Things To Do in Kalkan
We recommend that you plan your Kalkan trip to include the must-see places in the vast Lycian geography, starting from Fethiye in the west of Kalkan and extending to Kaş, Demre and Finike in the east.
Whether you're looking to experience a different beach every day, an adventurous day in nature, a romantic sunset dinner, or an exploration tour filled with ancient Lycian ruins, we have recommendations for all of it.
If you wish, you can easily save the suggestions on this page to your phone's Google Maps application. We will share the places to see in the area as a Google Maps list.
Dilerseniz önce aşağıdaki haritadan genel görünüme birlikte bakalım. En solda Fethiye’yi görüyorsunuz. Onun 50km daha yukarısında Dalaman Havalimanı var ki, Kalkan’a gelirken size en yakın havalimanı Dalaman Havalimanı ve Kalkan’a 120km. Havalimanı transferi konusunda bizimle iletişime geçebilirsiniz.
Kalkan is located in the middle of the historical Lycian geography from Fethiye to Finike. The orange place names are historical areas. If you have time, we recommend you to visit these areas.
If your interest is beaches and the sea, you can find the 2 best beaches of Turkey very close to Kalkan: Kaputaş (7 km) and Patara (17 km).
Kalkan
Kalkan is located on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains descending to the sea, where the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas meet.
With its turquoise waters, wonderful sunset views, historical texture and peaceful atmosphere, Kalkan invites you to discover.
Turquoise Beaches
True Blue Boutique Hotel is located in the middle of Kalamar Bay, Kaputaş Beach and Patara Beach.
We have compiled brief information about the beaches in the vicinity for you and marked their locations on the map.
Five minutes walking distance to the nearest beaches to our hotel.
There is an entrance to the sea over the rocky platforms. Both have umbrellas, sun loungers, changing rooms, toilets, cafe and restaurant.
Kalamar Beach has a water sports area. Kalamar Beach also has a free shuttle service.
Kaputas Beach is a canyon mouth beach, 7 km away on the way from Kalkan to Kas.
The water is cool and turquoise in color as a result of the water flowing under the ground filtering through the sands.
The stunning turquoise waters of the beach, accessible after descending 187 steps, are well worth the effort. Facilities: Cafe, sunbed, sunshade and changing room.
You can reach Patara beach, which is 17 km away from Kalkan by car, by minibus from Kalkan.
It is the longest beach in Turkey with a length of 18 kilometers and a width of 1,500 meters. Although the sea is sandy and shallow, it is constantly wavy throughout the year.
The beach, the spawning ground of the Caretta Caretta, is closed to visitors from May to October, except between 8am and 8pm. The beach entrance is paid.
It is located in the city centre, right next to the port. You can go snorkelling on this blue flag beach and get food and beverage service at the municipal cafeteria above it. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach is subject to a small fee. It is important to remember that it is the most crowded beach on our list.
You can reach Zest Beach in 10 minutes by car or by free boat transportation from Kalkan port. This beach, which also has a salty pool, offers a restaurant discount to its True Blue guests.
Historical places
Myra
Once as important as Ephesus, Myra features a large Roman amphitheater and Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face. A few kilometers away is St. Nicholas Basilica.
Sidyma Ancient City
Discovered in 1842 while catching a ship bound for Rhodes. Silver coins from 1st century BC, found in Sidyma with the SI stamp, prove that the ancient city was a member of the Lycian League.
Tlos
It is one of the most breathtaking Lycian cities. Although much of the ancient city has crumbled today, you can still see the ruins of the acropolis, castle, cave tombs, and Roman stadium, and a three-story bathhouse building to the south of the stadium. Hittite sources used the term “country” for Tlos.
Arycanda
It was built on five terraces on the slope of the mountain at the top of the cedar forests. You will discover the largest bath complex in Lycia, as well as 2 necropolises, a stadium and an amphitheater.
Xanthus
Xanthos Ancient, Its history as the capital of Lycia dates back to BC. It dates back to the 4th century. The mausoleum of Payava, King of Xanthos, from which our sister hotel is named, is exhibited in its original form at the British Museum in England today.
Letoon
Patara
Patara is one of the most valuable ancient cities to visit and is still being excavated. It is located between Fethiye and Kalkan. Historical and natural beauties await you, with a huge ancient theatre, the recently restored world's first democratic parliament building and impressive Roman baths, as well as the incredible 12 km long Patara beach.
Kekova
A village near the town of Üçağız Demre is about 1 hour away by car. Kekova Sunken City is an almost forgotten, magnificent conservation area except for boat tours. The difficulty of transportation has protected this piece of paradise from human invasion. Üçağız got this name because when you look at the sea from its port, it is seen that there are 3 places to go to the open sea among the islands.
