The Turkish Gem That Completely Surprised Me

Kalkan: The Turkish gem that surprised us all

This summer I finally ticked something off my own travel wish list: a week in Kalkan on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. I have been to Turkey many times and always had Kalkan in the back of my mind, but it still managed to completely surpass my expectations.

We travelled as a multigenerational group of 12, with ages ranging from 20 through to almost 60. Finding somewhere that genuinely works for everyone is not always easy, yet Kalkan managed it effortlessly.

A spacious villa that felt like “our” place in Kalkan

We stayed in a fabulous six‑bedroom villa, perched in the hills overlooking the bay. Having so much space worked brilliantly for a larger group. There was plenty of room for everyone to spread out, find a quiet corner with a book, or come together around the pool.

I loved the independence that villa life gave us: lazy mornings, relaxed breakfasts, the flexibility to do our own thing by day and then head out to eat in the evenings. For us, it was the best of both worlds: private home comforts but with a charming resort and so many dining options on the doorstep.

Kalkan itself feels very set up for villa holidays. We could easily order groceries to the villa, which made stocking up on drinks, snacks and breakfast bits completely hassle‑free. On one of our villa days, when we were planning a barbecue that evening, a local fisherman wandered by with the fresh catch of the day. We ended up buying the most incredible fresh salmon steaks from him and had the loveliest, impromptu fish BBQ by the pool. It was one of those simple but memorable moments that really stays with you.

Do be prepared for the hills though. Many of the villas are built on the slopes above the bay, which is part of what gives Kalkan those incredible views and that almost Amalfi‑style feel. The walk down into the old town and harbour is steep, and the walk back up even more so, so we happily left that to the taxis.

Boats, bays and the magic of Kekova’s sunken city

One of the standout days of the entire trip was our private boat excursion to Kekova, the famous sunken city.

We were picked up directly from the villa by private minibus and driven down to the harbour, where our boat was waiting just for us. We spent the whole day on the water, swimming in crystal‑clear bays, enjoying the views and visiting Kekova. A delicious lunch was served on board and everything was taken care of.

For a full‑day private experience, including return transfers, boat, crew and food, it worked out at around £55 per person, which felt like amazing value for what we had. It was one of those “this is why we travel” days that everyone in the group is still talking about.

Kalkan’s beach clubs: from classic charm to stylish comfort

Kalkan is well known for its beach clubs and we managed to try two of them.

Kalamar Beach Club is one of the oldest in the area and it has a lovely, relaxed feel. It does not have all the glitz and glam of some of the newer spots, but we really liked that about it. The setting is gorgeous, the food and service were excellent, and it was fantastic for water sports. It felt easy, unpretentious and very “holiday”.

On our last day, with a 10 am villa check‑out and a 4.30 pm transfer back to the airport, we booked into Zest Beach Club and it was absolutely superb. It felt more like a boutique hotel than a typical beach club.

For around £10 per person we had a sunbed, towel and parasol for the day in a beautiful position overlooking the bay. The team securely stored all our luggage, and there were showers so we could freshen up before we left. We had lunch there as well and the food was fabulous and very reasonable. It turned what could have been a bit of a “hanging around” day into one of the most relaxing days of the holiday.

Evenings in Kalkan: rooftops, cocktails and atmosphere

Kalkan is split between the old town and the harbour area, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and stylish little boutiques. In the evenings it really comes into its own.

The choice of restaurants is plentiful, and one of the things I loved most was the number of rooftop terraces. Dining on a rooftop, looking out across the bay as the sky turns pink and the lights start to twinkle, is something very special. The atmosphere felt more like a Greek island crossed with the Amalfi Coast than what many people imagine when they think of Turkey.

There are also plenty of bars, so it is very easy to enjoy pre‑dinner drinks or linger over after‑dinner cocktails. Whether you want somewhere relaxed with a view, or a slightly livelier spot, there is a great range of places to choose from, all within a compact, walkable area.

We ate out several evenings and always found friendly service, generous portions and very fair prices. It is the sort of place where you can happily wander and follow your nose, and still end up somewhere lovely.

Breakfast in the mountains: a true hidden gem

One of the unexpected highlights of the week was escaping into the nearby mountains for breakfast.

We took a taxi (about 15 minutes from Kalkan) to Sahika Bahçe, a small, characterful restaurant in a village setting that focuses on farm‑to‑table Anatolian cuisine. It was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had.

Table after table of fresh, homemade dishes arrived: breads, cheeses, eggs, vegetables, jams and more. The setting is quirky and charming, with a rustic garden feel and views of the surrounding countryside. The service was warm, attentive and genuine. It was nothing like we had pictured in our heads, but in the best possible way.

For anyone who enjoys authentic food experiences and getting a glimpse of local life beyond the resort, this is a must.

Practical touches: easy taxis and friendly locals

A few practical things stood out that really added to the trip.

Firstly, the taxis. Because of the hills, we used taxis regularly and they were incredibly easy and reasonably priced. There seemed to be set fares for most of the places we were going, and we paid around 300 Turkish lira (roughly £4) for our typical journeys. It made it very simple to pop down into town or to and from the beach clubs without worrying about the cost.

Secondly, the people. Everywhere we went, from the villa staff to restaurant teams and boat crew, the local people were genuinely lovely and could not do enough for us. It really contributed to how welcome we felt.

Why Kalkan really worked for our group

Looking back, what impressed me most was how well Kalkan worked for such a mixed‑age group.

• The villa gave us space, privacy and flexibility, plus easy grocery delivery and those special touches like buying fresh fish straight from a local fisherman.
• The beach clubs and boat trip kept everyone entertained and spoiled for scenery.
• The old town, harbour, bars and rooftop restaurants offered atmosphere, shopping, cocktails and dining.
• The mountain breakfast gave us a real “sense of place” beyond the resort.

And throughout, it felt stylish and intimate rather than overly resorty. Kalkan is not like anywhere else I have visited in Turkey. If you love the idea of a Greek island, blended with a hint of the Amalfi Coast and the warmth and value of Turkey, it might be exactly what you are looking for.

Ready to experience Kalkan for yourself?

If Kalkan sounds like your kind of place, I would love to help you plan your own trip, whether that is:

• A villa stay for a larger family or group of friends.
• A romantic escape with rooftop dinners and lazy days by the sea.
• A multi‑centre itinerary combining Kalkan with other parts of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

I can tailor everything to you: from villa or hotel choice and private transfers, to boat days, beach clubs and those little hidden gems like breakfast in the mountains or fresh fish for a barbecue at your villa.

Contact me to start planning your Kalkan escape and I can help you experience the very best of this beautiful resort.