The charming harbor town of Kaş with its Lycian rock tombs and tiny ancient theatre combines beautifully with a boat trip to the sunken Lycian city of Kekova where ancient ruins are visible through crystal-clear water. Turkey's premier sea kayaking destination.
Kaş and Kekova form one of the most rewarding long-distance day trips from Antalya, combining a charming harbour town steeped in Lycian history with a boat journey over a partially submerged ancient city visible through crystalline Mediterranean water. At 193km southwest of Antalya, this is among the furthest single-day excursions from the city — the bus journey takes 2.5–3 hours each way — making it better suited to an organized tour or an overnight stay in Kaş. Kaş itself is a well-preserved fishing and yacht harbour built over and around the ancient Lycian city of Antiphellos. Lycian rock tombs are carved directly into the limestone cliffs above the town, and a small Greek-style theatre from the 4th century BC overlooks the bay from a hill just west of the centre. The colonnaded main street mixes boutique shops, fish restaurants, and old stone houses in a genuinely charming setting. Kekova Island, 20km east of Kaş, is the centrepiece of the day: a 7km-long island with the remains of the ancient Lycian port of Dolchistos scattered along its northern shore, partially submerged by 2nd-century earthquakes that dropped the coastline by 2–3 metres. Glass-bottom boat tours from Üçağız or Kaş harbour drift slowly over the ruins — column bases, house walls, stairways, and broken amphorae are visible through the water at depths of 1–5 metres. Swimming and diving in the sunken city zone is prohibited to protect the archaeological site, but the glass-bottom viewing is extraordinary in calm conditions. The nearby village of Kaleköy (Simena), accessible only by water, has a small Crusader castle and is included on most boat tours as a stop. Sea kayaking along the Kekova coast is also available through Kaş-based operators and provides close waterline views of the submerged ruins. Organized day tours from Antalya typically depart around 07:00 and return by 21:00. Alternatively, buses from Antalya otogar to Kaş run several times daily (Kamil Koç or Pamukkale lines, approximately 250 TL), with boat tours arranged locally from Kaş harbour.
Highlights
- Kaş Lycian rock tombs
- ancient Greek theatre
- Kekova sunken ruins from glass-bottom boat
- crystal-clear Kaş diving waters
- harbor restaurants
Tips for visiting
- The distance from Antalya makes Kaş–Kekova one of the longest day trips in the region; spending one night in Kaş allows a far more relaxed experience of both the boat trip and the town.
- Glass-bottom boat tours from Kaş harbour run approximately 4 hours and cost 300–500 TL per person; book through harbour-side offices rather than hotel desks to avoid commission markups.
- Swimming inside the Kekova sunken city zone is prohibited by Turkish law and enforced by the boat captain — violators face fines.
- Kaş is Turkey's premier technical diving destination with over 30 dive sites including underwater walls, caves, and ancient amphorae fields; contact local dive centres for half-day boat dives.
- The sea kayaking route along Kekova (typically 4–6 hours) is the best way to see the sunken ruins at water level; book through Kaş-based adventure operators.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and extra water — glass-bottom boats offer little shade and reflected sun off the water is intense.
When to visit
April to June and September to October offer the clearest water visibility for viewing the sunken city and comfortable conditions for sea kayaking. July and August are very busy — book glass-bottom tours at least one day in advance. Winter boat trips operate on a reduced, weather-dependent schedule.
Accessibility
Kaş town centre is hilly with stepped streets connecting the main harbour to the rock tomb areas. Glass-bottom boat tours require stepping onto a boat from a dock — accessible for most mobility levels with assistance. The Kaleköy (Simena) stop involves a steep path to the castle; the harbour area is flat. Sea kayaking is not suitable for visitors with limited upper-body mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim over the sunken city?
No. Swimming and diving within the Kekova Special Protected Area is prohibited by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. Glass-bottom boat tours provide views of the ruins without allowing entry into the water above the sunken city zone.
Is it better to visit Kaş–Kekova as a day trip or overnight?
An overnight stay in Kaş is strongly recommended for visitors who want to see the sunken city, explore Kaş fully, and enjoy the town's evening atmosphere. The day trip from Antalya is feasible but involves 5–6 hours of bus travel in addition to the boat tour.
What is the best way to see the Kekova ruins?
Glass-bottom boat tours from Kaş harbour or Üçağız village are the most popular option. Sea kayaking along the coast provides the most intimate waterline views of the submerged structures.
Are the Lycian rock tombs in Kaş free to visit?
The rock tombs carved into the cliff face above Kaş can be seen freely from below. The prominent Doric Tomb near the harbour is a short walk from the centre and freely accessible at all times.
What time do buses run from Antalya to Kaş?
Several bus companies including Kamil Koç and Pamukkale run daily services from Antalya otogar to Kaş, with journey times of approximately 2.5–3 hours. Early departures (07:00–08:00) are recommended to maximize time at the destination.