Kalkan Information: Complete Area Guide and Resort Info

Without a doubt, the small resort of Kalkan is an enchanting place. Rising triumphantly from a quaint fishing town, and Greek trading port to an elite sector of Turkey’s real estate and tourism industries, it stands in a league of its own.

While other Turkish coastal resorts garnered fame because of their colossal size and round-the-clock atmosphere, Kalkan established a more low-key identity. These days, it’s small size and exclusive, discreet reputation makes it a desirable place for holidays and permanent year-round living.

Visiting Kalkan

The Independent Newspaper listed it as one of the best tourist destinations in the world while the Daily Mail called it a “class act.” The Guardian was equally admiring by labelling it as "The Italian Riviera minus poseurs.”

The ever-growing army of hardcore fans includes holidaymakers but also foreigners who bought property in Kalkan, either to use as summer homes, a buy-to-let income or for permanent living in Turkey, all year round.

Kalkan doesn’t knee-slapping, cheap and cheerful. It is synonymous with living the more elegant side of life. Offering everything that an upmarket destination should have, locals and holidaymakers enjoy many benefits including beautiful views, relaxed vibes, fine dining and a wealth of day and night time activities.

By day, the social agenda is rest and relaxation, whether you set sail on a coastline cruise or stay poolside to top up your tan. By night, self-indulgence shines through in rooftop and seaside restaurants making alfresco dining, the only way to eat out. Kalkan also gives front row seats to a vibrant sunset view.

As Kalkan edges away from the sea, it elevates to a steep level. So many locals walk down hill and use local buses or taxis to get back up, especially in July or August when temperatures often reach 40 degrees.

If you only plan to stay a few days or are a solo traveller, the centre hotels are ideal. However, Kalkan’s tourism industry stems around renting luxury, modern villas with private infinity pools and amazing Mediterranean Sea views.

Kalkan Area Guide

Where is Kalkan in Turkey? 

Kalkan belongs to the Mediterranean, otherwise known as the southern part of Turkey. Yachtsmen and sailors also call this area, the turquoise coast, a reflection of Blue Voyage sailing routes that explore the Turkish Riviera, of which the town features heavily on.Sandwiched between the neighbouring holiday resorts of Patara and Kas, it actually belongs to the Antalya province but is closer to Fethiye.

How to Get There

The 2000-kilometre D400 highway from the east to west of Turkey runs by Kalkan, so getting there by road is easy. Bus services run from all nearby resorts as well as Fethiye and Antalya city centres. To get there from other countries, locals use Dalaman airport, two hours away. Alternatively, Antalya Airport is three hours away. Coming in by sea, the small harbour accommodates 50 berths, or 14 nautical miles away, the larger Kas Marina, has a 450-berth capacity.

Kalkan Resort Information

Does Kalkan Have a Beach?

Sitting near the harbour, the central white pebble beach offers a superb place to indulge in Mediterranean sunshine. Rent a bed and umbrella and when thirsty or peckish, just retreat into nearby snack bars and eateries.

However, for more privacy, space and sand rather than pebbles, Kaputas and Patara beaches step up as ideal contenders. Get to them via a short bus ride, but large beach clubs dotted around the bay are also a suitable alternative. Boasting of waterside dining places, infinity pools, water sports, and the normal sunbathing and swimming facilities, they are a feature point of night and day in Kalkan.

Nightlife: Eat, Drink and Be Merry

As mentioned before, night-time is about self-indulgence without guilt. Don’t expect large, buzzing nightclubs with dancing podiums because dining out is a sit-down affair. Rooftop terraces with remarkable views are by far the most popular, whether you want to sip on fine wine, have an apéritif before dinner or slowly sip trendy cocktails. Seaside eating places mostly specialise in fresh fish and seafood, but approximately 130 restaurants offer international menus with a variety of cuisine, therefore ensuring no-one goes hungry.

16 Things to Do in and Around Kalkan

- Hire a private gulet boat and cruise the coastline

- Sunset cruises are also about delicious meals at sea, and slow, romantic cruising

- Sea kayak over Kekova sunken ruins and taste homemade ice-cream in Simena

- Hit the water by signing up for scuba lessons or renting a jet ski

- Patara is home to a quaint village, ancient ruins and Turkey’s longest beach

- Explore the UNESCO sites of Xanthos and Letoon

- Small buses run regularly to neighbouring Kas, a charming town with finesse.

