Tiny, stunning beach wedged between towering cliffs where turquoise Mediterranean waters meet white pebbles. Reached by descending 187 steps from the coastal highway between Kaş and Kalkan, this postcard-perfect cove offers crystal-clear swimming and dramatic scenery despite limited space.
Kaputaş Beach is a small but exceptionally photogenic cove located on the D400 coastal highway between Kaş and Kalkan in Antalya province, Turkey. Positioned where the Kaputaş Stream gorge meets the Mediterranean Sea, the beach sits at the base of sheer white limestone cliffs that channel the turquoise water of the gorge into a natural swimming pool before it opens into the deeper sea beyond. The beach itself is approximately 100 metres of fine white sand and pebble, dramatically wider in appearance from above than it is in reality.
Access requires descending 187 concrete steps from the main highway parking area above, a descent of approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The steps cut directly through the cliff face, with the beach invisible until the final section of the descent. The cliff walls provide shade to the beach for the first half of the morning and after mid-afternoon, making it cooler than open beaches in peak summer. The water clarity is exceptional — typically exceeding five metres of visibility — thanks to the gorge stream input and the rocky bottom.
The beach has limited facilities: a small snack kiosk operates in high season, sunbed hire is available for a daily fee, and chemical toilets are maintained near the steps. There is no shade infrastructure beyond the natural cliff shadow. Space is extremely limited; the beach can accommodate perhaps 150 to 200 people comfortably, and in July and August it frequently reaches capacity by 10:00 AM.
The most famous perspective on Kaputaş is not from the beach itself but from the highway above: looking down through the gorge gap to the wedge of turquoise water and white sand framed by cliffs, with the open Mediterranean beyond. This viewpoint is accessible from the parking area without descending the steps. Boats from Kaş and Kalkan also approach the beach from the sea, offering an alternative perspective and access.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours (facilities 9:00-19:00)
- Best for
- beaches, photography, swimming, couples
Location
Kaputaş Plajı, Kalkan/Kaş/Antalya
36.2558, 29.3889 View on map
Highlights
- Wedge of turquoise water framed by vertical white limestone cliffs — one of Turkey's most iconic beach compositions
- Highway viewpoint looking down through the gorge to the beach and open Mediterranean beyond
- Exceptional water clarity from gorge stream input — typically 5+ metres visibility
- Natural cliff shade protecting the beach in morning hours and after 3:00 PM in summer
- Access by 187-step descent through cliff face — part of the dramatic visitor experience
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early - tiny beach fills up fast
- 187 steps down (and back up!) - not easy in heat
- Limited facilities - bring supplies
- Best photos from highway viewpoint
When to visit
Arrive before 9:00 AM in July and August to secure space before the beach fills. May, June, September, and October see far fewer visitors with equally warm water. Afternoon visits after 3:00 PM see some visitors leave and the cliff shade begins to cover the beach.
Accessibility
Kaputaş Beach is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors who cannot descend and ascend 187 concrete steps. The beach surface is fine pebble and some sand, manageable for ambulatory visitors. The highway viewpoint directly above offers a clear sight of the beach without descending.
Frequently asked questions
How crowded does Kaputaş Beach get?
In July and August the beach reaches capacity by 10:00 AM most days. Arriving before 9:00 AM is advisable to secure space. Spring and autumn see far fewer visitors — often just a handful of people on the beach.
Is Kaputaş Beach accessible for families with young children?
The 187-step descent is manageable for fit children but is difficult with strollers or heavy beach equipment. The water entry is gentle with no steep drop-off. Young children wading near the gorge stream should be watched carefully as the current is stronger than the main sea area.
Is there parking at Kaputaş Beach?
A small lay-by on the D400 highway above the beach provides limited parking. It fills quickly in peak season. Arriving early or taking a bus along the coastal road from Kaş or Kalkan avoids the parking problem.
Can the beach be reached by boat?
Yes — boat trip operators from Kaş and Kalkan include Kaputaş on their coastal routes, mooring offshore while passengers swim from the boat or wade ashore. This avoids the step descent and provides a different perspective on the cliffs.