Kalkan Turkey: A Mediterranean Jewel Along the Turkish Coast
Situated in the town of Kas in Antalya province, also known as Kalkan, is impressive for its closeness to the ancient cities in the region and for its natural beauty.
The Mediterranean sun kisses Kalkan's hillside steps 300 days of the year, and the golden glow bathes this lovely Turkish seashore village. Greek seafarers from the Meis island islanders first called this haven home, laying the foundation stones upon which centuries of seafarers' heritage would be based.
Kalkan radiates a clear and uncomplicated ambiance in Turkey's Antalya Province. Spotless water brushes against the shoreline, as two magnificent beaches - Kaputaş and Patara - hug the town perimeters. Restaurants precariously balanced on roofs appear to be nests of birds amongst the hundred-year-old stone buildings, their table tops offering birds-eye views over the lower bay. Lycian remains blanket the rolling countryside, still sentinels watching over this life-changing beach haven.
Seasoned travelers love Kalkan's special character - a special blend of historical depth and natural beauty. This guide uncovers Kalkan's secrets: centuries-old traditions, seasonal rhythms, preserved architecture, and authentic local experiences that define daily life in this ancient trade port.
Kalkan's Unique Character on the Turkish Coast
Kalkan's protected harbor is between Fethiye and Kaş, the sole secure anchorage on this picturesque shore. Maritime significance enhanced the status of the town beyond that of Antalya and Fethiya in the 19th century.
From Kalamaki to a Coastal Gem
This old town, previously Kalamaki, has a rich history in its Greek past. Before the 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange, Kalamaki was a thriving Greek fishing community. Following the exchange, the town was renamed Kalkan, and fresh Turkish immigrants seeded new roots on its stunning Mediterranean coast. Kalkan still retains its classic charm today, with whitewashed houses, picturesque harbors, and Greek and Turkish cultural influences, and is a sought-after destination on Turkey's Turquoise Coast.
Natural Harbor and Architectural Heritage
Steep hills form a natural amphitheater around the town, each level revealing unfolding vistas across Mediterranean seas. Traditional Kalkan town planning characterizes these hills - a variety of stone-built treasures with classical hallmarks:
- Wooden balconies project over shuttered windows
- Sparkling white walls contrast with rich timber decoration
- Secret passages link houses
- Decorative pediments top red-tiled roofs
Skilled designers of yesteryear were familiar with Mediterranean rhythms and positioned balconies and terraces to capture cooling sea breezes. Modern conservation law safeguards such architectural treasures, which maintain Kalkan's original atmosphere.
Greek and Turkish Cultural Tapestry
Greek traders from the Meis island founded Kalkan's unique nature two centuries back. Their mark still lies most visibly in the town mosque - originally consecrated as a Greek Orthodox church during the late 1800s.
Reminiscences of Meis architecture reverberate along Kalkan's streets, speaking volumes of shared histories. Ancient Greek houses border cobblestone alleys brought back to life as thriving restaurants and shops that pulsate with Mediterranean vitality. This painstakingly revived Ottoman-Greek architectural heritage, along with a record concentration of over 100 restaurants - a first in Turkey anywhere else - sets Kalkan apart as an extraordinary seashore resort.
Seasonal Rhythms of Kalkan
Kalkan's calendar resembles pages of a Mediterranean novel, blessed with 300 sunny days annually. Each season paints the town in its color palette, giving tourists something different to experience throughout the year.
Summer's Golden Hours (June-August)
Kalkan's temperatures increase in the peak of summer, at times reaching over 40°C, and drawing sun-seekers to its idyllic beach. Between July and August, temperatures plateau at 30°C, with warm nights stretching to 23°C, as gentle Meltemi breezes blow down from northern ridges, serving as natural air conditioning before dipping again at sunset.
Spring and Autumn's Sweet Spot
Golden seasons sandwich summer's heat. Spring flowers and autumn's mild warmth stay at 15-25°C, ideal weather for strolling ancient Lycian trails. Sea waters retain summer's heat well into autumn, inviting swimmers through October's final days.
Winter's Hidden Treasures
Winter strips away summer's hustle and bustle, laying bare Kalkan's essence. Life in the town thrives as locals walk the 540-kilometer Lycian Way or hunt for coveted cıntar mushrooms amidst foggy hills. Thursday's market is reborn, exchanging tourist tat for local produce and homemade treats.
Winter temperatures flirt with 3-16°C, while providing surprises:
- Budget-friendly accommodation
- True local experiences
- Community events
- Festive markets and special meals
Rainfall in December and January, but clear winter skies often catch tourists out with warm Mediterranean days. Year-round facilities now welcome growing numbers of winter visitors seeking Kalkan's quieter attractions.
Kalkan's Sanctuary Spaces
Rock-hewn treasures and modern retreats dot Kalkan's hillsides, each with its sense of Mediterranean gem living. Centuries of traditional architecture blend with modern amenities throughout the town's varied accommodations.
