Life in Kalkan Old Town

The Old Town's narrow streets are lined with traditional stone and whitewashed buildings, many trimmed with timber balconies draped in bougainvillea. Here you will find a mix of independent boutiques, cafés, bars and small shops, along with some of Kalkan's best-known restaurants.

Evenings are especially atmospheric. As the heat of the day softens and shutters open, rooftop terraces fill and the sound of conversation and clinking glasses drifts down towards the harbour. For guests staying in and around the Old Town, almost everything can be reached on foot - from the town beach and harbour to the beach clubs scattered around the bay.

An eclectic blend of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, combined with lovely sea views and roof-terrace dining, makes Kalkan Old Town a place you will want to discover slowly and return to often.

Architecture and character

One of the most striking buildings in Kalkan Old Town is the former Greek Orthodox church by the harbour, now a mosque and a distinctive landmark. Elsewhere, whitewashed houses with shuttered windows and carved wooden balconies speak of the town's layered history and its blend of Greek and Turkish influences.

Every turn seems to reveal another pretty side street, a glimpse of the sea or a balcony framed by flowers. It is this sense of scale and detail that makes staying in the Old Town feel so appealing, particularly for those who enjoy exploring on foot.

A glimpse into Kalkan's past

Although Kalkan was not a major settlement in ancient times, its position as the only safe harbour between Kaş and Fethiye made it an important port in the 19th century. The town was settled around 150 to 200 years ago by people of both Greek and Turkish origin and was known by its Greek name, "Kalamaki".

Goods were brought down by camel from the Xanthos valley and the highlands near Elmalı, then shipped from Kalkan across the eastern Mediterranean. By the early 20th century the town had its own customs house, restaurants and shops, and was a lively local centre.

Today, careful preservation of the Old Town's architecture and intimate scale means much of this character remains, adding depth and interest to a stay in Kalkan's historic quarter.