If you’re heading to Kaş, Turkey, for a long weekend or 3-day getaway (and especially if you’re driving from Antalya to Fethiye), this itinerary is for you.
Kas has a reputation as a laid-back, bohemian town on the Turquoise Coast, but the reality in high season can be loud, crowded, and intense, especially in the center. That’s why with this itinerary, I offer a different approach: to stay on the peaceful Kas Peninsula, planning your days around when you have a car (which also makes things so much easier), and focusing on quiet, scenic, and local experiences.
You won’t find any rushed bucket-list stops here. Instead, I’ll show you how to slow down and explore Kas at your own rhythm — how to enjoy slow panoramic sunsets over ancient ruins and join less-crowded boat rides through sunken cities. Also, where to find the most beautiful beaches, and how to have leisurely dinners under flowering terraces.
And then if you stay in the area longer, you can combine your trip with a visit to one of the quiet villages on the Turquoise Coast.
But keep in mind:
✔️ This plan is best for travelers with a car.
✔️ It also works if you’re renting one in Kas or taking taxis — with small tweaks.
✔️ Accommodation recommendations are included below with explanations why.
Let’s begin.
When my husband and I fly to Antalya region, we usually book our rental cars near the airport from Pandora or Avec companies through DiscoverCars – They are transparent and have low deposits. Just don’t forget to get full coverage, if you don’t have your own insurance.
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Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Kaş, Turkey
🟨 Is 3 Days Enough in Kas?
Not really, and definitely not enough if you’re coming for more than just a checklist of views.
Three days is just enough to fall in love with Kas, but not enough to fully experience it. If your goal is to quickly see a few beaches, stop by the ancient theatre, maybe take a boat trip — then sure, that fits in three days. But Kaş isn’t a place for rushing through. Beaches here are simply gorgeous and made for swimming, not just admiring. So once you dive in, you’ll want to stay longer.
Swimming alone can take up half your day, and you’ll want more time for slow breakfasts, coastal drives, and wandering through quiet corners (which I am showing you below). If you have a car, you can also explore beautiful spots nearby (ancient cities, hidden coves, or let’s say parts of the Lycian Way) — and that opens up even more.
So no, three days in Kaş isn’t enough, but it’s a nice starting point — a long weekend that can recharge you and show you just how much more you’ll want to come back for.
🟨 Do You Need a Car in Kaş?
Yes — for this itinerary (as for many other Turkey itineraries), having a car is essential. Without one, you could still follow parts of this plan, but you’d need to adjust for taxis or organized tours.
It allows you to access quiet beaches, scenic viewpoints, and small villages that aren’t reachable by foot or dolmuş. Even within Kaş, parking near town and staying on the peninsula becomes much easier with a car.
🟨 Can You Swim in Kaş?
Absolutely — and that’s a big part of this trip. Kas is one of the best places on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey for swimming. From late spring to late autumn, the sea is warm and calm.
My itinerary below includes swimming spots from rocky platforms near town to hidden coves and famous beaches like Kaputaş. So bring reef shoes, a towel, and don’t skip a dip.
🟨 What Is Kas Like Compared to Other Coastal Towns?
Kas is smaller, built on hills, and more is more intimate than places like Fethiye or Bodrum.
I like it for being artsy, friendly, a little bohemian. Yet, it still feels real. But in peak season (from the end of June to the end of August), the town center is crowded and noisy.
That’s why I decided to focus this itinerary on the calmer side of Kas, where you’ll have space to breathe, watch the sea, and hear cicadas instead of car horns.
Where to Stay in Kas on This Itinerary
This itinerary is designed around staying on the Kaş Peninsula, not in the town center.
Why? Because the peninsula offers what town can’t: peace, privacy, sea views, and no mosque speakers at 5 AM.
Here, you’ll find small guesthouses and boutique villas surrounded by flowers and built into the hills. No big hotels built next to each other. It’s just a 10-minute drive to town, but it feels like another world.
🏨Where exactly to stay:
I stayed at the first two hotels myself, so I’m speaking from experience — they really are as good as they sound. The third one, I didn’t stay at, but I’ve had my eye on it forever, and recently on my last trip (in July 2025) we even stopped by to see it — it looked gorgeous. Reviews are glowing, so I’m including it here too.
