Kas (pronounced Kash and written Kaş) has this magic to it… different somehow than other towns along the Mediterranean coast in Turkey.
A village vibe that is chill, but at the same time offers a ton to see and explore!
It has been my personal favorite in Turkey so far!
So let's dive in quickly without wasting any time...
THINGS TO DO IN KAS
Many of the activities here are based in, around, or on the water. I am a real water lover and maybe that’s why Kas struck a chord with me. But the best part is that the prices for boating around the islands and beaches of Kas are very reasonable.
1. SIMENA SUNKEN CITY AT THE KEKOVA ISLAND
How did the Sunken City come to be? Well so the story goes, 2000 years ago there was a huge earthquake and the city on Kekova Island literally slid into the ocean. Kind of horrific really when you think about it, but for now it has created an incredible piece of history to kayak over.
You can no longer rent a kayak from the neighbouring village of Kaleköy and take a self-guided tour. To reach the Simena Sunken City of Kekova you are now required to take a guided kayak tour.
Boat tours also take you passed the Sunken City, but they can’t stop and so you cruise on by very quickly. Honestly if you do one special thing in Kas, then kayaking the Sunken City should be it. The turquoise waters make kayaking these ruins a unique experience.
Some time ago, visitors could swim among the ruins, however these days swimming is prohibited. Sadly, tourists used to take pieces of tiles, mosaics and pottery from the site, therefore forcing tighter restrictions around how the Sunken City could be visited.
We took a boat ride and it was amazing!
2. SIMENA CASTLE AND KALEKÖY
This is an absolute amazing place to be. We had the most beautiful day here. It was the best day we spent in Turkey! If you're taking a boat trip, you can easily stop by at the village and take a small hike upto the castle. The view is breathetaking!
Or
If you are coming by car or any other private vehicle then take the Kaleüçağız Köyü Yolu road towards Uçağiz village and Kaleköy, carry on as far as this road will take you to the closest point near the Simena Castle. At this point you can park and walk 20-30 minutes over the hill, passed the Simena Castle and down through the village of Kaleköy.
There are many places to stop for something to eat or local homemade ice-cream stands. The village is small but incredibly beautiful, and it doesn’t take long to explore. You can also buy an entrance ticket to the Simena Castle and visit on the way in or out. If you follow the paths towards the furthest western part of the village, you’ll find a sarcophagus in the water. Behind that is a small island. You can swim here, explore the small island on foot and basically enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
NOTE : If any local comes up and tells you that you cannot drive any further, DO NOT BELIEVE THEM! They're only trying road sell you their boat. It has been tried and tested by us. So don't worry and enjoy!:)
Once this is done,
If you've come by your own vehicle, you can find spots to swim around in the most amazing turquoise waters. The locals will help you out and take you around. THEY'RE THE BEST. TRUST ME!
OR
Of you've taken a boat, you can hop on and continue ahead and stop by at certain places to take a dip and swim around. The water is so clear so can see fishes and some marine life without even getting inside the water which is deep but amazing to swim in!
After the dip, you will be offered juices and Turkish tea/coffee at the boat as per your liking. You can enjoy and take in the beautiful surroundings around you. We couldn't get enough of it.
We stopped by again at another spot to swim. And when we were back, we were offered some amazing Turkish lunch.
NOTE : The food options are completely as per your liking. We being vegetarians were a little skeptical, but OMG, what amazing food they served❤️
Also, the boat comes with 2 small cabins to change your clothes. There's a shower that can be used after the swim. You can carry you own towel. Or buy one from the boat.
The boat also has small beds on the deck to soak up and sun and take a nap after the amazing day you've spent!
What else do you need?
3. MYRA RUINS AND ROCK TOMBS
In the heart of the not so pretty Demre, around 40-50 minutes from Kas are the ruins and rock tombs of Myra. Demre is east of Kas and basically a town made of plastic and glass houses for produce. It’s far from pretty, but worth a drive if you love the historical side of Turkey.
Entrance to the Myra open air museum and tombs will cost you around 70 TL per person, while children under eight are free. There is a large amphitheatre to visit, the Sarcophagus of Saint Nicholas and many faces carved from rock. And the rock tombs are what makes Myra stand out among other ruins.
4. WANDER THE STREETS OF KAS
Kas is picturesque, of that there is no doubt. We enjoyed browsing the shops within the few narrow lanes of Kas. There are few shops, but what is available is good quality and it’s unique.
This area also has some great restaurants and bars to try out in the evening. Look out for Zühtü Meze Cocktails, they have a drool-worthy menu and provide an interesting take on traditional Turkish dishes. Or if you want a restaurant with a view over the harbour then grab a table at Oburus Momus or Maşuk Meyhane Kas. See the map for the locations of these restaurants.
For dinner you can head to Cinalar Pizza garden and meet some amazing hosts and take a back seat while they serve you their best as per you liking!
5. KAPUTAS BEACH
This is probably one of the prettiest beaches in Turkey. A white sandy beach with stunning turquoise waters! This photo sums it up though right. To get to Kaputaş you’ll take a 20 minute drive or taxi from Kas.
The carpark spaces fill quickly, and when they’re gone an unofficial parking on the road seems to be accepted. It is a busy little road though with limited pedestrian space. But we recommend just do as the locals do, park on the side of the road and take care as you walk to the beach entrance.
A steep walk down, brings you to a little restaurant. There are some public toilets here open for everyone to use. Carry on down further and you reach the beach where you can either grab an umbrella and beach lounger or throw your towel down on the sand.
NOTE: There is a strict no food from outside policy on Kaputaş. But we did sneak in snacks and at the far end of the beach no one seemed to notice.
Now I know you all have questions like
How to get to kas
Where to stay
Where to eat etc...
So ill se come up with another blog that covers almost everything you need to know. I've tried my best:)
