There’s plenty to keep you occupied during your holiday in Kalkan turkey. From relaxing beaches to ancient ruins and rugged mountain-sides, this enchanting resort has it all.
To the east of Kalkan harbour lies a long, white pebble beach with Blue Flag status. It’s convenient for swimming and snorkelling.
Xanthos
The ancient city of Xanthos, a UNESCO world heritage site in Turkey’s Kalkan region, has a lot to offer visitors who like history. Discover a rich and fascinating past in this beautiful part of the country with a day trip to Xanthos or take a longer stay to explore the area.
Xanthos was the capital of the Lycian Kingdom during antiquity. Its ruins are an amazing example of how the traditions of the Lycians were mixed with those of Hellenic civilization. The rock-cut tombs, pillar tombs and pillar-mounted sarcophagi are all unique examples of ancient funerary art. They are considered to be the best preserved examples of these art forms in Turkey.
Another interesting place to visit in the Xanthos region is Letoon (Letoum). The ancient cult center was a religious hub of the Lycian League of Cities. The temple was built on the site of a spring that was believed to have been the birthplace of Leto, a nymph who gave birth to Apollo and Artemis. She was also the mother of Pegasus, the mythological winged horse.
Aside from Letoon, Xanthos is also home to the ancient site of Tlos, which was a center of worship during the Roman period. You can easily visit Tlos by taking a taxi from the Kalkan area or driving on the signposted road.
You can also explore the Xanthos valley on foot, with a number of walking trails and easy to strenuous full-day excursions that offer a great variety of historical sites and cultural experiences. Alternatively, you can book a gulet cruise and enjoy a day on the water with time to swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and dine on traditional Turkish cuisine.
One of the most popular places to visit in Xanthos is the Harpy Tomb, an 8.87-meter-tall monument carved with images of female birds. It was discovered by British explorer Charles Fellows in 1842.
The inscription on the stele includes three languages: Lycian, Milyan and Greek. It tells the story of a local king, Kherei, who was defeated by Athinaians and gained his freedom.
Saklikent Gorge
Saklikent Gorge is the perfect day trip for those who want to see some of Turkey’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. It’s located in the Kalkan area and is one of the most popular places to visit in this part of Turkey.
This gorge was created by the rushing Xanthos River and is considered to be one of the most beautiful canyons in the world. It’s 18km long and 300m deep, and was opened to the public as a national park in 1996.
Walking in the gorge is possible but it’s best to take an organised tour from Kalkan. The gorge is very narrow and there are many rocks to climb over, so make sure you wear suitable footwear.
You can also try river rafting in the gorge; this is an exhilarating activity that’s ideal for families. All you need is a large rubber ring, strong paddles and a life jacket each; an experienced guide will be with you the whole time so you can safely navigate your way down the river.
The water in Saklikent Gorge can be very icy, so you will need waterproof shoes and you should consider bringing a change of clothes as well, so you don’t get cold. It’s a really fun experience and you can even enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach at the end of your walk!
In addition to hiking in the gorge, there are also other things you can do in Saklikent. There are mud baths, tubing, rafting, canyoning and zip lining; all of these activities are fun and exhilarating and will give you a great chance to get some exercise in.
Alternatively, you can also enjoy a relaxing dip in the waters of Patara Beach which is only a short drive from Saklikent Gorge. There are a range of facilities, including cafes, toilets and sunbeds.
On your return to Kalkan you can stop off at Kaputas Beach, a small cove at the entrance of another impressive gorge. The sand is pristine and it’s easy to find shade in the afternoon.
Taking a full-day excursion to Saklikent Gorge and Tlos is a fantastic idea for visitors who want to experience the area’s best sightseeing spots. The Kalkan Saklikent Tour includes a pick up from your hotel in the morning, a guided tour of the gorge and Tlos, a traditional Turkish lunch, and a return journey to Fethiye.
Patara Beach
Located on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, Kalkan is home to several historical sites and fine beaches. Two of the most popular spots to visit are Patara Beach and Kaputas Beach, both of which are only a short drive from the town.
