Kalkan, Antalya Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Turkey’s Chic Coastal Town

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Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Kalkan is a charming town in Turkey’s Antalya province. Unlike crowded beach resorts, Kalkan offers a refined atmosphere with whitewashed houses, a picturesque harbor, and boutique hotels cascading down the hillside. This former fishing village has transformed into one of Turkey’s most sophisticated coastal destinations while somehow preserving its authentic character and intimate scale.

A Brief History

Kalkan’s history stretches back centuries, though its modern incarnation began in the 1920s. Originally a Greek settlement called Kalamaki, the town participated in the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Turkish families from islands and coastal Greece resettled here, adapting the existing Greek houses and maintaining the architectural character that gives Kalkan its distinctive appearance today.

For decades, Kalkan remained a quiet fishing village, its economy based on the sea and surrounding olive groves. Tourism discovered this hidden gem in the 1980s, initially attracting independent travelers seeking alternatives to mass tourism. British visitors in particular fell in love with Kalkan’s charm, establishing a connection that continues today. The town developed gradually, with strict building regulations preserving its whitewashed aesthetic and preventing high-rise development.

How to Get to Kalkan

• Nearest Airports: Dalaman Airport (2 hours) or Antalya Airport (3.5 hours)
• Transportation: Car rental, shuttle buses, or private transfers are available from Fethiye, Kas, and Antalya.

Both airports offer regular connections to major European cities, particularly during summer months when charter flights supplement scheduled services. Private transfer services provide door-to-door convenience, while public buses offer a budget-friendly alternative with services running regularly along the coastal highway. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding region.

Top Things to Do in Kalkan

1. Relax at Kalkan Public Beach

Clean, clear waters and sunbeds make this beach a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. Unlike sandy beaches elsewhere, Kalkan’s main beach features a pebble shoreline with wooden platforms extending into the water. This means the sea remains remarkably clear, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. Beach clubs line the waterfront, offering loungers, umbrellas, food service, and changing facilities for reasonable daily fees.

2. Visit Kaputas Beach

Located just 10 minutes from Kalkan, Kaputas is famous for its turquoise sea and dramatic cliffs. This small cove beach sits at the mouth of a canyon, accessible via stairs descending from the coastal road. The setting is spectacular, with steep cliffs framing a crescent of sand meeting water so blue it seems artificial. Arrive early in summer to secure a spot, as this photogenic beach attracts crowds by midday.

3. Take a Boat Trip

Daily tours from the harbor explore caves, bays, and snorkeling spots. Don’t miss the Blue Cave. Boats typically depart around 10 AM, spending the day visiting secluded swimming spots inaccessible by land. The Blue Cave (Mavi Magara) features a submerged entrance that creates an otherworldly blue glow inside. Other stops might include Butterfly Valley, various coves along the coast, and the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo), just a short distance offshore.

4. Explore the Old Town

Stroll through cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-Greek architecture and vibrant bougainvillea. The narrow lanes twist and climb the hillside, revealing hidden restaurants, boutique shops, and stunning viewpoints at every turn. Traditional whitewashed houses feature wooden balconies and shutters, many now converted to restaurants, shops, or guest houses. The atmospheric setting comes alive in evening when lights twinkle against the dark hillside.

5. Discover Patara Ancient City and Beach

A short drive from Kalkan, Patara offers ancient ruins and a 12-kilometer-long sandy beach. This was once the principal port of the Lycian League and birthplace of St. Nicholas (the inspiration for Santa Claus). Ruins include a triumphal arch, colonnaded street, parliament building, theater, and lighthouse. The adjacent beach is one of Turkey’s longest and least developed, protected as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.

6. Visit the Sunken City of Kekova

A day trip to Kekova reveals the partially submerged ruins of an ancient city, destroyed by earthquakes. Glass-bottom boats allow views of ruins beneath the clear water, while the nearby village of Simena (Kalekoy), accessible only by boat, features a castle overlooking the scene and traditional waterfront restaurants.

7. Explore Kas

The neighboring town of Kas, just 25 kilometers east, offers additional dining, shopping, and nightlife options. This laid-back town features ancient Lycian tombs within the town center, a well-preserved ancient theater, and regular boat trips to the Greek island of Meis.

Where to Eat in Kalkan

Kalkan is known for its rooftop dining scene and high-quality seafood restaurants. The town punches far above its weight in culinary terms, with numerous restaurants offering sophisticated cuisine and spectacular views. Recommended spots include:

• Aubergine Restaurant: Mediterranean cuisine by the harbor with creative dishes and excellent service
• Mussakka Restaurant: Elegant setting with global menu options and stunning views from the rooftop terrace
• Kofteci Imran: Casual place serving traditional Turkish meatballs, perfect for an authentic local experience
• Gironda: Rooftop dining with panoramic views and contemporary Turkish-Mediterranean fusion
• Belgin’s Kitchen: Home-style Turkish cooking in a family-run restaurant

The evening tradition in Kalkan involves pre-dinner drinks at a waterfront bar, watching the sunset paint the harbor in golden hues, followed by dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants as stars appear overhead.

Where to Stay in Kalkan

Accommodation in Kalkan ranges from luxury villas to boutique hotels. The hillside setting means many properties offer spectacular views, though this also means steps are unavoidable. Top-rated places include:

• Hotel Villa Mahal: Adults-only with stunning views and infinity pool, accessible by hotel boat
• Likya Pavilion Hotel: Modern villas with private plunge pools and contemporary design
• Elixir Hotel: Traditional charm in a cozy setting in the old town
• Courtyard Hotel: Central location with rooftop pool and restaurant

Private villa rental has become increasingly popular, with properties ranging from modest apartments to stunning clifftop mansions with private pools and sea access. Many villas include dedicated staff for cleaning and meal preparation.

Shopping and Local Products

Kalkan offers a variety of local goods, including handmade jewelry, Turkish towels, olive oil soaps, and ceramics. Visit the weekly Thursday market for authentic finds. This market brings together local farmers and artisans, offering fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handicrafts at reasonable prices.

The old town shops focus on quality over quantity, with boutiques offering curated selections of Turkish crafts, designer clothing, and antiques. Notable products include hand-woven kilims, copper work, leather goods, and local honey and olive oil.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months are May through October. June and September provide warm weather without the heavy crowds of peak summer. Sea temperatures reach their warmest in August and September, remaining comfortable for swimming into October. July and August bring the highest temperatures and busiest conditions.

Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather, wildflowers in the countryside, and lower prices, though sea temperatures remain cool for swimming. Autumn (September-October) combines warm sea temperatures with comfortable air temperatures and harvest season offerings at restaurants and markets.

Travel Tips

• Kalkan is hilly and cobblestoned – wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
• English is widely spoken due to its popularity among UK tourists.
• The local currency is Turkish Lira (TL), but cards are widely accepted in most establishments.
• Book restaurants in advance during July and August, especially for popular rooftop spots.
• Rent a car to explore surrounding attractions like Saklikent Gorge, Xanthos, and Letoon.
• The Lycian Way hiking trail passes through the area, offering excellent walking opportunities.

Our previous article Alanya in our article titled antalya ve Mediterranean provides information about.