Kalkan holidays

How to reach Kalkan

• Flight time: Flights to Dalaman take around 4 hours 10 minutes.

• Transfer time: The drive to Kalkan from Dalaman Airport takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. The most popular transfer choice is by private car or taxi.

• Price: A taxi fare to Kalkan will come in around TRY4,800 (£108).

Best time to visit Kalkan

Kalkan has year-round allure, so the best time for your holidays to Kalkan largely depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels.

• April to June puts you ahead of the intense heat of later summer. With temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C and minimal rainfall, it’s an ideal time for active sightseeing, hiking and enjoying Kalkan’s beaches sans crowds.

• July to August guarantees blue skies and sunshine. With temps soaring to around 34°C, this season is perfect for those who want to enjoy vibrant beach life, although it’s wise to seek shaded spots during midday.

• September to October is still hot, but the heat isn’t quite as intense at 30–27°C, and some light showers provide added relief. With the main tourist season winding up, this is a more relaxed time to visit.

• November to March is incredibly mild compared to a UK winter and early spring, with highs reaching 17°C even in January. There are more chances of rain, especially in December and January, but if you’re hankering after a peaceful retreat, these aren’t bad months to go.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: While Turkish is the official language, English is widely spoken in Kalkan.

• Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira.

• Getting around: Kalkan is built on a hillside, but provided you’ve no significant mobility difficulties, it’s walkable, while inexpensive dolmuş (minibus) services put nearby beaches and villages within easy reach. Taxis are easy to find, but make sure the meter is reset before you set off. If you find a good taxi driver, ask for a card. Car hire is also widely available; just bear in mind that finding parking in central Kalkan can be an ordeal.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 220V (frequency 50Hz). Turkey uses type C and F plug sockets.

• Time zone: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT year-round.

Best things to do in Kalkan

Renowned for its laid-back yet luxurious charm and spectacular natural beauty, holidays to Kalkan are ideal for those looking to enjoy pristine beaches, historical sites and coastal views.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kaputaş Beach: Picture-postcard pretty, the best vantage point is from the Kalkan-Kaş road above the beach.

• Kalkan Lighthouse: Standing watch over the harbour and its pleasure boats, this is a lovely viewpoint.

The best districts

• Old Town: The Old Town has stacks of charm, with narrow, cobbled streets and bougainvillea-clad buildings, many reimagined as boutiques, cafés and roof-terrace restaurants with sea views.

• Harbour area: From lively restaurants to local artists selling handcrafted jewellery and art, this area has an electric atmosphere, especially at night.

Parks and gardens

• Saklikent National Park: Located in Seydikemer, it’s a 45- to 50-minute drive to get here, but home to one of the deepest gorges in Europe, it’s worth going out of your way for.

Historical monuments

• Patara Ancient City: Just a 20-minute drive from Kalkan, the ancient city of Patara is a window into Kalkan’s Lycian past, with a grand amphitheatre and the remains of ancient baths and temples. If that’s not reason enough to go, it’s also the birthplace of St Nicholas.

• Xanthos-Letoon: It’s more of a drive to get here than it is to Patara, but you get two ancient UNESCO-listed Lycian cities that you can walk between (they’re 5km apart), with temples, tombs and well-preserved mosaics.

Day trips in the area

• Kaş: A short drive from Kalkan, picturesque Kaş has developed a reputation as an activities hub with kayaking, diving and jeep safaris all on offer.

• The Sunken City of Dolichiste: Located off the coast of Kekova Island, these ancient ruins are only accessible by boat. The area is protected, so you can only see them from a distance, but the water is incredibly clear. Most boat tours include stops at Kaleköy (ancient Simena), famous for its hilltop castle and panoramic views.

Activities for families in Kalkan

Kalkan is a welcoming destination for families, especially water lovers.

• Playgrounds: The main playgrounds are at Hüseyin Haluk Yılmaz Park and Kalkan Public Beach.

• Beach clubs: Kalkan Beach Park, with a sandy beach area and water slide, and Kalamar Beach Club, with pedalos and kayaks, are ideal for families.

• Family-friendly beaches: Lengthy Patara Beach is a firm favourite, with fine sand, gentle waves and loggerhead sea turtles.

• Boat trips: With snorkelling stops and beach visits, you won’t go far wrong whichever tour you choose.

Free things to do in Kalkan

Whether getting out and about and soaking up the town atmosphere or having a lazy beach day, your Kalkan holidays don’t need to break the bank.

• Festivals and free events: Kalkan hosts cultural events throughout the summer in its main square and harbour area. The Kalkan Festival of the Sea is usually staged on 1st July at Kalkan Public Beach, with swimming races, kayaking, jet-skiing and an entertaining greasy pole competition.

• Public beaches: Located right by the harbour, pebbly Kalkan Public Beach offers clear, calm water for swimming. Sun loungers and brollies are available for rent if you can’t go without your creature comforts, and shops, cafés and restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk.

