Kaputas Beach
Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷
A narrow crescent of golden sand at the base of a dramatic limestone canyon — one of Turkey's most photographed and strikingly beautiful coastal spots.
Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷
A narrow crescent of golden sand at the base of a dramatic limestone canyon — one of Turkey's most photographed and strikingly beautiful coastal spots.
Location
Between Kaş and Kalkan towns
Best For
Snorkeling & Quiet Escapes
Water Temp
24–27°C (Jun–Sep)
Surface
Golden Sand
Parking
Small roadside car park above steps
Nearest Airport
Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Kaputaş Beach is one of Turkey's most strikingly beautiful beaches — a narrow crescent of fine golden sand wedged at the base of a spectacular limestone canyon where the turquoise sea has carved an inlet between towering cliffs. Located on the D400 coastal road between Kaş and Kalkan, the beach is reached by descending 187 steps from a lay-by on the cliff edge — the approach itself is vertigo-inducing, with views down to the vivid blue-green water far below.
The beach is small — perhaps 100 metres long and no wider than 20–30 metres — which contributes to its intimacy and sense of being somewhere genuinely special. The sand is golden and soft, the canyon walls rise impressively on both sides, and a seasonal stream trickles across the beach into the sea. The water colour is extraordinary: a vivid mix of turquoise, emerald and blue that changes with the light throughout the day.
The snorkeling here is excellent — the clear water, rocky canyon walls extending below the surface, and diverse marine life including octopus, painted combers, and Mediterranean moray make for a rewarding underwater experience. The beach gets busy in peak season as tour boats also anchor offshore, but early morning or late afternoon visits offer a much quieter experience.
From Kaş (12 km) or Kalkan (6 km) by car on the D400 coast road. A small lay-by marks the top of the 187 steps. Dolmuş minibuses from Kaş and Kalkan stop at the top of the steps in summer. Dalaman Airport is about 100 km east.
May–October for swimming. June and September are ideal — warm water with smaller crowds than July–August. Early mornings before 9am are significantly quieter than midday. In July–August the beach fills by 10am.
Wear comfortable shoes for the 187 steps (slippery when wet). There's limited shade on the beach so bring your own. The canyon creates a wind tunnel effect — useful for cooling in peak heat. Visiting at sunrise is magical.