The Friday market — known locally as the Cuma Pazarı — is one of those experiences that makes Kaş feel like a real Turkish town rather than a tourist resort. Every week, local farmers, producers, and traders set up stalls along the streets near the western edge of town, selling everything from ripe tomatoes and crumbly white cheese to hand-stitched tablecloths and jars of golden pine honey.
Whether you are stocking up your holiday kitchen, hunting for a unique souvenir, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Friday market is worth building your morning around.
When & Where
The market runs every Friday, year-round, without exception. Vendors begin setting up around 7:00 am and the market is in full swing by 8:00. The best time to visit is between 8:00 and 11:00 am — the produce is freshest, the selection is complete, and it is not yet too crowded or hot in summer.
By early afternoon — around 1:00 pm — most vendors are packing up and the market winds down. Do not leave it until the afternoon or you will find half-empty stalls and picked-over produce.
The market is located on the western edge of Kaş, in the streets near the otogar (bus station) area. It spreads across several blocks, with food and produce stalls at the centre and textiles, clothing, and household goods along the outer edges. You cannot miss it — just follow the crowds and the smell of fresh herbs and grilled corn.
From the town centre, it is a 5–10 minute walk depending on where you are staying. Head west along the main road past the mosque and you will see the stalls ahead of you.
In summer, the market is busier and more lively — local families, tourists, and day-trippers all mingle between the stalls. In winter, it is smaller and quieter but still runs reliably. The off-season market has a more local feel and you are more likely to chat directly with the farmers who grew what they are selling.
What to Buy
Fresh Produce
The heart of the market is the fresh produce section. Local farmers bring in seasonal fruit and vegetables that are noticeably better than what you will find in the supermarkets. Look for:
- Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers — the staples of Turkish salads, intensely flavourful and dirt cheap
- Figs — in season from late June through September, soft and sweet straight from the tree
- Pomegranates — available autumn through winter, deep red and bursting with juice
- Herbs — flat-leaf parsley, mint, dill, and rocket sold in generous bunches for almost nothing
Cheese, Olives & Honey
This is where the market truly excels. Turkish dairy and olive producers take their craft seriously, and the quality here is outstanding:
- Tulum peyniri — a crumbly, tangy goat's cheese aged in animal skin, a regional speciality
- Lor — a soft, fresh curd cheese similar to ricotta, delicious with honey for breakfast
- Beyaz peynir — Turkish white cheese, the everyday staple, sold in brined blocks
- Olives — green, black, cracked, herb-marinated — vendors offer dozens of varieties and will always let you taste before you buy
- Pine honey (çam balı) — a local speciality from the surrounding forests, dark and aromatic. Also look for honeycomb (petek bal) sold in slabs
Spices, Dried Fruits & Nuts
Stalls piled with colourful spices, dried apricots, figs, sultanas, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds. Prices are well below what you would pay in tourist shops. Excellent for gifts or stocking up on cooking essentials.
Textiles & Clothing
The outer stalls sell a range of textiles and clothing:
- Tablecloths and towels — cotton and linen, often with traditional patterns
- Scarves — silk and cotton, lightweight and packable souvenirs
- Cotton and linen clothing — loose summer shirts, dresses, and trousers at very reasonable prices
Quality varies, so check seams and fabric before buying. The better textile stalls are obvious — they take pride in presentation and will happily show you their range.
Souvenirs & Gifts
The market is a great place to pick up small, packable gifts to take home. Jars of local honey, bags of spices, hand-embroidered napkins, and olive oil soap all travel well and cost a fraction of what you would pay in a tourist shop. Dried fruit and nut mixes also make excellent gifts — have a vendor make up a custom bag with your preferred selection.
Bargaining
The Kaş Friday market is not a Grand Bazaar-style haggling experience. The atmosphere is friendly, low-pressure, and mostly honest. That said, here are the norms:
- Food and produce: Prices are fixed and already very affordable. Do not bargain for tomatoes, cheese, or olives — it is not expected and may come across as rude.
- Textiles, clothing, and souvenirs: Mild bargaining is acceptable and expected. If you are buying multiple items, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for a small discount — something like "What is your best price for two?" is enough. A 10–15% reduction is realistic; do not push for more.
- Be friendly. A smile and a "teşekkürler" (thank you) go a long way. Most vendors speak some English and appreciate any attempt at Turkish, however basic.
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring cash. The market is almost entirely cash-only. Turkish lira is essential — vendors do not accept euros or dollars. The nearest ATMs are in the town centre, a short walk away.
- Bring your own bag. While some vendors provide thin plastic bags, bringing a sturdy tote or backpack makes carrying your haul much easier and is better for the environment.
- Go early. The best selection of produce, cheese, and olives is available first thing in the morning. By midday, popular items sell out and the remaining produce is less fresh.
- Try before you buy. Cheese and olive vendors expect you to sample their products. Point at what interests you and they will cut you a sliver or hand you an olive to taste. This is normal and encouraged — nobody will pressure you to buy after tasting.
- Do not buy more than you can carry. It is easy to get carried away with beautiful produce and end up struggling back to your hotel. Buy what you will eat in the next day or two, and come back next Friday for more.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The market streets are a mix of tarmac and uneven ground. You will be on your feet and walking slowly for an hour or more.
- Allow at least an hour. A quick browse takes 30 minutes, but to properly explore, sample cheese, compare olives, and soak in the atmosphere, give yourself a full hour or more.
Friday Market FAQ
Is the market only on Friday?
Yes, the weekly street market in Kaş takes place every Friday morning without exception — rain or shine, summer or winter. There is no midweek or weekend market. If you miss Friday, you will have to wait until the following week. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if you are only in town for a few days.
Do market vendors accept credit cards?
Almost never. The Friday market is a cash-only affair. A few of the larger clothing or textile stalls may have a card machine, but the vast majority of vendors — especially those selling food, produce, cheese, and olives — only accept Turkish lira in cash. Bring enough with you; the nearest ATMs are a short walk away in the town centre.
Is the Friday market worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you do not plan to buy much, the market is one of the most authentic and enjoyable experiences in Kaş. The colours, smells, and atmosphere are wonderful. You can sample local cheeses and olives, pick up fresh seasonal fruit, and browse handmade textiles — all while watching daily life in a small Turkish town unfold around you. It is a highlight for many visitors.