About Kalkan

Kalkan is situated on Turkey's gorgeous Lycian Coast within an area of outstanding natural beauty which is steeped in ancient history. Once a small but significant trading port, today's Kalkan is quietly sophisticated and postcard pretty with a few good quality low-rise hotels, a selection of privately owned holiday villas and a multitude of excellent roof-top restaurants offering all manner of culinary delights, together with an array of stylish and atmospheric blues and jazz bars.

The village shops and boutiques stay open 'til around midnight and are well stocked with interesting antiques, crafts, jewellery, leather goods, carpets and clothing. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with whitewashed shuttered buildings festooned with brightly coloured bougainvillea intermingled with shops and terrace-topped restaurants. These cobbled streets twist down to the harbour, which is the focus of the village and here you can enjoy a meal whilst watching the world go by or by looking at the array of elegant 'gulets'.

During the day, you can make use of one of the many 'beach clubs' around Kalkan, visit the local market, engage in some of the local sporting activities (such as water-skiing, parascending, scuba diving, trekking etc), take a trip to one of the nearby historical sites, drive a jeep up into the mountains, cruise on a gulet or simply relax by your pool.

Unlike some other Turkish coastal resorts, Kalkan's main economy derives from tourism and consequently, its inhabitants put much effort and pride into the town's historic preservation. As a result of very strict building regulations and the efforts of the Kalkan Foundation, the town has retained its charm and special ambience.

The wonderful hospitality of the Kalkan people is another reason why the first-time visitor invariably returns time after time.