Kaputaş is a very small beach with a very large reputation. A narrow cleft in the cliffs, once carved by a stream, opens onto a cove of pale sand where the water turns a brilliant mix of turquoise and sapphire. The beach is only a few dozen metres wide, and in high summer it can be crowded, but the setting is memorable, with tall rock walls on either side, a rocky headland beyond, and the coast road passing high overhead. It lies about a dozen kilometres from Kalkan and some twenty from Kaş, on the same road, so it is an easy stop for anyone travelling between the two towns. A staircase of around two hundred steps leads from the roadside car park down to the sand, with a viewing platform on the way where you can take pictures of the cove from above. The steps are easy on the descent, but they feel long on the way back in the heat of the day. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for hire in season, a snack bar and basic toilets and changing cabins. There is no entrance fee for the beach itself, though parking at the roadside may be charged by local operators.
When to go
The beach is at its best in the morning or late afternoon. Midday brings the largest crowds, particularly day-trip groups from Kaş, Kalkan and Fethiye, and the cove receives sun for only part of the day because of the cliffs. In shoulder seasons, from late spring and early autumn, you will find more space, and the water remains pleasantly warm into October. The beach can be windy in the afternoons, when waves roll into the cove and the swimming becomes more energetic.
Swimming
The water drops away quickly from the shore, and while it looks calm, there can be a current near the mouth of the cove, so it is wise to stay close to the beach, especially with children. A stream flows across the sand toward the sea, and the pebbly strip at the water's edge is easy to underestimate, so water shoes are helpful. Snorkelling is possible along the rock walls on calm days. Bring your own mask, as hire is limited.
Getting there
There are two main ways. If you have a car or scooter, park at the roadside above the cove and take the steps. If not, dolmuş minibuses between Kaş and Kalkan will stop at the roadside on request, although services are less frequent in the low season, so confirm times locally. Many people see the beach on a day tour, and boat trips from Kaş also reach the cove from the sea, which avoids the steps and shows the cliffs to advantage.
Make the most of the visit
Combine Kaputaş with a drive along the Kaş to Kalkan road, which is one of the great coastal drives in Turkey. Stop at viewpoints on the way, have a late lunch in Kalkan, and take a swim at one of the quieter coves. With limited facilities, bring water and snacks, a hat and sun protection, and take your litter away with you.
Responsible visiting
The cove is small and its stream and rocks are fragile, so carry out everything you bring in, avoid leaving towels and chairs on the narrow sand overnight and keep noise down in the early morning. Take care not to climb on loose rock at the sides of the gorge, and do not swim far from the shore on windy days.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided beach visit down a long flight of steps from the roadside, with sunbeds and a snack bar in season.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon in late spring or early autumn, to avoid the midday crowds.
How long
One to three hours.
Tips
Wear shoes for the steps, bring water shoes and snacks, and take care of the current near the mouth of the cove.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and swimmers who want a single unforgettable cove.
- Families
- Fine with supervision, but the steps are long and the water is deep close to shore.
- Couples
- A short, scenic stop on the coast road between Kaş and Kalkan.
- Pair with
- Kalkan old town, Patara beach, or a Saklıkent day trip.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
How many steps are there to Kaputaş Beach?+
Around two hundred, from the roadside car park to the sand. They are comfortable going down and tiring coming back.
Is there an entrance fee?+
The beach itself is generally free, but sunbeds, umbrellas and roadside parking can cost extra.
Is the water safe for children?+
With care. The water deepens quickly and there can be a current near the mouth of the cove.
Can I get there without a car?+
Yes, dolmuş minibuses between Kaş and Kalkan stop on the road above the cove. Services are less frequent outside summer.
When is it least crowded?+
Early morning and late afternoon, and outside July and August.