Two little towns clinging to the cliffs of the Mediterranean, where bougainvillea spills over stone streets and you can kayak above a city that sank into the sea two thousand years ago. Welcome to Kaş and Kalkan.
Some places on the Turkish coast shout; Kaş and Kalkan whisper. These twin towns on the Turquoise Coast (the Turkish Riviera between Fethiye and Antalya) have kept the intimacy that the big resorts lost. Whitewashed houses tumble down to tiny harbours, bougainvillea frames every doorway, and the water is so clear it seems to hold the light. This is where Turkey’s in-the-know travellers come to slow down.
Kaş: Diving, Kayaking and Bohemian Charm
Kaş is a diver’s paradise — one of the best dive centres in the Mediterranean, with reefs, caverns and even wrecks just offshore. Above the water, the real magic is sea kayaking over the sunken city of Kekova, gliding above submerged Lycian staircases, walls and doorways drowned by ancient earthquakes. Back on land, the old town is a maze of craft shops, rooftop bars and a perfectly preserved Lycian rock tomb standing in the middle of a street.
Kalkan: Bougainvillea, Boutique Style and Sunsets
A short drive west, Kalkan is more polished — a hillside of boutique villas and famous rooftop restaurants tumbling down to a pretty harbour. It is renowned for some of the best dining on the coast and for sunsets that turn the whole bay gold. Days are spent on beach clubs and boat trips; evenings on a terrace with a glass of Turkish wine.
Beaches and Boat Trips
Don’t miss Kaputaş Beach between the two towns — a dazzling turquoise cove at the foot of a gorge — and the gület boat trips out to Kekova and quiet swimming coves. The whole region is made for lazy days on the water.
Plan Your Turquoise Coast Escape
Kaş and Kalkan combine beautifully with Fethiye, a blue cruise and Antalya. Explore our tours or design a bespoke coastal journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kaş and Kalkan best known for?
Kaş is famous for scuba diving and sea kayaking over the sunken city of Kekova, plus its bohemian old town. Kalkan is known for boutique villas, superb rooftop restaurants and stunning sunsets. Both sit on Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast.
How do I get to Kaş and Kalkan?
The nearest airports are Dalaman (about 2.5–3 hours) and Antalya (about 3 hours). They combine easily with Fethiye and a blue cruise along the coast.
What is the sunken city of Kekova?
Kekova is a Lycian settlement partly submerged by ancient earthquakes. You can sea kayak or take a boat over crystal-clear water and see staircases, walls and doorways lying beneath the surface.
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