Kalkan and surounding areas

There is no specific information on the founding of Kalkan - one of the legends which is most widely accepted is that a woman from the Island of Meis came with a boatload of goods which she tried to sell to the villagers around the Kalkan area. Her venture was successful and other tradesmen from Meis followed her example and actually moved to Kalkan about 150 to 200 years ago, thus making Kalkan a small trading coastal post. The original settlers were of both Greek and Turkish origin and were subjects of the Ottoman Empire.

Kalkan became the most important trading port in the Teke Peninsula for the caravans of camels on the old Silk Road - It used to be the departure point for the Silk Road goods that were to travel by ship to destination points in the Ottoman Empire -- Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus, Rhodes, etcetera.  Now, Kalkan is a small town in the Antalya region. and a tourist centre famed for its waterways that are pleasent for boating, after being abandoned by traders for more prosperous locales. Tourism developed post 1984 after the road between Kalkan with Fethiye was finally asphalted..

Kalkan averages of 300 days of sunshine a year. The area includes many historical sites and many fine beaches. Kalkan is an old fishing town, and the only safe harbor between Kaş and Fethiye; famous for its white-washed houses, descending to the sea, and its brightly colored bougainvilleas.

The village has grown over the past few years, albeit with predominantly private villas being authorized outside the periphery of the old village. Kalkan’s many official ‘Green Areas’ are being carefully preserved and we are optimistic that Kalkan will retain its special charm and ambience for many years to come.

Strict conservation laws have ensured that the heart of the old village retains an authentic ambience that attracts (according to the Sunday Times) the sort of visitor who might also be enchanted by, say, Tuscany or the Dordogne. The result is a discerning mix of predominantly British guests together with Istanbul Turks attracted by Kalkan’s reputation within Turkey.

With so much of interest in the surrounding regions and the village itself, Kalkan is a destination that encourages guests to return time and time again. Whether your interests are historical, cultural, or you just wish for the most relaxing of stays, Kalkan should satisfy.

The ancient sites of Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Tlos and Patara are all close by, with Kekova, Demre, Myra, Phaselis, Olympos and Aspendos slightly further away, but all easily accessible.

You will need flat shoes or trekking sandals and a good pair of thigh muscles to enjoy Kalkan as it is all up and down hill!

Winding cobbled streets, colourful shops and excellent harbour-side or roof terrace restaurants and bars are combined with stunning views – whether you are looking up to the dramatic mountains behind the town, or down across the harbour to the broad sweep of the Mediterranean.

The many roof terraces are a highlight of the evenings, a time when Kalkan is at her significant best. You can dine by candlelight to the strains of jazz or classical music whilst admiring the stunning views across the tiled rooftops to the harbour and out to sea.

Above the beach you will notice several stone houses in various states of disrepair, and some that are undergoing renovation. This is the old part of Kalkan called Yaliboyu and was once a mostly Greek neighbourhood. You can see the ruins of the stone cottages that still belong to the exiled Greek community.

The harbour - has been described as “the archetypal Mediterranean harbour’.

The café under the lighthouse is friendly and offers ‘toast’ or what we call toasted sandwiches. It is a good spot to watch the boats go by. There are many cafes and restaurants along here.

Taxi boats from here take you to the left side of the bay where there are beach clubs etc.

The teenage hot spot The Yacht Point are to be found here.

There are several scuba diving schools based around the harbour.

Going back up a level there are numerous restaurants and steep roads leading back up the hill filled with shops selling china, silver, clothing, shoes etc.

The Moonlight, Yali or Markez Bars are good meeting points being central.

 

 

Memik’s shop is an Aladdin’s cave of Turkish antiques.

This area is still the old town and the buildings are charming with their bougainvillea covered balconies.

Further up the main street is the taxi rank. Opposite are two small Turkish cafes that offer possibly the best value in town; the Tomato and Ali Baba. It is simple food –look in the pots. They are reputedly open 24 hours a day.

Past the bank the road continues uphill across a roundabout. There is a butcher’s shop. He does very good packs of lamb chops, spicy chicken and koftas (half beef and lamb patties) all excellent for the BBQ!

The Seville supermarket is on your right.

Around the Seville area are many small shops selling electrical and household goods and the pharmacy is here.

Boating Trips

Kalkan is one of the most important stops on the Blue Voyage, as well as a good starting point, and exploring the coast between Kalkan and Bodrum on motor schooner or yacht is popular with visitors. The boats for hire around the Kalkan Harbour are usually well equipped.

Markets

There are many shops and supermarkets in Kalkan, most open until late into the night, closing at around 1am to 2am every morning. The Market is on every Thursday and sells a mixture products.