kaş guide
travel like a local
Beaches
KAPUTAŞ
Kaputaş, one of the most talked-about beaches in Kaş, is a must-visit destination for sea lovers. Located at the mouth of a canyon, this beach has been preserved from development and welcomes those who can’t get enough of swimming in its clear, salty waters. If you want to swim in a striking green-blue foamy sea among giant rocks, this is the perfect spot for you!
KEKOVA AND THE SUNKEN CITY
Situated in a natural harbor and accessible only by boat, Kekova was once an old fishing village and an important stop for trading ships even earlier. Today, Kekova remains one of the best-preserved sites in Turkey and is a paradise for history enthusiasts. In Üçağız Village of Kekova, you can see the ruins of the Theimussa Ancient City, dating back 2,500 years, and in Kaleköy, you can explore traces of Simena Ancient City, one of the most important ancient coastal cities.
The ruins along the steep coastline east of Tersane Bay are known as the Sunken City. After a tsunami triggered by consecutive earthquakes in Egypt in the 2nd century AD, part of Kekova Island (the Sunken City) was cut off from the mainland and submerged. If you pass by the island by boat, you can witness the remnants of an ancient life.
In ancient times, the Sunken City was a hub for trading ships, serving as a place for worship and entertainment. Ships could load goods from the harbor without docking directly on the shore. Over time, the Sunken City and the Kekova region became a service center for these vessels. Thanks to the prosperous port city of Kaş (Antiphellos), there was significant maritime traffic in the area. Archaeological research on the island has identified 224 structures, including a harbor, two quays, three churches, a bathhouse, two lighthouses, and four production workshops. Today, the remnants of these once lively and busy ports lie beneath the turquoise waters, reminiscent of the lost city of Atlantis.
Bozcaada, Antalya, Geyikbayırı, Patara, Kaş, Datça, Bodrum
APERLAI ANCIENT CITY
Aperlai Ancient City is a medium-sized ancient settlement located at the head of a narrow, elongated bay on the Sıçak Peninsula, between present-day Kaş and Kekova. This small Lycian port city is also mentioned in Piri Reis’ Kitab-ı Bahriye, where the famous navigator notes that by the 16th century it had been completely abandoned, with only a few fishing families remaining.
The name of the city means “river gorge,” and silver coins inscribed in the Lycian language suggest that Aperlai existed even before the Lycian League. The ruins can be found at the foot of a hill descending toward the sea on the northern side of the bay. Despite some damage over time, the city gate and its adjoining towers are still standing. You can also see an example of a Lycian house and, as in every Lycian port city, there are Roman-era bathhouses. Passing over the ruins by boat and spotting the rock tombs on the hills offers a truly unique experience.
In addition, Aperlai was historically famous for producing a special – and very valuable – purple dye extracted from sea snails. Art enthusiasts know how rare and expensive purple dye was in ancient times, making this city an important center for luxury production.
Historical Ruins
HISTORICAL RUINS
Perched above the Lycian city of Antiphellos, Kaş was an ancient port city founded in the 4th century BC. During the Hellenistic period, it flourished through the trade of cedarwood and became a popular settlement. Today, Kaş maintains its charm and popularity thanks to its natural beauty and picturesque streets. The Hellenistic city walls of Kaş can still be seen at the start of the peninsula, overlooking Meis Island. It is said that Kaş derives its name from this island, which sits parallel to the town – when viewed on a map, it is indeed possible to see a “brow” and “eye” alignment between Kaş and Meis.
The Lycian Civilization extended from Antalya to the Gulf of Fethiye. The famous Lycian Way is a long and scenic hiking trail that attracts adventurers from all over the world every year. Walking along this incredible route, you may encounter ancient ruins and immerse yourself not only in the rich history of the Lycians but also in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.
The area between the Antalya Gulf and the Fethiye Gulf is known as the Teke Peninsula, and the town of Kaş is located within this peninsula. At its golden age, Kaş served as the capital of Lycia and once hosted more people than its current population. The ancient structures in and around Kaş continue to enchant visitors to this day.
One of the town’s most remarkable historical sites is the Antiphellos Ancient Theatre, the only sea-facing theatre in Anatolia. Built during the Hellenistic period, watching the sunset from this magnificent theatre is a must on every traveler’s to-do list – and it’s within walking distance from the town center.
In addition, the region is home to numerous monumental tombs, all carved from natural rock. These house-shaped tombs were believed to serve as “homes” for the deceased in the afterlife. The famous King’s Tomb or Lion’s Tomb can be reached by walking through the charming streets lined with traditional overhanging houses. Perhaps the most famous tomb in Kaş is located in Uzun Çarşı, featuring a grand inscription of eight lines in the Lycian language – a striking testament to the legacy left behind by the Lycians.
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