Travel Guide & Things to do in Kas, Turkey
Updated on January 18th, 2020
Kaş is located along the turquoise waters of the Turkish Riviera and is a must-visit location for anyone heading to Turkey. This popular seaside town is located on Turkey’s southernmost coast between Oludeniz and Antalya. When we visited in November we had perfect weather and the place almost to ourselves. We either got really lucky or this is the perfect time to visit! Make the most of your time exploring and read on for the best budget-friendly things to do in Kas, Turkey.
Due to exchange rates and an economic downturn, Turkey is among one of the best places for budget travellers to get the most bang for their buck. Expect to find some incredible accommodation deals especially if you can travel in the offseason like we did. Plus, there are a bunch of free or cheap activities located in and around Kaş.
Where to stay in Kaş, Turkey
Airbnb: We were lucky and scored ourselves this private villa. With a pool and waterfront views, it was a steal for only $39 AUD/night. If you’re travelling with someone looking on Airbnb is the best way to travel through Turkey.
If you are travelling alone or just like the convenience of staying in a hostel/guesthouse the following are good options.
In House Hostel Kaş:
Being one of the only hostels which offer dorm rooms, In House is a popular choice for backpackers. Beds start from $15/night and include access to the onsite pool, free breakfast and a bar. The hostel often runs pub crawls, pool parties and other events and focuses on creating lasting memories for their guests.
Hilal Pension:
Located right in the heart of Kaş it is near restaurants, cafes, the harbour and the ancient amphitheatre. Private rooms sleeping two starts at $32/night and each has its own bathroom and balcony. Add a buffet Turkish breakfast for less than $2.
Free or cheap things to do in Kas
Kaş is an outdoor lovers paradise. Throw in an average of 250 days of sunshine a year and you’ll want to spend your days outside. Luckily for us budget travellers, many of the outdoor activities cost little to nothing.
Hike the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way forms a 540km long-distance trail along the coastline of Turkey. While I’m not suggesting you hike the whole thing, I do suggest you tie up those walking shoes and hike part of it. The trail follows the lives of the Ancient Lycian people where you will see evidence and remnants of past lives.
There are a few sections which are easy to get to from the centre of Kaş. The small part I did and highly recommend starts from the centre of town. It passes Ada Beach, and a stretch of road before leading on to the trail. Follow the trail which overlooks the ocean and finish up at Nuri’s Beach Bar. This section is only 4.1km and you have the option of hiking or taking a water taxi back to Kaş. The water taxi costs only a couple of dollars per person and comes regularly between 9 am and 7 pm.
Total Cost: Free or $2 for the water taxi back to Kaş.
Wander through the Friday Markets
Each Friday Kaş holds its local markets. These were some of the best markets I have been to and had a variety of goods and food products. Although not held in a large area you can spend a good hour or more wandering the aisles and eating a cheap lunch.
If you have a kitchen where you are staying make the most of the fresh local produce on offer and buy something cheap to make for dinner. In addition to the produce, you can find delicious treats like Turkish delight, baklava and other candies unique to the country. There is also a couple of aisles of designer brand knock-off clothing to restock any budget travellers bags.
Total cost: Free to wander. A few dollars to eat.
Explore the doors of Kaş
Some people are just attracted to cool doors I guess.. and one place where you can see a lot is in Kaş. Did you know Instagram has 2.5 million posts for the hashtag #doors? And while the hashtag #doorsofkas is yet to take off (with 14 posts) you should do yourself a favour and explore the town in search of Kaş’s number one door.
Total cost: Free
Have a relaxing afternoon at one of the best beaches in Turkey
One of the reasons Kaş is so popular with tourists and locals alike is that the beaches here are some of the best in the country. Sunbeds and umbrellas are usually available for hire at each and if there is a cafe or bar connected the price of hire will be deducted from any food or beverages purchased.
As previously mentioned, you have Ada Beach which is a cute pebbly beach within walking distance to the east of the city centre. Nuri Beach, Bilal Beach or Delos Beach which are around 3 km away and accessible by water taxi.
Saving the best for last, make sure you visit Kaputaş Beach. When you see the beach for yourself you’ll have no questions as to why this is one of the most iconic beaches along the Riviera. Turquoise waters, real sand and a dramatic cliff which drops straight from the road to the beach make this beach unique. Ensure you bring your own food and water as there are no bars or cafes here.
How to get to Kaputaş Beach: Located 20 km west of Kaş the easiest and cheapest way to get to Kaputas is by minibus. From the bus station (Otogar), buses run approximately every half hour and cost $2 each way. The last buses return late at night so should not be a problem returning.
Total cost: $4 for a return water taxi or minibus to the beaches.
Visit Kaş Antiphellos Theatre
Less than a kilometre from the city centre you can experience one of Turkeys incredibly intact amphitheatres. While much smaller than a lot of others the extreme steepness of the viewing seats is great to see here. Climb to the top of the steps and imagine yourself as one of the 4000 spectators who would squeeze in here.
Total cost: Free
Enjoy a coffee and people watching
Across from the harbour, Kaş boasts a ton of restaurants and cafes all with alfresco dining. Sit out under the umbrellas or in the sunshine with a coffee and enjoy people watching.
Total cost: $3
How to get to Kaş, Turkey
The best way to get to Kaş from other Turkish locations is by bus. Buses are cheap although not always the most comfortable or well equipped. Alternatives include flying to Antalya or Dalaman and hiring a car and driving to Kaş or taking a shuttle.
I hope you have found this post useful and found many ideas for things to do in Kas when you visit.
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