Kayakoy
Discover Nature
Saklikent Canyon
Saklikent Canyon It is a 45-minute drive from Kalkan and is among the deepest canyons in the world with a depth of 300 meters.
In addition to ATV and Jeep safaris, you can participate in rafting and zipline activities in the cool waters of the canyon, and dine at the mansion restaurants built on the spring waters coming from the mountains.
Hidden City Waterfall
It is 38 km from Kalkan. 10 minutes away from Saklıkent Canyon. A narrow but lush canyon is reached by descending the stairs in the greenery. If you walk in water for 20 meters, you will reach a beautiful waterfall.
On the way to Saklıkent from Fethiye, you can reach the Secretkent Waterfall by turning right, 1km away.
Patara Sand Dunes
Patara Sand Dunes It is 15 minutes away from Kalkan, and it is a place where you will be fascinated while watching the sunset and the horizon. The sand dunes attract the attention of the whole world with their fine sand and magnificent scenery. While you are there, you should also visit the beach and the ancient city.
On a clear day when the sun goes down, it is possible to see the Rhodes Island silhouette.
Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a walking route created by marking and mapping some of the paths on the Teke peninsula, called Lycia in history, starting from Fethiye and extending to Antalya. The Lycian Way began to work in 1992 and was put into service by Kate Clow in 1999.
If you are interested in trekking or hiking, you can consider the Lycian Way, one of the world's top ten walking paths. Discovered for the first time by the British Kate Clow, who moved to Turkey in the early 2000s, the Lycian Way is more than 500 km long. Contact us for maps that connect villages, mountain hamlets, and ancient Lycian and Roman regions, a combination of ancient roads, caravan routes and forest trails drawn by veteran Kate Clow.
Where to Eat in Kalkan?
True Blue Boutique Hotel guests can order from the phone numbers below to dine on their rooms' balconies.
By clicking on the name of the restaurant, you can access the photo, location and comment information about the place.
Enjoy your meal!
You can also find information about other cafes and restaurants you can visit on-site below.
One of the 10 options is surely for you
Suites / Residences / Villas
In suites with breakfast; There are living room with a sofa bed for families with one child, We recommend you to see rooftop rooms with sea views and romantic rooms with terraces.
While the studio with garden terrace and the stone house studio are suitable for 2 adults and 1 child, we can host 4-5 guests in total in 3 different types of 2-bedroom residences. Details on our page.
For large families and groups of friends, 2 villas of 200 m², a jacuzzi, stone walls, 4 bedrooms and large terraces are at your service for your holidays longer than 5 days.
DIRECT RESERVATION COUPON
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History of Kalkan
Formerly a crucial coastal trade port, Kalkan is still a new holiday resort with the old Kalkan at the city's heart. After sunset, along winding streets of traditional houses, restaurants, small boutiques and local shops, the taste and smell of Kalkan's famous cuisine lead one to the harbour and the streets around it.
With an eclectic mix of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, rooftop restaurants and beautiful sea views, the old town is a place you'll want to explore and have fun.
Located on the harbor side of Kalkan and converted into a mosque, the Greek Orthodox Church is the best example of Greek architecture in Kalkan. The history of Kalkan is revealed in stone and wooden buildings with domes and wooden windows.
From Kalkan port, many beaches around the bay are reached by small colourful boats that provide a free shuttle service to the guests. Traditional wooden Gulets offer boat trips to nearby beaches and islands. Water sports, diving and fishing trips are also provided.
Although Kalkan was not seen as an important settlement in the distant past, it gained importance in the 19th century as it was the only safe harbor in the area between Kaş and Fethiye. It was known as "Kalamaki" by the Greeks who settled in the region 150-200 years ago.
Camels transported the goods arriving at the ports from the nearby Xanthos valley and the mountain plateaus near Elmali. From the port of Kalkan, cargo ships travelled to distant parts of the Ottoman Empire with loads of cotton, grain, wine and timber.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Kalkan became a fairly large village. At the turn of the century, in 1915, there were seventeen restaurants, a jeweler, a shoemaker, and a few tailors. The first local elections were held in 1928 and in 1937 the present primary school was opened.
In 1923, after the War of Independence, the population exchange between the new Turkish Republic and Greece took place. Most of the people of Greek origin living in Kalkan left Turkey. Some went to the nearby Greek island of Meis, but most were settled around Athens. Those who left Turkey were perceived as immigrants in Greece. They named their new city "Kalamaki", the old name of Kalkan.
