Day Trips from Kaş That Are Better by Rental Car Why a Rental Car Unlocks the Best of the Lycian Coast Kaputaş Beach — 20 km, 25 Minutes Patara Beach and Ancient City — 42 km, 45 Minutes Kekova Sunken City via Üçağız — 35 km, 40 Minutes Saklıkent Gorge and Tlos Ruins — a Full-Day Combo Myra Rock Tombs, St. Nicholas Museum, and Demre — 45 km Xanthos and Letoon — The UNESCO Double Stop What About Fethiye, İslamlar, and Kastellorizo? Day Trip Comparison Table Speed Limits, Fines, and the 2026 Traffic Law You Must Know Day Trips from Kaş by Car — Beaches, Ruins & Mountain Routes (2026) Day Trips from Kaş That Are Better by Rental Car Best day trips from Kaş by rental car — Kaputaş Beach, Patara, Kekova, Saklıkent Gorge, Myra, Xanthos. Driving distances, parking tips, entry fees and 2026 traffic rules for the Lycian Coast. By the Kas Rent A Car team · Published 2026-04-15 Why a Rental Car Unlocks the Best of the Lycian Coast The best day trips from Kaş are Kaputaş Beach (20 km), Patara (42 km), Kekova (35 km), Saklıkent Gorge (65 km), Myra and Demre (45 km), and Xanthos–Letoon (45 km) — ancient Lycian capitals, turquoise coves, and mountain gorges that cluster within a 65-kilometre radius of Kaş, yet none are served by scheduled bus routes. The D400 coastal highway links all these major points of interest between Antalya and Fethiye. While public transport like the dolmuş (shared minibus) exists, it's designed for point-to-point travel, not for the kind of multi-stop exploratory days that make a trip here unforgettable. A rental car gives you the autonomy to visit an ancient ruin in the cool of the morning, escape the midday sun at a secluded cove, and finish with sunset at a world-famous beach—a feat impossible to coordinate with public transport timetables. The ability to control your own schedule, manage your luggage, and make spontaneous stops makes the Lycian Coast genuinely accessible. Before planning your trip, compare local options on our kas rent a car page — airport pickup, villa delivery, and automatic-transmission availability vary by agency. Kaputaş Beach — 20 km, 25 Minutes Kaputaş is the postcard image of the Turkish Riviera: a sliver of golden sand wedged at the bottom of a dramatic gorge, meeting impossibly turquoise water. Kaputaş combines that breathtaking beauty with convenience, sitting directly on the D400 highway between Kaş and Kalkan. Access to the beach is via a famous 187-step staircase that descends from the road level. There is no entry fee, but be aware that there are also no permanent facilities; you must bring your own water, snacks, and umbrella. The primary challenge here is Kaputaş Beach parking. Parking is extremely limited, consisting of informal spots along the narrow shoulder of the busy D400. To secure a space, your best strategy is to arrive before 11:00 am or later in the afternoon after 3:00 pm during the peak summer months. A great way to structure your day is to visit Kaputaş in the morning and then continue another 7 km to the sophisticated harbour town of Kalkan (27 km from Kaş) for a rooftop lunch. Patara Beach and Ancient City — 42 km, 45 Minutes Patara, 42 km west of Kaş, pairs Turkey's longest beach with the sprawling ruins of an ancient Lycian capital. A Kaş to Patara by car journey drives towards the village of Gelemiş, the entrance to a vast protected area that contains both the ancient city and the beach. The site has a single entrance fee of €15, which grants access to both the archaeological park and the beach. Your official Turkish Museum Pass (Müzekart) is also valid here. Parking is straightforward, located in a large, unpaved field just past the main cluster of ruins. From the car park, it's an easy 1.5-kilometre walk (around 15-20 minutes) along a wooden boardwalk through protected dunes to reach the 18-kilometre-long stretch of pristine sand. Be advised, Patara is a protected nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta (loggerhead) turtles, as managed by the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. As a result, the beach is closed to the public after sunset to allow the turtles to nest undisturbed. For this trip, a comfortable sedan or compact SUV from the available rental categories provides ample space for beach gear and a smooth ride on the approach