travelerguide and recommendations
beaches
The local stone beach directly at the harbor with its crystal clear water immediately invites you to bathe and swim.
Bathing shoes are recommended.
Sun loungers and umbrellas can be hired for a fee.
43 locals recommend
Kalkan Public Beach
The local stone beach directly at the harbor with its crystal clear water immediately invites you to bathe and swim.
Bathing shoes are recommended.
Sun loungers and umbrellas can be hired for a fee.
Kaputaş Beach is an absolute highlight in this area. The natural beach is located in a gorge between Kalkan and Kaş. About 10 minutes by car from Kalkan. A few years ago it was pure nature, now there is a restaurant, showers, toilets and sun loungers for rent.
Kaputaş Beach is regularly in the top 10 in votes for the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and on the Mediterranean Sea.
219 locals recommend
Kaputaş Plajı / Mavi Mağara
Kaputaş Beach is an absolute highlight in this area. The natural beach is located in a gorge between Kalkan and Kaş. About 10 minutes by car from Kalkan. A few years ago it was pure nature, now there is a restaurant, showers, toilets and sun loungers for rent.
Kaputaş Beach is regularly in the top 10 in votes for the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and on the Mediterranean Sea.
Patara is under both nature and monument protection. The 18 km long sandy beach is the longest beach in Turkey. If you walk along the beach, you can find a place just for yourself.
While the beach is frequented by people during the day, it is closed in the evenings for the sea turtles that use this sandy beach as a nesting ground.
Cool drinks and snacks are available in the beach café.
Parasols and sun loungers are also available for hire.
308 locals recommend
Patara Beach
Patara is under both nature and monument protection. The 18 km long sandy beach is the longest beach in Turkey. If you walk along the beach, you can find a place just for yourself.
While the beach is frequented by people during the day, it is closed in the evenings for the sea turtles that use this sandy beach as a nesting ground.
Cool drinks and snacks are available in the beach café.
Parasols and sun loungers are also available for hire.
around Kalkan
Kalkan was a former fishing village but it is now a popular destination for the discerning tourist.
Far away from mass tourism. There are no all-inclusive hotels here. Kalkan is much more individual. There are small guesthouses, boutique hotels, villas and apartments for rent.
The old town of Kalkan convinces with the many old Greek, Ottoman houses, many beautiful small dreamy streets, souvenir shops, boutiques, cafés, bars and on almost every roof there is a great restaurant with a wonderful view.
143 locals recommend
Kalkan
Kalkan was a former fishing village but it is now a popular destination for the discerning tourist.
Far away from mass tourism. There are no all-inclusive hotels here. Kalkan is much more individual. There are small guesthouses, boutique hotels, villas and apartments for rent.
The old town of Kalkan convinces with the many old Greek, Ottoman houses, many beautiful small dreamy streets, souvenir shops, boutiques, cafés, bars and on almost every roof there is a great restaurant with a wonderful view.
Kaş is 27 km away from Kalkan.
The town center invites you with its narrow streets and old Greek houses. Kaş is known for its bars, restaurants and pubs in the old town. There is something going on in them every evening.
There are no beaches directly in Kas, but there are a few beach clubs. Beautiful secluded bays can be reached regularly with boat taxis.
A special feature is the island of Kastellorizo / Meis, which is only 7 km from the coast and belongs to Greece.
134 locals recommend
Kaş
Kaş is 27 km away from Kalkan.
The town center invites you with its narrow streets and old Greek houses. Kaş is known for its bars, restaurants and pubs in the old town. There is something going on in them every evening.
There are no beaches directly in Kas, but there are a few beach clubs. Beautiful secluded bays can be reached regularly with boat taxis.
A special feature is the island of Kastellorizo / Meis, which is only 7 km from the coast and belongs to Greece.
The island of Kastellorizo, also known as Meis, is located exactly opposite Kaş.
An enchanting harbor welcomes you upon arrival on the island of around 400 inhabitants. When entering the harbor, the island looks like a film set. Small streets lead through the typical Greek houses to a church, the museum and the citadel.
There are several ways to travel from Kaş to Meis. The "Meis ferry" offers daily crossings or you can opt for a private boat tour and decide for yourself how the day goes.
Kastellorizo
The island of Kastellorizo, also known as Meis, is located exactly opposite Kaş.
An enchanting harbor welcomes you upon arrival on the island of around 400 inhabitants. When entering the harbor, the island looks like a film set. Small streets lead through the typical Greek houses to a church, the museum and the citadel.
There are several ways to travel from Kaş to Meis. The "Meis ferry" offers daily crossings or you can opt for a private boat tour and decide for yourself how the day goes.
Fethiye is the next larger town, about 80 km from Kalkan.
Directly in Fethiye is Calis Beach and many beach clubs. Other beaches are outside of town.
Fethiye also has a "real downtown", bars, clubs and a lively nightlife.
There is a 2 storey mall in downtown. Also highly recommended is the fish market, which I recommend separately in my travel guide.
195 locals recommend
Fethiye
Fethiye is the next larger town, about 80 km from Kalkan.
