Kaş or Kalkan: which Lycian town?

Kaş and Kalkan are neighbours on the Lycian coast, 30 minutes apart, and both are far from mass tourism. Kaş is a lively little town of divers and travellers; Kalkan is quieter and more upmarket, a hillside of villas with infinity pools.

Kaş harbour with boats and white houses on the hillside
Photo: Esginmurat, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
KaşKalkan
Transfer from Dalaman Airport2 h 15 min · 150 km1 h 45 min · 120 km
Boutique hotel, breakfast, high season, per night€160–280€170–290
AtmosphereLively, sociable, young and internationalQuiet, upmarket, an older crowd
AccommodationPensions, boutique hotels, a few villasMostly villas with private pools, small hotels
SwimmingPlatforms into deep clear water; Kaputaş beach 20 kmBeach clubs with platforms; Patara sandy beach 20 min
ActivitiesDiving, Kekova kayaking, paragliding, ferry to MeisPatara, Xanthos, Saklıkent gorge
EveningsBusy old-town bars and restaurantsRooftop restaurants with views
TerrainCompact and flat in the centreSteep lanes, hard with buggies

Transfer times and prices come from the same data as our transfer guides and budget calculator; prices are typical ranges per room or villa in June–September, not quotes.

Choose Kaş if…

  • You want atmosphere, activities and diving
  • You prefer pensions or small hotels
  • You want to visit Kekova and Meis

→ Kaş travel guide

Choose Kalkan if…

  • You want a villa with a private pool
  • You prefer quiet evenings and rooftop dining
  • You want the long sandy beach at Patara nearby

→ Kalkan travel guide

Also consider

Want a bigger town with boat trips and a weekly market? See Fethiye, 75 minutes west.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Kaş from Kalkan?

About 27 km, around 30 minutes by car or dolmuş along the coast road past Kaputaş beach.

Is Kaş or Kalkan better for families?

Kalkan suits families in a villa with a pool, with Patara’s sand nearby. Kaş suits older children who snorkel and like boats.

Which airport is best for Kaş and Kalkan?

Dalaman: about 1 hour 45 minutes to Kalkan and 2 hours 15 minutes to Kaş.