Kalkan
Kalkan is situated on the Mediterranean coast in South Western Turkey. To view maps of Turkey click here.
Kalkan harbour road
Kalkan is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Dalaman airport by hire car or taxi.
The road from the airport is mostly new and mainly quiet, offering easy, stress free, driving conditions.
The historic town of Kalkan is an enchanting place and one of the most beautiful locations along Turkey's gorgeous Lycian Coast. Kalkan remains a charming and unspoiled haven of lush nature, brilliant blue crystal-clear sea, historic architecture, ancient history and warm traditional Turkish hospitality. More sophisticated than the usual resort town, Kalkan appeals to travellers who are also looking for more than a "sun and sea" holiday.
Because of its great charm, Kalkan has a growing number of perennial visitors who say the town is the only holiday destination they would choose to visit repeatedly.
There is simply no other town quite like Kalkan along Turkey's coast.
Kalkan town beach
Kalkan curls around a historic harbour sheltered at the foot of the towering Taurus Mountains. Narrow streets twist down to the harbour, lined with old whitewashed villas with shuttered windows situated alongside small local specialty shops and restaurants in historic buildings. Overhead hang original carved Ottoman Greek timber balconies garlanded with thick masses of brilliantly coloured bougainvillea cascading to the streets below. It is a very special place with a uniquely sophisticated atmosphere.
Besides the famous "Kalkan Style" historic architecture, the many excellent restaurants contribute to the special atmosphere within Kalkan. Good dining has always been the way of life in Kalkan and continues today. In fact, Kalkan is said to have the highest number of restaurants and bars per inhabitant or square metre on the Turkish coast. Additionally, Kalkan is especially renowned in Turkey for its numerous roof terrace restaurants and bars which offer a wonderful view of the town, sea and stars. It's also nice to sit at one of the many fine harbour-side restaurants and watch the pleasure boats and fishermen leave early in the morning as you eat your breakfast, or see the fishing boats return with the day's catch in the evening.
Kalkan harbour
There is a lot to do during the day and nightlife is fun, but laid-back.
You won't find noisy, wild nightlife here, like in some other coastal resorts.
Market day in Kalkan is Thursday. Getting there early (9.30 a.m.) is more comfortable in the height of the summer. The market is medium sized and has a good range of stalls. If you’re looking for something larger you can go to the large town of Fethiye which is an hour west of Kalkan.
There is a picturesque, pebbled beach with crystal clear water down by Kalkan harbour with sun beds and umbrellas for rent and cafes nearby. It has earned a Blue Flag award for cleanliness.
Typical Kalkan streets
Further afield there are beautiful sandy beaches at Kaputas (10 minutes east of Kalkan on the road to Kas) and Patara (10 kilometres west of Kalkan).
Kaputas is a lovely sandy swimming cove nestling at the foot of a striking mountain gorge but with quite a few steps down to it so you need to be fit unless you visit by boat.
Patara Beach, part of a national park, is a 12 kilometre stretch of wonderful golden sand and there are some nice Lycian ruins a short stroll away.
A particular feature of Kalkan is its beach clubs. Many visitors who want to try a venue to relax away from the pool will go to a beach club.
Kalkan market
There are currently 5 beach clubs in and around Kalkan, several are reached by shuttle from the harbour, just turn up at the harbour and look for the small boats.
The beach clubs are built into the rocky shoreline and provide steps and ramps into the sea as well as showers, changing rooms, bar and restaurant along with a range of water sports facilities.
The closest to the apartment and, we believe, the best of these is the beach club at Kalamar Bay which boasts a Blue Flag award and is good for snorkelling.
The Kalamar club will pay your taxi fare to and from the club.
In all the clubs a charge is made per sun bed and parasol for the day.