Shaina's Guidebook
Neighbourhoods
Kalkan is set in one of Europe's most breath-taking, grand sweeping Mediterranean bays, with the truly majestic Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Kalkan has an exquisite harbour, full of Turkish wooden gulets and small fishing craft, bordered with waterfront restaurants and the beach, it is where the beautiful and historic Kalkan old town area extends back from the sea.
Kalkan Old Town
Formerly an important coastal trading port, Kalkan is now a thriving but still unspoilt holiday resort with the bustling historic Old Quarter being the heart of the Kalkan town. After dusk, Kalkan's winding streets full of traditional houses, restaurants, small boutiques and local shops with overhanging balconies teem with people as the tantalising aromas of Kalkan's renowned cuisine entice people down to the harbour and surrounding streets.
Kalkan is an eclectic mix of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, with roof terrace restaurants and lovely views to the sea, Kalkan old town is a place you will want to discover and enjoy. The Greek Orthodox Church by Kalkan's harbour has been converted into a mosque and is the best example of Greek architecture in Kalkan, however at every turn you will still find whitewashed and stone buildings with shuttered windows and balconies which reveal Kalkan's history.
From Kalkan's harbour, many of the beach clubs dotted around the bay are accessed by small colourful boats that provide a often complimentary service to transfer guests staying in Kalkan. You will also find traditional wooden Gulets in Kalkan's harbour that offer boat trips to the beaches, islands and inlets nearby. Water sports, diving and fishing trips are also offered here in Kalkan.
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Kalkan
Kalkan is set in one of Europe's most breath-taking, grand sweeping Mediterranean bays, with the truly majestic Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Kalkan has an exquisite harbour, full of Turkish wooden gulets and small fishing craft, bordered with waterfront restaurants and the beach, it is where the beautiful and historic Kalkan old town area extends back from the sea.
Kalkan Old Town
Formerly an important coastal trading port, Kalkan is now a thriving but still unspoilt holiday resort with the bustling historic Old Quarter being the heart of the Kalkan town. After dusk, Kalkan's winding streets full of traditional houses, restaurants, small boutiques and local shops with overhanging balconies teem with people as the tantalising aromas of Kalkan's renowned cuisine entice people down to the harbour and surrounding streets.
Kalkan is an eclectic mix of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, with roof terrace restaurants and lovely views to the sea, Kalkan old town is a place you will want to discover and enjoy. The Greek Orthodox Church by Kalkan's harbour has been converted into a mosque and is the best example of Greek architecture in Kalkan, however at every turn you will still find whitewashed and stone buildings with shuttered windows and balconies which reveal Kalkan's history.
From Kalkan's harbour, many of the beach clubs dotted around the bay are accessed by small colourful boats that provide a often complimentary service to transfer guests staying in Kalkan. You will also find traditional wooden Gulets in Kalkan's harbour that offer boat trips to the beaches, islands and inlets nearby. Water sports, diving and fishing trips are also offered here in Kalkan.
Kas is about a 20 minute scenic drive from Kalkan. It has been compared to the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). This charming harbour town, with its pretty cobbled streets and alleys lined with Ottoman balconies and trailing with Bougainvillea, is framed by the stunning backdrop of the pine-covered Taurus mountains and is relatively unspoilt by tourism.
Kaş offers an array of restaurants serving excellent local and international cuisine to suit all budgets and tastes and is renowned for its fantastic range of water sports and scuba diving, with more scuba diving centres than anywhere else in Turkey.
The town of Kaş was built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos and is surrounded by lofty, rocky cliffs. Over the years, it has developed from a little port to become the region's main resort. The city has a rocky coastline providing unrestricted access to the Mediterranean's gleaming waters. Kaş offers a lot of contradicting aspects like mountain and sea, ancient ruins and modern buildings.
Kaş is a great base to explore the many ancient sites such as the well preserved amphitheatre from the Hellenistic period and the sunken city of Kekova. There are many historical places such as Xanthos, Letoon, Patara, Tlos, Arycanda, Pinara, Theimussa, Myra, and the Church of St Nicholas within a short drive.
Kaş is also a perfect place for outdoor activities such as sea kayaking, scuba-diving, hiking, mountain biking. You can visit the ancient ruins and remote villages while climbing up to catch a glimpse of perfect sceneries high above these mountains.
You can also take a ferry to the Greek islan Meis from Kas.