• Markets: Thursday is market day in Kalkan, with fresh produce, spices and local crafts galore. It’s free to wander, and the colours, scents and bustling atmosphere are a great way to experience local culture.

Wellness in Kalkan

• Spas and thermal baths: Many of Kalkan’s resorts and boutique hotels have luxe spa facilities with a laundry list of treatments, from full-body massages to revitalising facial therapies.

• Traditional body care: No trip to Turkey is complete without visiting a hammam such as Kalkan Atlantis Wellness Turkish Bath & Spa, where you can experience the centuries-old ritual of deep exfoliation, hot steam rooms and aromatic massages, leaving your skin soft and rejuvenated.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Kalkan is on the route of the Lycian Way (look out for signs marked “Likya Yolu”). Sections of the trail, such as the paths towards Patara or Kaputaş, are ideal for day hikes and offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: With excellent visibility and negligible tidal streams, Kalkan’s coast is perfect for exploring underwater life. With its rocky coastline, Kalamar Bay is a top spot for snorkelling and shore diving.

• Sport climbing: The canyon behind Kaputaş Beach is an under-the-radar climbing spot with tufas, stalactites, crimps and pockets.

• Motorised water sports: If you feel a need for speed, local outfits like Aristos Water Sports offer everything from jet-skiing and wakeboarding to parasailing and inflatable rides.

Beaches to enjoy on Kalkan holidays

Kalkan holidays are a dream for beach lovers, offering a mix of serene coves, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Whether you’re looking for peaceful spots to unwind or picturesque bays for snorkelling, Kalkan’s beaches provide a stunning escape along the Turquoise Coast.

• Kaputaş Beach: One of Turkey’s most iconic beaches, Kaputaş is a must-visit. Nestled between steep cliffs, this small but stunning beach boasts turquoise waters and golden sands. It’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the views from the descent are simply unforgettable.

• Patara Beach: Just a short drive from Kalkan, Patara Beach offers 18 kilometres of unspoiled sandy coastline. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity, this beach is also a protected nesting site for sea turtles, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

• Kalkan Beach Club: Located near the harbour, Kalkan Beach Club offers a more refined beach experience. With platforms built into the rocky shoreline, it’s perfect for sunbathing, diving into the clear waters, and enjoying beachfront dining.

• Kalamar Bay: This peaceful cove is a haven for snorkelling and kayaking enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush hills, Kalamar Bay’s calm waters and tranquil atmosphere make it a great choice for couples and families alike.

• Bezirgan Cove: For a more secluded experience, take a boat trip to Bezirgan Cove. This hidden gem offers pristine waters and quiet surroundings, perfect for a day of swimming and relaxation away from the crowds.

Kalkan’s beaches offer something for everyone, from the dramatic beauty of Kaputaş to the serene sands of Patara. Whether you’re lounging by the water, exploring hidden bays, or diving into the clear sea, the beaches of Kalkan promise an unforgettable coastal getaway.

Local dishes in Kalkan

Seafood is a given on holidays to Kalkan, but you’ll find plenty of other traditional Turkish food on menus, from salads with a regional spin to sticky pastries.

Some typical dishes

• Piyaz: This Turkish salad is unmissable if you holiday anywhere in the Antalya Province – parsleyed dried beans, onions and sumac with a smooth tahini, lemon juice and vinegar dressing.

• İşkembe Çorbası: This creamy offal soup hits the spot the morning after the night before.

Meat dishes

• Köfte: There are veggie-only exceptions, but for the most part, these patties are made with minced beef or lamb and served fried, stewed or grilled.

• Kokoreç: Served tucked inside bread with spices, charcoal-grilled small and large intestines and sweetbreads won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a classic for a reason.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Izgara Çipura: Freshly caught or farmed (the former is more expensive but tastier), seasoned with olive oil and herbs, grilled sea bream is a local favourite.

• Midye Dolma: Stuffed with rice, herbs and spices, these plump mussels need just a squeeze of lemon to bring out the full flavour.

Street food

• Simit: This bagel-like sesame-topped snack bread is perfect for breakfast on the go.

• Gözleme: This is another great breakfast option, Turkish flatbread filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat and baked on a griddle for a crisp finish.

Sweets and desserts

• Baklava: When countries still fight over who invented it, you know you are on to a winner. This nutty syrup-drenched filo pastry is sweet, sticky and satisfying.

• Künefe: If Baklava gives you a taste for syrupy pastries, cream-cheese-filled, pistachio-topped Künefe is another must-try.

Local drinks

• Raki (Aslan Sütü): Known as “Lion’s Milk” (it turns white with water), this anise-flavoured spirit is Turkey’s national drink and pairs wonderfully with meze.

• Ayran: A mix of yoghurt, cold water and salt, this refreshing dairy beverage is the perfect companion to spicy dishes.