Things To Do in Kalkan
Living in Kalkan for 40 years and hosting thousands of guests, True Blue family has prepared a guide for you.
Beaches, bays, tours, restaurants, historical places you should see in and around Kalkan…
We have compiled it on a single page for easy reading.
Kalkan is an elegant and authentic coastal town, where those seeking a peaceful atmosphere consciously stay away from the noise of mass tourism.
This unique identity of Kalkan aligns with new-generation travel trends that focus on elements like sustainability, cultural depth, and peaceful accommodation.
Accordingly, Kalkan has become a center of attraction for travelers who aim to explore off-the-beaten-path routes and immerse themselves in the local cultural and gastronomic fabric.
As the True Blue Boutique Hotel family, we hosted guests from 60 different countries in 2026.
Turkey
United Kingdom
Russia
Japan
China
Serbia
Sweden
Iceland
Ukraine
Wales
Scotland
Denmark
Spain
Bahrain
Albania
Netherlands
Lebanon
Brazil
Australia
United States
Egypt
Peru
Kazakhstan
New Zealand
Italy
United Arab Emirates
Ireland
Canada
Jordan
South Africa
Iran
Georgia
India
Germany
Portugal
Switzerland
Austria
Bulgaria
Pakistan
Moldova
Afghanistan
Czech Republic
Palestine
Morocco
Mexico
South Korea
France
Romania
Azerbaijan
Hungary
Colombia
Lithuania
Belgium
Singapore
Greece
Norway
Poland
Belarus
LiechtensteinIs Kalkan only good in summer?
Kalkan offers more than just a holiday of beaches and daily boat tours. In Kalkan, which is sunny 300 days a year, the spring and autumn seasons have their own special beauty. You’ll find the ideal setting to explore the surroundings without the scorching sun. Spring and autumn are the best times for hiking the Lycian Way, mountain biking, touring the Ancient Lycian Cities by car, and discovering gourmet stops along the way.
In autumn, you can participate in the grape harvest and wine tasting at Likya Wines.
In spring, although the melting snow from the Taurus Mountains slightly cools the sea water, the greening nature, the magnificent scent of blooming orange and lemon trees, and the yellow Spanish brooms covering the mountains will accompany you on your walk along the Lycian Way.
Although the peaks of the mountains are still white, Saklıkent Canyon or Gizlikent Waterfall is filled with melted snow due to warming weather. The best time for rafting or kayaking is spring. During this period, Saklıkent and Kaputaş Canyons welcome all canyoning enthusiasts.
Lycia Region Travel Map
The map below gives a nice overview of the must-see places in the area.
Kalkan is located in the middle of the historical Lycian geography from Fethiye to Finike.
Place names in orange are historical places. If you have time, we recommend you to visit these areas especially in the cool seasons.
Very close to Kalkan you can find 2 of the best beaches in Turkey: Kaputas (7 km) and Patara (17 km) beaches are marked in green.
True Blue Boutique Hotel Kalkan
As homeowners in Kalkan for 40 years, this isn’t a business to us—it’s our home, and we’re happy to share it with you.
That’s why our philosophy has always been simple: to make our guests feel completely at home.
One of the 10 options is surely for you
Suites / Residences / Villas
Our suites, which include breakfast, are ideal for families with one child, as they feature a living room with a sofa bed. We also recommend considering our rooftop rooms with sea views or our romantic rooms with a private terrace.
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.
Offering hotel comfort, 200 m² of space, a jacuzzi, stone walls and 4 bedrooms, our spacious terraced villas host large families and groups for stays longer than 5 days.
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.
True Blue Boutique Hotel We have an agreement with Yalı Beach Club for the summer of 2025. With its wooden pier equipped with comfortable sun loungers, colorful cushions and restaurant, Yalı Beach Club offers a perfect environment to relax all day long. Children are welcome.
If you want to have an active day, you can also try various water sports such as water skiing, sailing or paddle boarding. It is located 2 km from our hotel.
Kaputas Beach is a canyon mouth beach 7 km away on the way from Kalkan to Kas. Its water is cool and turquoise as a result of the water flowing underground filtering through the sand.
The stunning turquoise waters of the beach, accessible after descending 187 steps, are well worth the effort. Facilities: Cafe, sunbed, sunshade and changing room.
Entry: ₺50
You can reach Patara beach, which is 17 km away from Kalkan by car, by minibus from Kalkan.
