Calis Travel Guide

The holiday retreat of Calis (pronounced Chalish) in Turkey is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and laid-back atmosphere. Situated in the southwest of the country on the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Calis offers a range of hotels, bars, and restaurants along the extensive beachfront road, which is a designated car-free strip.

The Calis beach is long and narrow, with a mix of sand and shingle. As in Dalyan, loggerhead turtles gather here to lay eggs during certain times of the year, particularly between May and October. Calis is also a short minibus or water-taxi ride away from neighbouring Fethiye, making it easy for those seeking more vibrant crowds. The best way to enjoy a Calis holiday, however, is to grab a seat at a beachfront café, camera ready, and enjoy a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.

Shopping

A little outside the town, a lovely market takes place every Sunday, offering a selection of budget-friendly knock-off designer items, as well as spices, teas, and foods. There are also a small number of shops selling beachwear, sporting equipment, and local handicrafts.

Restaurants

Calis has a variety of restaurants, with an emphasis on Chinese, English and local Turkish cuisine.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Calis is very laid-back, with a few late-night bars that host events such as foam parties, karaoke and salsa nights. However, for those seeking a more lively party scene, nearby Fethiye offers a busier nightlife. As in most resorts, the most popular clubs are along the beachfront.

Holiday activities

The beach in Calis is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, but more active pursuits are also available, including scuba diving, windsurfing and waterskiing. There are a number of activities to enjoy in Calis, such as boat trips to nearby islands, jeep safaris, canoeing, horse riding, fishing, quad biking, and micro-lighting.

The Sultans Aqua City waterpark, just a stone's throw from the beach, provides a wealth of entertainment for families on holiday, and other watersports are also available during the day. A short distance from Calis, visitors will find the limestone hot springs of Pamukkale (about a 3-hour drive away), the mud baths of Dalyan, the Saklikent Gorge, the deserted village of Kavakov, and the archaeological and ethnological Fethiye Museum.

Any negatives?

Calis is quiet, making it less suited for those looking for a lively nightlife scene. It's best suited to families and older couples looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday.