Kalkan is situated on the Turquoise Coast of the Mediterranean between the towns of Fethiye and Kas. Nestled in a bay at the foot of the Taurus Mountains the area affords spectacular sea and mountain views. There are plenty of areas of historical and geographical interest within a short driving distance. Patara, Xanthos, Tlos and Myra, the river gorge at Saklikent and the famous beaches of Patara (birthplace of St Nicholas/Santa Claus) and Olu Deniz are all less than one hour from Kalkan. The Lycian Way, Turkey’s first long-distance walking trail passes Kalkan and affords many excellent walks from a few kilometres upwards.
The town was once a simple Turkish/Greek fishing village and port. Today Kalkan is quietly sophisticated and postcard pretty with a few good quality low-rise hotels, a selection of privately owned holiday villas and a multitude of excellent roof-top and sea-front restaurants offering all manner of culinary delights, together with a selection of stylish and atmospheric blues and jazz bars.
The village shops stay open ’til around midnight and are well stocked with interesting antiques, crafts, jewellery, carpets and clothing. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with whitewashed shuttered buildings festooned with brightly coloured bougainvillea intermingled with shops and roof-terrace restaurants. These streets twist down to the harbour, which is the focus of the village and here you can enjoy a meal whilst watching the world go by or looking at the array of elegant gulets.
During the day, you can make use of one of the selection of beach clubs, visit the local market, engage in some of the local sporting activities (such as water-skiing, parascending, scuba diving, trekking etc), take a trip to one of the historical sites, drive a jeep up into the mountains, cruise on a gulet or simply relax by your pool.
The climate in Kalkan is similar to that of Southern California and the sea water temperature rarely drops below 16°C allowing a bathing season of around 9 months. The resort also benefits from the Meltem; – a seasonal wind which brings a welcome breeze to the scorching summer afternoons! Average temperatures are :
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
20°C 24°C 28°C 31°C 32°C 29°C 26°C
Unlike some other Turkish coastal resorts, Kalkan’s main economy derives from tourism and consequently, its inhabitants put much effort and pride into the town’s historic preservation. As a result of very strict building regulations and the efforts of the Kalkan Foundation, the town has retained its charm and special ambience. The wonderful hospitality of the Kalkan people is another reason why the first-time visitor invariably returns time after time.
During the day Kalkan is a quiet sleepy village. You can wander round the maze of cobbled streets, stop at a cafe for coffee, apple tea or a cold Efes beer and just watch the world go by.
At night Kalkan comes alive. It has over 120 restaurants serving a wide variety of choices with many offering roof terraces where you can dine under the stars and watch the sun set over the sea. After dinner you can relax in one of the music bars, stroll along the harbour or visit many of the quaint shops which stay open until very late.
Kalkan has 6 banks (with ATM machines), post office, doctors surgeries, dentists, pharmacies, supermarkets and a wide array of shops selling jewellery, shoes, handbags, ceramics, paintings and carpets.
It is without a doubt the people of Kalkan who make this a very special place and has friends returning year after year.
The villa is a 5 to10 min stroll to the old village and on down to the sea. Boat trips can be arranged locally. A day at sea with a wonderful BBQ lunch and all very reasonably priced. Or you can visit one of the local beach clubs who offer private bathing platforms and steps into the sea, usually a small fee is payable.
Kalkan makes an excellent base to tour around Lycia. There are many day trips leaving from, the town whether it will be a daily or nightly cruise from the harbour or further afield to explore ancient ruins, Saklikent Gorge, the Sunken City at Kekova etc. Whatever you decide on, you will find Kalkan has everything you need for the perfect holiday. You will be left with wonderful memories and an urge to return.