Kalkan is a beautiful and picturesque fishing village with winding cobbled streets and alleyways, cascading with vibrant bougainvillea, which has expanded gradually over recent years. The ancient old town retains its original character, surrounded by the awesome Taurus mountains. At its centre lies the harbour with a mix of local fishing craft, traditional gulets and visiting yachts.

There is a wealth of superb restaurants, the best to be had in coastal Turkey and for which Kalkan is most famous. Here you will find menus to suit all tastes from freshly caught sea-food to succulent steaks. These are mainly situated along the harbour front or on roof terraces offering excellent views over the sea. A wonderful evening can be enjoyed in a relaxing ambience soaking up the atmosphere of the village at night. Many restaurants feature annually in UK national newspapers and magazines. Although sophisticated and chic, these have still retained their Turkish charm.

Shops are of excellent quality with a range of merchandise available from arts and crafts to ‘designer’ handbags. There is a range of boutique style bag shops that hold many contemporary designs at bargain prices. There is also an excellent weekly Thursday market providing many opportunities for bargain hunting from t-shirts and jeans to spices and local farmer’s food produce. There is a bank with ATM machine and Post Office both in the village.

Kalkan’s beaches

Kalkan’s pebble beach is a only a stroll away, though there are also many other small sandy coves within 10 min's drive ie. Kaputas beach which is a beautiful secluded cove. Patara beach, often sited as one of the world’s top 10 beaches, with its 18km of long, golden, unspoilt sands is only a 20 minute taxi ride away.

Kalkan harbour also provides gulet trips around the bays for relaxing days out where you can enjoy excellent food on board and swim in the crystal clear waters.

There are also many beach clubs close by, which offer free taxi services. Kalkan has approximately seven beach clubs, providing excellent sunbathing platforms, direct sea access & great lunches at on site restaurants.

Places to visit

There are many places to visit within easy travelling distance. Kalkan village itself is minutes away on foot and the medium sized town of Kas is 20 min's drive on the spectacular coastal road, or Fethiye is approx 1 hr drive. Taxis are very cheap and readily available and car hire can be easily organised.

Other places include Saklikent Gorge; Kaya (Greek ghost town, subject of Louis de Berniere's 'Birds without Wings'); Kekova; Lycian rock tombs; Xanthos; Letoon; Pinara and Tlos. The trout farm at Islamar makes an excellent day out with lunch freshly caught! All of the above are within easy reach of Kalkan.