Kaputaş Beach — Turkey's Most Photogenic Cove
A small beach of extraordinary turquoise water, wedged into the mouth of a canyon between Kaş and Kalkan.
Kaputaş Beach: entrance fee Beach free; sunbed + parasol set about €8–15, opening hours Open all day; kiosk and sunbed service May–October. Suggested time: 2–3 hours. Best time to visit: May–June and September; before 10:00 it is far less crowded.
Kaputaş is a strip of sand about 150 metres long, 20 metres below the D400, at the point where a narrow canyon between sheer cliffs opens to the sea. The water glows that improbable turquoise because cold freshwater springs from the canyon mix with the sea and reflect off a bed of white shingle.
You reach it by a staircase of roughly 190 steps from the lay-by on the road; the viewing platform at the top is one of the most photographed views in Turkey. Down below there is a small kiosk and paid sunbeds and parasols, while the natural shade disappears in the afternoon.
Kaputaş Beach opening hours and visitor information (2026)
| Entrance fee | Beach free; sunbed + parasol set about €8–15 |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open all day; kiosk and sunbed service May–October |
| Suggested time | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September; before 10:00 it is far less crowded |
Prices are approximate for the 2026 season; check current rates at the ticket office or on muze.gov.tr.
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How do I get to Kaputaş Beach?
Kaputaş sits on the D400, 7 km from Kalkan and 20 km from Kaş; from Antalya it is about 190 km and three hours. Rather than a day trip from Side or Manavgat, it makes more sense as part of a stay in Kaş. Minibuses running between Kaş and Kalkan stop on the road above the beach, and in summer the lay-bys fill up before midday.
Distances and driving times to Kaputaş Beach
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 222 km · about 3 h 6 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 280 km · about 3 h 50 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 280 km · about 3 h 47 min by car |
| From Alanya | 340 km · about 4 h 30 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Kaputaş Beach
- The staircase is steep and unshaded — easy going down, hard coming up, so carry water.
- Freshwater from the canyon makes the sea colder than you expect.
- On rough days there can be a pull in the middle of the beach; stay near the shore.
Where is Kaputaş Beach?
Kaputaş Beach — frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Kaputaş Beach?
No, entry is free. You only pay for sunbeds, parasols and anything from the kiosk.
How many steps are there, can anyone manage them?
A concrete staircase of about 190 steps. It has solid handrails but is steep and unshaded, and is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Is there any shade on the beach?
The cliffs give natural shade in the morning, but by afternoon the beach is in full sun. Rent a parasol or arrive early.
How far is Kaputaş Beach from Side?
Kaputaş Beach is 280 km from Side by road — about 3 h 50 min by car without stops.
How far is Kaputaş Beach from Antalya Airport?
Kaputaş Beach is 222 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 3 h 6 min by car without stops.
