Kalkan vacation packages

How to Reach Kalkan

• Transfer Time: The drive to Kalkan from Dalaman Airport takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The most popular transfer option is by private car or taxi.

• Price: A taxi fare to Kalkan is approximately $190.

Best Time to Visit Kalkan

Kalkan is attractive all year, so the best time for your vacations to Kalkan largely depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels.

• April to June: Temperatures range from 73°F to 86°F with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for active sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying Kalkan's beaches without the crowds.

• July to August: Guaranteed blue skies and sunshine with temperatures soaring up to around 93°F. This season is perfect for enjoying vibrant beach life, although it's wise to seek shaded spots during midday.

• September to October: Temperatures are still warm at 86–81°F, with some light showers providing relief. With the main tourist season winding down, this offers a more relaxed time to visit.

• November to March: This period is mild with highs reaching 63°F even in January. There are more chances of rain, especially in December and January, but these months offer a peaceful retreat.

Practical Information

• Spoken Languages: While Turkish is the official language, English is widely spoken in Kalkan.

• Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira.

• Getting Around: Kalkan is built on a hillside, and it's walkable if you don’t have significant mobility difficulties. Inexpensive minibusses provide easy access to nearby beaches and villages. Taxis are easy to find; just make sure the meter is reset before starting your journey. If you find a good taxi driver, ask for a card. Car rentals are also available; however, parking in central Kalkan can be challenging.

• Electricity and Plug Types: The standard voltage is 220V (50Hz frequency). Turkey uses type C and F plug sockets.

• Time Zone: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT year-round.

• Required Travel Documentation: Ensure a valid passport for entry. US citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Best things to do in Kalkan

Known for its relaxed yet upscale atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, vacations to Kalkan are perfect for those looking to enjoy pristine beaches, historical sites, and stunning coastal views.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kaputaş Beach: With its postcard-perfect look, the best vantage point is from the Kalkan-Kaş road above the beach.

• Kalkan Lighthouse: Overlooking the harbor and its leisure boats, this is a charming viewpoint.

Top districts

• Old Town: The Old Town is packed with charm, featuring narrow cobblestone streets and buildings draped in bougainvillea, many transformed into boutiques, cafés, and rooftop restaurants with sea views.

• Harbor Area: From lively restaurants to local artists selling handcrafted jewelry and art, this area has an exciting atmosphere, especially at night.

Parks and gardens

• Saklikent National Park: Found in Seydikemer, it’s a 45- to 50-minute drive to reach this destination. Home to one of Europe’s deepest gorges, it’s worth the trip.

Historical monuments

• Patara Ancient City: A 20-minute drive from Kalkan, the ancient city of Patara offers a glimpse into Kalkan’s Lycian history, with a grand amphitheater and remnants of ancient baths and temples. It’s also the birthplace of St. Nicholas.

• Xanthos-Letoon: It takes a longer drive than to Patara, but you’ll find two ancient UNESCO-listed Lycian cities you can explore (they’re 5km apart), with temples, tombs, and well-preserved mosaics.

Day trips in the area

• Kaş: Just a short drive from Kalkan, picturesque Kaş is famous as an activities hub with kayaking, diving, and jeep safaris available.

• The Sunken City of Dolichiste: Off the coast of Kekova Island, these ancient ruins are only reachable by boat. The area is protected, so you can view them from a distance, but the water is incredibly clear. Most boat tours stop in Kaleköy (ancient Simena), known for its hilltop castle and panoramic views.

Family activities in Kalkan

Kalkan is an inviting destination for families, especially those who love water activities.

• Playgrounds: The main playgrounds are at Hüseyin Haluk Yılmaz Park and Kalkan Public Beach.

• Beach Clubs: Kalkan Beach Park, equipped with a sandy beach area and water slide, and Kalamar Beach Club, with pedal boats and kayaks, are great for families.

• Family-friendly beaches: Expansive Patara Beach is a favorite, with fine sand, gentle waves, and loggerhead sea turtles.

• Boat trips: With snorkeling stops and beach visits, you can’t go wrong with whichever tour you choose.

Free things to do in Kalkan

Whether you're exploring the town’s vibe or spending a lazy day on the beach, your Kalkan vacation doesn’t have to be costly.

• Festivals and free events: Kalkan hosts cultural events throughout the summer in its main square and harbor area. The Kalkan Festival of the Sea is usually held on July 1st at Kalkan Public Beach, featuring swimming races, kayaking, jet-skiing, and a fun greasy pole competition.

• Public beaches: Right by the harbor, pebbly Kalkan Public Beach offers clear, calm water for swimming. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent if you can’t do without your creature comforts, and shops, cafés, and restaurants are just a short walk away.