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Kaş
Kas is about a 20 minute scenic drive from Kalkan. It has been compared to the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). This charming harbour town, with its pretty cobbled streets and alleys lined with Ottoman balconies and trailing with Bougainvillea, is framed by the stunning backdrop of the pine-covered Taurus mountains and is relatively unspoilt by tourism.
Kaş offers an array of restaurants serving excellent local and international cuisine to suit all budgets and tastes and is renowned for its fantastic range of water sports and scuba diving, with more scuba diving centres than anywhere else in Turkey.
The town of Kaş was built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos and is surrounded by lofty, rocky cliffs. Over the years, it has developed from a little port to become the region's main resort. The city has a rocky coastline providing unrestricted access to the Mediterranean's gleaming waters. Kaş offers a lot of contradicting aspects like mountain and sea, ancient ruins and modern buildings.
Kaş is a great base to explore the many ancient sites such as the well preserved amphitheatre from the Hellenistic period and the sunken city of Kekova. There are many historical places such as Xanthos, Letoon, Patara, Tlos, Arycanda, Pinara, Theimussa, Myra, and the Church of St Nicholas within a short drive.
Kaş is also a perfect place for outdoor activities such as sea kayaking, scuba-diving, hiking, mountain biking. You can visit the ancient ruins and remote villages while climbing up to catch a glimpse of perfect sceneries high above these mountains.
You can also take a ferry to the Greek islan Meis from Kas.
About an hour away from Kalkan is Fethiye. Named in 1934 after "Fethi Bey", one of the first pilots to see service with the Ottoman air force and who was killed in an early mission; Fethiye is located on the site of the historic city of Telmessos, some of the ruins of which can still be seen in the city today. Telmessos has a history documented back to the 5th Century BC and was the most significant city in the whole of Lycia. Located around 45 minutes' drive from Dalaman airport, it is close to some of Turkey's best beaches and most most interesting historical sites, such as Kayakoy, Xanthos, the Lycian rock tombs in Fethiye, Cadianda, Letoon Gemiler and Aya Nikola.
In Fethiye, the museum is a must visit for many in the area, offering an insight into successive civilizations from the ancient Lycians, with a wealth of ancient artefacts and information. The tomb of Amyntas can also be found in Fethiye. The beautiful carvings, and sheer size of this tomb built in 350BC by the Lycians make it worth taking the time to visit.
Fethiye is now at the centre of one of the most important tourism regions in Turkey, with Olu Deniz, world famous for its beach and the dramatic beauty of its surroundings, the nightlife of Hisaronu, and the mountain splendour of Ovacik all within 15 minutes' drive.
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Fethiye
About an hour away from Kalkan is Fethiye. Named in 1934 after "Fethi Bey", one of the first pilots to see service with the Ottoman air force and who was killed in an early mission; Fethiye is located on the site of the historic city of Telmessos, some of the ruins of which can still be seen in the city today. Telmessos has a history documented back to the 5th Century BC and was the most significant city in the whole of Lycia. Located around 45 minutes' drive from Dalaman airport, it is close to some of Turkey's best beaches and most most interesting historical sites, such as Kayakoy, Xanthos, the Lycian rock tombs in Fethiye, Cadianda, Letoon Gemiler and Aya Nikola.
In Fethiye, the museum is a must visit for many in the area, offering an insight into successive civilizations from the ancient Lycians, with a wealth of ancient artefacts and information. The tomb of Amyntas can also be found in Fethiye. The beautiful carvings, and sheer size of this tomb built in 350BC by the Lycians make it worth taking the time to visit.
Fethiye is now at the centre of one of the most important tourism regions in Turkey, with Olu Deniz, world famous for its beach and the dramatic beauty of its surroundings, the nightlife of Hisaronu, and the mountain splendour of Ovacik all within 15 minutes' drive.
Beaches
Patara beach is approximately a 20 minute drive from Kalkan and makes for a great day out. Part of a national park, Patara beach is a key biodiversity area, rich in birdlife and is the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta). Luckily the beach has been declared off-limits for development because of the turtles. They are nearing extinction and protection of their nesting sites on the Turkish coast is very important. The beach is closed after sunset from May to October to give the turtles peace in which to lay their eggs as it is the second most important turtle nesting beach in Turkey.
s you drive up towards the beach car park you will find the ancient ruins of Patara on your right. As part of the ruins you will find the old parliament of Patara, which is where the Lycian League were believed to have once met, along with the remains of the grand ampitheatre. You can make a stop and wander right through ruins before carrying on to enjoy your time at the beach. Or alternatively you can park up at the beach and walk back down to see the ruins (approximately a 15 minute walk).
