Kas - Mediterranean Delight on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (2025 Guide)
Kas (pronounced “Kash”) is one of those places that quietly steals the show on a Turkey itinerary. This small harbour town on the Turquoise Coast in Antalya Province mixes whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillea, cobbled lanes, ancient Lycian ruins and a deep blue Mediterranean that is perfect for swimming, diving and boat trips.
If you are travelling from Pakistan and looking for a coastal stop that feels relaxed, scenic and slightly less commercial than the big resorts, Kas is a perfect choice. This 2025 guide covers where Kas is, how to get there, the best things to do, the ideal time to visit, and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can build Kas into your wider Turkey holiday.
Where Is Kas and Why Visit?
Kas is a small town on Turkey’s southwest coast, about halfway between Fethiye and Antalya, in a region often called the Turquoise Coast or Turkish Riviera. It sits on a hillside dropping down to a harbour, with views across to the Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Kas Is Worth Including In Your Turkey Trip Because It Offers:
- Charming old streets with traditional houses, balconies and flowers
- Clear, turquoise water and pebbly coves perfect for swimming
- Easy access to iconic beaches like Kaputas
- Excellent scuba diving and sea kayaking
- Day trips to the sunken city of Kekova and Lycian ruins
- A laid-back atmosphere that still has good cafés, restaurants and small bars
It feels like a place where you can have coffee in a quiet square, visit an ancient theatre and then be in the sea ten minutes later.
How To Get To Kas
Kas does not have its own airport. Most visitors arrive via one of two main gateways:
From Dalaman Airport
Dalaman is usually the most convenient airport for Kas:
- Dalaman is roughly 190 km from Kas and offers the fastest access by road.
- You can book a direct transfer, rent a car or use a combination of airport shuttles and intercity buses to reach Kas.
From Antalya Airport
Antalya is further away but offers many international and domestic flights:
- Several bus companies link Antalya and Kas, with journeys taking around four hours depending on the route.
For travellers from Pakistan, a typical route is:
- Flight from Pakistan to Istanbul
- Domestic flight to Dalaman or Antalya
- Road transfer to Kas
Malik Express can coordinate all of these steps as part of a customised Turkey itinerary.
Best Time To Visit Kas
Kas enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Recent travel articles even highlight Kas as a winter-sun destination, with daytime December temperatures around 13-19 degrees Celsius.
Broadly:
April To June
- Warm but not too hot, sea gradually warming, ideal for sightseeing, hiking and early-season beach days.
July And August
- Hot and dry, with very warm sea and the liveliest nightlife. Best for those who love full summer heat.
September And October
- Many travellers consider this the best time: sea still warm, air temperature pleasant, slightly fewer crowds.
November To March
- Quieter, cooler and sometimes rainy, but still milder than many European destinations, with some sunny days and cheaper accommodation.
For most visitors from Pakistan, May-June and September-October offer the best balance of comfortable weather and enjoyable sea conditions.
Top Things To Do In Kas
1. Wander The Old Town
Kas’s old town is compact and easy to explore on foot. Travel writers describe streets lined with cobblestones, whitewashed houses, wooden balconies and cascades of bougainvillea, with small cafés, boutiques and craft shops.
Take Your time To:
- Browse small shops selling jewellery, textiles and souvenirs
- Stop for Turkish tea or coffee in leafy courtyards
- Photograph the narrow lanes and colourful balconies
It is especially atmospheric at golden hour and in the evening when lights and lanterns come on.
2. Relax At Beaches And Beach Clubs
Kas itself has rocky and pebbly coastline rather than long sandy beaches, but the water is exceptionally clear and blue. Many people swim from:
- Small town beaches like Küçük Çakıl and Büyük Çakıl
- Platforms at seafront beach clubs with ladders down into the sea Bucketlist Bums
Local Guides Frequently Praise:
- Kaputas Beach - A dramatic cove between cliffs, reached by steps from the roadside between Kas and Kalkan. It is often listed as one of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches and is an easy half-day trip from Kas.
Arrive at Kaputas early in summer to avoid the busiest midday crowds and to get the most comfortable spot on the sand.
3. Go On A Boat Trip To Kekova And The Sunken City
One of the signature experiences from Kas is a boat trip to Kekova:
- Boats cruise along a coastline of small islands, coves and turquoise water.
- You visit the partially submerged remains of the ancient settlement near Kekova, often called the “sunken city”.
- Many tours include swimming stops and a visit to Simena (Kaleköy), a village with a hilltop castle and great sea views.
Sea kayaking tours are also popular for a quieter way to see Kekova and its ruins up close.
4. Discover Lycian History: Rock Tombs And Antiphellos Theatre
Kas stands on the site of ancient Antiphellos, a Lycian and then Greco-Roman city, and you can still see several remains around town:
- Antiphellos Theatre - A small but impressively preserved Hellenistic theatre just outside the centre, facing the sea. It is a beautiful place for sunset, with stepped seats and open views.
