Kalkan is a village that has almost grown into a town, built on the side of the Taurus mountains and sweeping down narrow cobbled streets to a small, picturesque harbour. With its multitude of small, atmospheric restaurants which offer delicious Turkish dishes and a wide range of international cuisine, the village has a warm and welcoming feeling to it. There are a few bars in Kalkan, both on the harbour and in the centre, but none are intrusive, and the bar staff are always friendly and eager to please. Bourgainvillea blossoms, trailing the white walls of the Turkish houses, give the pretty lanes and houses a magnificent finish. A painter's paradise!

Kalkan is situated half an hour from Kas, and about one hour from Fethiye, Fethiye being the larger of the 2 towns, with its massive market on Tuesdays, impressive mariner, rock tombs, castle, and wide selection of shops. Many of the market vendors move between the markets in Fethiye, Kalkan and Kas, so be prepared to bargain well in Kalkan which tends to be the more sedate, yet more expensive of the markets.

Inside Kalkan, there are many select shops, restaurants and cafes. The old part of Kalkan, on the eastern side of the village, is full of charm and well worth exploring, with its old houses and local residents.

Kalkan beach has become more organised with beds and sunshades for hire, but, as it is a pebble beach, it is well worth investing in shoes to swim in. The freshwater springs coming into the bay by the beach provide cool water which is so refreshing in the hot summer months. Those who prefer a sandy beach may prefer to visit Kaputas - 10 minutes by car or Dolmus - or the magnificent beach of Patara - 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by Dolmus.