Kaputaş Beach

A turquoise cove hidden between steep cliffs on the road from Kaş to Kalkan.

Why it is worth visiting

Kaputaş is one of Türkiye’s most photographed coves, but its real effect only appears when you see it in person. Viewed from the highway between Kaş and Kalkan, the small beach appears suddenly, like a turquoise slit wedged between two steep cliffs.

The geography of the cove

The beach formed where the Kaputaş Canyon behind it meets the sea, which is why it is described as a “canyon-mouth beach.” Its colour comes from the clear spring water flowing out of the canyon together with the fine white pebbles along the shore. As the angle of the sun changes, so do the tones, ranging from turquoise to deep blue. Because the cove is small it fills quickly, so early morning is best for avoiding both crowds and heat.

Access: the stairs

The beach is reached by a staircase from the roadside. The number of steps is enough to put some visitors off; in 2017 the stairway was rerouted to make the descent more practical and safe. Do not overestimate the way down, but do factor in that the climb back up can be tiring in summer heat.

Swimming and conditions

Kaputaş is a Blue Flag beach operated by Kaş Municipality, which means entry is free. Loungers, showers, toilets and a snack bar are available in season. As the cove is small and the depth increases quickly from the shore, it is worth watching the sea conditions, especially on windy days.

Photograph versus reality

The images online usually show the cove at its emptiest and most perfect. In high season the beach can be quite crowded because it is small. The way to do it justice is to come early or late in the day and think of the cove as a short stop rather than a single photo frame.

The visit

The most useful thing to know when planning Kaputaş is that the cove is small. In high season the beach fills by midday and queues can form on the stairs. Coming early in the morning or late in the afternoon gives both a quieter cove and softer light. It is worth taking water and something for shade before the descent; there is little natural shade in the cove. The way the sea deepens right from the shore, and the cool spring water you can sometimes feel, show how it differs from an ordinary beach. On windy days waves can pick up, so it is worth watching the sea conditions.

Nearby

Kalkan is only a few kilometres away and makes a good dinner stop. To the west, Patara offers both an ancient city and a long beach, while Kaş — for diving and boat trips — lies along the same route.