Villa Semra sits in the peaceful olive groves of Kiziltas, a hillside enclave above Kalkan on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Its elevated position offers sweeping views of Kalkan’s rooftops, the harbour, and the Mediterranean Sea. Just 125 km from Dalaman Airport, the villa is ideally placed for both tranquillity and access, with a scenic drive of under two hours.
Kalkan is a former Greek fishing village turned elegant coastal retreat, known for its cobbled streets, bougainvillaea-covered whitewashed houses, and vibrant dining scene. With nearly 150 restaurants and bars offering a mix of local and international cuisine, it’s a haven for food lovers. By day, the town exudes relaxed charm; by night, its rooftop restaurants and stylish bars come to life.
The coastline around Kalkan is dotted with exclusive beach clubs that feature sea platforms, pools, dining, and water sports. Many are accessible by complimentary water taxis from the harbour, making them an easy and scenic outing. For those seeking active pursuits, Villa Semra sits along the Lycian Way - a renowned hiking route that connects to ancient ruins such as Patara and Xanthos, offering a rich blend of nature and history.
Nearby, the town of Kas offers Ottoman architecture, a relaxed marina vibe, and boutique shopping. From there, a short ferry ride takes you to the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo), where colourful harbourside houses and the famous Blue Grotto await. Whether exploring cultural sites, enjoying fine dining, or relaxing by the sea, Villa Semra is a gateway to the best of Turkey’s southern coast.
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.