With a length of 18 kilometers and a width of 1,500 meters, it is the longest beach in Turkey. Although the sea is sandy and shallow, it is wavy throughout the year. Not recommended on windy days.
The beach is the spawning ground for the Caretta caretta turtles and is therefore closed to visitors from May to October, except for 08:00 – 18:00. Beach entrance €15
It is the closest beach to our hotel, a 5-minute walk away. It has a rocky platform entrance to the sea. It has a restaurant overlooking the bay.
There is a fun trampoline for children. It has a water sports area. There is a PADI diving school.
Entry: ₺400-₺500
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.
Entry: ₺650
Denizim Beach Club in the Kömürlük area of Kalkan is known for its wonderful harbour views and relaxed atmosphere. It offers sunbathing platforms, a shallow beach suitable for children and activities such as table tennis, billiards and a water trampoline.
Entry: ₺350
Located right next to Kalkan harbour, it has a stylish and friendly atmosphere.
The two-story venue has a scenic restaurant and bar on the upper floor, and a sun terrace with swimming access on the lower floor. It is an ideal location to watch the boats returning to the harbor at sunset.
Entry: ₺300
Mahal Beach Club is one of the quietest places and has a quality restaurant. Dinner is served after 19:30.
Entry: ₺650
Private Gazebo: ₺2000
Boat Tours
Adventure Activities
Riding
Take amazing photos in Patara, enjoy the freedom of horseback riding among breathtaking views at sunset.
Contact: 0530 447 30 01
Paragliding
Fethiye – Ölüdeniz is a world famous paragliding spot (70 km). Weather conditions must be suitable, be sure to check beforehand.
Scuba Diving
Located just 250 meters away in Kalamar Bay, the PADI diving center offers various programs for both trainees and certified divers. Kaş and Kalkan are world-famous diving spots.
Things to See Nearby
Meis Island
Meis Island, one of the easternmost and smallest islands of Greece, is known for its colorful neoclassical houses, the Blue Cave, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, the Ottoman Mosque and the historic castle. Its picturesque harbor, serene atmosphere and stunning views offer an unforgettable experience for both history and nature enthusiasts. Ferry services are available from Kaş Harbor to Meis.
Lycian Museum
The Museum of Lycian Civilizations showcases the rich history of the Lycian people. Ancient artifacts, tombs, and inscriptions showcase their unique culture. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the museum offers a glimpse into their fascinating world. A must-see for history buffs.
Kayakoy
Kayaköy was abandoned after the Greco-Turkish population exchange in 1923. This well-preserved ‘ghost village’ is home to hundreds of Greek-style houses and churches. With its mystical atmosphere, Kayaköy promises a trip that is well worth the 90-minute drive.
Lycian Grape Harvest
In the autumn, you can participate in the Lycian Wines grape harvest. After touring the vineyards and seeing how the new products are made in the winery, you can join a wine-tasting dinner prepared at the vineyard house.
Elmalı district is famous for its traditional Turkish houses from the Ottoman period.
Tangala Cheeses
Tangala Cheeses is a local, artisanal establishment that develops a diversity of cheeses inspired by Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
You can make a reservation for the open buffet cheese tasting.
+90 533 617 3100
Patara Sand Dunes
Patara Sand Hill is 15 minutes away from Kalkan and is a place where you will be enchanted while watching the sunset and the horizon. The sand dunes attract the attention of the whole world with their fine sand and magnificent view. You should also visit the beach and the ancient city while you are there.
On a clear day when the sun goes down, it is possible to see the Rhodes Island silhouette.
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 Antik Kenti
The ancient city of Sidyma was discovered by J. A. Schonborn in 1842 while he was rushing to catch a ship to Rhodes. Silver coins from the 1st century BC, found in Sidyma and bearing the ‘SI’ stamp, are proof 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.
Xanthos
Xanthos Ancient, the capital of Lycia, dates back to the 4th century BC. The mausoleum of King Payava of Xanthos, from whom our sister hotel takes its name, is currently exhibited in its original form in the British Museum in England.
Letoon
It is located 4 km from Xanthos. In the ancient city, which was the religious center of the Lycians, you can see the temples of King Leto and his children Artemis and Apollo.
Patara Antik Kent
Patara is one of the most valuable ancient cities to visit and is still being excavated. The magnificent gate of the city welcomes you within the national park area. There is a huge ancient theater, the world’s first parliament building, which has been recently restored, a lighthouse and impressive Roman baths.
Entry fee €15
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.
St Nicholas Kilisesi
St. Nicholas Church in Demre is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. It is known as the resting place of Santa Claus and has great spiritual significance. The church’s Byzantine architecture and well-preserved frescoes fascinate visitors. Walking through its ancient halls feels like stepping back in time.
Explore Nature
Saklıkent Canyon
Saklıkent Canyon 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 in the pavilion restaurants built over the spring waters coming from the mountain.
Gizlikent Waterfall
It is 38km from Kalkan. It is 10 minutes after Saklikent Canyon. A narrow but lush canyon is reached by descending the stairs in the greenery. You can walk 20 metres into the water and reach a beautiful waterfall.
On the way to Saklıkent from Fethiye, you can reach the Secretkent Waterfall by turning right, 1km away.
Butterfly Valley
Surrounded by steep cliffs, it takes its name from the more than 80 species of butterflies it hosts, especially the “Jersey Tiger Butterfly”. There is no road transportation to the valley. You can reach the valley by boats departing from Ölüdeniz. You can swim in the sea and relax on the beach.
Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is Türkiye’s most famous and internationally renowned long-distance hiking trail, starting from Fethiye and extending to Antalya. Named after the ancient Lycian civilization that was established along its route, the trail is approximately 540 kilometers long. Along the way, hikers experience the turquoise bays of the Mediterranean and the magnificent views of the Taurus Mountains. The route connects countless ancient cities, rock tombs and historical ruins, as well as pristine beaches and forests. This uniquely blended path of history, nature and adventure offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
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.
Trusted Hands in Kalkan
One-to-One Visual Arts Education
Explore the healing power of art through expert-led workshops covering everything from classical oil painting to modern marker techniques. Whether you are a child or an adult, join us to rediscover your creativity in a process-oriented environment dedicated to personal expression.
Professional Nail Care
Private Swimming Lessons in Kalkan
History Of Kalkan
Kalkan: A Journey Through Time
From Merchant Port to Mediterranean Jewel
While Kalkan’s neighbors boast ruins that date back millennia, Kalkan itself carved its own unique niche in the 19th century. Positioned as the only safe harbor between Fethiye and Kaş, it became a strategic gateway for the Ottoman Empire. Founded approximately 200 years ago as “Kalamaki” by Greek merchants from nearby Meis, this quiet fishing village rapidly evolved into a sophisticated commercial hub.
The Golden Age of Trade
In its Ottoman heyday, Kalkan was the “window to the world” for the fertile Xanthos Valley and the high plateaus of Elmalı. Endless camel caravans descended from the mountains, laden with cotton, timber, fine wines, and grain. These riches were loaded onto grand cargo ships bound for the far reaches of the Empire. This era of prosperity transformed Kalkan into a vibrant community, home to dozens of restaurants, skilled tailors, and artisanal jewelers—a level of development that was rare for a coastal village of its size.
The 1923 Legacy
The 1923 population exchange between Turkey and Greece marked a poignant chapter in Kalkan’s story. As the original Greek residents departed to establish “Nea Kalamaki” near Athens, they left behind an architectural soul that remains intact today. The most striking symbol of this era is the old Greek Orthodox Church of St. Panteleimon, which stands proudly above the harbor and serves today as the town’s central mosque—a beautiful testament to Kalkan’s layered heritage.
Rediscovery and Preservation
As land transport modernized in the 1950s, Kalkan’s maritime trade slowed, leading to a quiet period of slumber. This ended in the 1960s when the first wave of “Blue Cruise” yachtsmen and intrepid travelers rediscovered its crystal-clear bays.
Unlike many Mediterranean resorts, Kalkan chose a different path. Thanks to strict conservation laws, the town has rejected mass tourism in favor of soul. Today, the iconic white-washed stone houses, narrow alleys draped in vibrant bougainvillea, and the famous rooftop terrace restaurants are not just tourist attractions—they are the living reflection of a preserved history.
The Heart of Lycia
Kalkan serves as the perfect base to explore the “Cradle of Civilization.” You are minutes away from:
Xanthos: The ancient Lycian capital (whose most famous monuments are now treasures of the British Museum in London).
Patara: The birthplace of St. Nicholas and home to the world’s first democratic parliament.
The Lycian Coast: A 540-km trail of turquoise bays and snow-capped peaks.
Whether you are wandering through the 2,000-year-old ruins of Myra or enjoying a sunset over the harbor, Kalkan offers a rare blend: the rugged majesty of the ancient world met with the refined elegance of a modern-day sanctuary.
FAQ
Where is Kalkan located?
Kalkan is located on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, 87 km west of Fethiye and 27 km east of Kaş, on the coastline known as the Turquoise or Lycian Coast — where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet. It sits right between Turkey’s two most famous beaches, Kaputaş and Patara.
Which airport is closest to Kalkan?
The closest airport to Kalkan is Dalaman Airport (DLM), approximately 110 km away (around 1.5 hours by car). Antalya Airport (AYT) is the second option, approximately 200 km away (around 2.5 hours). We recommend Dalaman for most guests.
What is Kalkan's nightlife like?
Kalkan has a relaxed, sophisticated nightlife rather than a party scene. The harbour area comes alive in the evenings with rooftop restaurants, cocktail bars and live music at select venues. It’s ideal for guests who enjoy a glass of wine with a sea view rather than loud clubs.
Do you recommend renting a car in Kalkan?
Yes, especially if you plan to explore the region. A car gives you the freedom to visit Kaputaş Beach, Patara, Saklıkent Canyon, Kayaköy and Meis Island ferry point at your own pace. Kalkan town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area rewards independent travellers.
Are there local health services in Kalkan?
Yes. Kalkan has a local health centre for basic medical needs. For more serious care, the nearest full hospital is in Kaş (27 km) or Fethiye (87 km). Several pharmacies operate in town year-round. We recommend that guests travelling with young children or medical conditions arrange travel insurance before arrival.
Kalkan Weather
Kalkan is located on the Mediterranean coast in southern Turkey, at 36.25° North latitude and 29.40° East longitude.
Rising behind Kalkan are the Taurus Mountains, reaching altitudes of over 1,500 meters. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus range, Kalkan enjoys a climate remarkably similar to Southern California.
Kalkan features typical Southern Mediterranean weather: mild winters with very little rainfall and long, hot summers. Sunshine is virtually guaranteed from May through October, and often well beyond.
The chart displays Kalkan’s average monthly temperatures and rainfall based on historical data.
Average rainfall is approximately 167 mm/m² in December and January, while it ranges between 78-125 mm/m² from February to March.
Storms bring rain during the autumn and between January and March. However, even during this period, there are an average of 7 clear, sunny days in November and 8 days each in December, January, and February.
During the summer months, the Meltem winds prevail. They tend to blow from the north to the northwest; warm air from the Aegean Sea rises during the day and blows from the land in the evenings. These Meltem winds provide a refreshing, cooling effect against the summer heat.
In contrast, the Khamsin winds are mostly hot, dry, and dusty, leading to high temperatures and low-humidity conditions.
Kalkan Activity Calendar💙
What’s on in Kalkan today? What events are happening next week? There is a wonderful calendar prepared by Tony to answer these questions.
Contribute To This Page 💙
We would be delighted to hear from you if you have any questions, suggestions, corrections, or additions regarding the information on this page.
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True Blue Boutique Hotel Kalkan
We have been in Kalkan for 40 years. We are not just operators; we are your hosts. This is our home.
For years, we have been welcoming our guests with the motto: “Make them feel at home.”
Take a look at our 16 suite options in 4 different types, with spacious bathrooms and spacious balconies, including a great breakfast.
Our suites, which include breakfast, are ideal for families with one child, as they feature a living room with a sofa bed. We also recommend considering our rooftop rooms with sea views or our romantic rooms with a private terrace.
Romantic Roof with Sea View | 35 m² 🧑🏻2+1
Roof Corner with Sea View | 45 m² 🧑🏻2+1
Standard Suite | 35 m² 🧑🏻2+1
Corner Suite | 40 m² 🧑🏻2
While the studio with garden terrace and the stone house studio are suitable for 2 adults and 1 child, we can accommodate 4-5 guests in each of the 3 different types of 2-bedroom residences.
Garden Terrace Studio | 50 m² 🧑🏻2+1
Stone House Studio | 60 m² 🧑🏻2+1
2 Bedroom Residence | 65 m² 🧑🏻4
Stone House Family | 75 m² 🧑🏻4
Cottage Family | 75 m² 🧑🏻5
Villa | 200 m² | 🧑🏻8
True Blue Boutique Hotel Layout Plan 💙
