Kalkan holidays

The Turquoise Collection are specialists in Kalkan, Turkey and have been providing a wide range of accommodation in Kalkan since 2008. We have detailed local knowledge about Kalkan to give you an invaluable insight about the many ways to discover and enjoy your Kalkan holiday. Our collection of Kalkan accommodation has been chosen to offer Turquoise Collection guests what we consider are the best locations, amenities and views Kalkan has to offer. We work closely with the local businesses in Kalkan, and visit the properties in our collection frequently to ensure high standards for our guests. Our extensive pre-departure information and in-resort service from our highly experienced guest services staff are all included in a Turquoise Collection Kalkan holiday.

An overview of Kalkan, Turkey

Kalkan is set in one of Europe's most breath-taking, grand sweeping Mediterranean bays, with the truly majestic Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Kalkan has an exquisite harbour, full of Turkish wooden gulets and small fishing craft, bordered with waterfront restaurants and the beach, it is where the beautiful and historic Kalkan old town area extends back from the sea.

Formerly an important coastal trading port, Kalkan is now a thriving but still unspoilt holiday resort with the bustling historic Old Quarter being the heart of the Kalkan town. After dusk, Kalkan's winding streets full of traditional houses, restaurants, small boutiques and local shops with overhanging balconies teem with people as the tantalising aromas of Kalkan's renowned cuisine entice people down to the harbour and surrounding streets.

From Kalkan's harbour, many of the beach clubs dotted around the bay are accessed by small colourful boats that provide a often complimentary service to transfer guests staying in Kalkan. You will also find traditional wooden Gulets in Kalkan's harbour that offer boat trips to the beaches, islands and inlets nearby. Water sports, diving and fishing trips are also offered here in Kalkan.

A glimpse into Kalkan's rich history

Kalkan, originally known as "Kalamaki," developed into a significant 19th-century port due to its location between Kas and Fethiye. It was settled 150 -200 years ago by people of Greek and Turkish origin, serving as a hub for transporting goods by camel from the Xanthos valley nearby and the mountain highlands near Elmali. From Kalkan, cargo ships sailed for the far reaches of the Ottoman Empire laden with cotton, grain, wine and timber.

By the early 20th century Kalkan had become quite a sizeable village in Turkey. At the turn of the century Kalkan had its own custom's house and in 1915 there were reportedly seventeen restaurants, a goldsmith, a shoemaker and tailors. Kalkan's first local elections were held in 1928 and in 1937 the present elementary school was opened.

Following World War I, the exchange in population between the new Turkish Republic and Greece took place in 1923 after the Turkish War of Independence. Most of Kalkan's population that were of Greek origin at the time then left Turkey. Some went to the Greek island of Meis, but most were resettled near Athens. They were resettled as a community) and named their new town "Kalamaki", after Kalkan's previous name.

Sea trade dwindled in the 1950s due to improved Turkish road networks and the adoption of overland transport, causing a gradual population decline as residents moved to larger coastal cities to find work. However, the arrival of English yachtsmen in the 1960s revived the town's economy through tourism. Kalkan's historical charm is preserved through strict building codes.

Close to Kalkan, ancient ruins from over 2,000 years ago, including the UNESCO world heritage site of Xanthos, Tlos, Myra, Pinara, and Patara, attract global visitors. The British Museum holds an extensive collection of Lycian artifacts.

Kalkan's scenic beauty and climate

It's magnificent scenery with its lakes, woods and forests, its stunning turquoise coast line and superb ruins of two dozen cities make Lycia a place to explore and enjoy. Lycia's coastline runs for several hundred kilometres, borders the Mediterranean and attracts yachtsmen to the crystal clear waters and near perfect climate.

Kalkan is an eclectic mix of Greek and old Kalkan architecture, with roof terrace restaurants and lovely views to the sea, Kalkan old town is a place you will want to discover and enjoy. The Greek Orthodox Church by Kalkan's harbour has been converted into a mosque and is the best example of Greek architecture in Kalkan, however at every turn you will still find whitewashed and stone buildings with shuttered windows and balconies which reveal Kalkan's history.

The climate in Kalkan is often compared to that of Southern California as you can be guaranteed sun from May to October and beyond. Kalkan's endless warm days can be spent at your private pool, on the town beach, visting the many beach clubs in Kalkan or enjoying lazy days at sea. You can also learn to sail, scuba dive and water ski - the choices are endless in Kalkan.

Explore beyond Kalkan

If you're in the mood for exploration, Kalkan offers a gateway to a wealth of captivating destinations beyond its borders. The Turkish coastline boasts a range of beaches, including the magnificent 12-mile stretch of Patara Beach, renowned for its golden sands and pristine waters. Kaputas Beach, with its picturesque setting is nestled between tall cliffs and 'Olu Deniz' offers the iconic Blue Lagoon where the vibrant blue waters meet lush green landscapes, creating a breathtaking spectacle. These coastal gems offer the perfect backdrop for idyllic days of sun, sea, and sand.

If you're in the mood for adventure, consider embarking on a scenic drive into the mountains surrounding Kalkan. This journey will lead you to the charming villages of Islamlar and Uzumlu, where time seems to stand still, and a strong sense of community prevails. These rustic enclaves provide a peaceful escape from the bustling energy of Kalkan, offering a glimpse into traditional Turkish life. Along the way, you'll stumble upon inviting fresh trout restaurants that make for a delightful culinary experience. Here, you can savor delectable local dishes while immersing yourself in the warm embrace of Turkish hospitality.