Villa Iznek sits in one of Kalkan’s most desirable neighbourhoods, Komurluk, a peaceful hillside area known for its remarkable views. From here, the jewel-like sweep of Kalkan Bay unfolds before you, with the town’s historic harbour and cascading white houses forming a striking backdrop against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. With easy access to the town square, beach and marina, the setting offers an appealing balance of scenic calm and everyday convenience.
A leisurely five to ten-minute stroll leads you into the vibrant heart of Kalkan Old Town. Winding stone streets are lined with cafés, boutique shops and sun-soaked terraces, where Turkish coffee and mezze are enjoyed well into the afternoon. The harbour promenade is particularly inviting in the evenings, when lights shimmer across the water and boats bob gently in the bay, lending the area a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere.
Local beaches are also close at hand. Public and private beach clubs, including Palm Beach, Zest Beach Club and Denizim Beach Club, are just around the corner, making swimming, sunbathing and paddle sports easy to enjoy. Clear waters, comfortable sun loungers and attentive service create an ideal setting for laid-back days by the sea or a refreshing dip before lunch.
For those keen to explore, the wider area reveals layers of history and natural beauty. Ancient Lycian ruins line the coast, while the nearby town of Patara is famed for its sweeping sandy beach and Roman amphitheatre. Hidden coves and saltwater inlets invite discovery by boat, kayak or snorkel.
Dining in Kalkan is a pleasure in itself, with waterfront restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and regional dishes infused with olive oil, local herbs and produce from the surrounding hills. As the sun sets, sea-view cocktails become a nightly ritual, painting the sky in warm shades of amber and rose.
By day, the mountains and sea provide endless opportunities for adventure; by night, the town hums with convivial energy. From relaxed family suppers in tavernas to leisurely beach days and sunset strolls, Villa Iznek’s location places the best of Kalkan effortlessly within reach.
The Region
Kalkan has become a boutique resort, with cobbled streets and converted Greek houses, which belonged to the Greek merchants before the exchange of population in the 1920’s. Once quiet fishing harbour, these days you are more likely to see traditional wooden gulets taking tourists to soak up rays on the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean. A boat trip is a must-do, from the boat you can snorkel and usually a delicious lunch is prepared on board. Keen walkers should check out the Lycian way for designated walking paths in the area.
You cannot come to this area without spending some time exploring the many Lycian sights, such as Xanthos, Patara, Myra or the sunken city of Kekova.
Patara is said to be where democracy started (they excavated a stone voting block) and is also said to be the birthplace of St Nicholas, who became bishop at nearby Myra. The ruins here include an ancient theatre, city walls, government building, and agora. The lighthouse on the site is said to be the earliest of its kind. Visit Patara in the late afternoon and finish the trip with a drink on the sandy beach watching the amazing sunset.
The Saklikent Gorge is a great place to visit, especially if you want to cool off in the fresh waters whilst walking up the gorge. For the more energetic there are rafts and rings to ride the flowing waters. Further down you can enjoy a day canoeing toward the beach.
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 and most tasty you’ve ever had; and the fresh chips cooked in olive oil take some beating.
By night both Kalkan and Kas come alive. Kas has more of a bohemian feel, people ambling through the cobbled streets, passing the ancient tomb in the street, haggling for textiles, carpets and other goodies, maybe stopping for the traditional Turkish ‘maras’ ice cream, a tulip-shaped glass of tea or a wonderful kebab in the shadow of the mosque. Most of the villas in Kas are just out of town on the Cukurbag Peninsula. A reasonable (5km) taxi or Dolmus (local bus) ride into town. Be sure to try the Piyaz, a white bean salad with tahini sauce.
Travelling along the coast towards Kalkan you pass the modern marina, the children’s beach park (run by the local hotel school) and halfway to Kalkan the stunning Kaputas Beach, cut in a gorge with all different shades of turquoise in the sea.
Kalkan is a more sophisticated resort, with the villas built onto the mountainside. Evening are spent enjoying the rooftop restaurants, perched on the top of the old ‘konak’ houses. Then wandering to a seaside bar for a cocktail, after shopping for glass lanterns, Iznik pottery, handbags or pestemel towels. Do visit the ‘pastane’, local patisseries which do the most delicious morning pastries and you must try the ‘Gozleme’ pancakes at the Thursday market.
Other things to do in the area include scuba diving as the visibility is excellent, paragliding, horseriding on Patara Beach or kayaking around the sunken ruins at Kekova.
