Charming Kalkan is a place you will want to return to. Situated at the foot of the Taurus Mountains on what is known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Kalkan has a lovely harbour and pebble beach, and is known for its many rooftop restaurants and bars which enjoy stunning Mediterranean views.
Very welcoming to visitors, the town has kept a traditional feel. The Old Town streets tumble down to the harbour and offer lots of shopping and dining opportunities. The area around the harbour is a particularly popular spot, with lots of terraces looking out over the water. You will be able to enjoy a wide range of dishes, both Turkish and international, in Kalkan.
Kalkan’s Blue Flag pebble beach is right by the harbour, but if you prefer sand you could head out to the spectacular Patara Beach. Just a 20-minute drive away lies the longest beach in Turkey – 20km, in fact. The views are stunning and it’s a lovely place to relax on a lounger for the day. It’s not usually crowded, either. There are all sorts of other options, with beach clubs and beautiful stretches of sand like Kaputaş nearby.
If you like walking, it’s worth knowing that the town is located on the route of the 500km Lycian Way, Turkey’s most popular long-distance walking trail. If you prefer water sports, Kalkan is ideal for sea kayaking, jet-skiing and scuba diving to name a few.
Boat trips are another popular way to take to the sea. You will see plenty of wooden gulet boats in the harbour, which are a big hit with visitors. One destination you might want to check out is mysterious sunken town of Kekova, a once prosperous city which is now completely underwater.
Kalkan is a relaxing place to go shopping too – it’s a good town for fashion and accessories, with lots of boutiques and jewellers, and there are lots of handmade crafts and carpets on sale too. The weekly market, held in town every Thursday, is a good place to get to know the locals and support the community.
Finally, don’t miss out on exploring some of the region’s archaeological treasures. Head for the ancient remains of cities like Myra, Tlos and Xanthos, or check out Patara’s impressive ruins, which include a huge theatre and Roman baths.
The Region
Islamlar sits 8 km above Kalkan. Once the place Kalkan folk went to cool off at one of the trout farms built to make use of the mountain’s springs. Today Islamlar houses many a villa, enjoyed by Istanbul Turks who prefer a holiday in slightly cooler and cleaner air. Here the locals grow grapes and pomegranates, but you’ll mainly see the men sat gossiping next to the local teahouse. The trout farms remain a place to come for a wonderful fresh meal, or a breakfast consisting of fresh local fare. The rocket will be the freshest & most tasty you’ve ever had; and the fresh chips cooked in olive oil take some beating.