• Markets: Thursday is market day in Kalkan, with fresh produce, spices, and local crafts in abundance. It’s free to wander, and the vibrant colors, aromas, and bustling atmosphere provide a wonderful experience of local culture.

Wellness in Kalkan

• Spas and thermal baths: Many of Kalkan’s resorts and boutique hotels offer luxurious spa facilities with an array of treatments, from full-body massages to revitalizing facial therapies.

• Traditional body care: No trip to Turkey is complete without visiting a hammam like Kalkan Atlantis Wellness Turkish Bath & Spa, where you can enjoy centuries-old rituals of deep exfoliation, hot steam rooms, and aromatic massages, leaving your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Kalkan is on the Lycian Way trail (look for signs marked "Likya Yolu"). Sections of the trail, such as the paths toward Patara or Kaputaş, are perfect for day hikes and offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

• Snorkeling and scuba diving: With excellent visibility and minimal tidal currents, Kalkan’s coast is ideal for exploring underwater life. Kalamar Bay is a top spot for snorkeling and shore diving, with its rocky coastline.

• Sport climbing: The canyon behind Kaputaş Beach is a lesser-known climbing spot featuring tufas, stalactites, crimps, and pockets.

• Motorized water sports: If you crave speed, local outfits like Aristos Water Sports offer everything from jet-skiing and wakeboarding to parasailing and inflatable rides.

Beaches to enjoy on Kalkan vacations

Kalkan vacations are a dream for beach lovers, offering a mix of serene coves, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Whether you're looking for peaceful spots to unwind or picturesque bays for snorkeling, Kalkan's beaches provide a stunning escape along the Turquoise Coast.

• Kaputaş beach: One of Turkey's most iconic beaches, Kaputaş is a must-visit. Nestled between steep cliffs, this small but stunning beach boasts turquoise waters and golden sands. It's perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the views from the descent are simply unforgettable.

• Patara beach: Just a short drive from Kalkan, Patara Beach offers 18 kilometers of unspoiled sandy coastline. Ideal for those seeking tranquility, this beach is also a protected nesting site for sea turtles, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

• Kalkan beach club: Located near the harbor, Kalkan Beach Club offers a more refined beach experience. With platforms built into the rocky shoreline, it's perfect for sunbathing, diving into the clear waters, and enjoying beachfront dining.

• Kalamar bay: This peaceful cove is a haven for snorkeling and kayaking enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush hills, Kalamar Bay's calm waters and tranquil atmosphere make it a great choice for couples and families alike.

• Bezirgan cove: For a more secluded experience, take a boat trip to Bezirgan Cove. This hidden gem offers pristine waters and quiet surroundings, perfect for a day of swimming and relaxation away from the crowds.

Kalkan's beaches offer something for everyone, from the dramatic beauty of Kaputaş to the serene sands of Patara. Whether you're lounging by the water, exploring hidden bays, or diving into the clear sea, the beaches of Kalkan promise an unforgettable coastal getaway.

Local dishes in Kalkan

Seafood is a staple when you vacation in Kalkan, but you'll also discover a variety of traditional Turkish dishes on the menus, from salads with a regional twist to sweet pastries.

Some typical dishes

• Piyaz: This Turkish salad is a must-try if you're vacationing anywhere in the Antalya Province. It is comprised of parsleyed dried beans, onions, and sumac with a smooth tahini, lemon juice, and vinegar dressing.

• İşkembe Çorbası: This creamy offal soup is perfect for the morning after a night out.

Meat dishes

• Köfte: While there are some vegetarian versions, these patties are usually made with minced beef or lamb and can be served fried, stewed, or grilled.

• Kokoreç: Served inside bread with spices, these charcoal-grilled small and large intestines and sweetbreads might not be for everyone, but they are a classic for good reason.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Izgara Çipura: Freshly caught or farmed (though the former is pricier, it's tastier), this grilled sea bream, seasoned with olive oil and herbs, is a local favorite.

• Midye Dolma: These plump mussels are stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices; just a squeeze of lemon enhances their full flavor.

Street food

• Simit: This sesame-topped snack bread, similar to a bagel, is perfect for an on-the-go breakfast.

• Gözleme: Another great breakfast choice, this Turkish flatbread filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat and baked on a griddle has a crisp finish.

Sweets and desserts

• Baklava: When countries still debate over its origins, you know it's a winner. This nutty, syrup-drenched phyllo pastry is sweet, sticky, and deeply satisfying.

• Künefe: If Baklava whets your appetite for syrupy pastries, cream-cheese-filled, pistachio-topped Künefe is another must-try.

Local drinks

• Raki (Aslan Sütü): Known as "Lion's Milk" (as it turns white when mixed with water), this anise-flavored spirit is Turkey's national drink and pairs wonderfully with meze.

• Ayran: A blend of yogurt, cold water, and salt, this refreshing dairy beverage is the perfect companion to spicy dishes.