Kalkan Harbour Town, Turkey

This postcard pretty and quietly sophisticated bougainvillea-covered historic harbour town is set in a breathtaking landscape on Turkey’s evocatively named Turquoise coast. This coastline is gorgeous, few places can rival it for unspoilt natural beauty with pine covered cliffs plunging into the sea, secluded coves, fine-sand beaches and sprinkled abundantly with picturesque ruins.

Nestling at the foot of the Taurus Mountains this once tiny fishing village is now a small resort appealing to the discerning visitor, many who return year after year. The narrow winding cobbled streets of the old town descend to the harbour lined with its elegant array of ‘gulets’ (traditional Turkish sailing boats) and pretty restaurants.

Original Ottoman timber balconies, spilling over with brilliantly coloured bougainvillea overhang white-washed houses and roof terrace restaurants and bars. Colourful shops stocked with antiques, crafts, pottery, jewellery, carpets and clothing, combined with warm Turkish hospitality and stunning views, historic architecture and ancient history add up to making Kalkan an absolute gem. More importantly than all these glowing descriptions however are the people of Kalkan: genuinely open, friendly, and willing to help in any way. They are rightly proud of their village and you can relax in the knowledge that you will not be hassled whilst ambling around the town.

The Independent newspaper listed Kalkan among the best tourist destinations for 2007, “especially for those seeking a romantic destination”. Strict conservation laws have ensured that the heart of the old fishing village retains an authentic ambience that attracts (according to the Sunday Times) the sort of visitor who might also be attracted by, say, Tuscany or the Dordogne.

Kalkan is fast becoming Turkey’s premier resort for private villa holidays. So if you are looking for nightclubs and British style ‘pubs’ Kalkan is definitely not the resort for you!

Eating Out

There are so many different types of restaurant with a wide variety of cuisine from Turkish, Mediterranean to Thai that you really are spoilt for choice. Kalkan is enchanting in the evening, it looks magical, its numerous roof terrace restaurants and bars lit up and offering wonderful views of the town, sea and stars whilst you dine, and offering you cooler breezes.Often restaurants will have live entertainment ie a singer, providing background music ie jazz or classical. Some hotels and restaurants hold special ‘Turkish’ nights, featuring traditional Turkish dishes, live Turkish music and folk dancing maybe even a Belly dancer! For a flavour of traditional Turkey ‘Belgin’s Kitchen’ is a good choice. You can eat here sitting on cushions at low Turkish tables and join in with other guests after your meal if you wish to try your hand at belly dancing!

Some of our favourite restaurants: Fish Terrace, Kösk, Coast, Aubergine, Trio, Salt n Pepper, Belgin’s Kitchen, Korsan Meze and Korsan Kebap.

Nightlife

There are a few bars for dancing, popular with the young crowd which are quite small and can get very hot! "Yacht Point" and "No Name Bar" are very popular. However, as mentioned before Kalkan is definitely not loud and brash. There are plenty of music bars to sit outside, soaking up the atmosphere, whilst you chat and watch the world pass by. Or stroll through the colourful streets and browse in the shops. Enjoy a relaxed family meal or watch the sun set over a romantic candlelit dinner on the roof terraces – the choice is yours.

Daytime

Kalkan is quite sleepy during the day as every morning the boats take tourists to one of the nearby beach clubs or off on excursions. It is very pleasant to linger over coffee watching the boats slip in and out of the harbour. Although the shops are open, most people are enjoying all the sun, sea and sight-seeing opportunities available.

NEW FOR 2008!
The Kalkan Gym and Fitness Centre

The new gym has 150m² of air conditioned excersize area...
Yoga, latino dancing, cardio-fitness, aerobics, pilates...

Open 7 days a week from 8 am - 9 pm.

Shopping

If you like shopping you will love Kalkan. The cobbled streets are lined with little shops selling everything from Turkish antiques, lanterns and rugs, ceramics, souvenirs, coloured glass and paintings to jewellery and fashion. From jeans and T shirts ie Billabong, to individual pieces ie dresses custom made in the fabric of your choice! Excellent copies of the latest designer handbags, watches and sunglasses and some lovely shoe shops! Not forgetting Turkish Delight and pashminas everywhere!

Market

The market comes to town on Thursdays. Local farmers bring fruit and vegetables in abundance, cheeses, olives, oils, dried fruits, nuts and spices. Household goods, jeans, silver, backgammon sets, handbags, watches, and especially towels and linens are a good buy. The stallholders will ask you to look but they're not overly aggressive, and no one takes offence if you choose not to buy. A freshly made Turkish pancake is another holiday "must".

The Thursday market in Kalkan

Food Shopping

There are some good supermarkets in town, not large as we know them but they stock most things except for ready meals! Most will deliver the shopping back to the villa for you. In the town centre near the taxi rank is an excellent butcher called Bulent (used by the local restaurants), plus a fishmonger and greengrocer for all your fresh produce... worth knowing if you wish to barbeque or entertain during your stay.

More photos can be seen in the Photo Gallery ›› Click here...

Eating out, restaurants, Kalkan, Turkey, Antalya, Kalamar Bay, Olu Deniz, Hisaronu, Islamar, Dalyan, Kekova, Fethiye

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Luxury Villa, Kalkan, Turkey, Antalya, Kalamar Bay, Olu Deniz, Hisaronu, Islamar, Dalyan, Kekova, Fethiye