Even in the height of summer the beach is never crowded. The absence of development and no water sports means that it is always peaceful. There is a café/restaurant at the end of the boardwalk that sells food and drink, and also hires out sunbeds and parasols. As you walk from the car park to the beach you will find just a couple of stalls where you can buy souvenirs and keepsakes.
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Patara Beach
Patara beach is approximately a 20 minute drive from Kalkan and makes for a great day out. Part of a national park, Patara beach is a key biodiversity area, rich in birdlife and is the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta). Luckily the beach has been declared off-limits for development because of the turtles. They are nearing extinction and protection of their nesting sites on the Turkish coast is very important. The beach is closed after sunset from May to October to give the turtles peace in which to lay their eggs as it is the second most important turtle nesting beach in Turkey.
s you drive up towards the beach car park you will find the ancient ruins of Patara on your right. As part of the ruins you will find the old parliament of Patara, which is where the Lycian League were believed to have once met, along with the remains of the grand ampitheatre. You can make a stop and wander right through ruins before carrying on to enjoy your time at the beach. Or alternatively you can park up at the beach and walk back down to see the ruins (approximately a 15 minute walk).
Even in the height of summer the beach is never crowded. The absence of development and no water sports means that it is always peaceful. There is a café/restaurant at the end of the boardwalk that sells food and drink, and also hires out sunbeds and parasols. As you walk from the car park to the beach you will find just a couple of stalls where you can buy souvenirs and keepsakes.
On the road between Kalkan and Kas, there is a long flight of steps (almost 200!) which leads onto Kaputas beach, which is formed by a gorge that opens out into a stretch of sand. The local Belideye have improved facilities at the beach since 2017, with the provision of toilets, changing rooms, and a small café selling drinks and snacks. Some limited refreshments can also be bought from enterprising locals. It is a popular beach with locals and visitors, and can get very busy over the Summer months. The beach is often visited by Gulet's and yachts for it's Turquoise waters and good swimming too. On a windy day the waves can get quite strong. There are dolmuses (minibuses) between Kalkan and Kas which stop off at Kaputas. Alternatively, you can make the drive yourself or use a taxi. It is approximately a 10 minute journey from Kalkan. The beach does not have a car park and so instead you will find free parking along the side of the road - however please note that this gets busy quickly!
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Playa Kaputas / Cueva Azul
On the road between Kalkan and Kas, there is a long flight of steps (almost 200!) which leads onto Kaputas beach, which is formed by a gorge that opens out into a stretch of sand. The local Belideye have improved facilities at the beach since 2017, with the provision of toilets, changing rooms, and a small café selling drinks and snacks. Some limited refreshments can also be bought from enterprising locals. It is a popular beach with locals and visitors, and can get very busy over the Summer months. The beach is often visited by Gulet's and yachts for it's Turquoise waters and good swimming too. On a windy day the waves can get quite strong. There are dolmuses (minibuses) between Kalkan and Kas which stop off at Kaputas. Alternatively, you can make the drive yourself or use a taxi. It is approximately a 10 minute journey from Kalkan. The beach does not have a car park and so instead you will find free parking along the side of the road - however please note that this gets busy quickly!
To the left of and at the entrance to Kalkan harbour, sits Kalkan's white pebble beach which is hugely popular with vistors and locals. The water is incredibly clear and often calm, making it very good for snorkelling and swimming. Toilet and changing facilities are available just behind the beach, and sunbeds/umbrellas can be hired at a very reasonable rate. It is worth noting that the beach has a blue flag award for cleanliness too. There are harbour front restaurants, shops and cafes all within 2 minutes walk of the beach. Kalkan beach also enjoys late evening sun, and is a lovely place to watch the yachts and gulets returning back to harbour in the early evening. This beach is just around a 3 minute walk from our Kalkan Old Town accommodation.
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Kalkan Public Beach
To the left of and at the entrance to Kalkan harbour, sits Kalkan's white pebble beach which is hugely popular with vistors and locals. The water is incredibly clear and often calm, making it very good for snorkelling and swimming. Toilet and changing facilities are available just behind the beach, and sunbeds/umbrellas can be hired at a very reasonable rate. It is worth noting that the beach has a blue flag award for cleanliness too. There are harbour front restaurants, shops and cafes all within 2 minutes walk of the beach. Kalkan beach also enjoys late evening sun, and is a lovely place to watch the yachts and gulets returning back to harbour in the early evening. This beach is just around a 3 minute walk from our Kalkan Old Town accommodation.
