Villa Zeybek has a picture-perfect setting in Islamlar, a twenty-minute drive from the golden sandy Patara Beach, where the mountains rise behind you, and the Mediterranean sea sparkles in front. The beach is 12km-long, so you’re sure to find a private sunbathing spot away from any hustle and bustle. With clear waters, the beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles, as these fantastic creatures build their nests up the beach. This popular village in Turkey is also known for its trout farms and restaurants serving their freshly-caught catches.
From Islamlar, it’s an easy 15-minute drive to Kalkan; a vibrant seaside boutique resort celebrated for its waterfront and roof-top restaurants, exquisite harbour dotted with Turkish wooden boats and historic old town area which extends back from the sea. Wander the streets with houses draped in brightly coloured bougainvillaea flowers or dine on a roof terrace restaurant with spectacular views of the town. There are also plenty of swimming beaches in Kalkan and Turkish Baths for a relaxing end-of-day massage.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss exploring the pine tree-lined Taurus Mountains. With deeply cut valleys and canyons, they’re an ideal place to hike. In cooler months you could also join the popular Lycian Way – a long-distance footpath that takes you around the coast. The route stops at exciting sites ending at the 'ghost village' of Kayakoy near Fethiye. For even more things to do, the bohemian town of Kas is a 30-40 minute drive, while the resort town of Fethiye is a one-hour drive away. If you like history the area boasts many Lycian sites such as Xanthos, Patara, Tlos and Pinara.
Other fun escapades include boat tours to the small island of Kekova where you can snorkel and use the glass-bottomed boats to view part sunken ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient town which was destroyed by an earthquake during the 2nd century. There’s also plenty of opportunities to take part in water sports like scuba diving and sea kayaking and more than enough craggy coves and caves for you to explore.
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.
