Kaş

Kaş has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with hot sticky summers averaging 35°C and mild winters around 15°C with occasional heavy rains. September is considered an optimal visiting month, offering warm sea temperatures without the sweltering summer heat. The town was the ancient port of Antiphellos, connected to the inland Lycian city of Phellos, and features rock tombs carved into the cliffs behind the modern town. In 2022 the population was 9,084.

Dolmuşes (minibuses) run from the old otogar to Fethiye, Demre, and Antalya. The D400 highway passes through the area connecting western Turkey to the eastern Mediterranean coast. The nearest major airports are Dalaman (around 150 km) and Antalya. The island of Kastellorizo (Meis) can be reached as a day trip and connects via Greek ferry to Rhodes and beyond.

Kaş is compact and easily walkable. Dolmuşes run to the Çukurbağ peninsula, to villages like Çukurbağ (where Phellos Ancient City is located), and along the coast to Kalkan and Demre. The bus station is near Merkez Süleyman Cami mosque in the city center. As of 2025, the ride to Çukurbağ Peninsula costs 50₺. Taxis to the peninsula cost around 350₺ for a journey under 10 minutes, as ride-hailing apps are unavailable and drivers do not negotiate.

Antiphellos (the ancient city) features an amphitheatre and the "king's tomb" among sarcophagi and rock tombs, with the site free to explore 24 hours. Rock tombs line the cliffs behind town accessible from Likya Cd. The Sleeping Giant (Uyuyan Dev) is a rocky ridge above the cliffs with a steep hazardous approach from town. Nearby ancient cities include Phellos (reached via Çukurbağ village), Isinda, Aperlae, Apollonia, and Kyaneai—all accessible as day trips, most free to enter. The Lycian sarcophagus on Doğruyol Cd (upper Uzunçarşı Cd) is a notable street sculpture.

Beaches are shingle including Çınarlar Beach in a cove south of the marina and Büyükçakıl ("Big Pebble") 2 km further south, but the water is clean for swimming and snorkelling. Over a dozen boat operators ply from the harbour for day trips. A dozen scuba shacks offer training, kit hire, and dives in the area. The Lycian Way long-distance hiking route passes through Kaş heading eastbound toward Demre. Republic Day on October 29th is celebrated in the town square with music, dancing, and rakı, though this marks the end of season when many businesses close.

Carrefour supermarket at Atatürk Blv 32 is open daily 08:00-22:00. Uzunçarşı Cd is the main shopping street May-October for crafts and souvenirs; its name means "long market" and it's nicknamed "slippery street" due to rainfall. The upper section (Doğruyol Cd) features a notable Lycian sarcophagus. Street markets are held on Friday by the old otogar and on Tuesday on the hill just west of the centre.

Old Town has many restaurants with good ambiance. Prices have increased in recent years due to economic problems in Turkey, moving closer to European city levels. Bahçe restaurant at Doğruyol Cd 33 is a long-established favourite open daily 11:30-00:00, located beside the Lycian sarcophagus on slippery street.

Kaş has many free-standing bars open until 03:00 during the April-October tourist season. Mavi Bar by the marina and Red Point Cafe a block inland are local favourites. Rakı is the traditional spirit of choice, commonly enjoyed with meals and during Republic Day celebrations.

Kaş and the coast road have 4G coverage from all Turkish carriers. As of May 2024, 5G has not yet rolled out in Turkey. SIM cards from Turkish providers are readily available for purchase.

Dolmuşes run from the old otogar to Fethiye (west), Demre (east), and Antalya. The D400 highway connects Kaş to Kalkan (west) and Demre (east). Kınık to the northwest has the ruins of Xanthos and Letoon. The island of Kastellorizo (Kekova) can be done as a day trip, with Greek ferry connections to Rhodes and beyond. From Çukurbağ, hikers can access Phellos Ancient City and continue along the Lycian Way toward Demre.