M Stewart:
Just returned from a second trip in two years and would recommend Kalkan as a very friendly and civilised destination that still has a nice level of hustle and bustle about it, but avoids the rowdiness of other popular destinations abroad. Kalkan is equally as appealing to adults and
...
See all Kalkan holiday reviews
|
Write a review on Kalkan
 |
A Kalkan street © SLR Jester |
Overview The charming Mediterranean holiday resort and fishing town of
Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, and is sought after
by a crowd more in search of atmosphere and charisma than mere fun
and sun. Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture,
shuttered windows and white-washed houses, as well as sweeping
views over the harbour and sparkling bay, are part of its unique
character.
The genuine friendliness of Kalkan locals is a welcome change
from the hassle experienced in most holiday towns. Untouched by
mass tourism, Kalkan is small, unspoiled and laid-back, but still
has plenty to offer holidaymakers, from beautiful beaches and
watersports, to ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Kalkan
also boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per square
metre on the Turkish coast, and is renowned for its rooftop wining
and dining opportunities.
Shopping Kalkan's Thursday market is a great place to pick up souvenirs
and mingle with the locals to get a true reflection of Kalkan life.
Gold and silver jewellery, Turkish kilims (hand-woven rugs) and a
traditional blue-coloured glass 'evil eye', said to ward off evil
spirits, are the main buys when enjoying a little retail therapy in
the streets of Kalkan and many of the shops stay open till at least
midnight. Another popular purchase is tailor-made suits and other
clothing.
- Don't take too many clothes! Buy there. Cheap and great quality!!!! Also hairdresser. And try Turkish kitchen. : Kasia...See More Tips | Add Tip
Restaurants There is a high concentration of restaurants in Kalkan, most of
which are peppered around the centre of town. There are over 100
restaurants ranging from trendy and market eateries to local
lokantas (tavernas) and even rooftop restaurants offering
breathtaking views over the harbour and serving a variety of
cuisines, including traditional Turkish, locally caught seafood and
oodles of Mediterranean favourites, while local meze (similar to
tapas), cheese and trout are popular features on restaurant menus.
There are a number of eateries offering international cuisine, and
they come with an international price tag.
- Fez Restaurant!! It can't be beat. Amazing food. Lamb kebabs are amazing and the fish isn't too bad either. : John and Linda...See More Tips | Add Tip
Nightlife Kalkan's nightlife will keep all types of visitors busy. With
plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs to enjoy,
the town comes to life after dusk. Head to one of the many rooftop
terrace bars for sundowners, listen to a gypsy band while sipping
on the local aniseed drink, 'raki', smoke a hookah pipe and recline
on Ottoman-style cushions, or enjoy the local ladies putting on a
belly dancing show.
- Nightlife might not be as pumping or exciting as other resorts, but there's a decent amount/ We were content to go for dinners, drink at pubs and smoke hubbly bubbly pipes. Good times. : Terry Hannigan...See More Tips | Add Tip
Activities Kalkan's main beach is shingled and this may not appeal to many
would-be beach-goers but the water sports and activities on offer
off these shores still attract thousands of tourists each year.
Nearby Kaputas Beach is sandy and much more pleasant for those
longing to dig their toes in the sand. Enjoy sailing, jet skiing,
water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing and banana boating or
discover what lies beneath the crystal clear waters on a
snorkelling trip of plunge to the depths and enjoy the marine life
on the reefs on a scuba dive. The ruins at Xanthos Valley and the
New Acropolis are popular attractions to visit, as is the ancient
city of Patara.
Negatives Kalkan can often be packed with British tourists and the main
beach is shingle so shoes are advised for beach excursions,
although the water depth drops off close to the shore, so
travellers won't have to walk over the pebbles for long.