This is an area of Europe that I love. The Turkish Riviera, or Turquoise Coast, really does have something for everyone, and having just returned from another trip I thought I would share my experience. This time I travelled with my husband, our 13‑year‑old son and a family friend, so two adults and two 13‑year‑old boys. Once you see that crystal‑clear water, it is very obvious how the area gained its name: the Turquoise Coast.

Kalkan: a picture‑perfect Turkish Riviera town

We spent most of the holiday in and around Kalkan. This little town is one of the most picturesque I have ever visited on the Turkish Riviera. As the town is built on hills, if you have mobility issues you would make use of the many taxis available.

We have been to Kalkan at various times of the year. The hills are certainly more of a challenge in the summer heat, however this time the pleasant evening temperatures of around 18°C made it very manageable. Even in peak summer, taxis are easy to get, either at the rank or by pressing a button in the street so one appears within a minute. They are happy to do even short journeys and you will always be met with a smile.

There are excellent restaurants in the area and we sampled many dishes, with fresh fish being the standout.

Republic Day celebrations in Kalkan

We were very fortunate to be in Turkey on Republic Day (29 October), a national holiday that celebrates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. We enjoyed the celebrations from a rooftop restaurant, with the best views of the parades and fireworks. Nearby Kas is often said to be the best place for the festivities, so next time we know where to go, but we were still very impressed by Kalkan’s efforts.

Beaches, beach clubs and days by the sea

The beach in Kalkan is white pebble and absolutely stunning, with lovely beachside restaurants and bars. If you want sand you need to go a little further afield, but that is very easy to do.

There are many beach clubs in the area and most provide a complimentary transfer. Some are more tailored to adults, but most offer great options for families, with inflatables, sea trampolines, pedalos and kayaks. You pay a small amount for your sun lounger and then have full use of the facilities; you simply pay for food and drink on top, which is very inexpensive compared with many other Mediterranean resorts.

Kaputas Beach and sea kayaking over a sunken city

Kaputas Beach is on the road between Kalkan and Kas, about 10 minutes outside Kalkan. It is reached by many steps, so it is not suitable for everyone, but the setting is incredible. You can get the bus from Kalkan to Kas and it stops at Kaputas on the way.

This stunning cove is often referred to as one of Turkey’s finest beaches and is very popular with both locals and tourists. A great activity nearby is sea kayaking over the sunken city: 3,000‑year‑old ruins that are clearly visible in the crystal‑clear water. There is also the famous Blue Cave to visit in this area.

Patara Beach, turtles and ancient ruins

Patara Beach is also within a 20‑minute drive of Kalkan, again easily reached by bus or taxi. It sits within a national park, home to rich birdlife and, importantly, a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead turtle, known locally as Caretta Caretta.

The turtles nest between May and October. During these months the beach is closed at night to protect them, and you will see their nests marked out by protective cages during the day. From here you can also reach the ancient sites of Patara, which are a must‑see: a Roman theatre, the partially restored main street and wider city ruins. It is a lovely mix of beach and culture for a family holiday in Kalkan.

Boat trips on the Turquoise Coast

Going on a boat trip is a “must do” on any Turkish Riviera holiday. It is possible to charter a private boat or join a shared boat trip from Kalkan.

On this occasion, we had friends staying in Dalyan, so we decided to charter a boat together and meet in Gocek, around 1.5 hours from Kalkan. Gocek is a beautiful harbour town that really should not be missed: six marinas, hidden coves, beautiful beaches and pine‑covered hills. It is unspoilt and enjoys protected status, which means no high‑rise buildings. The yachts on display here would rival Monaco.

We chartered a boat and enjoyed the famous 12 Islands boat trip for a full day, dipping in and out of the sea, relaxing on deck and enjoying amazing local cuisine on board. There was certainly enough to keep several 12‑ to 13‑year‑olds occupied. A highlight for the children was the visiting ice‑cream man, pulling up alongside our boat with all the options you would expect from an ice‑cream van in the UK, but with added novelty.

We only had the boat for one day, however there are some fabulous options for longer trips on yachts and traditional gulets if you want a proper Turquoise Coast boat holiday.

Where to stay: villas, hotels and all inclusive

This time we self‑catered in a villa in Kalkan, which works brilliantly for families and friends who want space and flexibility. On previous trips we have stayed in various hotel options along the Turkish Riviera: from 5‑star all inclusive resorts to smaller family‑run hotels.

Having travelled this coast both with and without children, and with extended family and grandparents, I can confidently say there is something for everyone. It is a fantastic option if you are looking for out‑of‑season sunshine, great value compared with many other European destinations, and a mix of relaxation, activities and culture.

If you are considering a Kalkan family holiday with teens, a villa for a group of friends or a Turkish Riviera all inclusive resort, I would be delighted to share my favourite spots and tailor the right option for you. I will also have more to say in a future blog about the coast a little further along, incorporating Fethiye and Dalyan, which are equally beautiful and offer lots of different holiday styles.