Hiking Near Kaş: Lycian Way, Peninsula Trails and Kekova

Kaş sits at one of the best sections of the Lycian Way — the 540km long-distance trail from Fethiye to Antalya. The Kaş section crosses the peninsula, passes above Kaputaş beach (one of Turkey’s most dramatic), and continues east toward Kalkan and Patara. Day hikes from the town are accessible without transport, and the multi-day route options are excellent.

The best hiking season around Kaş is October–May. June–September is hot (30–33°C); starting before 8am is essential for summer hiking.

Lycian Way: Kaş sections

Kaş to Kalkan (via cliff-top)

Distance: 19km one way Duration: 6–7 hours Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous (significant elevation change) Marking: Red-white Lycian Way blazes

One of the most dramatic day sections of the entire Lycian Way — a cliff-top traverse above Kaputaş beach with sheer drops to turquoise water below, passing through maquis and pine forest with continuous sea views. The descent to Kaputaş beach (accessible if you want a swimming stop) is steep but short.

End point: Kalkan village — return to Kaş by dolmuş (₺25, 30 minutes) or arrange a taxi.

The Kaputaş highlight: The trail passes directly above Kaputaş beach at approximately the halfway point. Descend the 400+ steps for a swim (cold, clear, turquoise water between cliffs); then return to the trail and continue to Kalkan.

Kaş Peninsula loop

Distance: 8–12km depending on route Duration: 3–4 hours Difficulty: Easy-moderate Start/end: Kaş town centre

A half-day loop around the Kaş Peninsula — from the town, following the coastal path south along the peninsula tip, through the Lycian Way section above Limanağzı cove, and returning through the olive groves. The peninsula tip has views toward the Greek islands; the cove swimming stops along the way are excellent.

Best for: Those wanting a walking day without committing to a full Lycian Way section. Starting early, reaching the tip by 11am, and swimming at Limanağzı before returning for lunch in Kaş.

Kaş to Üçağız (Kekova approach)

Distance: 25km one way (via Lycian Way) Duration: 8–9 hours Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous End point: Üçağız village (boat to Kekova; dolmuş back to Kaş)

A full-day walk from Kaş to the Kekova area — the Lycian Way passes through the Çukurbağ Peninsula (limestone karst terrain, excellent views) and eventually reaches the Üçağız lagoon where the Kekova ruins are. This combines a serious walking day with one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological sites.

The return: Take a boat from Üçağız to the Kekova island and back (₺150–250/person); then dolmuş from Üçağız back to Kaş (₺30).

Day hike to Kaputaş

Via road and stairs (not Lycian Way): For those who just want the beach, not the full trail — take a dolmuş toward Fethiye to the Kaputaş stop (₺20, 30 minutes), descend the 400 stairs to the beach, swim, ascend, continue to Kalkan for lunch.

This is the most accessible way to see Kaputaş without a full walking day.

Multi-day Lycian Way from Kaş

Kaş is the ideal staging point for a multi-day Lycian Way section:

West (toward Fethiye): Kaş → Kalkan → Patara → Xanthos → Letoön → Fethiye — approximately 5 days. The best of the western Lycian Way.

East (toward Antalya): Kaş → Demre → Finike → Olympos → Antalya — approximately 7 days. Less well-known than the western section; passes through the Taurus coastal mountains.

Accommodation: Lycian Way pensions at each stage (₺400–800/night including dinner). The Kate Clow guidebook lists contacts; wikiloc has the GPX tracks. Book in advance for July–August.

Hiking logistics from Kaş

Route	Distance	Duration	Difficulty	Return transport
Kaş Peninsula loop	8–12km	3–4 hrs	Easy-moderate	Walk back to town
Kaş to Kalkan (Lycian Way)	19km	6–7 hrs	Strenuous	Dolmuş ₺25
To Kaputaş (road + stairs)	—	30 min descent	Easy	Dolmuş back
Kaş to Üçağız	25km	8–9 hrs	Strenuous	Dolmuş ₺30

Essential notes

Water: Carry 2–3 litres minimum for any Lycian Way section. The trail has no water points for many sections; the Mediterranean sun is intense from April–October.

Navigation: The Lycian Way is generally well-marked with red-white paint blazes. For the peninsula sections, download the GPX track from wikiloc before departure. Kate Clow’s original guidebook (available in Kaş bookshops) has the definitive route descriptions.

Footwear: Trail runners or hiking shoes with ankle support for the rocky limestone terrain.

For the Lycian Way from Fethiye westward, see Fethiye hiking. For the eastern section toward Antalya, see Antalya hiking.