Kalkan Travel Guide
Sitting on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Kalkan commands respect and admiration from all those who visit her. Maintaining a somewhat prestigious reputation, Kalkan stands in a league of its own, appealing to tourists and expats who like more refined things in life. Whether arriving by road or sea, the sight of traditional stone and modern luxury villas scattered over hillsides leading down to the coastline is a perfect picture-postcard scene. So, if Kalkan is on your bucket list of areas to see in Turkey, let us look at what to know.
Kalkan Travel Guide
1: Where is Kalkan in Turkey?
Kalkan sits on the southern, Mediterranean coast in between the resorts of quaint Kas and rustic Patara. It is a 10-hour drive from Istanbul, or 1 hour to the central hub of Fethiye, or 3 hours to Antalya.
2: When is the best time to visit?
This depends on your interests. Kalkan has a typical Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters. January through to March sees the most rainfall. So, to explore, hike, or trek, do it during the cooler months of April to June or October to December. Beaches in surrounding areas typically open during the primary tourist season that runs from May to October, but the hottest temperatures are in July, August, and September.
3: Hotel Accommodation
Kalkan has many hotels operating based on bed and breakfast right through to all-inclusive. However, our favourite thing to do is rent a private villa with a luxury, infinity swimming pool. We arrive at a clean house with a welcome pack and have privacy to enjoy ourselves. At night, we either eat out in restaurants or cook in. Thanks to the elevated land status, from most private villas in Kalkan, holiday makers also have a marvellous sea view to wake up to.
4: Where is the Best Place to Stay?
Kalkan has six official districts of which the old Turkish town is the heart. This is where many restaurants and shops are. Ortalaan, near the bus station, is a 15-minute walk to the seafront. Kalamar sits on the west side and is famous for Turkish beach clubs. Komurluk and Kisla sit on the eastern side of the bay, and this is where you find ultimate luxury homes to rent. Otherwise, Kiziltas is on the other side of the Antalya / Fethiye highway, and holidaymakers use taxis to get up and down the hill. Read more about the six districts of Kalkan.
5: How to Get Here
Most people fly into Dalaman airport, a 2-hour drive away. This airport runs frequent flights during summer. Also, use Antalya airport, three hours away. If you arrive by car, get onto the D400 highway from the east to the west of Turkey. Otherwise, bus travellers from other places in Turkey can get to the main bus stations of Fethiye or Antalya and catch a connecting bus.
6: Shopping and Nightlife
When it comes to eating out, do indulge in seaside and rooftop trends because Kalkan looks beautiful at night when the whole bay lights up. We love feasting on traditional mezes and then seafood or fish as the main course. Otherwise, find many traditional Turkish lokantas in the new part of Kalkan. Most bars in Kalkan are sit down, family-friendly, sometimes with live music. You will not find any large pulsating nightclubs, and that is the beauty of the resort. For most shops, wander the streets of the old and new town. For the large shopping malls, though, head to Fethiye or Antalya.
7: Beaches and Beach clubs
To the left of the main town, Kalkan has a small, white pebble beach, which offers calm, clear waters, and restaurants serving drinks and refreshments within a 5-minute walk. However, to experience the best beaches, go further afield. Sandy Patara beach, Turkey's longest, sometimes offers strong waves when windy, but otherwise, it is a lovely day out. Kaputas beach, one of Turkey's most famous, is reached by stone stairs leading down from the D400 highway. Once again, the water is clear. There is also a high choice of beach clubs, most of which sit within the Kalmar district.
8: Things to do in Kalkan
Tour Shop: Your first port of call when arriving in Kalkan should be tour shops. They sell tickets for various excursions, including jeep safaris, paragliding in Kas, Kekova sunken ruins, Meis Greek island, Pamukkale Cotton Castle, and Turkish baths to prep your skin up for a great suntan.
Patara: Catch a bus or hire a car to this site, 30 minutes away. As well as spending time on this gorgeous beach, the village has an impressive ancient city ruin to explore. Also, wander the rustic town or indulge in some traditional Turkish cuisine in a family-owned restaurant.
Boat Trip: This is a must-do. Every morning during summer, boats depart from the harbour to sail around the coastline. You will stop at small bays and coves for swimming breaks and enjoy a delicious lunch onboard. It is also an ideal way to get a suntan.
Explore Kas: As Kalkan's neighbour, Kas offers a different ambience that is more low-key but just as delightful. From Kalkan, catch the bus to Kas and spend the day there. Do not forget to choose a harbour front restaurant for your lunch.
More Day Trips: We hope this Kalkan travel guide has given you lots of inspiration. Personally, when staying in Kalkan, we love to hire a car to get out to explore surrounding places and attractions. This article talks about day trips to do when visiting beautiful Kalkan in Turkey.
Kalkan
