Top Things to Do in Kaş: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Nestled along the stunning Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Kaş is a charming town that feels like a hidden gem. This vibrant destination has a population of around 8,000 people. It is known for its picturesque streets. The town also boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. It’s a key stop on the famous Lycian Way. I was planning to do 15 days on the Lycian Way. Sadly, I had to change my trip to another time. I have torn my rotator cuff, making it impossible to carry a 12-15kg overnight pack. Such a shame as this long-distance hiking trail winds through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Turkey. Instead, I set out to explore Kas on foot as one of my day trips while in the area. It turned out to be one of the best days I have had in a while.

Distance: Approx 5km
Time: 3-4 hours exploring
Difficulty: Moderate
Style: Self-made tour of Kas – look for the road that leads out of Kas and up the hill. There is only one way up the hill. Once you reach the flag head down the city on the left-hand side. You will come across the steps shortly after.

Starting My Journey

I started my adventure in the heart of Kas from Kaş Bilgin Otel. From where I was staying, I could see a road leading up the mountain. A flag sat on top. I planned to hike up the road to the flag. I knew I would get an amazing view of the town from there.

The streets through the back of town to the road were really good to explore. I found a really nice mosque. I took some photos of the tiled roof. I also checked out the local melons at a fruit shop. They were huge round balls; unlike the smaller versions we have in Australia.

After 15 minutes I reached the road that led up to the flag. I wondered how long it would take me to get to the top. As I walked, I occasionally stopped to take the time to look at the view over the city of Kas. As I got higher and reached the flag the view became more and more incredible. From the highest point I could see right over the whole city on both sides and down over the Mediterranean. The orange roofs over the white house’s made for some really nice photos. I stood at the top for a long time just watching and taking it all in.

The Descent: A Staircase to Remember

From the top of the hill, I saw many roads. These roads lead over the other side and back down into the city. I took one road to the left. I am glad I did because I found a staircase to remember. This massive staircase stretched down the side of the hill for about 1km. With each step, you enjoyed a cool view. Nothing blocked my view. I saw a lighthouse sitting at the end of a pier. I decided to head for the lighthouse next.

As I got lower I came back into town. I was in an area with many nice cafes. I walked around the streets here for a while. You can’t get lost exploring. I was captivated by all the beautiful doors that the cafes and shops had. I started early so most of the doors were still closed. I took the opportunity to take over 20 photos of different doors and once again, the many cats.

I continued to explore before I reached the pier. There are so many boats here. Private boats, fishing boats, boats for scuba diving, dining or island hopping. The atmosphere is wonderful. The water is so blue and clear. You can see all the fish swimming around the boats.

I walked to the lighthouse, a lovely spot with a perfect view of the harbor. I looked back toward the town. This was also really nice. All you can see are boats and houses, followed by the huge mountain that sat behind them. I soaked in the scenery and took a few photos.

I decided to climb onto some nearby rocks. By rocks I mean huge rocks that acted as the wave break around the lighthouse. I had to be careful as I definitely didn’t want to fall in front of a boat full of tourists. Thankfully, I made it smoothly and sat down close to the edge of the water. it was so relaxing to just sit and watch fish in the crystal-clear waters.

Exploring the Beaches

After a while, I made my way to an area known as “the beaches.” While there were some sandy spots that I would call beaches coming from Australia, it was still very beautiful. This section of the coast is lined with resorts that backed onto the rocky coastline. I thought it looked like a perfect opportunity to have a swim. I walked down some steps and through a restaurant, about the jump in when I was approached by a worker. They wanted to charge me 600 Turkish Lira just to access the water! I wasn’t impressed as I didn’t expect it. I thought that was a bit ridiculous, so I decided to keep walking.

Luckily, I stumbled upon a little stairway that led down to the water between two resorts. I hopped in for free! The water was so refreshing! I have always loved swimming in Europe. I have not floated like this anywhere else in the world. It’s so relaxing and so much fun.

Hiking Back

After my refreshing swim, I started my hike back through the village. Along the way, I discovered some cool ruins. The weather was hot. I was a bit sweaty even after my swim. I decided to treat myself to some downtime. I popped into Café Kral. It’s a cozy little spot known for its delicious coffee and friendly vibe.

Kaş Bilgin Otel

I recommend this hotel. It was in a good location. It offered comfortable accommodations and stunning views down the street. I really enjoyed the breakfast in the morning here as they offered such a huge range of food. At night, the adjoining wine bar was a great place to sit and chat with friends. The owners of the bar are really lovely.

The Wrap Up!

Exploring Kaş on foot was an unforgettable experience filled with stunning views, rich history, and serene moments by the water. From the climb up to the flag to floating in the Mediterranean, every part of my day was memorable. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Kaş has something for everyone. If you find yourself in Turkey, put on your walking shoes. Start your own adventure in this beautiful coastal town!