Often ranked as one of the world’s best beaches, Patara Beach is a popular holiday destination for tourists from around the globe. It has been awarded a blue flag and is renowned for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking cliff backdrop. It is also protected from development by a national park and is home to the endangered Loggerhead Turtles.
It is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles and relaxing. The water is crystal clear and shallow making it perfect for families. You can also find a number of facilities on the beach including free showers and toilets.
Another favorite of locals and visitors alike is Kaptus Beach, which sits off the main highway and is backed by a gorge. Its striking blue turquoise waters attract many visitors to the area and it is often referred to as Turkey’s most beautiful beach.
The cove is accessed by a series of steps set into the rock and offers crystal clear water, dramatic cliff backdrops and soft white pebbles. It is a great place to spend time in the warm Mediterranean sun, especially at sunset.
There are also a number of water activities to choose from at the beach, including canoeing, paragliding, kayaking and scuba diving. For those who want to experience the beach from another angle, a horse safari tour is also available, which gives you the chance to ride a horse along the sand.
You can also explore the history of the city with a trip to Patara ancient city, which was once one of the most important cities in Anatolian history. Its ruins include a sand-swept theater, triple-arched triumphal gate, necropolis (cemetery) with Lycian tombs and a public bath.
You can reach Patara Beach by taking minibuses from Kas every 20 minutes, or rent a car and drive there yourself. The beach is 20 km long and 50 meters wide, and it is never crowded. The village inland from the beach has only a few hundred tourist beds, so you can find peace and quiet here.
Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach, in southwestern Turkey, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country for its clear turquoise Mediterranean waters and golden, fine sand. Its breathtaking landscape makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The meter-high cliffs surrounding the beach and the picturesque scenery make it an ideal spot for a swim and a romantic sunset.
There are two main roads leading to the beach, one from Kas and another from Kalkan. Both are well signposted, but you may need to pay a small fee for parking if you haven’t booked ahead.
The best way to get to Kaputas Beach is by taking a dolmus (shared bus) from either Kas or Kalkan. Alternatively, you can hire a car and drive along the coastal road down to the bay.
Once you’re there, walk down the 186 stairs that lead to the seaside. It’s a bit of a challenge, but the views are worth it. The water is very clear and the beach is surrounded by steep cliffs, making it quite dramatic.
It’s also home to some 250 endangered plant species, including a yellow flowering plant called Kaputas Inula. These plants bloom from June to August on the rocky cliffs near the beach.
This beach has also been designated as a conservation area. The local people have been trained to identify the various species, and seeds from them are being stored in Turkey’s Seed Gene Bank.
As well as being a conservation area, it is also a wonderful place to relax and unwind in the sun. A cafe bar and changing huts are available at the beach, so you can enjoy a drink or a snack while watching the sun set behind the cliffs.
The water is crystal clear and it’s a fantastic place to take a dip, although it can be a little choppy at times. You’ll also want to check the tides before you go swimming.
As part of the Five Wonders of Antalya Conservation Project, this gorgeous beach is being rehabilitated and it’s currently being protected by the town council. Its beauty is hard to deny, and it’s a shame that this paradise has not been discovered earlier by visitors.
FAQ
Where Is Kalkan Turkey?
Kalkan is a small coastal town located in the Antalya province of Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast. It is situated between the towns of Kas and Fethiye, and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming old town.
Is Kalkan Turkey Touristy?
While Kalkan is certainly popular with visitors, it still retains its small-town charm and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike some of the more crowded and commercialized tourist destinations in Turkey, Kalkan has a more authentic feel and is a great place to relax and unwind.
What Places To Visit In Kalkan Turkey?
Kalkan has plenty of sights and attractions to keep visitors entertained. Some of the top places to visit include the Kalkan Old Town, the Kalkan Yacht Marina, the Kaputas Beach, and the Patara Beach. You can also explore nearby historical sites like the Xanthos and Letoon ruins.