Kalkan is set on a breathtaking, grand sweeping Mediterranean bay with the magnificent Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Kalkan is a trendy, family-friendly destination with over 350 restaurants, many with roof terraces, an eclectic mix of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, chic bars, cosy cafes and atmospheric boutiques selling beautiful clothes, jewellery, textiles, football kits and ‘designer’ handbags. It is so lovely to meander around the narrow lanes full of whitewashed houses and stunning rays of colour from the bougainvillaea filled courtyards. The Greek Orthodox Church by Kalkan’s harbour has been converted into a mosque and is the best example of Greek architecture in Kalkan. From the harbour, many of the upscale beach clubs dotted around the bay can be accessed by colourful boats that transfer guests. The fabulous traditional gulets offer boat trips to the beaches, islands and inlets. You can also take fishing and diving trips.
The quality of cuisine in Kalkan is exceptionally high. You will find slick and modern restaurants as well as traditional ones. If you have not experienced real Turkish cooking, then you are in for a treat. Many of the restaurants have spectacular roof terraces with incredible views over the bay, which adds to the warm and welcoming ambience. If you want a change from the restaurants of Kalkan, you can go higher into the mountains for the freshest fish ever at the charming village of Islamlar. Springs diverted from the mountains into the village of Islamlar have led to a thriving trout farming industry. The views from the restaurant terraces are breathtaking, and the fish so delicious.
The upmarket beach clubs scattered around the coast are perfect for lazy days. You can order cocktails, lunch by your lounger and take frequent dips in the dazzling sea. If you want a sandy beach, you can head to the fabulous Patara beach 20 minutes away. It never feels busy.
Adventure seekers can kayak along the Xanthos River or visit the splendid Saklikent Gorge. The 18km long and 300m deep gorge was opened as a national park in 1996. You will wade through the chilled water, climb, swim and slide your way through. The fresh mountain water is often up to waist height. There is also an option for river-rafting and dining by the waterside on a delicious fresh fish meal at the end of your adventure.
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.