Port trade gradually declined with the improvement of the road system and the adoption of road transport and only continued until the 1950s. Due to dwindling maritime trade, the population of Kalkan declined as people moved to larger coastal cities to find work. With the arrival of wealthy British yachters in the 1960s, Kalkan's leading economy was tourism. Therefore, Kalkan has retained its historical charm. Historic buildings have been preserved with the enactment of strict construction and conservation rules.
Xanthos, the capital of Lycia, is only 17 km from Kalkan and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Other major Lycian cities are Tlos, Myra, Pinara and Patara. Visitors from all over the world see ancient ruins that date back over 2000 years. The British Museum in London also has an extensive collection of Lycian artefacts.
The Taurus Mountains rise more than ten thousand meters and the highest peaks are covered with snow until the beginning of summer. Its lakes, forests, magnificent turquoise coastline and magnificent ruins of two dozen cities make Lycia a place of pleasure to explore. Hundreds of kilometres of Lycia's coastline draws yachters close to the crystal-clear waters and perfect climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kalkan?
Kalkan is located 87 km west of Fethiye and 27 km east of Kas, on the Southern Mediterranean coast known as the Turquoise or Lycian coast. We can say that it is the place where the Mediterranean and the Aegean meet. It is located in the middle of Turkey's two most important beaches, Kaputaş and Patara.
Which is the closest airport to Kalkan?
Dalaman Airport (also known as Muğla Airport) is the nearest airport and is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Kalkan. You can also use Antalya Airport to come to Kalkan. However, the transfer time is 3 hours.
How is the nightlife in Kalkan?
Located in the middle of Kalkan, the old Kalkan houses many cafes, bars and restaurants with lively nights. On the banks of Old Kalkan and Harbor are a number of bars that usually stay open until the end of the night. Venues are small and intimate, welcoming everyone with a wide mix of music for all tastes and ages. Others have small dance floors. Due to Kalkan's strict principles, loud music broadcasts are avoided in bars.
Would you recommend renting a car in Kalkan?
There are many interesting places around Kalkan. By renting a car, you can have a different experience and get the most out of Kalkan. However, it is not always necessary to rent a car as there are many things that are within walking distance and public transport is available depending on where you are staying. The speed limit in Kalkan is 50 kilometers per hour (30 mph), increasing to 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph) on highways and open roads. If you have an accident or the unfortunate event that your vehicle is damaged in any way, it is necessary to call the police on the scene before moving the vehicle as the insurance will be voided without a police report. You should also contact our local car rental partner immediately and take a photo (if possible) before doing anything else. You will need to carry your passport and driver's license to the vehicle documents and license (normally found in the glove box of drivers' sunglasses). The gendarmerie (traffic police) routinely stops cars and if you are stopped you will be expected to show these documents. Child seats for infants and young children are available free of charge on request. Please indicate the ages of the children so that we can provide a suitable seat for your child.
Are there local health services in Kalkan?
Healthcare is not covered by the EU, so private health insurance is required. Kalkan has a number of private doctors and the closest hospital is in Fethiye.
Medical Center:
Tuana Medical Center (close to Tesko in Kalkan), Squid Road, Kalkan.
Kalkan Medical Center, Kalamar Yolu: (009) 0242 844 1000. There are 2 English speaking doctors.
Chemist:
There are 3 pharmacies in Kalkan
Working hours are normally; 09:00 – 19:30
How is the weather in Kalkan?
Kalkan is located in southern Turkey, in the Mediterranean, at 36.25 degrees North latitude and 29.40 degrees east longitude.
Behind Kalkan, the Taurus Mountains rise at an altitude of more than 1500 meters. With the Mediterranean in front and the Taurus Mountains behind it, Kalkan's climate is similar to Southern California.
Kalkan has the typical climatic conditions of the Southern Mediterranean, with little precipitation and mild winters, and long and hot summers. From May to October and even beyond, sun can be guaranteed.
In the chart, you can see the average temperatures and precipitation of Kalkan in the past years by month.
The average precipitation ranges from approximately 167 mm/m² in December and January, and between 78-125 mm/m² in February and March.
Storms bring precipitation in the fall and between January and March. But even during this period, the weather is clear and sunny on average 7 days in November, 8 days in December, and 8 days in January and February.
Meltem winds are effective in summer months. They tend to come from the north to the northwest, warm air from the Aegean Sea rises during the day and blows from the land in the evening.
The breezes also have a cooling effect in the summer heat.
Mostly hot, dry and dusty, the Khamsin winds determine high air temperatures but little or no humidity.
