Kaş Town & Lycian Ruins

Kaş, a small harbor town in the westernmost part of Antalya province on the Turquoise Coast, is one of the most charming and historically layered destinations in southern Turkey. The town's ancient identity as the Lycian city of Antiphellos is evident throughout: Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the modern town, a small Hellenistic theatre with rows of stone seating overlooking the sea, and a lone monumental Lycian tomb—a house-type sarcophagus on a high plinth—standing on the main street in the center of town. The harbor is the heart of Kaş, framed by a promenade of seafood restaurants and cafes, and is one of the main bases for scuba diving operations along the Turkish coast. The underwater environment around Kaş includes walls, drop-offs, caves, and World War II wrecks, making it a destination sought by divers from across Europe. For non-divers, glass-bottom boat and sea kayaking tours explore the coastline, including excursions to the partly submerged Lycian city of Kekova nearby. The town's small streets are lined with boutique shops selling local handicrafts, carpets, and ceramics, and the restaurant scene is consistently rated among the best in the region. Kaş is calmer and more intimate in character than the major resort centers to the east, attracting independent travelers and those seeking a quieter ambience. The surrounding landscape of rocky headlands, pine forests, and small islands creates a setting as compelling as the town itself.