Antalya to Kaş: The Ultimate Coastal Motorcycle Route

Route Overview

The Antalya–Kaş coastal route follows the D400 highway southwest from Antalya city, hugging the Turquoise Coast for approximately 200km before arriving in the harbour town of Kaş. Most riders complete it as a two or three-day journey, spending nights in Kemer or Olimpos along the way.

This is not a fast road. The D400 west of Kemer becomes increasingly twisty, climbing and descending through limestone cliffs that drop straight into the sea. Speed is secondary here — the reward is in the corners, the viewpoints, and the sudden glimpses of turquoise water between the pine trees.

Day 1: Antalya to Olimpos (95km)

Leave Antalya heading west on the D400. The first section through Kemer is smooth and relatively fast — a good warm-up for what follows. Stop at Phaselis, a Lycian harbour city dating to 690 BC, where you can walk through the ruins to a beach that has barely changed in two millennia.

Continue south past Kemer and you'll reach Olimpos — an ancient Lycian city buried in dense forest beside a river that flows directly onto a pebble beach. Accommodation here ranges from treehouse camps to small boutique hotels. The Chimera (Yanartaş), a cluster of natural eternal flames on the hillside above Olimpos, is a 45-minute hike from the road and unmissable if you arrive before dark.

Day 2: Olimpos to Kaş (105km)

This is the most spectacular day of riding. The road climbs sharply out of Olimpos and the corners begin immediately. Finike, the citrus capital of Turkey, sits on a wide coastal plain and makes a good coffee stop. From Finike, the road climbs again toward Kapaklı, where a series of hairpins delivers views of the entire bay below.

Kaş itself is one of the most charming towns on the Turkish coast — narrow lanes, Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the town, a small harbour full of gulets, and a restaurant scene that punches well above its size. Stay two nights if you can.

Best Motorcycles for This Route

The Yamaha XMAX 400 and Honda Forza 250 are the most popular choices for this route — automatic transmission makes the frequent corners less tiring, and their comfortable upright riding position suits a full day in the saddle. For riders who prefer a manual gearbox, the Yamaha Tracer 700 offers the best balance of comfort and performance on the twisty sections.

Adventure bikes (BMW R1250GS, Honda Africa Twin) are excellent if you want to explore the dirt tracks that lead down to secluded coves off the main road. The road surfaces are generally good throughout, but the occasional gravel section rewards a bike with more ground clearance.

Practical Information

Fuel stations are plentiful between Antalya and Kemer but become less frequent south of Olimpos. Fill up at Finike before the climb toward Kaş. Accommodation in high season (July–August) should be booked in advance, particularly in Olimpos which has limited options.

The ideal time for this route is May–June or September–October, when temperatures are comfortable for riding (24–30°C), the road is quieter than in peak summer, and the light is at its most photogenic in the late afternoon. We offer free delivery to Antalya Airport and all major hotels in the city — pick up your bike, load your bags, and head straight for the coast.

Exploring Kaş — What to Do

Kaş rewards those who spend at least two nights. The old town is built on the site of ancient Antiphellos, and Lycian sarcophagi sit casually on street corners — some residents have incorporated the ancient stones into their garden walls. The main square hosts a lively café culture, and the Thursday market draws locals from surrounding villages with produce, olives, and hand-woven textiles.

Diving is Kaş's most famous activity, with over a dozen sites within a 30-minute boat ride. The Uçağı (Airplane) wreck — a Douglas C-47 at 28 metres — is one of Turkey's most-photographed dive locations. Non-divers can join glass-bottomed boat tours to see the submerged ruins of ancient Dolichiste island, where columns and archways are visible through the clear water.

The short water-taxi trip to Meis (Kastellorizo), a tiny Greek island visible from Kaş harbour, is a unique cross-border experience. The island has one village, a handful of tavernas, and a Byzantine castle. Bring your passport — it is required — and your camera. The view back across to the Turkish coastline from the Greek side is something most visitors never forget.

Side Trips and Detours Off the Main Route

The D400 route stands alone, but several detours add real depth. Between Kemer and Olimpos, a 6km unpaved track descends to Adrasan — a quiet bay with a long sandy beach and family-run pensions. The track is manageable on a scooter in dry conditions but far more comfortable on an adventure bike with decent ground clearance.

South of Demre (historically the birthplace of St Nicholas — the real Santa Claus), the B-350 road climbs inland to the ruins of Myra, one of ancient Lycia's most important cities. The Roman theatre is exceptionally well-preserved, and multi-level rock-cut tombs are carved directly into the cliff face above it. Allow at least an hour, more if you want to photograph in good light.

Just before Kaş, a right turn toward Kalkan is worth every minute of detour. Kalkan sits 300 metres above sea level on a limestone hillside, with whitewashed Greek-style houses cascading down to a small marina. The restaurant scene here rivals Kaş. The switchback climb back to the D400 offers panoramic bay views that justify every hairpin corner.

Road Safety and Riding Tips

The D400 is a two-lane national highway shared with trucks, tourist coaches, and agricultural vehicles. In the early morning around Finike and Demre, expect tractors and flatbed trucks carrying produce. Give them wide clearance and do not overtake on blind corners — they are frequent on the mountain sections between Olimpos and Finike.

All motorcycles in our fleet are serviced before every rental and include a 24/7 roadside assistance number. In the event of a puncture or breakdown anywhere on the route, our team can reach any point within two to three hours. Download maps.me with offline Antalya region maps before departure — mobile signal is inconsistent above Olimpos on mountain stretches.

Wear full protective gear regardless of temperature. The Mediterranean sun is deceptive — a 30°C day feels cool at 80 km/h, but road rash is road rash. Our rental packages include an optional CE-certified jacket and gloves at a modest daily supplement. Helmets meeting ECE 22.06 standard are included with every rental at no extra charge.

Rent a Motorcycle in Antalya

Free hotel delivery • 24/7 support • No payment today