Kaş Beaches 2026: Lycian Coast Visitor Guide
"Kaputaş Beach sits 187 steps below the D400 highway — and 50 km further west, Patara stretches 18 km, making it one of the longest uninterrupted sand beaches in the Mediterranean."
Kaputas
187 steps down a cliff into a gorge — and the turquoise water at the bottom is worth every one. Entry fees, wave warnings and tips for Kaputas Beach.
Patara
18 km of sand next to the birthplace of Santa Claus — the beach closes at sunset so turtles can nest. Entry fees, ruins and tips for Patara Beach.
Introduction
Kaş beaches occupy the westernmost stretch of Antalya Province, where the Taurus Mountains drop steeply into the Mediterranean along the ancient Lycian coast. Two beaches define the district — one wedged into a cliff gorge, the other spanning 18 km of protected turtle-nesting sand.
Character & Setting
Kaş sits on a narrow coastal shelf opposite the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo), 180 km southwest of Antalya city. The town itself was the ancient Lycian port of Antiphellos, and rock-cut tombs still line the streets. The coastline is steep and rocky — cliffs rather than beaches — which concentrates swimming at a handful of dramatic points. Tourism runs dual-track: European backpackers and divers drawn by some of Turkey's clearest water share the D400 corridor with villa holidaymakers based around Kalkan. Development stays low-rise by regulation.
The Beaches
The two Kaş beaches could not be more different. Kaputaş occupies a narrow gorge between Kaş and Kalkan, reached by descending 187 concrete steps from the highway. The cove is small — roughly 150 m of sand-and-pebble — but the turquoise water framed by cliff walls makes it one of the most photographed spots on the Turkish coast. Waves can be strong; the water drops off steeply. Patara, 50 km west near Gelemiş, is the opposite: 18 km of fine golden sand, shallow entry, and virtually no development. The beach shares a ticket with adjacent Lycian ruins — parliament building, triumphal arch, and the reputed birthplace of Saint Nicholas. From May to October, Patara closes at sunset to protect Caretta caretta nests. One beach rewards the steep descent with a concentrated visual punch; the other rewards the walk with scale and solitude.
FAQ
How many beaches are in Kaş?
Two on this site — Kaputaş, a gorge cove between Kaş and Kalkan, and Patara, an 18 km sand beach near Gelemiş.
Is Kaputaş Beach free?
No. A modest entrance fee applies. Parking is charged separately. The 187-step descent has no alternative access.
Does Patara Beach close at sunset?
Yes. From May through October, the beach shuts at sunset for Caretta caretta turtle nesting. Strictly enforced.
Which airport is closest to Kaş?
Dalaman Airport (DLM), approximately 150 km west. Antalya Airport (AYT) is 190 km east.