"Once a traditional fishing village, Kalkan has grown into a small holiday resort, with a pretty harbour, modern hotels and a surprisingly large choice of good restaurants. Whitewashed houses hung with timber balconies cling to the hillside around the harbour, and narrow, cobbled streets packed with cafes and souvenir shops lead down to the waterfront."
Kalkan is the prettiest of the small resorts along the south coast and has been built along the Side of a mountain with many of its simple cottages beautifully restored and redeveloped as small shops and restaurants. Kalkan was originally a fishing village but its harbour now houses glamorous yachts alongside the fishing boats. The town is still relatively uncommercialised, its pretty cobbled streets offering bazaar-type shops, inviting restaurants and a varied nightlife for the more discerning visitor. It's also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding coast.
Buses, dolmus and taxis stop on the hill above the shopping district and harbour for those wishing to explore the surrounding area. Kalkan is situated on the main road between Fethiye and Kas, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful stretches of road along this coastline, so it is well worth spending a morning exploring the outskirts of the town. Visit the real Turkey by touring the nomad villages where you can learn about Lycian archaeology, local architecture, culture and crafts, as well as the local flora and fauna. Trekking in the cool shaded mountains will keep you fit and provide you with the most glorious panoramic views, scuba diving will enthral the most adventurous of holidaymakers, while a trip to the Turkish baths will leave everyone feeling refreshed and relaxed.
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Kalkan hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Kalkan include Club Xanthos Hotel, Elixir, Fidanka House, Hotel Nur, Hotel Pirat, Kus Yuvasi, Samira Delux Villas, Samira Deluxe, Sanann Villa, The Korsan Apartments, The Korsan Penthouse Suite, The Old Trading House, The Stone House, Villa Gul, Villa Papatya, Vine Grove Residence and Yeni Korsan Apartments.
More Turkey (dalaman) holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Turkey (dalaman)? Our Turkey (dalaman) holiday destinations include Atakoy, Calis Beach, Dalyan, Datca, Eski Datca, Fethiye, Hisaronu (fethiye), Hisaronu (marmaris), Icmeler, Kalkan, Kas, Marmaris, Olu Deniz, Ovacik and Sarigerme.
Beaches
The small pebble town beach has recently been enlarged, but as the pine-clad mountains fall right into the sea along this stretch of coast, it leaves little room for sandy beaches. Inspiration has taken over where nature had failed to provide holidaymakers with all the facilities, and the 'beaches' in Kalkan are mostly man-made - tiny concrete decks where the sea can be reached by stairs or ladders. If this is not for you there is a small hidden beach at Kaputas, 7km to the east and approximately 15 minutes drive away, where the coarse sand and white shingle contrasts beautifully with the clear turquoise sea. An even better beach is 19km to the west - the vast Patara beach with its superb sand surrounded by an area of profound beauty.
Eating out
The many tempting restaurants serve excellent food at reasonable prices and offer tables on balconies and terraces. Or you can eat whilst sitting on carpets or low couches, with live traditional Turkish music. Lunch and dinner often begins with mezes, and many meals in Turkey involve lamb. Try the Turkish favourite – watermelon with feta cheese. Fish also features largely in Kalkan with the menu depending on the catch of the day. The Turkish national drink is strong black tea, and alcoholic raki - tasting of liquorice and stronger than Greek ouzo – it's best drunk ice-cold mixed with water.
Nightlife
Parts of the centre of town are pedestrianised at night so you can join the locals for their regular stroll around the town before the evening meal. There are a number of roof terraces that are excellent for wining and dining by candlelight, and with views over the twinkling town and you can choose between jazz, classical, or more upbeat music to accompany your meal. There are a few bars scattered throughout the town and along the waterfront where you can dance the night away on indoor dance floors, or sit at tables outside sipping beer, raki or cocktails.
Shopping
The bazaar is a shoppers' paradise, and as Kalkan is a more exclusive town than those nearby the range of goods on sale compliment the more sophisticated visitor. You will find a good selection of antique and new copper and bronze items, exquisite boutiques, leather and textiles, lots of craft and souvenir shops and hundreds of Turkish carpets. Gold and silver is a good buy in Turkey and you will find many jewellery shops to tempt you. If you buy anything at all, don't forget to barter - it's expected and you'll enjoy it once you get used to the idea.
Local information
Although there is much to see and do in Kalkan in the way of shopping, sunbathing, and relaxing, there are over 25 historic sites less than a 2-hour journey away. For a touch of history explore the ancient castle of Simena or the fascinating sunken city off the coast of Kekova where the most picturesque of the Lycian ruins can be seen. For real dramatic scenery take a cruise along the reed beds in Dalyan on the way to Iztuzu beach - the endangered loggerhead turtles breed here and it is where 'The African Queen' was filmed.
Location
Only 29km east of Kas and 214km further east of Antalya, capital of the Turkish Riviera.
Transfer time
2 hours and 15 minutes
Recommended
Luxury
