Meis–Kaş Swim Race (Kastellorizo to Kaş): 7 Kilometres Between Two Countries

The last Sunday of June, early morning. Boats leave Kaş harbour carrying swimmers to the far shore, to Meis. A few hours later the same people will return to the same harbour by sea: seven kilometres of strokes, two countries, one finish line.

The International Meis–Kaş Swim Race has been held every June since 2005; 2026 was the twentieth edition. This guide covers the courses, how to enter and how race day unfolds — for those swimming and for those watching from the harbour. We update the dates and fees section every year.

Meis–Kaş Swim Race

Meis Island → Kaş Harbour · 7 km · June

Türkiye’s only cross-border open-water race. It starts from the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) and finishes in Kaş harbour. The closing event of the International Lycia Kaş Culture and Arts Festival; since 2026 there’s also a 3.5 km course that needs no passport. The finish line is a 10-minute walk from Luna Kaş.

The Eye of Kaş

Officially Megisti, Kastellorizo in Greece, Meis in Türkiye. Seen from Kaş it sits eight kilometres away, its two-storey pastel houses and red-domed mosque looking like a film set. From above, island and town together resemble an eye — which is why both shores call it “the eye of Kaş” (kaş means eyebrow). It’s Kaş’s twin town; when the festival parade comes down to Cumhuriyet Square in June, people from Meis walk in it too.

The race is swum between these two shores. The slogan hasn’t changed in years: “Swimming for Friendship.”

Halfway across there’s a moment: Meis behind you, Kaş ahead, both far away. Just you and the deep blue. And, if you’re lucky, a loggerhead turtle passing by.

The Courses

For many years there was one course: Meis to Kaş, 7 kilometres. Today there are four, all on the same day.

In the Water

What Happens Over 7 Kilometres

The water isn’t cold in June; after the first kilometre the rhythm settles. The course looks straight, but a weak current can run along the peninsula — it’s possible to drift off the line and swim extra without noticing. Safety boats accompany you the whole way, hand out water and point you back on course. Two to three hours for an average swimmer. The finish is in the harbour; the awards ceremony closes the festival.

The 2026 Edition: Dates, Entry, Fees

This section is updated each year when the new edition is announced. The details below are for 2026.

Next year’s date is usually announced around New Year, together with registration; the official source is megistikas.com. We update this page as soon as it’s confirmed.

The Finish Line: Kaş Harbour

The race ends in Kaş harbour — the old port in front of Cumhuriyet Square, where the tour boats leave from. From Luna Kaş it’s 700 metres, a 10-minute walk, downhill all the way. No car needed to board the boats in the morning or to watch the finish at noon. For swimmers that’s the real difference: out of the water and walk to your room — a gentle climb on the way back, but after seven kilometres you won’t notice.

How Race Day Unfolds

If you’re swimming

The day before — Kit collection; bring ID and, for the 7 km, your passport. A light dinner, an early night. Take a look at the harbour: that’s where you’ll set out tomorrow.

Early morning — The event starts at 06:00. A light breakfast; let reception know the day before and we’ll arrange an early sitting. Walk down to the harbour, board the boat.

At Meis — The boat drops you off the island; no going ashore, the start is here. Last layer of sunscreen, cap, goggles.

In the water — Two to three hours. Follow the safety boats; they’ll notice you’ve drifted before you do.

The finish — Crowds in the harbour, medal, awards. Then a ten-minute walk, a shower, the terrace, a long lunch.

If you’re watching

Go down to the harbour for the start; the boats setting off for Meis are a sight in themselves. Before noon, from a spot facing Meis — the Antiphellos theatre or Küçük Çakıl — you can pick out the first swimmers’ buoys. Return to the harbour for the finish; the best time is late morning, when the leaders come in.

Kaş in Race Week

The race is the last day of the International Lycia Kaş Culture and Arts Festival. Through the preceding week the town has a parade, concerts, a cooking contest and visitors from Meis; the season hasn’t reached its July peak and the sea is warm enough to swim. If you’re coming for the race, arrive a few days early: you’ll see the course from the shore and catch the rest of the festival.

For details, see our Meis guide, Büyük Çakıl and Kekova guide.

This guide was written in September 2026. Dates, courses, fees and conditions refer to the 2026 edition; the race-experience section draws on the notes of a guest who swam the 7 km in 2018. We’ll update it when the next edition is announced.

Out of the Water, Walk to Your Room

10 Minutes from the Finish Line

Walk down to the harbour on race morning, come back by sea at noon, walk to your room. No car, no transfer, no parking. Early breakfast, directions for kit collection or a long post-race lunch booking — just write to our reception team.

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