- The ancient ruins of Myra and Saint Nicholas church are just one-hour drive away

- Take a Mediterranean coast road trip to explore other notable towns and attractions

- Trek part of the 516 km Lycian trekking route taking in stunning historical ruins

- Kaputas beach is one of the most photographed stretches of sand in Turkey

- Traditional trout restaurants in surrounding districts are quirky places to eat at.

- Sign up for quad, horse or jeep safaris for off-the-beaten-track exploration.

- During summer, a ferry services heads to Meis, a quaint, Greek island worth seeing

- Head to neighbouring Kas for a tandem paraglide ride with experienced pilots

- Soak up the sun in upmarket and exclusive beach clubs

Districts of Kalkan

Kalkan is a bay jutting into the Mediterranean coast. Backed by tall hills belonging to the Taurus mountain range, yacht owners and sailors love it for the shelter it provides during harsh weather. Within this bay are several neighbourhoods each with their own characteristics. Whether you are on holiday or buying property, the right community for you is a matter of preference.

Koyici Old Town

Any Kalkan area guide must mention the old town boasting of nostalgic traces of bygone eras. Traditional Mediterranean architecture stands out in narrow-cobbled streets lined by whitewash houses, with wooden balconies and shutters covered in pink bougainvillaea. This is also where the heart of Kalkan is, i.e. the harbour and beachfront.

This area, with the highest concentrations of shops and restaurants, is the best place to find tour shops selling excursions along the coastline, but also take time to visit the white mosque that was a church during Greek times. Throughout Kalkan, privacy is a focal feature, yet you are unlikely to find it in Koyici.

Kiziltas

If impressive views are what you hamper after, the Kiziltas neighbourhood, sitting across from the D400 highway is the best place. The elevated land status gives off a complete view over Kalkan, and islands lying off the coastline.

Most property owners like to stroll leisurely down the hill but will catch taxis back up, to avoid a strenuous uphill trek. The larger villas in Kiziltas offer more privacy, but because the area’s popularity is growing, a few constructors also built apartment buildings to accommodate every type of buyer.

Kalamar Bay

Although holidaymakers often shine the limelight on Koyici, Kalamar bay is the star performer. Several beach clubs in the area make a roaring trade, particularly with families with teenagers eager to try water sports like scuba diving or a hair rising jet ski ride. Its reputation is not as prestigious as other neighbourhoods and property prices reflect this, yet holidaymakers still flock to enjoy the community facilities. For dining out, a limited range of eateries offer full menus, but Koyici is only 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot.

Komurluk

As the most prestigious area, villas in Komurluk sell for £500,000 or more. A lack of supply and high rental demand has evoked this trend, and once you see the scenic views and ultramodern architecture, it is easy to understand why everyone showers Komurluk with respect. Sitting 20 minutes’ walk or a 2-minute taxi drive from the main town centre, Komurluk’s westward view also lights up the sky with bold sunsets.

Kisla

Kisla, a short distance from Komurluk, is also home to stunning properties with large, private swimming pools, gardens and spacious interiors. Property hunters seeking private jetties, and seaside platforms love its coastal location, but if you don’t have your own yacht, water taxis ambling along will take you to Koyici in just five minutes.  Both Kisla and Komurluk have a small choice of beach clubs and restaurants, although both keep a low-key, discreet presence.

Ortaalan

Ortaalan maintains a central position, just below the main D400 highway running across the entrance to Kalkan. Several supermarkets, restaurants and bars make this an ideal location for self-catering holidays. Koyici and the beach is just 10 to 15 minutes’ walk away.

Many Kalkan property owners who bought luxury villas in this area have intense pleasure of waking up to a fantastic Mediterranean Sea view. Ortaalan’s development was late coming, but the benefit is that many homes feature contemporary architecture prompting locals to call it the new part of town.

Living and Buying Property in Kalkan

Holidaymakers adore Kalkan, hence why many visit year after year. However, this admiration also shines through in the real estate market. Many nationalities have bought villas, but it seems to have hit a soft spot with Brits in particular. Earlier surveys say Brits are the main nationality holidaying and living in the area.

For more area information or to arrange a property viewing trip, contact us today via telephone, email or by dropping into our regional offices. Alternatively, see our Kalkan property portfolio to understand more about this all enticing real estate market of Turkey.