Kas Aquapark: Ruins, Glass, and Snakes
There's a hotel in Kaş that once boasted a proud reputation: its own water park, underwater diving, and a football and basketball court on a cliff. It was called, modestly, "Aquapark." Now it's one of the most atmospheric (in photos) and simultaneously eerie (in reality) abandoned places on the Turkish coast.
On Instagram: sunset, ruins overlooking the sea, stone arches, a basketball court.
In reality: rusty rebar, piles of broken glass, the smell of urine, snakes, and a persistent feeling that someone you don't want to meet is about to emerge from a dark corner. And the obligatory quest: crawl through a hole in the fence.
I'll tell you honestly how to find it, whether it's worth it, and why I'll never set foot there again.
What kind of hotel was it and why did it die?
The Aquapark Hotel in Kaş was built as a dream entertainment complex. The grounds are on a cliff, with rooms overlooking the Greek island of Megisti. Inside, there's a water park (not a pool, but actual slides), a diving center, and soccer and basketball courts right on the cliff's edge. Can you imagine scoring a goal overlooking the Mediterranean?
But something went wrong. No one knows the exact story: either the owners ran out of money, or weren't granted a license, or the season was ruined by the economic downturn. The hotel didn't last long—and became a backdrop for stalkers and TikTokers.
Now it's Kaş's prime Instagram spot for those willing to take the risk for likes.
Where it is and how to find it (step-by-step instructions)
Landmark: the "Jackey" Hotel sign
Drive along the main road in Kaş toward the Çukurbağ Peninsula. Look for the "Jackey Hotel" sign (or "Jackey"—it's large and visible from afar). This is a functioning hotel, not abandoned. You can park your car nearby—it's safe and legal.
Then proceed on foot.
1. Get out of the car and put on high-soled sneakers (this is important, I warned you).
2. Cross the road (be careful, Turkish drivers are reckless).
3. Look for the hole in the fence. It's not very noticeable, but locals know it. The fence is metal, and the hole is about waist-high; you can squeeze through, but you'll have to bend over and get dirty.
Coordinates (approximately): near 36.1915° N, 29.6270° E. The easiest way is to enter "Jackey Hotel Kaş" into your GPS and then follow the directions.
What awaits you inside
Immediately after the fence
Glass. Lots of glass. Broken bottles, shards of glass, broken dishes. It crunches underfoot, sparkles in the sun, and digs into your soles. That's why sneakers are a must-have. You simply won't reach the ruins in flip-flops.
Further on—ruins.
Concrete blocks, peeling paint, rusty rebar sticking out of the walls. Here and there, mosaic tiles still remain in the pools. The water park slides are lifeless—yellow plastic pipes now inhabited by spiders and lizards.
The basketball hoop still hangs on the cliff. Rusty, crooked, but very photogenic against the sea. There are also soccer goals—the field is overgrown with thorns.
The view
Stunning. Honestly. The sea is turquoise, and in the distance is Greece, the island of Megisti. If you climb higher, it feels like you're in some kind of post-apocalyptic paradise. That's exactly what people come here for.
The Unpleasant Part
Snakes. Yes, they're there.
· Trash. Cans, bags, cigarette butts, broken glass.
· Anxiety. You're alone in an abandoned hotel. Not a soul around. If something happens, no one will hear. Cell phone reception is spotty. And at any moment, someone could show up—local alcoholics, fellow tourists, or people you'd rather not meet.
Life hacks (if you still decide to go)
1. Go in a group.
No solo hikes. Minimum two, preferably 3-4. Don't go with just one girl. Seriously.
2. Only morning or early evening.
Between 11:30 and 15:00, it's scorching hot, with almost no shade. Between 5 and 7:00 PM, it's beautiful, but you risk returning through a hole in the fence at dusk. The sunset is gorgeous, but it's best to get there before dark.
3. Shoes, shoes, shoes
I repeat: sneakers with high, stiff soles. Sneakers are out. Flip-flops are a no-no.
4. Water, snacks, power bank
There are no cafes or shops nearby. Water: at least a liter per person. Phones drain quickly (bad reception, and turning up the screen brightness for photos drains the battery enormously).
5. Don't climb inside buildings.
It's better to look from the outside. Inside, it's dark, damp, full of rebar, glass, and an unhealthy smell. And snakes. Once again, snakes.
6. Don't leave valuables in the car.
The Jackey Hotel area is generally safe, but still, don't provoke anyone. Take your phone and bag with you.
What's not worth visiting (spoiler: almost everything)
Honestly? I won't go there again.
One beautiful shot against the backdrop of ruins and the sea isn't worth the risk of cutting yourself, encountering a snake, or running into unpleasant people. A photo you worry about while taking is a bad photo.
If you're going to Kaş for 3-4 days, have a sober companion, strong nerves, and closed shoes, you can take the risk. But be aware: when asked, "Is it worth it?" the locals shrug and recommend going to Kaputaş Beach or ancient Xanthos.
Turkey has plenty of atmospheric abandoned places. The Kaş Aquapark isn't the safest of them.
Alternative (and this is no joke)
If you really want a view of "a piece of Greece" and ruins:
Just go to the Kaş waterfront near the fortress. There are old stone walls, the sea, and that same Megisti Island on the horizon. It's free, safe, and has restrooms and a café.
Or climb up to the amphitheater in Kaş—ancient Lycian ruins with a stunning view of the bay. It's also atmospheric, but civilized.
No holes in the fences. No snakes. No anxiety.
My verdict
The abandoned Aquapark in Kaş is an Instagram bubble. In the photo, it looks like a dream. In reality, it's broken glass, trash, and a feeling of "I can't wait to get out of here."
Go if:
You're an experienced stalker with the right footwear.
You have company and a first aid kit.
You really need that perfect shot for your portfolio.
Don't go if:
You're vacationing with your family.
You're alone.
You value your legs, your nerves, and your peace of mind.
I went. I took pictures. I left. And now I'm giving you fair warning. Better yet, buy a gummy worm in Kaş and eat it on the promenade. Safer and tastier. #kaş #turkey #abandonedhotel