Kalkan, Turkey FAQ's | The Turquoise Collection

Where is Kalkan?
Kalkan is located on the Mediterranean coast, known as the Turquoise or Lycian coast, and is 87km to the west of Fethiye and 27km to the east of Kas. It is set in one of Europe's most breath-taking, grand sweeping Mediterranean bays, with the truly majestic Taurus Mountains as a backdrop.

Where is the nearest airport?
Dalaman (also known as Mugla Airport) is the nearest airport and is around 1 hour 30 minutes' drive from Kalkan. You can also fly into Antalya Airport, but the journey to Kalkan is longer at around 3 hours. Click here for more information on these airports and the airlines that fly to them.

We can arrange airport transfers from either airport to Kalkan. Click here for more information.

What is Kalkan like as a resort?
Formerly an important coastal trading port, Kalkan is now a thriving but still unspoilt holiday resort with the bustling historic Old Quarter being the heart of the Kalkan town. After dusk, Kalkan's winding streets full of traditional houses, restaurants, small boutiques and local shops with overhanging balconies teem with people as the tantalising aromas of Kalkan's renowned cuisine entice people down to the harbour and surrounding streets. Kalkan is an eclectic mix of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, with roof terrace restaurants and lovely views to the sea, Kalkan old town is a place you will want to discover and enjoy.

The town itself is built into the hillside which offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It also means that the town features steep streets and alleys, which can be challenging to navigate for those with mobility issues. Visitors should be prepared for some uphill and downhill walking when exploring the town or to take advantage of the easily accessible taxis to get around.

Kalkan enjoys typical Mediterranean weather with long, dry, hot summers and short, cool winters. If you are not keen on hot weather, we recommend traveling in May/early June or September/October, as the weather is cooler in the evenings and pleasantly warm during the daytime. Click here for more information on Kalkan's climate.

Are there beaches and beach clubs in Kalkan?
To the left of and at the entrance to Kalkan harbour, sits Kalkan's white pebble beach which is hugely popular with visitors and locals. The water is incredibly clear and often calm, making it very good for snorkelling and swimming. Toilet and changing facilities are available just behind the beach, and sunbeds/umbrellas can be hired at a very reasonable rate. It is worth noting that the beach has a blue flag award for cleanliness too. There is also Patara beach and Kaputas beach which are within a 10-20 minute drive from Kalkan. Patara is one of the longest beaches in the Mediterranean; around 11 miles of sand. Kaputas is a long sand/shingle beach located between Kalkan and Kas at the foot of a mountain gorge. Click here for more information on the beaches in and around Kalkan.

Kalkan has 14 beach clubs around the bay, many of which can be reached by water taxi from the harbour. The beach clubs are set into the bottom of the mountain side, complete with paved platform terraces and gardens, and they offer everything from swimming and sunbathing, to water sports and restaurant facilities. You can spend a whole day at a beach club entertaining the family and it is the perfect place to experience the Mediterranean, whether you're swimming, snorkelling or just watching the world go by from the terrace. Sunbathe, swim, or just have fun; there is plenty for all to enjoy. Click here for more information on Kalkan's beach clubs.

What are the bars and restaurants like in Kalkan?
With over 200 restaurants to choose from in Kalkan and the Kalamar region you will certainly be spoilt for choice - It is said that there are more restaurants in Kalkan per square metre than anywhere else in Turkey!. Our advice would be to book early to avoid disappointment if you are visiting during High season and certainly if you are a large party. Most restaurants do not take bookings over the phone and therefore we would suggest taking a walk around the town on your first night and have a look to see what takes your fancy! The roof top restaurants are extremely popular and offer wonderful and spectacular views across the bay and to enjoy the famous Kalkan sunsets. There are also some of the very best trout farm restaurants to visit in the local village of Islamlar, certainly not to be missed. To appreciate the fantastic views on offer, try and get there before sunset.

There are many bars dotted around Kalkan Old Town and beyond. Whether you want to watch sports, have a relaxing evening or dance until early hours - There is something for everyone. Most bars offer an extensive array of drinks and food options.

Several Kalkan restaurants offer takeaway food, and some will also deliver. Click here for more information on Kalkan's restaurants, bars and takeaways.

https://www.villaeats.com/ is a food delivery app specifically for Kalkan. You will find many of the local restaurants and cafes listed with their menus and prices. Orders can be for delivery or takeaway and payment is by cash or card upon receipt of your food (payment is not via the app). If you have a cold-water dispenser in your accommodation, you can order re-fills of water via the app.

How do I get around Kalkan?
There are many places of interest situated around Kalkan. Hiring a car can open up a different experience and help you make the most of Kalkan. However, it is not always essential to hire a car as there are plenty of things to explore which are walking distance, depending on where you stay, and there is public transport available.

The local Dolmus (shared minibus) is the most cost-effective way of getting around Kalkan and the surrounding areas. They will take you to places such as Kas, Patara, Kaputas beach and Xanthos. The main bus stop is about 10 minutes from the centre of Kalkan, past the market on the right-hand side.

Taxis are widely available and run from early morning until late evening in peak season. Taxis can be ordered by taking a business card from taxi drivers or from the taxi rank which is situated on the main roundabout at the top of the old town. You will also find magnets with taxi information on the fridge in your accommodation.