Hillside Havens
Over Kalkan's curving bay, modern villas enjoy stunning Mediterranean vistas. Infinity pools mirror endless skies, and jacuzzi water sparkles in the sunlight. Terraces baked by the sun and alfresco dining spaces celebrate the joys of living outdoors. Snake and Mouse Islands slice through blue horizons, within sight from many of these high-perched retreats. Seclusion reigns without sacrificing easy access to town life.
Waterfront Retreats
Beach clubs run along Kalkan's shoreline, each having its own beach life. Some establishments extend beyond daylight indulgence, offering comfortable rooms just a few steps away from sky-blue waters. Villa Mahal tops them all, ranked as Europe's Most Romantic Hotel. Private platforms protrude from hillside rocks, and restaurants and water sports amenities complete these refined escapes.
Modern convenience infuses each type of habitation - air conditioning whispers secrets in bedrooms, and elegantly furnished kitchens prepare for gastronomical inspiration. With stones dated centuries ago, hillside luxuries, or seaside sophistication, travelers discover their perfect cut of Kalkan's seductive story.
Kalkan's Must-Do Experiences
Turkish coastal living opens up through the day-to-day routine of Kalkan, each experience cultivating visitors' insights into this Mediterranean paradise.
Starlit Banquets Above Old Town
Forty rooftop restaurants dominate Kalkan's old streets, each roof a stage for a food theatre. Traditional Turkish cuisine and international fare issue from kitchens, with meze platters tantalizing in their variety. Candlelit tables welcome diners through until the late night hours of midnight, as the pace of meals unfolds beneath starry skies. Turkish mealtime manners dictate a relaxed pace - meze dishes precede the main courses, finishing with sweet treats and aromatic Turkish coffee.
Ancient Wellness Rituals
Ottoman hammam ceremonies flourish in the marble corridors of Kalkan. Steam wafts in hot rooms to prepare bodies for time-honored cleansing ceremonies. Master therapists apply silk gloves for age-old exfoliation, topped by olive oil soap massage and therapeutic face masks. Such timeless rituals guarantee both body energy and inner calmness, boosting natural immunity while stimulating circulation.
Harbor's Evening Symphony
Sunset gives Kalkan's harbor a golden glow, heralding the start of night-time festivities. Tavernas along the beachside offer the best vantage point to witness nature's sunset. Turkish evenings are characterized by cultural festivity at the hotels through evening gatherings in the form of traditional feasts, mesmerizing belly dancers, and folk music. Gypsy beats float above Ottoman-decorated spaces as raki glasses cast lamplight.
Market Day Treasures
Thursday brings Kalkan back to life as market stalls are active from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Vendors display:
- Sun-ripened produce, golden honey, local cheese, briny olives
- Hand-crafted Turkish artistry
- Fragrant spices and aromatic teas
- Fine leather work and gleaming jewelry
Sunday's Akbel market offers richer local tastes, famous for its cook-on-demand fish stalls. Both events welcome seasoned bargaining, rewarding tourists with authentic Turkish treasures.
Kalkan's Timeless Appeal
Greek-Turkish heritage flows down the streets of Kalkan as if in centuries-old verse etched upon sea and stone. Mediterranean beat pulsates throughout the seasons - whitewashed walls bask in summer sunlight while winter breezes recount stories of past centuries.
Stone masons' stories remain in wood-framed balconies and worn walls. Roof decks float over the street like the crow's nests of ships, perfect for watching golden sunsets turn the harbor to color. Contemporary conveniences nest within the old framework - rebuilt Greek mansions and contemporary villas afford haven without intruding upon ancient stones.
Kalkan's spirit shines beyond architectural charm. Calls of market vendors reverberate in the morning air, steam wafts from marble hammam rooms, and evening lights twirl across harbor waters. These daily routines produce something precious - a living museum where Mediterranean life goes on as it always has, yet enriched by thoughtful modern additions.
FAQs
Q1. What is Kalkan Turkey known for?
Kalkan is celebrated for its charming old town, stunning turquoise coastline, and exceptional dining scene. Its blend of Ottoman-Greek architecture, boutique hotels, and luxury villas makes it a standout Mediterranean retreat.
Q2. Where is Kalkan located?
Kalkan is located on Turkey’s southwestern coast, in Antalya Province, along the stunning Turkish Riviera. Nestled between Kaş and Fethiye
Q3. How many restaurants are there in Kalkan Turkey?
Kalkan boasts over 100 restaurants, many of them offering rooftop dining with panoramic sea views, making it one of Turkey’s top destinations for food lovers.
Q4. When is the Kalkan market?
Kalkan’s bustling market takes place every Thursday, offering everything from fresh produce and spices to handmade crafts and textiles.
Q5. How far is Kalkan from the airport?
Dalaman Airport is the closest, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kalkan. Alternatively, you can fly into Antalya Airport, but the journey to Kalkan is longer, taking around 3 hours.