- Molino Hotel – my absolute latest favorite, it feels like home, with just a few guests, total peace, spacious rooms, spotless everything, perfect views, and genuinely warm service.
- Olea Nova Boutique – quiet, elegant spot with sea views from almost every corner, great breakfast, and that feeling that everything’s been thoughtfully done without trying too hard.
- Casa Bi Otel – polished, adult‑only hideaway of just 16 rooms with thoughtful design and private plunge pools, cliffside decks over the sea, and аmаzing breakfasts
3 Full Days in Kas Itinerary – Not Your Typical Tourist Plan
Arrival Day: Check-In on the Kaş Peninsula & Slow Introduction to Town
I am not sure when you plan to arrive, but most people come in the second part of the day (we checked in around 5 PM since we stopped in Finike on the way to swim on its beaches), so I structure my itinerary around that time.
On our last trip (the one I am sharing with you now) we stayed in Molino Hotel, but there are other properties on the peninsula within a short distance.
Take your time settling in, exploring the property, snapping a few photos while everything is still fresh, and enjoying the views.
Once you’re ready, jump in the car and head toward Kas town. The best place to park is near the Antiphellos Ancient Theatre — specifically on the nearby residential streets. It’s free, easy to find, and gives you quick access to both the theatre and town center.
If you’re arriving close to sunset, walk straight up the stairs to the theatre for one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Kaş and the sea. If you’re earlier, take time to wander the old town — browse a few shops (so many beautiful handmade things here!), dip your feet in the sea near the harbor, or simply enjoy walking on old streets.
For dinner, stay in town. On our last visit, we skipped the restaurants and went for simple street food at Arabin Yeri street cafe — chicken sandwiches from a local spot (exact location here).
But if you want something more special, there are plenty of good restaurants in the old town. On our other visits, we also liked Pirzula Meyhane for their awesome selection of meze.
🌟 Top Places to Stay in Kaş Old Town
If you want to stay close to the harbor, restaurants, and cobbled streets of Kas, these handpicked hotels in the Old Town are all fantastic options — great vibes, excellent service, and walking distance to everything. However, you will need to cruise around to find a street parking.
- Payam Hotel – Cozy mid-range stay in a quiet spot but just a few minutes’ walk from the main square.
- Kaş Athena Hotel – Small family-run hotel with personal touches and one of the best breakfast spreads in town.
- Hideaway Hotel – Laid-back vibe with sea views from the rooftop and an ideal location right above the harbor.
Day 1 in Kas: Hidden Coves, Beaches & Kas From Above
On this day of the itinerary, I suggest you start the morning early — we left our hotel around 8:00 AM, and I recommend you do the same. Since you have a car, drive to one of the hidden coves near Kaş (this is the exact location of this cove, my new favorite lately, right behind the helicopter platform). It will be so quiet and serene in the early hours.
You can park for free near it and walk down to the water. Swim, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings in the early morning.
If you like to hop between beaches (that’s what we actually did), you can continue on to other spots nearby — like Büyük Çakıl Plajı or İnceboğaz Plajı, both of which are perfect for short swims and quick stops. The second beach is just a 5-minute drive from the Molino hotel.
By 10:30 AM, return to your hotel for breakfast. At Molino Hotel, breakfast is served until 11:00 AM, which gave us just enough time to swim and still enjoy a quiet poolside breakfast.
After breakfast and a short rest, head into town again for a different kind of experience: a beach club afternoon. Kaş doesn’t have proper sandy beaches in the town center, but beach clubs offer direct sea access and calm settings. We visited Leymona Beach Club, and it was a great choice.
There, you pay either a fixed entry fee (which includes food/drinks) or simply order from the menu if you don’t take a sunbed. We chose the latter — grabbed a table and stayed until nearly 7:00 PM. It was so nice.
To wrap up the day, take a quick scenic drive above Kaş towards Yenikoy (this one), overlooking the town. Views from there are amazing, especially during golden hour.
Day 2: Kayaking to the Sunken City, Sea Time, Viewpoints & More of Kas Peninsula
This day is very active and starts early. We left the hotel around 8:00 AM to join a kayaking tour to the Sunken City near Kekova Island, something I had wanted to do for a long time, and it did not disappoint. The tour started at 9:00 AM, and we had to be at the launch point a bit earlier to get organized and into the kayaks.
