Local Area Information

Kalkan sits along Turkey’s beautiful Mediterranean coastline, often referred to as the Turquoise or Lycian Coast. Nestled between the towns of Fethiye (around 87 km to the west) and Kaş (approximately 27 km to the east), Kalkan is set within a dramatic natural landscape. The town curves around a wide Mediterranean bay, with the impressive Taurus Mountains rising behind it, creating breathtaking views from almost every angle.

Once a historic trading port, Kalkan has grown into a lively yet unspoilt holiday town, retaining much of its original charm. The Old Town forms the heart of Kalkan, where narrow winding streets are lined with traditional whitewashed houses, small boutiques, and inviting restaurants.

In the evenings, the town comes alive as visitors wander through the streets, drawn by the scents of freshly prepared local and international cuisine. Rooftop restaurants offer memorable dining experiences with sweeping sea views and spectacular sunsets. Kalkan’s architecture reflects a blend of Greek influences and traditional local design, giving the town a distinctive character that many visitors return to year after year.

Built into a hillside, Kalkan offers wonderful panoramic views across the bay, although visitors should be aware that some streets are steep. Taxis are readily available and provide an easy way to get around for those who prefer not to walk uphill.

Kalkan enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and milder winters. For guests who prefer slightly cooler temperatures, May, early June, September, and October are particularly pleasant, offering warm days and cooler evenings.

Kalkan’s central pebble beach is located at the edge of the harbour and is popular with both visitors and locals. The water is exceptionally clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and the beach benefits from Blue Flag status for cleanliness. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire, with toilet and changing facilities nearby.

A short drive from Kalkan are two of the region’s most famous beaches:

• Kaputaş Beach, dramatically set at the base of a gorge between Kalkan and Kaş

• Patara Beach, an expansive stretch of golden sand and one of the longest beaches in the Mediterranean

Around the bay, Kalkan is also home to numerous beach clubs, many accessible by water taxi from the harbour. These offer platforms for sunbathing, swimming access to the sea, restaurants, and water sports - perfect for spending a relaxed day by the water.

Kalkan is renowned for its food scene and offers an impressive choice of restaurants for its size. From casual dining to elegant rooftop restaurants overlooking the bay, there is something to suit every taste. During the high season, it’s advisable to book tables early, especially for larger groups.

For a change of scenery, the nearby village of İslamlar is well known for its traditional trout restaurants, set among cooler mountain surroundings — a wonderful option for an evening out.

The town also has a wide variety of bars, from relaxed cocktail lounges to livelier venues with music and dancing. Many bars serve food alongside a full range of drinks.

Several restaurants offer takeaway and delivery options. VillaEats is a local food delivery app specifically for Kalkan, allowing you to browse menus and order from nearby restaurants. Payment is made on delivery, either in cash or by card.

While Kalkan is easy to explore on foot, hiring a car can be useful if you wish to visit surrounding areas and beaches at your own pace. That said, a car is not essential.

Local dolmuş minibuses provide an affordable way to travel to nearby destinations such as Kaş, Patara, Kaputaş Beach, and Xanthos. The main bus stop is located just beyond the weekly market.

Taxis are widely available throughout the day and evening, particularly during peak season. You’ll find a taxi rank at the main roundabout above the Old Town, and contact details are often provided in accommodation guest information.

Kalkan is inviting and stunning. You probably wont want to go far!  

But..there are many spectacular places to visit. 

The Turquoise Coast and Lycia region of Turkey is home to some of its most well known and beautiful resorts. Olu Deniz is famed for its blue lagoon, and the whole of the coastline is simply spectacular.

For those who like a bit of nightlife and plenty to do, Fethiye and Bodrum are excellent for combining ancient sights and wonders with modern facilities. Marmaris is more of a European style resort, but still boasts a lovely old town quarter. Quieter resorts such as Foca, Cesme and Kusadasi are all old port villages which have reinvented themselves. 

See our guest handbook at the Villa for many more suggestions!