Kalkan
It is quite possible to run out of superlatives when describing Kalkan.
In the year 400 BC, Herodotus said of Kalkan: "It is the closest place to the stars on Earth" and, according to rumour, one who drinks from Kalkan Spring can never leave...we don't actually know if the Spring still exists, but it is easy to see why the rumour has persisted. One visit and you are hooked, starting with your first view of the village.
As you approach by the coastal road from the airport, through the mountains, you will first see a spectacular turquoise blue bay, with two islands guarding the entrance to the harbour and marina. Then the village of Kalkan slowly unfolds before you, spreading up the hillside away from the sea.
Kalkan itself is an idyllic fishing village with a marina where yachts, gullets, fishing boats and dinghies bob up and down together in a sheltered harbour. It's a small town (of only a few thousand) and this creates a wonderful intimate feeling. But don't let its size mislead you - there is plenty to do in and around Kalkan. During the day the town is surprisingly empty, as most guests choose to swim, sunbathe or explore the multitude of ancient Lycian ruins and the many sites of natural beauty in the area. However, everything changes in the evening, when Kalkan comes to life.
Despite its sophisticated image, Kalkan is a friendly, warm, relaxing haven for the discerning visitor, with an incredible number of cosmopolitan restaurants and bars - many with rooftop terraces and superb views - crammed between boutiques and shops amongst the cobbled streets. That's the main hub of the night life here... there are one or two late night music bars, if you fancy a dance after your evening meal, but they tend to be at the classier end of the market - so, if kiss-me-quick hats, noisy clubs and brawling lager louts are your thing, this is probably not the best place for you.
It is no exaggeration to say that the majority of visitors to Kalkan have either been before, or intend to return! People just keep coming back, as if enchanted by the village's unique atmosphere. This has to be down to the locals: they really value tourists - especially the British -and do everything they can to ensure that visitors want to return year after year. Above all, they seem to appreciate what a wonderful treasure they've been entrusted with, and they are determined to keep it that way. There are no high rise hotels in this resort; "small is beautiful" and the large UK tour operators are conspicuous by their absence.
There are some small hotels, certainly, but most visitors stay in rented apartments or villas on the outskirts of the village. These are still multiplying year on year but, thanks to its location in a small bay backed by mountains, there is no further development going on in the village itself. Some of the newer apartments and villas up on the hillside can certainly offer spectacular views over the bay, but the downside is that they are a very long, steep (and unlit) climb away from the centre of Kalkan - not great, if you have just had a convivial evening in one of the delightful hostelries! Similarly, there are lots of apartments being advertised as being in Kalkan when they are, in fact, in Kalamar Bay, which is actually a good 5 minute drive or 20 minutes' walk away from the centre. When we decided to buy our apartment in Kalkan, one of our first stipulations was that it had to be within EASY walking distance of the centre!
Beaches
Kalkan's small shingle and pebble beach is only ten minutes walk from the apartment and there are several beach clubs with bathing platforms and excellent watersports facilities in and around Kalkan.
The spectacular 7 mile long beach at Patara is only 25 minutes away by boat or dolmus (a very efficient local bus service), and the secluded sandy beach at Kaputas is only 10 minutes by dolmus - great scenery on the way, too!
Activities
Eating, drinking and socialising, obviously - the restaurants in Kalkan are legendary
Watersports - readily available at one of the local beach clubs - eg: link
Sightseeing - at the centre of the Lycian region, Kalkan is well placed for visiting many historical sites such as Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Tlos, Patara, Kekova (the Sunken City), Demre, Myra, Phaselis, Olympos, Aspendos and the Saklikent Gorge. Too much to see for just one holiday? Oh well, you'll just have to come back next year…and the next year… and the next…like everyone else!
Shopping - well, between the bars and restaurants, Kalkan is full of little shops and boutiques. The cashmere pashminas are a particular bargain (Just ask Fiona!)
Is it for you?
Certainly we're biased, but we think a holiday in Kalkan is a truly wonderful experience and full of remarkable contradictions - sophisticated yet friendly; relaxed but buzzing; cosmopolitan but still uniquely Turkish; the list goes on.
That said, perhaps it's not ideal for everyone!
Merely as a guide, therefore (and, admittedly, this is nothing but shameless stereotyping) it's probably ideal for the following types of holidaymakers:
Couples who just want to relax in a romantic and warm environment (like us!)
Honeymooners
Older singles - it's a very friendly, unthreatening place
Younger couples or singles with an interest in watersports (click here for details)
Families with children that are either: young enough to be with their parents all the time; or older but enjoy making their own entertainment
Anyone with an interest in ancient history (click here for details)
Temperature Charts
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