the coast. Free to view from below; the town streets directly adjacent allow close approach.

Hellenistic Theatre: A small but well-preserved Hellenistic theatre (1st century BCE) 300m from the harbour, with sea views toward the Greek island. Free entry; often used as a sunset viewing point.

Scuba diving

Kaş is one of the best diving destinations in the eastern Mediterranean — exceptional visibility (20–40m on good days), diverse underwater topography (walls, caves, tunnels, wrecks), and several protected marine areas within 20 minutes of the harbour.

Best dive sites: Uçağız wall dive, the Kekova tunnel system, the 1979 aircraft wreck (Kaş Ucak), and the Rocky Island canyons. Visibility: typically 20–30m. Water temperature: 24–28°C in summer, 16–20°C in winter.

Dive operators: Multiple PADI and SSI certified operators in Kaş town. 2-tank fun dive: ₺500–800/person. PADI Open Water course: ₺3,500–5,000. Day trip with 2 dives, equipment, and lunch: ₺800–1,200.

Kekova

The flooded ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Dolchiste — partially submerged by a 2nd-century CE earthquake — are accessible by boat from Kaş or Üçağız village (15km east).

From Kaş: Day boat trip including Kekova (glass-bottom boat available), Üçağız village, and Simena castle. ₺300–500/person. Departs 10am, returns 5pm.

From Üçağız: Shorter boat ride to the Kekova coastline; better value for access to Simena castle (which has the most accessible Lycian ruins at the site). Dolmuş from Kaş to Üçağız: ₺30.

Daily costs

Budget level	What it includes	Daily estimate
Budget	Pension, eating at lokanta + market	₺600–1,000 ($19–31)
Mid-range	Boutique hotel, restaurant meals	₺1,500–3,000 ($47–94)
Comfortable	Good hotel, diving or boat trip	₺3,000–5,500 ($94–172)

Practical tips

Kastellorizo ferry: The daily service to Kastellorizo (Meis) in Greece allows a day trip to the Greek island — 30-minute crossing, ₺300–500 return. Kastellorizo has excellent fish restaurants and one of the most photographed harbours in the Mediterranean.

Booking diving in advance: July–August, reputable dive operators fill up. Book 2–3 days in advance from your accommodation.

For full detail, see where to stay in Kaş, Kaş beaches, and things to do in Kaş.