About Kalkan

The historic town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's gorgeous Lycian Coast and was once a simple Turkish/Greek fishing village. Today's Kalkan is quietly sophisticated and postcard pretty with a few good quality low-rise hotels and privately owned villas, a multitude of excellent roof-top restaurants offering all manner of culinary delights, together with a good selection of of stylish and atmospheric blues and jazz bars. Unlike some other Turkish coastal resorts, Kalkan's main economy derives from tourism and consequently, its inhabitants put much effort and pride into the town's historic preservation. As a result of very strict building regulations and the efforts of the Kalkan Foundation, the town has retained its charm and special ambience. The wonderful hospitality of the Kalkan people is another reason why the first-time visitor invariably returns time after time.

The village shops stay open 'til around midnight and are well stocked with interesting antiques, crafts, jewellery, carpets and clothing. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with whitewashed shuttered buildings festooned with brightly coloured bouganvillea intermingled with shops and terrace-topped restaurants. These streets twist down to the harbour, which is the focus of the village and here you can enjoy a meal whilst watching the world go by or by looking at the array of elegant 'gulets'.

The small pebble beach next to the harbour has recently been attractively extended by the Kalkan Foundation. For those of us who visit Kalkan frequently, we know that the local beaches are stunning -

Kaputas Beach - A 'dolmus' (local bus) from the village centre takes 10 minutes to reach the frequently photographed Kaputas Beach, a lovely sandy beach dramatically positioned at the foot of a huge ravine - though be warned about the many steps - around 216 in total!

Patara Beach - Slightly further a field, though well worth the dolmus ride (approximately 20 minutes), is Patara Beach. Its 12 miles of golden sand is home to protected turtles and it has been described as one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in all of Turkey. The entrance to the beach is through the ruins of the ancient city and if you come by car, you'll need to pay a small entrance fee. Sunbeds and parasols are available to hire for the day.

Beach Clubs - These abound and are very easily accessible. They are basically 'rock gardens' cut into the hillside with direct access to the sea and offer sunbathing, swimming, water sports and excellent restaurant facilities, together with a relaxing ambience and stunning settings. Sun loungers and parasols are available to rent for the day. The excellent Palm Beach club offers a free water taxi service from the harbour and / or a free taxi ride home at the end of a hard day's sunbathing and snorkelling! - click here for more details on what this beach club has to offer.