Kalkan, Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Kalkan has a unique cosmopolitan feel that draws back discerning European visitors year after year. For me there are too many wonderful things to do and see to mention so here are my top 10 favourite ways to spend my time whilst in and around Kalkan... apart from just lying on sun lounger enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine of course.
1. We love to enjoy the amazing Turkish and international cuisine in stunning surroundings whether on roof tops or by the harbour or in a simple street café. With over 100 (some say 200) eateries we are really spoilt for choice. 2. Our friends are a sociable lot so we love to relax over a cocktail, a glass of wine or an iced coffee. Chic cocktail bars, quaint coffee shops or the one and only Moonlight Bar; the experience is different wherever you go. 3. Browse the many boutiques and gift shops, watching old traditions come alive with stunning objet d’arts being created while you look on. 4. For a different shopping experience try Kalkan market. Pick up your pashminas, herbs and spices or just a box of freshly made Turkish delight. 5. We love to enjoy the beach clubs. With boats from the harbour, Mahal or Palm Beach Clubs are great for sunbathing, swimming or water sports. 6. Take a day trip from the harbour on a traditional Gulet. Swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters, take a mud bath on one of the small beaches, enjoy an amazing Turkish spread for lunch and chug back into the harbour at around 5.30pm feeling completely chilled. 7. Just 10 minutes by car from Kalkan are two of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Patara is our favourite, 18 miles of golden sand right on the edge of the ancient ruins of Patara. A conservation area which prohibits any sort of development, this is also breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. Also 10 minutes away, we love the beautiful Kaputas Beach. 8. For a bit of historical culture, visit one of the many ancient sites. As well as Patara we love to visit Kekova Sunken City by boat from Kas. Visit Xantos, Thlos and Letoon: they are all within an hour’s drive. 9. Being at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, there is stunning scenery inland. We have been known to just take off in the car and drive and just stop and admire the views. 10. Also on a hot day we enjoy nothing more than visiting Saklikent Gorge. A 4km walk will take you through the gorge to the waterfall at the end. After walking the gorge, ride the rapids on rubber rings or enjoy lunch and a drink by the river.
If you’re feeling inspired, get in touch for many more ideas of things to do.