Kalkan guide | Kalkan attractions and things to do
Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, the atmospheric fishing town of Kalkan is littered with narrow, winding streets, historical Ottoman buildings, and white-washed houses that make the resort ideal for relaxing strolls. Its sweeping views over the harbour and picturesque bay further enhance the resort’s aesthetic appeal.
In contrast to many of the larger resorts on this stretch of coastline, Kalkan is comparatively untouched by tourism. Instead it remains peaceful and relaxed, and as a result draws visitors who are looking for just those qualities. Nevertheless, for those looking for more than a pretty walk, there is plenty to offer here, including stunning beaches and watersports, ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Furthermore, Kalkan also lays claim to being the resort with the highest concentration of restaurants and bars on the Turkish coast.
The nearest international airport to Kalkan is Dalaman airport, which is 110km away, and connects to a large number of cities throughout Europe.
Since there are no buses between the airport and Dalaman's bus station in the town centre, it is necessary to take a taxi. Intercity buses depart from the bus centre to resorts all over Turkey, including Kalkan.
With over 320 days of sunshine per year you can be sure of glorious weather in Kalkan no matter when you visit. From April until October temperatures will not usually dip below 25C. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures climbing well above 30C.
Rainfall in Kalkan is practically unheard of during the long summer months. Winters are mild and sunny with temperatures hovering around the 14C mark.
Kalkan’s jewels in the crown are undoubtedly its beaches. As well as as boasting its own stunning public beach, there is also the magnificent Kaputas Beach only 10 minutes from the resort, as well as Kaputas Beach which often features on postcards. If that isn’t enough, Patara Beach is part of a national park and has been voted one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world.
If laying on a world class beach is not enough for you, Kalkan is also well known for its scuba diving facilities. There are many dive sites in and around the resort, including reefs and islands, offering visitors the chance to see an array of marine life including dolphins, sharks and barracudas. The Kalkan Diving School is a PADI Five-Star Dive resort, offering beginner dives and courses, as well as half-day trips for experienced divers.
Kalkan is also used by many as the base for boat trips along Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast. Trips can be arranged from the harbour area with many excursions including meals and stops for swimming. A trip to the small island of Kekova should not be missed, and another worthwhile outing is to explore the sea caves near Kalkan, including the famous Blue Cave where you can swim in the naturally illuminated waters.
The nightlife in Kalkan is focussed around the town centre which comes to life as the evenings draw in. The harbour area is also a good spot for some lively bars and pubs, and there are several with rooftops affording great views over the town. In addition, the resort also has some excellent live music bars and discos.
