Situated
between Kas and Fethiye, Kalkan is an
idyllic small but established town built
on a mountainside leading down winding
bourgainvillea lined streets to a pretty
harbour which is still used for local
fishing. Although it caters very much
towards holiday makers, it still retains
its own charm and has local families who
have been here for generations.
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.