Can I arrange villa catering or shopping deliveries
It is possible to arrange for a chef to come to your villa to prepare a delicious meal for you. Whether you would like to celebrate a special occasion with a large BBQ or enjoy an intimate family Turkish breakfast without the stress of cooking and cleaning, there are many catering companies who can accommodate. There are also many options for gluten free, vegetarian or vegan meals that can be prepared.

It is possible also to arrange for a shopping delivery to be left at your villa. Many of our guests will arrange for shopping to be left on arrival, especially those who have a late flight, so that they can relax after a long day of travelling without the need to go straight to the supermarket.

Please contact us for further information on either of these services.

Will I experience any maintenance issues during my stay?
Kalkan villas may experience more frequent power outages, electricity issues, and water supply problems compared to the UK due to differences in infrastructure. As with many tourist areas, the infrastructure in Kalkan may not be as modern and robust as in the UK, leading to a higher likelihood of disruptions. This along with variations in weather, such as heavy rainfall or hot summers, can also contribute to utility issues in Kalkan. Should you experience any issues whilst in resort, we will provide details for property managers and maintenance teams who can assist you.

Will my property have WI-FI?
Yes, all our properties are equipped with Wi-Fi for your convenience. However, it's important to note that the speed and strength of the Wi-Fi may vary and may not always meet the standard expectations in the UK as factors such as location and infrastructure can influence the overall performance.

What is there to do in Kalkan?
Whether you are looking for a relaxing break of sunbathing and shopping or a holiday packed full of activities and excursions, Kalkan can accommodate all. Click below for some ideas of what you can do.

Explore Kalkan Old Town
You can spend many hours wandering the streets of Kalkan. Whether you are look for a 'genuine fake' designer handbag or jewellery or would like to purchase handmade Turkish clothes or rugs, there are several excellent shops in the Old Town to do so.

Visit a market
Kalkan Market (Thursday): Kalkan market is easily reached on foot. There is a wide range of 'genuine fake' watches, replica designer T shirts, jeans and tourist gifts including Turkish delight and wonderful spices on offer, together with a large fresh vegetable and household goods section. The market is located on the right-hand side about half way up the road known as "Bank Street" by the locals (the street where most of the banks are located).

Kas Market (Friday): Every Friday there is a market in Kas just 2 minutes from the centre of town located behind the bus station. Locals and tourists alike frequent the market where you can buy primarily fruit/vegetables and household items. However, you will also find the usual cheap clothes, replica trainers, Turkish delight and handmade trinkets. Just a 25 minutes' drive from Kalkan.

Akbel Market (Sunday): Akbel market is more of a traditional market aimed at those who are looking to buy local food and fruit and vegetables. It is located above Kalkan on the mountain side, just a 5 minutes' drive on the old road to Fethiye. Walking from Kalkan is not recommended.

Boat trips
Going for a boat trip in Kalkan during your holiday is a fantastic choice. It enables you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the coastline, savor the awe-inspiring views, explore hidden bays, take leisurely swims, and indulge in delectable onboard lunches.

Many of our guests tell us that our private charter ''Lazy Day at Sea'' was the highlight of their stay in Kalkan. Click here for more information.

Staying active
There are a range of tours on offer for you to explore the local sights, and watersports are available from the nearby beach clubs in Kalkan. If you are interested in trekking/walking, it is worth looking at the Lyican Way; rated as one of the top ten walks in the world. Diving/scuba diving, and mountain biking are also activities you can participate in locally.

There is an air-conditioned gym in Kalkan "Sportline Fitness" and it is located just down the road from the Carrefour Supermarket on Sehitler Cd.

River canoeing
You can enjoy a fun day river canoeing on the nearby Xanthos River. Experienced river guides take you on a journey across ancient Lycian lands of tranquil, lush nature. The ride is downstream, so it isn't hard going! The journey ends at Patara Beach, with a swim. A fun family day with a BBQ picnic lunch along the way, as well as a very enjoyable mud bath!

The Lycian Way
Rated as one of the top ten walks in the world by The Sunday Times, the Lycian Way is a famous 500km footpath trailing along ancient Lycia's coast. It begins in Oludeniz, Fethiye and ends in Hisarcandir, around 20kms southwest of Antalya. It is easier to start from Fethiye as the walk gets more difficult towards Antalya. Walks are graded medium to hard and attract many serious walkers, who make use of the many hotels, and lodges dotted along the trail. The walk is not level and is mostly hard and stoney underfoot with many ascents and descents along the way. It is best to walk the Lycian Way during the Spring or Autumn, when weather is cooler. As the walk is well known, there are signs directing visitors along the way.

Saklikent Gorge
Saklikent Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world at 300 meters deep and 18 km long. Formed by mountain water flowing down through the rocks and over thousands of years eroding the stone to produce deep, steep-sided valleys. Visitors can enter the canyon when the water levels are at their lowest during the summer months. Four kilometres of the canyon are walkable after April, when most of the snow in the Taurus Mountains has melted and passed through on its way to the Mediterranean Sea.

Click here for more information on the many trips and tours available.

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