Villa Sidalan

Villa Sidalan is located on the hillside ten minutes above the centre of Kalkan in Uzumlu Village. It is a very peaceful area that enjoys extraordinary views across vineyards down to the sea and a stunning mountain backdrop. This tranquil village is situated in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains amongst beautiful scenery yet close to local restaurants and a village shop. Guests enjoy a compelling combination of a peaceful, totally unspoilt location and stunning panorama as well as enjoying the convenience of staying close to Kalkan. The village enjoys an abundance of fruit trees, olive groves and vineyards. The temperature is usually several degrees lower in Uzumlu than the coast which is very refreshing. The villa is a natural choice for walkers being close to part of the Lycian Way. While staying at Villa Sidalan, you must visit the fabulous trout farms of Islamar where you can enjoy delicious dinners. Springs were diverted from the mountains into Islamar which led to a thriving trout farming industry. Not only will you be served delicious fresh fish, the views from the restaurant terraces are sensational and this charming village is only eight minutes away from the villa in the car.

The captivating, immaculate and welcoming town of Kalkan is one of the most beautiful on Turkey’s stunning Lycian Coast. Once a sleepy fishing village, Kalkan remains unspoiled and is surrounded by nature. It boasts ancient architecture, bougainvillea-draped hilly streets, a fabulous selection of restaurants and sparkling turquoise, crystal clear sea. There are Ottoman-Greek whitewashed chic boutiques and gift shops sprinkled along the narrow, cobbled streets. Visitors enjoy buying textiles, clothes, ‘designer’ handbags and very pretty jewellery. The restaurants offer varied menus of Turkish mezes, zesty salads and fresh fish. The busy harbour is brimming with yachts, gilets and boats awaiting tourists who want to explore the coast or enjoy some watersports. Boat trips can be taken from Kalkan harbour on traditional gulets or other boats. The gulet trips are wonderful and usually come with a traditional meal. Visitors enjoy exploring the local bays, beaches and sea caves while others go further to Kekova, one of the most beautiful areas of the Turkish coast. Other popular excursions include those to the village of Ucaoyz and glass-bottom boat trips, all of which include swim stops. There are also romantic moonlight cruises and sunset trips. The town enjoys many bathing platforms for sun worshippers along with a small central beach. Other beach options nearby are the sandy cove of Kaputas, ten minutes away and the stunning sandy Patara Beach. There are also a number of chill-out beach clubs with bars and bathing platforms. The yacht club is excellent for sunset cocktails.

Patara is a fantastic historic site boasting an ancient theatre, restored parliament building and impressive Roman baths. The preserved ‘ghost village’ of Kayakoy is another must visit. Hundreds of deserted, Greek-style houses and churches sit eerily on the hillside having been abandoned after the Turkish-Greek population exchange of 1923.

Just 25 minutes drive away is the picturesque resort of Kas. Like Kalkan but on a smaller scale, it is very pretty with narrow winding lanes, rustic wooden balconies with cascading bougainvillea, atmospheric, upmarket restaurants and beautiful boutiques and shops. It also comes with a well-preserved Greek amphitheatre which offers sensational views from the top tier.
 
Guests also enjoy some action-packed adventures such as kayaking along the Dalyan River or visiting the majestic and dramatic Saklikent Gorge which was opened as a national park in 1996. The gorge is 18km long and 300m deep. Visitors wade through chilly water, climb, swim and slide through the gorge and its many boulders and tunnels. It is exhilarating and great fun with the fresh mountain water often up to waist height. Guides can lead you through offering so much fun.  River rafting and dining by the waterside are additional options at this fantastic location.

Read more about Islamlar

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.