MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Mediterranean Coast, Turkey

Accessible Locations within Day-Trip Distance

Meis (Kastellorizo), Greece: A charming Greek island just a 20-minute ferry ride from Kaş. It features colorful houses, a picturesque harbor, and the stunning Blue Grotto. This makes for an unique international day trip.

Patara Ancient City & Beach: Approximately a 40-minute drive from Kaş. This site pairs historical exploration of a major Lycian and Roman port city with a visit to a vast, protected sandy beach.

Travel Considerations

  • Meis: Daily passenger ferries operate from Kaş harbor.
  • Patara, Xanthos, Letoon: Reachable by dolmuş, rental car, or organized tour.
  • Organized tours group multiple sites, including transport and a guide.
  • Independent travel with a rental car presents flexibility for your pace.

More Excursions & Information

Consider extending your trip beyond Kaş to explore more of Turkey's diverse landscapes and cities.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your trip by a few days to explore these nearby regions.

Suggested Destinations

  • Fethiye/Ölüdeniz: Discover Fethiye's market and Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon, a popular paragliding area.
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis: A UNESCO World Heritage site with travertine terraces and Roman ruins.
  • Antalya: Visit the Kaleiçi district, museums, and city attractions. It is a distinct urban experience.

Travel Connections

Here are transportation options for longer regional travel.

Connectivity

  • Fethiye/Antalya: Frequent intercity bus services from Kaş otogar make travel direct.
  • Pamukkale: Direct bus routes are limited. Transfers in Denizli or Fethiye/Antalya are common.
  • Lycian Coast Tour: Begin in Antalya, then travel west along the coast to Kaş, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, and Dalyan.

Natural Environment

Protected Areas

  • Patara Beach serves as a major nesting site for endangered Loggerhead sea turtles.
  • The Kekova Region is a specially protected zone due to historical and natural significance.
  • Underwater: Scuba divers and snorkelers must not touch marine life, coral, or remove anything from the sea.
  • The Taurus Mountains present opportunities for hiking and escaping summer heat in cooler climates.

Environmental Practices

  • Recycling facilities exist, but reduce plastic use; carry a reusable water bottle.
  • The Mediterranean region faces water scarcity; be mindful of your water usage.
  • Disturbing turtle nests or hatchlings is forbidden.
  • Touching marine life or coral is not permitted.

Suggested Timeframes

  • Meis:Full Day
  • Patara:Half to Full Day
  • Xanthos & Letoon:Half Day
  • Myra & Kekova:Full Day
  • Saklıkent Gorge:Half Day
  • Kaputaş Beach:Half Day
  • Organized Tours:Full Day (multi-site)
  • Independent Travel:Flexible

Planning Your Day Trips

Organized tours simplify multi-site visits, with transport and guides. Renting a car presents flexibility. Dolmuş are a budget-conscious transport option. Explore more options via GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions & Attractions

The Kaş region presents insights into local culture and religious heritage.

Historical Sites

Explore Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, Myra, and the Sunken City of Kekova for deep connections to the region's ancient past.

Rural Villages

Visit Gömbe or other small inland hamlets. Experience traditional Turkish village life, local produce, and genuine hospitality.

Pilgrimage Sites

St. Nicholas Church in Demre draws visitors for its historical and religious significance.

Cultural Sensitivity

Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your experience and shows appreciation for the host community.

Respectful Interaction

  • Learn a few basic Turkish phrases.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional villages.
  • Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals.

Religious Site Etiquette

Observe appropriate behavior at religious sites.

Mosque Protocol

  • Remove your shoes before entering mosques.
  • Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees.
  • Men should cover their shoulders and knees.

Local Economic Support

Community Tourism:Local livelihoods
Ethical Shopping:Local artisans
Local Businesses:Direct economic flow
Avoiding Exploitation:Support local charities
Charitable Giving:Reputable organizations
Fair Trade:Fair prices

Responsible Travel

  • Support local artisans and businesses.
  • Minimize plastic use; carry a reusable bottle.
  • Be mindful of water usage (shorter showers).
  • Respect protected areas like Patara Beach.
  • Observe Islamic customs and practices.

Communication & Essentials

Staying connected and managing your time abroad matters for any trip. Here's information for Kaş.

Operating Hours

Here are typical operating hours for various businesses in Kaş.

Business Schedules

  • Shops typically open from 9 AM or 10 AM to 7 PM or 8 PM.
  • Restaurants generally open for lunch 12 PM to 3 PM and dinner from 7 PM.
  • Banks are open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. ATMs are 24/7.

Holidays

Public and religious holidays impact business operations.

Dates

  • Public Holidays: New Year's Day, National Sovereignty, Labour Day, Atatürk Commemoration, Democracy Day, Victory Day, Republic Day.
  • Religious Holidays: Eid al-Fitr (Sugar Feast) and Eid al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast) dates change annually.
  • Banks, government offices, and some businesses close or have reduced hours.

