Set on a postcard-perfect bay, Kalkan is an upmarket town on Turkey's sun-drenched Mediterranean Coast. It's home to a sandy beach dotted with a breezy cafes and seafood restaurants, as well as a cobblestone Old Town, waterfront promenade and the Taurus Mountains.
Things to do in Kalkan
Kalkan is anchored by a lively Old Town filled with cafes, taverns and souvenir stalls. Its cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed buildings fronted by timber windows and flower-strewn balconies. The waterfront is fringed by a breezy promenade and tiny lighthouse that guards the harbour.
Known simply as Public Beach, Kalkan's main stretch of sand is small but picturesque. The water is clear and calm, with plenty of umbrellas and sun lounges available to rent. You can also head to Kaputas Beach, which lures sunseekers in with its turquoise water and golden sand.
Kalkan is backed by the soaring Taurus Mountains, which separate the Mediterranean Coast from the central Anatolian Plateau. The famous Lycian Way walking trail winds through the mountains and past Kalkan, offering plenty of options for a scenic day of hiking.
One of Kalkan's biggest draws is its breezy restaurants serving excellent Turkish cuisine. Save your appetite for spicy "kofte" meatballs, rich moussaka and freshly-caught seafood. Kalamaki Restaurant is a firm favourite, with a sun-dappled terrace and creative fusion of Turkish cuisines.
Getting around Kalkan
Kalkan is easy to get around on foot. Long distance buses run to towns like Pamukkale and Ulusoy, as well as Izmir and Istanbul. Dalaman is the closest airport, around 1.5 hours’ drive from Kalkan.