- Lycian Rock Tombs - Carved into cliffs above town and in nearby hills; one of the most famous is the so-called Lion Tomb with its carved lions.
These sites give Kas a deeper sense of history than many other beach towns.
5. Hike Sections Of The Lycian Way
The long-distance Lycian Way hiking trail runs for more than 500 km between Fethiye and Antalya, passing close to Kas. Many sources highlight the sections around Kas as some of the most scenic, combining sea views, pine forest and ruins.
From Kas You Can:
- Walk short day-hikes on marked sections of the trail
- Hike to ancient sites and viewpoints such as Phellos or village routes above town
- Combine hikes with swimming stops in small bays
If you plan to hike in summer, start early in the morning and carry plenty of water, hat and sun protection.
6. Experience Scuba Diving And Snorkelling
Kas is widely regarded as one of Turkey’s top diving and snorkelling destinations and is increasingly mentioned as a notable diving hub in the Mediterranean.
Diving around Kas offers:
- Crystal-clear water and good visibility
- Rock formations, tunnels and canyons
- Artificial wrecks, sunken ships and even an underwater archaeology park site
- High chances of seeing sea turtles, as well as other Mediterranean marine life
There are dive centres catering to beginners and experienced divers. Snorkelling trips and swimming stops on boat tours are a good alternative if you do not dive.
7. Take a Day Trip To Kastellorizo (Meis)
On clear days you can see Kastellorizo, a small Greek island, from Kas. Ferries and day trips from Kas allow you to:
- Visit the colourful harbour town
- Enjoy Greek food and a different cultural feel
- Explore nearby sea caves and swim spots
Passport and visa rules apply, so always check current requirements before planning a day trip between Turkey and Greece.
8. Enjoy Cafés, Restaurants And Evenings By The Harbour
Kas has a relaxed but lively food and café scene:
- Harbourside restaurants serve fresh seafood, Turkish meze and grilled dishes.
- Rooftop and terrace bars provide sunset views over the bay.
- In peak season, live music and small bars give a friendly but not overwhelming nightlife.
It feels more like a stylish small town than a full-on party resort, making it ideal for couples and families.
Practical Travel Tips for Kas
How Many Days?
Many travellers find 3-5 nights ideal, allowing time for the town, a boat trip, a beach day and perhaps one hike or day trip.
- Getting Around
Kas is small enough to explore on foot. For nearby beaches and attractions, you can use local minibuses (dolmuÅŸ), taxis, or rent a car or scooter for more independence.
- Family And Couples
Kas works well for both: calm waters for swimming, boat tours that children enjoy, and romantic terraces and viewpoints.
- Budgeting
While prices have risen in Turkey overall, Kas is often still considered good value for its quality of food, accommodation and activities compared with many European seaside towns.
- Respecting Local Culture
Dress modestly when visiting mosques or conservative areas, learn basic Turkish greetings and support small local businesses where possible.
How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help You Experience Kas
For travellers from Pakistan, planning a coastal itinerary that includes flights, internal transfers, multiple towns and activities can be complicated. Malik Express Travel & Tours can make visiting Kas simple and enjoyable.
1. Tailored Turkey Itineraries Including Kas
Malik Express can design custom routes that combine:
- Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale
- Coastal highlights such as Kas, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Antalya or Kalkan
- Mixes of history, nature, beaches and city life, based on your travel dates and budget
2. Flights And Ground Transfers
The team can arrange:
- International flights from Pakistan to Turkey
- Domestic flights to Dalaman or Antalya Airports
- Private or shared transfers directly to your hotel in Kas
This saves you the trouble of matching separate bus timetables and connections on your own.
3. Hotels And Experiences in Kas
Malik Express can help you:
- Choose accommodation in or near the old town, along the peninsula or in quieter neighbourhoods
- Pre-book boat trips to Kekova and Simena, diving days or snorkelling excursions
- Add day trips to Kaputas Beach, local ruins and sections of the Lycian Way
4. Support for Pakistani Travellers
Because Malik Express works with travellers from Pakistan regularly, they understand:
- Typical budget ranges and preferred comfort levels
- Dietary needs and halal-friendly suggestions
- How to structure trips around work leave or school holidays
- You get clear, practical guidance rather than generic advice.
Final Thoughts
Kas really is a Mediterranean delight: turquoise coves, cobbled lanes, friendly cafés and a sense of history that reaches back to Lycian times. It offers the kind of relaxed atmosphere where you can slow down, but still has more than enough activities for adventurous travellers.
By using this updated 2025 guide and partnering with Malik Express Travel & Tours to handle flights, logistics and bookings, you can enjoy Kas not just as a stop on the map, but as one of the most memorable chapters of your Turkey journey.