Kalkan Revealed

I recently returned from a week in Kalkan on Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast and I am already plotting my return. My base was a gorgeous boutique hotel perched above the bay, and from there I explored everything from ancient Lycian cities to golden-sand beaches and pretty harbour towns. If your idea of a perfect holiday blends sunshine, great food, warm hospitality and a generous dose of history and culture, Turkey really does tick every box.

A Boutique Hotel That Feels Like Coming Home

My home for the week was The Kalkan Regency Hotel and it completely blew me away. This is a family‑run boutique property where personal service genuinely means something. I arrived in the early hours, expecting a sleepy check‑in, and instead was personally greeted by the manager and made to feel instantly at home.

The grounds are immaculate, with lush planting framing those classic Kalkan views: whitewashed buildings tumbling down the hillside and the bay sparkling below. Dinner on the first night set the tone for the week: a fresh chicken kebab cooked to perfection, enjoyed with a backdrop of twinkling lights across the water.

One of the highlights is the hotel’s weekly Wednesday barbecue. Tables groan under the weight of gorgeous meze and grilled dishes, and just when you think the evening cannot get any better, the male staff appear to perform a traditional Turkish dance. It is energetic, multi‑generational, full of heart, and the crowd absolutely loves it.

Days revolve easily around the beautiful swimming pool, which is long enough for proper laps and a lovely temperature, so there are no shrieks as you get in. A pool bar means you do not have to wander far for a cold drink or a snack.

The hotel is also renowned for its hammam, and I had to give it a try. Warm water is poured over you, followed by a thorough skin scrub, before you are swathed in clouds of soap suds. It is fun, deeply relaxing, and you step out feeling brand new.

Perhaps the best endorsement of all came from fellow guests at the bar who casually mentioned it was their eighteenth consecutive year staying there. When people return again and again like that, you know you have found somewhere very special.

Discovering Kalkan: A Compact Gem On The Hillside

Kalkan itself is an absolute delight. The old town clings to the hillside, with narrow cobbled streets weaving down to the little marina. Bougainvillea spills over balconies, and there is always a glimpse of the sea at the end of a lane.

For foodies, it is heaven. There are now thought to be around 300 restaurants in town, offering every style of cuisine, from traditional Turkish to modern international. Rooftop bars and restaurants are a favourite, with their romantic views over the bay at sunset.

One thing that really stood out was the relaxed atmosphere. There is none of the hard sell or pestering you can encounter in some resorts. It is genuinely a joy to wander, dip in and out of boutiques and cafés, and while away a few hours just soaking it all in.

Kalkan’s town beach is a pretty pebble stretch, but one of the most enjoyable local experiences is to hop on a boat taxi across the bay to one of the many beach clubs. These offer wooden platforms leading straight into that irresistible turquoise water, sunbeds, chilled music and cool cocktails. It is very easy to see why British guests return year after year to this little slice of paradise.

Stepping Back In Time: Xanthos, Letoon & Patara

As tempting as it was to simply lie by the pool, I am a self‑confessed history lover and the surrounding region is rich with ancient sites. I booked a couple of excursions and was so glad I did.

A short drive from Kalkan brings you to the neighbouring settlements of Xanthos and Letoon, once part of the capital of ancient Lycia, one of the most important Iron Age cultures in Anatolia. Over the centuries these sites were inhabited by Lycian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine communities, and you can feel that layered history as you explore.

Xanthos is especially well known for its funerary art and architecture. Rock‑cut tombs and sarcophagi are scattered across the site, with the acropolis, church ruins and a large amphitheatre among the key structures to look out for. Some original relics were removed in the 19th century and now sit in the British Museum, but there is still a powerful sense of place as you stand among the remaining monuments.

Letoon, a short drive away, was the federal sanctuary of Lycia, where political and religious decrees were once announced. Here you can see the foundations of three temples dedicated to Apollo, Leto and Artemis, as well as inscriptions dating back to the 4th century BC.

Within easy reach of Xanthos‑Letoon, and only around 17 km from Kalkan, is Patara Ancient City and beach. Over 2,000 years ago, Patara was the wealthiest and most important naval and commercial port in Lycia. Today you can still visit the restored lighthouse, now stranded inland after centuries of wind‑blown sand and silt cut it off from the sea. Patara has strong mythological and historical connections too. It is known as the birthplace of Apollo, the sun god, and of St Nicholas, the historical figure behind Father Christmas.

After exploring the ruins, it's a joy to head down to Patara’s spectacular golden beach. Stretching for around 18 km, it is backed by large sand dunes and has a wonderfully wild, unspoilt feel. The area is protected because it is an important nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, which only adds to its appeal. In a region where many beaches are pebbly, this long sweep of soft sand is something quite special.

Following In The Footsteps Of St Nicholas: Demre & Myra

A couple of days later I set off again, this time to trace the story of St Nicholas and visit more of Lycia’s archaeological treasures.

In Demre, you can visit the Church of St Nicholas, built around two centuries after his death. St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, is the patron saint of children and sailors and the inspiration for Santa Claus/Father Christmas. He was deeply loved for his generosity and concern for others.

One of the most famous legends tells of a poor man with three daughters. Without dowries, the girls faced a life of slavery, but over three nights Nicholas secretly threw bags of gold through the family’s window, where they are said to have landed in stockings or shoes drying by the fire. This tale is the origin of the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings.

The church itself has endured attacks and decay over the centuries, but was restored in the 19th century by Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. Today it houses beautiful ceiling and wall frescoes and lovely floor mosaics, and it is moving to stand in a place so closely associated with a figure whose story has echoed around the world.

A short drive away is Myra, once the capital of Lycia in the 5th century and today also within the modern district of Demre. Here the archaeological site is dominated by dramatic Lycian rock tombs carved high into the limestone cliffs, as well as a remarkably well‑preserved Roman amphitheatre with space for around 10,000 people. Much of the ancient city still lies underground, but what is visible offers a vivid glimpse into the past.

A Taste Of Coastal Life In Kas

To make the most of the day, I ended the excursion with a visit to the charming town of Kas. The coastal drive from Kalkan to Kas takes around 30 minutes and is an experience in itself, with winding roads and spectacular cliff and sea views along the way.

Formerly a sleepy fishing village, Kas is now a bustling working town with a yacht‑filled marina and a characterful centre of traditional restaurants and shops. It is known for its whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea, crystal clear waters and easy access to Kekova Island and its sunken ruins.

History is never far away here either. Visitors can seek out the 4th century BC Lion’s Tomb in the town, or visit the Antiphellos Theatre on the outskirts for sunset over the sea. It is a lovely contrast to Kalkan and a great way to see a little more of this beautiful stretch of coastline.

Why Turkey Belongs On Your Travel Wish List

Spending time in Kalkan and exploring the surrounding area really reinforced for me how much Turkey offers. For sun‑seekers and beach lovers, the recipe is perfect: long hot summers, clear blue water and plenty of places to simply relax with a book and a cold drink.

But if you are more of a culture vulture, or you like to mix lazy days with a bit of adventure and discovery, Turkey is a dream. You can wander through ancient cities, step into the story of St Nicholas, cruise along a glittering coastline, and still be back in time for rooftop cocktails and dinner under the stars.

Add in the warmth of Turkish hospitality, excellent value for money and the ease of travelling around, and you have a destination that works beautifully for couples, friends and families alike. It also feels like a very safe place to self‑explore, ideal if you enjoy hiring a car or joining small group excursions to see more than just the resort.

If this has sparked your interest in Turkey, Kalkan or the Turquoise Coast in general, contact me to start planning your own slice of Turkish sunshine and history.