roads. Kekova Sunken City via Üçağız — 35 km, 40 Minutes The most efficient and authentic way to see the famous sunken city of Kekova is not from Kaş harbour, but by driving to the source. The Kaş to Kekova drive takes you 35 km east to the sleepy fishing village of Üçağız. From here, you can hire a small, private boat for a fraction of the cost and time of the larger tours departing from Kaş. This route gives you a more intimate experience on the water. Parking in Üçağız is free during the off-season but becomes a paid system in summer. However, many boat operators, such as the reputable Sail Kekova, offer free private parking for their guests—a significant perk. Your boat trip will cruise over the submerged ruins, but the highlight is a stop at Kaleköy, the village crowned by Simena Castle. You can explore the village on foot and climb to the castle for panoramic views. The entrance fee for Simena Castle is €4, and it is also covered by the Museum Pass. This day trip is an excellent option right after your arrival; learn more about getting here on our Antalya Airport to Kaş guide. Kekova by Your Own Boat: Chartering on the Lycian Coast. Üçağız day boats are the cheap way onto the water, but the Lycian Coast is also one of the main charter regions in the Mediterranean: Göcek and Fethiye — around 100–130 km west on the D400 — are the biggest bases in Turkey, and Setur Kaş Marina keeps yachts in Kaş itself. A week on a gulet or a bareboat covers Kekova, Kalkan, Kaputaş and the bays behind Kastellorizo at a pace no dolmuş or day tour matches. A charter concierge compares boats, checks skipper availability and handles the paperwork before you commit. Compare yacht charters in Fethiye. Saklıkent Gorge and Tlos Ruins — a Full-Day Combo For a refreshing break from the coast, a drive inland offers a dramatic change of scenery. This full-day adventure combines the natural wonder of Saklıkent Gorge with the commanding ancient city of Tlos. The drive to Saklıkent Gorge from Kaş is approximately 65 km and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The gorge itself is a 300-meter deep, 18-km long canyon carved by the Xanthos River. For an entry fee of around $1 per person, you can walk along a raised wooden boardwalk suspended above the rushing water, then wade through the ice-cold, ankle-deep river into the main part of the slot canyon. Parking costs a nominal $1.50 and is on a safe, compacted gravel lot suitable for all standard rental cars. Just a short drive away are the ruins of Tlos (80 km from Kaş). Perched on a rocky acropolis, Tlos is one of the most important ancient Lycian cities, with a stunning collection of rock tombs, a Roman-era theatre and stadium, and an Ottoman fortress at its peak. The entry fee is €3.70 (Müzekart valid). A word of expert advice: the mountain roads on this route have fewer petrol stations than the main D400. It's wise to fill your tank before leaving Kaş. If you need to refuel, the mountain town of Gömbe (66 km from Kaş) has reliable BP, Opet, and Gulf stations. Myra Rock Tombs, St. Nicholas Museum, and Demre — 45 km The modern agricultural town of Demre, 45 km east of Kaş, is home to two of the Lycian Coast's most significant historical sites: the ancient city of Myra and the church of St. Nicholas. The key to a smooth visit is understanding that these are two separate sites with different parking arrangements. The Lycian rock tombs of Myra, carved spectacularly into a cliff face above a large Roman theatre, have a dedicated, easy-to-access visitor car park right next to the ticket office. The entrance fee for Myra is €13. In contrast, the St. Nicholas Museum—a Byzantine church built on the site where the original "Santa Claus" served as bishop—is located deep within Demre's town grid. Parking here is on-street and can be tight, requiring more patience to find a spot. The entrance fee is €17. Both Myra and the St. Nicholas Museum are covered by the official Museum Pass. Many visitors successfully combine these sites with a boat trip to Kekova; after finishing in Demre, it's a short drive back towards Kaş to reach the boat departure point at Üçağız. Xanthos and Letoon — The UNESCO Double Stop For history enthusiasts, the Xanthos Letoon day trip is essential. Located near the village of Kınık, about 45 km from