Kalkan Travel Guide

The charming Mediterranean holiday resort and fishing town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast and is sought after by visitors in search of atmosphere and character rather than just fun and sun.

Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture, shuttered windows, and white-washed houses, along with sweeping views over the harbour and sparkling bay, contribute to its unique charm.

The genuine friendliness of Kalkan's locals is a refreshing change from the hassle often found in more touristy areas. Untouched by mass tourism, the destination remains small, unspoilt, and laid-back, yet still offers plenty to see and do.

Holidaymakers can enjoy beautiful beaches, boat cruises and watersports, or immerse themselves in ancient Lycian history. Kalkan also boasts one of the highest concentrations of restaurants and bars per square metre on the Turkish coast and is famous for its rooftop venues.

Shopping

Kalkan's Thursday market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and mingle with the locals, offering a true reflection of Kalkan life. Gold and silver jewellery, Turkish kilims (handwoven rugs), and the traditional blue-coloured glass 'evil eye', believed to ward off evil spirits, are popular purchases. Many of the shops stay open until at least midnight. Other common buys include tailor-made suits and other custom clothing.

Restaurants

The destination has an impressive number of restaurants, most of which are concentrated in the town centre. With over 100 eateries, the town offers a range of dining options, from trendy market-style places to traditional lokantas (tavernas) and even rooftop restaurants. These establishments offer breathtaking views over the harbour and serve a variety of cuisines, including traditional Turkish, locally caught seafood, and Mediterranean classics. Local meze (similar to tapas), cheese, and trout are common features on the menus. International cuisine is available in several restaurants, though it's important to note that these typically come with a higher price tag.

Nightlife

The nightlife is varied and offers something for all types of visitors. With plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs, the town comes to life after dusk. Travellers can enjoy sundowners at one of the many rooftop terrace bars, listen to a gypsy band while sipping on the local aniseed drink, 'raki', relax on Ottoman-style cushions while smoking a hookah pipe, or watch local performers put on belly dancing shows.

Holiday activities

Kalkan's main beach is shingled, which may not appeal to some beachgoers, but the water sports and activities available off these shores attract thousands of tourists each year. For those who prefer sand, nearby Kaputas Beach is sandy and offers a more traditional beach experience.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing, and banana boating, or they can dive beneath the crystal-clear waters on a snorkelling trip. For history enthusiasts, the ruins at Xanthos Valley and the ancient city of Patara are popular attractions. The remains of the ancient New Acropolis in the region are also worth a visit, although it's less well-known compared to other nearby sites.

Any negatives?

Kalkan is often packed with tourists, and its main beach is made up of pebbles, so wearing beach shoes is advisable. However, the water depth drops off quickly close to the shore, which means visitors won't need to walk over the pebbles for long. While Kalkan offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to many other parts of Turkey's coast, its popularity can sometimes mean that the town feels crowded during peak tourist season.