Communication

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom are main mobile providers. Turkcell generally has good coverage. Purchase SIM cards at airports or official stores. Bring your passport for registration. Data packages offer good value. Your mobile phone must be unlocked.

Connectivity Details

  • Local SIM cards from Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom. Airalo presents eSIM options.
  • Passport is necessary for registration.
  • Wi-Fi widely available in town. Consider a portable device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Language & Support

Turkish is the official language. English is common in tourist businesses like hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. It is less common in local shops or rural areas.

Helpful Tools

  • The Google Translate app is invaluable; download offline for convenience.
  • A Turkish phrasebook aids basic interactions. Consider Rosetta Stone for language preparation.
  • Important Phrases: Learn some basic Turkish greetings and questions.

Etiquette & Norms

General Etiquette

  • A simple "Merhaba" (hello) and handshakes are common greetings.
  • Smart casual attire generally works. Avoid overly revealing clothing outside of beach areas.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.

Specific Considerations

  • Public displays of affection are generally conservative.
  • LGBTQ+ public acceptance is limited; discretion is advisable.
  • Be respectful of Islamic customs and practices, especially during Ramadan.
  • Do not photograph children without explicit parental permission.

Local Customs

Awareness of local customs enriches your experience. Learn basic Turkish, dress appropriately at religious sites, and request permission for photos of individuals. Respect for Atatürk and Islamic practices is valued.

Accessibility & Environment

Kaş presents unique considerations for accessibility and environmental care.

Mobility Challenges

Kaş terrain is hilly with cobbled streets and many stairs, making navigation difficult for wheelchair users.

Accommodation Access

Some newer hotels may offer accessible rooms; confirm directly when booking.

Transport Limitations

Intercity buses, dolmuş, and local taxis are generally not wheelchair accessible.

Environmental Care

Kaş's natural environment, especially marine and coastal areas, calls for careful stewardship.

Conservation Focus

  • Patara Beach is a nesting site for endangered Loggerhead sea turtles.
  • The Kekova Region is a protected zone due to historical and natural significance.
  • Divers and snorkelers must not touch marine life or remove anything from the sea.

Sustainable Practices

Waste management and water conservation are considerations.

Eco Tips

  • Minimize plastic use; carry a reusable water bottle.
  • The Mediterranean region may face water scarcity; be mindful of your water usage.
  • Look for accommodations or tour operators with green certifications.

Economic Impact

Local Support

  • Support local artisans and businesses.
  • Choose local restaurants and guesthouses.
  • Seek tours that directly benefit communities.

Ethical Practices

  • Purchase goods from local producers, not imports.
  • Avoid supporting businesses with child labor.
  • Donate to reputable local charities, not beggars.

Environmental Stewardship

Your actions contribute to preserving Kaş's natural beauty and supporting local livelihoods. Choose eco-friendly options and respect protected areas. For airport lounges, consider Priority Pass, and for flight compensation, check Compensair.

Time-Based Itineraries

Whether you have a short visit or an extended stay, Kaş offers fulfilling experiences.

Short Stays

Make the most of limited time in Kaş.

-Hour Highlights

  • Afternoon: Explore Kaş Old Town and harbor.
  • Sunset: Head to Antiphellos Ancient Theatre for panoramic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Extended Weekend

A weekend allows for experiencing Kaş's highlights and relaxed pace.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

  • Day 1: Settle in, explore Kaş, theatre sunset, dinner.
  • Day 2: Boat trip to Kekova (Sunken City), relax at Büyük Çakıl Beach.
  • Day 3: Visit Kaputaş Beach for swimming before departure.

Exploration

One-Week Comprehensive Experience 7 days

  • Day 1: Arrive, settle in, explore town, theatre sunset.
  • Day 2: Full-day Kekova boat trip, including Kaleköy.
  • Day 3: Scuba diving or relaxation at Küçük Çakıl Beach.
  • Day 4: Day trip to Patara Ancient City and Patara Beach.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration 14 days

  • Hike longer sections of the Lycian Way.
  • Take a Turkish cooking class.
  • Visit Gömbe Plateau for a mountain escape.
  • Add a 2-3 day extension to Fethiye/Ölüdeniz or Pamukkale.

Itinerary Variations

Interest-Based Routes

  • Historical and Heritage Focus (Ancient sites: Patara, Xanthos, etc.)
  • Food and Culinary Experiences (Local lokantas, street food, cooking classes)
  • Adventure and Outdoor Activities (Scuba diving, paragliding, hiking)

Traveler Types

  • Family-Friendly Itinerary (Beach days, boat trips, gentle walks)
  • Art and Architecture Emphasis (Old Town architecture, galleries, rock-cut tombs)
  • Spiritual and Wellness Journey (Yoga retreats, hammam, secluded beaches)

Tailored Travel

Your Kaş itinerary can adapt to your time, interests, and budget. Choose a plan that aligns with your preferences for a memorable visit.