Sightseeing
Saklikent, meaning "hidden city" in Turkish, is around 50km from Fethiye in the Mugla province, and just a 20-30 minute drive from Kalkan.
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Saklıkent National Park
No : 26 Saklıkent Sokak
Saklikent, meaning "hidden city" in Turkish, is around 50km from Fethiye in the Mugla province, and just a 20-30 minute drive from Kalkan.
Meis (if you’re Turkish) or Kastellorizo (if you’re Greek), a small Greek island only 7 kms from Kas, the next town to us. Go hit a swim in the Blue Cave with amazing phosphorescence making it look like your movement lights up the water. Various swim spots, including by the small island of St George with it’s tiny but beautiful church and watching turtles feed. Then on to Meis harbour for a walk up to the castle for amazing views and dinner with turtles!
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Kastellorizo
Meis (if you’re Turkish) or Kastellorizo (if you’re Greek), a small Greek island only 7 kms from Kas, the next town to us. Go hit a swim in the Blue Cave with amazing phosphorescence making it look like your movement lights up the water. Various swim spots, including by the small island of St George with it’s tiny but beautiful church and watching turtles feed. Then on to Meis harbour for a walk up to the castle for amazing views and dinner with turtles!
Just pop down to the harbour where you will find many operators or contact one of many agents in the old town.
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Kalkan Boat Trip
Just pop down to the harbour where you will find many operators or contact one of many agents in the old town.
Gizlikent Selalesi
Xanthos Antik Kenti - Ancient ruins of Xanthos
Asar CaddesiFood scene
Fabulous food and atmospheric restaurants are high on our guests' wish list for their holiday in Turkey. In the minds of many, Turkey does not have a reputation for excellent cuisine in the way that France and Italy do, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised by a dining experience that brings many back to Kalkan time and time again.
Kalkan's topography has resulted in narrow winding cobbled streets that run along, and rise away from the waterfront. This has meant that over the years industrious restaurateurs have found all sorts of spaces in which to start a restaurant, and in so doing created the unique charm and character of many of Kalkan's eateries. Many are located on roof terraces, offering views across Kalkan's rooftops to the sea, some tucked in corners that need to be sought out, and others on the marina and beach front to rival any in the Mediterranean.
Chefs are creative, and source ingredients locally on the whole. There is an abundance of organic fruit and vegetables, full of flavour, and these form the basis of much of Kalkan's cuisine along with fresh fish, beef, lamb and chicken.
Kalkan dining is so often memorable, the views, setting sun, friendly attentive service, and of course the food and drink. Here we offer an overview of different locations and establishments, and invite you to discover more about eating and drinking in Kalkan.
Don't forget to try one of the traditional Turkish village/farm places for breakfast luch or dinner on th eoutskirts of towwn for a real authentic experience.
One of the best restaurants for steak, a but a little pricey but great atmosphere and even better food. Go early or book to avoid dissapointment. For showmanship, order the Chateaubriand for steak to be cooked at your table.
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Baharat Restaurant & Bar
12 Hasan Altan Cd.One of the best restaurants for steak, a but a little pricey but great atmosphere and even better food. Go early or book to avoid dissapointment. For showmanship, order the Chateaubriand for steak to be cooked at your table.
Belgin's Kitchen Restaurant
No: 16 3. SokakHunkar Ocakbasi
No:38 Şehitler Cd.
Aqua Bistro
Cumhuriyet CaddesiConsejos para la ciudad
Cómo moverse
Local taxis are cheap and abundant
If you find one with a good command of English, grab and save his card. You can also ask them how much it would be to be your driver for the day.
No te lo pierdas
Things to do
Paragliding, quad biking, boat tours including private, Salikent and Gilizent gorges, Xanthos, Lycian walk, local shops selling `real fakes', markets, caterers who come to the home and cook for you, beach clubs, drive from Kalkhan to Kas which compares with PCH, visit to Fethiye, Patara and Kaputas beaches, over 300 restaurants ranging from authentic to fine dining cuisine and so much more.
Don't forget to try a Hammam, a traditional Turkish bath is an experience that should not be missed. A traditional Turkish bath is an experience that should not be missed. Try Atlantis next to Yali Market.