If you enjoy active travel and unique experiences, this one’s worth it as it is truly one of the most epic things to do in Turkey. You paddle through turquoise waters and pass over the partially submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian settlement, which you can clearly see under the surface. The whole experience feels very special and distinct to the region.
Our kayaking lasted until around 1:00 PM and was followed by lunch, which took some time as well. After that, we briefly walked around the nearby village just to get a feel of the place before heading back.
On the way back to Kaş, we made a few casual stops — including one at the Kaş Manzara Platform and a few other scenic roadside spots. We also popped into a store for a couple of things, so if you want to take it slowly and enjoy the ride, it’s a nice way to return.
Instead of going straight to the hotel, we made a stop at Halk Plajı (Public Beach), where we swam for a couple of hours. The water was so, so beautiful that it felt like the perfect wind-down after such an active morning.
After the beach, we returned to the hotel and stayed on the property for the evening, relaxing and having dinner there. But if you’re still feeling energetic, you can head back into town and enjoy another walk through the streets of Kaş and try a different restaurant for dinner.
🧭 Other Great Tours to Consider for This Day
If the tour we took isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few other amazing experiences in the area — offered by different providers I trust and recommend:
Full-Day Kekova & Sunken City Boat Tour – relaxing day on the water with a few swim stops and ruins. Includes lunch and snorkeling gear. Best tour of this type among all.
Day Trip to the Greek Island of Meis (Kastellorizo) – Hop over to Greece for the day! This quick ferry ride includes free time to explore colorful streets, grab Greek food, or visit the Blue Cave.
Village & Canyon Jeep Safari with Lunch – Explore Saklikent Gorge and hidden villages inland from Kaş. Includes off-road driving and home-cooked meal.
Day 3 – Kaputaş Beach, Scenic Drive to Kalkan & Final Taste of Kaş
Start this last day of the Kaş itinerary unrushed, enjoy slow breakfast and get ready for another unforgettable day on the road. This time, I suggest you explore more of the Kaş Peninsula and beyond, heading west toward one of the most iconic beaches in all of Turkey — Kaputaş Beach.
It is only a short drive from Kas and absolutely worth the stop. As of July 2025, the entrance fee is 50 TL per person (around $1.50). You’ll descend the iconic staircase to reach brilliant turquoise water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It’s not just a photo stop — make time to swim, relax, and take it in.
From Kaputaş, continue driving to the nearby town of Kalkan. It is a former Greek fishing village, built on steep hillsides that cascade down to a small harbor.
It’s known for its traditional stone houses with wooden shutters and bougainvillea-covered terraces, and stays quieter than Kas, especially in the evenings. The old town is compact but filled with hipster restaurants and cafes, and has a very pretty beach. It’s also one of the few towns in the region with a strong British expat presence, which gives it a different atmosphere.
Spend some time walking around the old streets, popping into small shops, or grabbing a drink with a view. It’s a completely different vibe from Kaş and worth experiencing, even briefly.
Later in the evening, return to the Kas Peninsula. You can either head back to your accommodation to relax or return to Kas town one last time. If you choose the latter, here are a few ways to wrap up your trip:
- Walk the flower-filled streets of the old town
- Shop for locally made ceramics, jewelry, and textiles
- Relax with a drink at a scenic terrace — even if you’re not staying there, hotels like Mandalina Suites or Peninsula Gardens offer open bars with impressive views
Make this final evening your own, whether it’s a quiet sunset moment or one more dinner in the heart of Kas.
Planning to Stay More in the Area?
I have many more posts about southwest Turkey, you can read them here:
- Renting a Car in Antalya – tips from me as someone who has hired many cars over the years
- Visiting Bergama & Ancient Pergamon – unique route and cool things to do
- Fethiye to Pamukkale Road Trip – my own way of covering this distance
- Visiting Kayakoy Ghost Town – how to have a nice day trip from Fethiye
- Exploring Antalya in Winter – detailed guide to weather, things to do & awesome time
- Hot Springs in Turkey – and thermal pools to visit on your trip
- Other Turkish Cities – and what you get visiting each of them
- Turkey Travel Guide – all my posts about Turkey in one place
