Kaş: How to Fully Enjoy it Without Overspending
Dear those who say 3 days is more than enough and it’s generally too expensive: I’m glad I didn’t listen.
Technically, as mentioned in my overall guide for the Turquoise Coast, you can do Kaş in a few days, but there’s a lot to do and even after a week, I craved more. So much more. Granted, most of it favours water-based activities like swimming, diving and boat-trips, but there are still plenty of beautiful places to visit nearby, from archaeological sites to abandoned hotels. Kaş even has its own amphitheatre, which is free to enter and overlooks the ocean ahead: perfect for sunset.
There are also plenty of beach clubs (not the party kind thank God) offering direct access to the stunning sea, with relaxing places to lay down and waste your days away without huge fees or minimum spends (more on that below).
And yes, Kaş is a bit more expensive by Turkish standards, but considering it was also August, I found it completely reasonable, especially for what you get.
I stayed in an amazing hostel that was far better than hotels I’d found, ate in nice restaurants, enjoyed said beach clubs and still didn’t feel like I was constantly watching my spending.
So rather than just giving you a list of prices, here’s how I spent my week in Kaş, what things cost me, and how I managed to enjoy it without cutting back.
Getting There & Going Around
If similar to me, you come from Fethiye, you’ll be dropped you at a bus station further out of town, but don’t buy what you read elsewhere. It’s really simple, no walking or taxi required as there’s a minibus roughly every half hour stopping right outside. It’s only 60 TL.
If like me, you’re staying on the peninsula, the shuttle bus runs from the mosque at the bottom of town, not the one at the top where the taxi rank and buses to Antalya and Kaputaş leave from. I didn’t know this and, in the heat, eventually gave up and took a taxi there for 450 TL (€9). Sometimes you just have to accept defeat.
If heading to Antalya, the buses run from the mosque at the top, where I went accidentally, but check the bus times at the station rather than Google Maps, as I found the latter to be wrong. To go to Antalya, it’s just under 500 lira.
Where I Stayed
After a lot of research, the reason being I wanted the perfect vacation, I opted for the amazing Sole'n Blu Hotel/Hostel, in a six-bed female dorm. Seems a bit contradictory but really this shit on a lot of hotels I found and for a 5th of the price, offering a gorgeous pool overlooking the peninsula and a very generous buffet breakfast every morning. It was no more than €30 per night and I even extended my stay.
The views are unbeatable, especially at sunset. It is a little out of town, but I’d say the peninsula is one of the nicest places if you want the best views and lighting. 4 minutes away by foot is a frequent shuttle (every 30 minutes, starting early morning) that runs you in to town, also costing 60 lira each way. It takes around 10-20 minutes to get there and is generally quite reliable. So actually, staying here was perfect to have tranquility but still easy access to the nightlife and more lively parts of the area.
Good to know while you’re there:
The peninsula is not the best place for gastronomy, though there are a couple of nice restaurants around.
If you go a couple minutes from the hostel, you’ll find a long set of stairs down (photo on left) which lead you directly to the ocean. The spot has a little ladder but nothing else.
There’s only one grocery store, up a steep hill,, but they sell very good mosquito/fly repellent (which you'll 100% need)
On the Water & Diving
Kaş, as mentioned above, is very much a place for water-based activities, so if you can, definitely leave a few days free for swimming, beach clubs and getting out on the sea.
I’m a sucker for all things boat so to really make a day of it, I’d highly recommend joining a small-group boat tour to Kekova, Demre & Myra. This one with Sailnstay was by far one of the best ones I’ve done. You’re only on board with around 15–20 other people, so much more relaxed than the huge group tours you see otherwise, and the crew are absolutely wonderful. There are plenty of stops along the route, including Kekova itself (which I did find way too overcrowded in August), incredible bays to swim in, like Esmerelda, and a delicious lunch with either fish or chicken (bbq’ed in front of you), and a big selection of salads & mezzes.
For €60, I felt it was very reasonable for what you get, especially since boat experiences in places like Greece and Italy have often cost me €100 or more.
Diving is also really popular here, but since the marine life and reefs aren’t exactly exciting, it’s best for beginners or those wanting to try it out. There are a few amazing wrecks for qualified divers though, including the plane wreck which I did and really enjoyed.
I went with 300 Bar, a local boat with a friendly crew. It was around €80 for almost a full day with two dives (including rental equipment) and plenty of time to swim in-between.
Other Affordable Things to Do
Kaş Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre is free to enter and overlooks the sea, making it one of the easiest places to catch sunset without spending anything.
Sometimes there are also free music performances held here, which makes it even better. Check what’s happening while you're there.
The Abandoned Hotel
Head to the Kaş peninsula, right at the end. You need to go through a small cut in the fence to access the hotel but it’s not difficult to find. From there, you have the most insane views, especially at sunset and if you have a drone. Coolest thing I’ve seen in a while!
Sunsets
That might seem obvious but maybe you’ll be tempted into a bar or restaurant offering "the best sunset view”. There are plenty of spots around town where you can sit, chill and watch the skies turn different hues of orange, without paying heaps for a cocktail somewhere. Of course, you’re welcome also to do that!
Beach Clubs
Seeing what I have online, this would make me shudder a bit. I’m a grandma at heart and Ibiza-style partying just isn’t for me.
Good news is, as talked about above, Kaş has its own brilliant versions which give you direct access to the sea, sun loungers and somewhere to spend the day swimming and relaxing.
They all vary in terms of charges but I went twice to Leymona Beach Club and it costs around 500 TL (€8.50) for a lounger, or w minimum spend of around €20 (1500 TL). I bought a few drinks and food over the days, which covered it easily. And in my eyes, this is completely reasonable.
Eating in Kaş
If I had a euro for every time someone told me “omg Kaş is so expensive”, I'd probably be able to fund my trip. Okay, it is more expensive by Turkey's standards, and I do see why. But comparing it with places like Greece and Italy in peak summer, it's completely reasonable.
I ate in nice restaurants mostly, but because I was having such a big breakfast at the hostel, I'd often only have a small snack during the day and then go out for dinner. One example was a lovely seafood casserole-style dish served with rice and salad bits, plus water, which I think came to around €16ish.
A nice meal out with seafood or meat generally averaged around €13–17, which can even beat places like Malta. Do you want it to be free otherwise?
Restaurants and cafes I’d recommend
Cafe Corner restaurant
Sempati Turkish Cuisine (very traditional & local)
O'lala Cafe
Krambi coffee & frozen yoghurt
Cafe Granda
My Final Take
I was originally only supposed to stay in Kaş for around 6 or 7 days, but I was easily convinced to extend by another day and a half.
And even after eight days, I still desperately wanted more. I think it was by far one of the best holiday places I’ve been to, with just the right amount of physical activity and exploring, delicious food, a little diving and a lot of swimming.
In terms of cost, you can quite simply spend how much you’re comfortable with. Overall I really didn’t find it costly versus other places I’ve been to and if anything was more pricey, it was justified in my eyes.
So, would I go back? A thousand percent yes! Already planning it as we speak.