Kaş along the D400 towards Fethiye, these two sites form a single UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 1988 for their importance as the heart of the Lycian civilization. Xanthos, the former capital, is situated just off the main highway with easy, paved road access. Here you can explore the acropolis, a Roman theatre, and iconic Lycian pillar tombs and sarcophagi. The entrance fee is a modest €3. From Xanthos, a 4 km side road takes you to Letoon, the sacred cult centre of the Lycian Federation. The road winds through agricultural greenhouses and village tracks. While passable for a standard sedan, a vehicle with higher clearance like an SUV can make the drive more comfortable. Letoon's serene setting, with its three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis partially submerged in water, is profoundly atmospheric. This duo of sites is a perfect stop when driving between Kaş and Fethiye. If you are staying closer to Kalkan, these sites are even more accessible; check our Kalkan car rental options for a convenient pickup. What About Fethiye, İslamlar, and Kastellorizo? Beyond the main historical circuits, your rental car opens up other diverse experiences. Here's a quick look at three popular but very different destinations. Fethiye: The drive from Kaş to Fethiye is 105 km and takes about 1.5 hours. It's a major port town, bustling with life, especially on the Tuesday and Friday farmers' market days. The drive is straightforward but involves the Göcek Tunnel, which has a 75 TRY toll. An HGS electronic toll tag, provided by your rental agency, is required for payment. İslamlar: This quiet mountain village is just 20 km from Kaş, but the winding 40-minute drive feels like a world away. Famous for its trout farms and restaurants that feature tables set over natural spring water pools, it's a unique culinary escape. The roads are narrow and can be slippery after rain, so drive with care. Kastellorizo (Meis): This is the one trip where you'll park your car and leave it behind. The tiny, beautiful Greek island of Kastellorizo is a 20-minute ferry ride from Kaş harbour. You'll need your passport for the journey. Spend the day exploring the colourful harbour, swimming in the Blue Grotto, and enjoying Greek hospitality before returning to Kaş in the evening. Day Trip Comparison Table Destination Distance Drive Time Entry Fee Parking Best For Kaputaş Beach 20 km 25 mins Free Very limited roadside Couples, Beach lovers Patara 42 km 45 mins €15 Large unpaved field Families, History fans Kekova (Üçağız) 35 km 40 mins €4 Free/Paid seasonal All groups, Scenery Saklıkent + Tlos 65–80 km 1h 15m Ample gravel lots Adventurous families Myra + Demre 45 km 50 mins Dedicated + street History/Culture fans Xanthos + Letoon 45 km 50 mins €3 Easy, on-site History buffs Fethiye 105 km 1h 30m 75 TRY toll Paid lots & street Shoppers, Markets 20 km 40 mins Free Restaurant parking Foodies, Couples Kastellorizo 1 km to port 5 mins Ferry ticket Kaş town parking Day-trippers Speed Limits, Fines, and the 2026 Traffic Law You Must Know Driving in Turkey is straightforward when you know the rules. The 2026 traffic law changes are significant for anyone renting a car on the Lycian Coast. Speed Limits: The standard limits are 50 km/h in urban zones, 90 km/h on intercity two-lane highways, and 110 km/h on divided highways like sections of the D400. The 2026 Zero-Tolerance Speed Law: Effective January 1, 2026, this law introduces zero-tolerance for speeding, with fines starting at 2,000 TRY for exceeding the limit by just 6–10 km/h. Fines increase sharply, reaching 30,000 TRY for over 66 km/h. The D400 is monitored by AI-powered average speed corridors that calculate your time between two gantry points. Fines and Tolls: Radar detectors are strictly illegal in Turkey. As per Turkish Traffic Law No. 2918, possession carries a fine of 185,000 TRY. The only toll on this part of the coast is the 75 TRY Göcek Tunnel on the way to Fethiye, which requires an HGS electronic tag that your rental agency must provide. MuseumPass The Mediterranean: Costs 2,200 TRY and provides access for 7 days to over 50 museums and ruins, including Patara, Myra, St. Nicholas Church, Xanthos, and Simena Castle. Purchase it at the ticket office of the first major site you visit.