The small harbour town of Kalkan has changed little over the years and offers a taste of traditional Turkish life. The narrow cobbled streets wind down through the village of whitewashed houses, shops and restaurants until they reach the small harbour, home to yachts and local fishermen. The population of Kalkan, formerly known as Kalamaki, was largely made up of Greeks of Ottoman nationality until the beginning of the 19th Century and the Kocayaki Mosque, which can be found near the harbour, was formerly a Greek church. The town itself is full of quality restaurants, bars, boutiques and shops selling hand made goods as well as the restaurants along the marina which is the perfect setting to wind down after the days events.

For those looking for a beach, Kalkan itself has a small pebbly beach but it is worth travelling out to Kaputas Beach or the famous Patara Beach both of which can be reached using the regular dolmus (shared taxi / minibus) service from the town centre as well as boats from the marina.

The nearest of the two is Kaputas which is approximately 15 minutes drive away and offers clear blue waters with a beautiful coarse beach. Approximately 20 minutes from Kalkan is Patara beach with its 18km of gorgeous sand. In addition to the beaches, visits are easily arranged to the
sunken city of Kekova and the ancient cities of Xanthos and Letoon. Further down the coast you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre and the ancient city of Myra.

In the evenings, the local restaurants come alive and after a delicious meal, the roof top bars provide the perfect setting for admiring the beautiful scenery. You’ll find that Kalkan is a town with a warm and welcoming feel and is favoured by those looking for a calm and quiet holiday.

KALKAN HIGHLIGHTS & SIGHTS

LETOON

Letoon was a Lycian city devoted to the worship on the Goddess Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis and much loved by Zeus. Judging by archaeological finds from the 8th Century BC the city had three temples attracting pilgrims who followed the cult of the Goddess.

PATARA

Patara was the valleys port but over time the harbour eventually silted up and is now a marsh separated from the sea by sand dunes. The triple gateway through which one enters Patara is thought to have been built in 100AD and here you can see also the Hellenistic Theatre which is now buried to its waist in sand.Whilst in Patara it is essential to visit the beach which is Turkey’s most beautiful beach with an unbroken 7 mile stretch of pristine sand.

XANTHOS

Xanthos, the chief Lycian City has had a chequered past. Surface findings from the city acropolis reveal that the settlement dates back to the 8th Century BC. Initial research was performed by Englishman, Charles Fellows in 1838, which explains why the Nereidler and Harpyler monuments, the Payave Tomb and Aslan Grave were taken to the British Museum in 1842.

KEKOVA

Kekova Island and the town of Kale combine to give an idyllic daytrip for the traveller looking for a combination of sunshine, swimming and fascinating historic ruins. A truly amazing boat trip that you’re unlikely to forget for quite some time.