Kalkan a small peaceful Mediterranean resort and originally a fishing town on the beautiful Turquoise Coast of Turkey. Whilst the town has developed, Kalkan has still not been touched by mass tourism. More sophisticated than the usual resort town, Kalkan appeals to travellers looking for more than a “sun & sea” holiday. According to the Sunday Times, Kalkan attracts the kind of visitor who would also enjoy Tuscany or the Dordogne. The Guardian likens the town to “the Italian Riviera minus the poseurs.”
Kalkan has a historic harbour, and the town fans out from here to the foot of the Taurus Mountains which act as a natural boundary. The beautiful bay has crystal turquoise waters, with ‘Mouse’ and ‘Snake’ Islands at the mouth of the bay. Narrow inter linked streets lead down to the harbour, lined with old whitewashed villas with shuttered windows situated alongside small local boutique type shops and restaurants in historic buildings. The old Ottoman Greek buildings are swathed with brightly coloured bougainvillea draping down towards the cobbled streets below. It truly is a special place with a uniquely wonderful atmosphere. Tourism is the only trade in the town itself, and the local business owners are at pains to keep Kalkan ‘Old Town’, as the main heart of the town near to the harbour is known, as true to its past as possible.
A night out in Kalkan is centred around a good meal perhaps on one of the many restaurants that have roof terraces accompanied by a delicious bottle of wine. Whilst there are a couple of small bars, you won’t find lots of nightclubs, and theme bars like some other resorts have along the same coastline.
Is Kalkan suitable for me?
Kalkan is the ideal destination for “40 something” travellers and for those taking their first holiday after the children have flown the nest.
If you are a single traveller, don’t worry! … Kalkan is a very safe and relaxed place, and because both the locals and other travellers are so friendly, you are sure to find someone to chat to. At the Hotel Dionysia we have welcomed single travellers for many years, and offer very reasonable sole occupancy rates.
Travelling with your family and children? Kalkan extends a warm welcome to guests of all ages … from the youngest to the more senior travellers; as with so many Mediterranean destinations, children are more than welcome in restaurants, apartments and villas.
Never been to Kalkan before?
Never been to Kalkan before? When chatting to other tourists you meet, wherever you are in the town, you will find people come back to Kalkan time and time again.
These travellers know there are countless places in the world to visit … but they return year after year to this special holiday resort. For some it is the allure of the wonderful restaurants, others come for the wealth of things to see around Kalkan … and for most it genuinely warm welcome they receive on returning – maybe this is what makes Kalkan so special for so many people.
If these details have whetted your appetite for a holiday in Kalkan and you would like to make a booking or want some more details about the holidays we can offer you then please e-mail kate@southern-turkey.co.uk or complete the online enquiry form