Kas Guide

Located in the southwest of Antalya, Kaş is a town that is worth visiting due to its natural beauties, sea, nature, and history. It is about 170 kilometers away from Antalya city center. Kaş has a magnificent coastline stretching approximately 70 kilometers, with beautiful and clean beaches. You can enjoy the deep blue sea in front of you, with the stunning Meis Island, and lush green forests behind you, offering a peaceful natural setting. What more could you ask for?

Kaş was once a small, quiet fishing village, but in recent years it has gained increasing popularity. Its fame has spread beyond Turkey and is now recognized internationally. Visitors come to Kaş year-round. It is a place created by the tranquil blue sea and endless horizons, believed to be where dreams that have long since faded are finally realized. The streets filled with the fragrance of flowers, whitewashed houses, and cobblestone streets are like scenes from a picture. You can visit Kaş not only for the beauty of its streets but also for its clean and calm sea, the warmth of its people, the absence of noise pollution, and a host of other reasons.

All of these elements could make Kaş a perfect holiday destination, but they could also lead you to question your entire life as you think to yourself, “Should I settle here?” Kaş holds a special meaning for both locals and visitors. Directly opposite Kaş lies Meis Island (also known as "Eye" in Greek), a unique geographical location where the towns of Kaş and Meis are known as the "Eye" of the world.

Kalkan, a small town with white-walled houses, has historically been an important harbor and a market for agricultural and forest products from surrounding areas such as Elmalı, Gömbe, and Bezirgân. Kalkan, once a Greek fishing village named Kalamaki until the 1920s, has retained its charm and significance over time.

The ancient city of Kaş, known in antiquity as Habesos, is more widely recognized by its other name, Antiphellos, the harbor of ancient Phellos. Excavations suggest that this settlement dates back to the 4th century BCE or possibly even earlier. It was a prominent religious center and thrived during Roman and Byzantine periods, especially as a significant player in the sea trade and sponge importation during the Roman era. Kaş was later attacked by Arabs, then incorporated into the territories of the Anatolian Seljuks and was known as Andifli. After the Seljuks' decline, it came under Ottoman rule. Today, the name Kaş is thought to have originated from the high, kas (mask) shaped hill overlooking the area, situated across from Meis Island.

Kaş is one of the important cities of Lycia, surrounded by ancient cities and historical landmarks, making it a paradise for cultural tourism. Visitors can enjoy activities like diving in the Mediterranean’s deep waters, canoeing on rivers, hiking in nature, cave diving, paragliding with stunning views of the turquoise waters, and more. Kaş also offers boat tours around the islands resembling precious stones in the Mediterranean, as well as local cuisine with seafood and aromatic herbs grown in the surrounding mountains.

Kaş attracts numerous local and foreign visitors throughout the year, not just in summer. With the increasing number of tourists, accommodations are growing as well. Kaş hotels cater to every budget and taste, ranging from large holiday resorts to charming boutique hotels, pensions, and apart-hotels. Many of Kaş's hotels are situated in or near the town center and coastline, while some are located on the Çukurbağ Peninsula. However, everything is quite close, and most places are within walking distance, with only a 10-minute drive to the furthest spots.

Most boutique hotels in Kaş offer stunning views of the sea, nature, and Meis Island. For families with children, hotels located a bit farther from the sea often have their own swimming pools. Many Kaş hotels operate year-round, although the peak season typically starts in May. Most hotels offer bed-and-breakfast service, with a few exceptions offering all-inclusive options. The staff is friendly and attentive, and any issues that arise are promptly addressed.

While Kaş hotel prices vary depending on the season, they generally offer excellent value for the services provided. Prices rise slightly in the summer, but boutique hotels can still offer more affordable options. With so many accommodation choices, there's always an option for every budget in Kaş.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our page for Kas Hotels.