Directly in Fethiye is Calis Beach and many beach clubs. Other beaches are outside of town.
Fethiye also has a "real downtown", bars, clubs and a lively nightlife.
There is a 2 storey mall in downtown. Also highly recommended is the fish market, which I recommend separately in my travel guide.
Beach Club
Our absolute favorite spot in Kalkan to swim, eat and just enjoy.
Directly behind the harbor pier. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, great beach area and delicious food.
Our "Happy Place" where you can just forget about everything around you.
15 locals recommend
Indigo Beach Club & Restaurant
Our absolute favorite spot in Kalkan to swim, eat and just enjoy.
Directly behind the harbor pier. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, great beach area and delicious food.
Our "Happy Place" where you can just forget about everything around you.
Aristos Water Sports is well known for quality water sports in Kalkan. You can find Aristos at Indigo Beach Club, just behind the pier.
Everything is possible from boat rental, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, flyboad, seabob, stand up paddle board and inflatable boats.
7 locals recommend
Aristos Water Sports Kalkan
Aristos Water Sports is well known for quality water sports in Kalkan. You can find Aristos at Indigo Beach Club, just behind the pier.
Everything is possible from boat rental, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, flyboad, seabob, stand up paddle board and inflatable boats.
daily trips
Kekova is a small Turkish island, also called the sunken city. On the north side of the island of Kekova lie the partially submerged ruins of the ancient city of Dolichiste. In the 2nd century AD the site was destroyed by an earthquake, rebuilt during the Byzantine era but later abandoned. Another tremor - believed to have occurred in the 10th century - meant that most of the ruins are now submerged.
The Kekova region also includes the nearby mainland towns of Üçagiz (ancient Teimiussa), the ancient city of Aperlai and the small coastal town of Kaleköy, built on ancient Simena. Boat trips to the sunken ruins depart from Üçagiz, the small port town on the mainland across from Kekova. Since 1990, the Kekova region, with its approximately 260 km², has been under nature protection. Swimming, diving or snorkeling is prohibited in the area of the sunken cities.
18 locals recommend
Kekova/Üçağız Liman
Kekova is a small Turkish island, also called the sunken city. On the north side of the island of Kekova lie the partially submerged ruins of the ancient city of Dolichiste. In the 2nd century AD the site was destroyed by an earthquake, rebuilt during the Byzantine era but later abandoned. Another tremor - believed to have occurred in the 10th century - meant that most of the ruins are now submerged.
The Kekova region also includes the nearby mainland towns of Üçagiz (ancient Teimiussa), the ancient city of Aperlai and the small coastal town of Kaleköy, built on ancient Simena. Boat trips to the sunken ruins depart from Üçagiz, the small port town on the mainland across from Kekova. Since 1990, the Kekova region, with its approximately 260 km², has been under nature protection. Swimming, diving or snorkeling is prohibited in the area of the sunken cities.
The gorge is one of the main attractions of Turkey's south-west coast. The way there leads through fragrant pine forests and small towns.
Saklikent is geared towards tourism: parking lots and souvenir shops are lined up next to each other. Restaurants have laid out their cushions on wooden pontoons over the river, there is also the possibility to stay in tree houses.
Shortly behind is the entrance to the gorge. The first 200 meters are on a boardwalk. The rock walls rise steeply to the right and left. The water gushes under your feet. Then the gorge opens up into a kind of rocky clearing. Here, where the gorge widens again, the comfortable visit is over 😉😊. If you want to go deeper into the canyon, you have to get into the cold water.
Waterproof shoes are a must. Depending on the season, the water level in the canyon varies, from ankle high to upper body, everything is possible. You should be fit and good on foot to start this adventure, because only the path that leads into the gorge also leads out again...
434 locals recommend
Saklıkent National Park
No : 26 Saklıkent SokakThe gorge is one of the main attractions of Turkey's south-west coast. The way there leads through fragrant pine forests and small towns.
Saklikent is geared towards tourism: parking lots and souvenir shops are lined up next to each other. Restaurants have laid out their cushions on wooden pontoons over the river, there is also the possibility to stay in tree houses.
Shortly behind is the entrance to the gorge. The first 200 meters are on a boardwalk. The rock walls rise steeply to the right and left. The water gushes under your feet. Then the gorge opens up into a kind of rocky clearing. Here, where the gorge widens again, the comfortable visit is over 😉😊. If you want to go deeper into the canyon, you have to get into the cold water.
Waterproof shoes are a must. Depending on the season, the water level in the canyon varies, from ankle high to upper body, everything is possible. You should be fit and good on foot to start this adventure, because only the path that leads into the gorge also leads out again...
Gizlikent Waterfall is 5 minutes from Saklikent National Park and Canyon.
Gizlikent Waterfall is hidden behind the green nature in natural beauty, it almost looks like a "secret city" as the name suggests. The stunning Gizlikent Waterfall with its view is a natural wonder.
A long staircase leads down to the canyon and thus to the waterfall. With the sound of running water and a cool climate, this is a very impressive place, especially in the hot summer months.
Compared to Saklikent Canyon, Gizlikent Canyon is much easier to walk and is also much shorter, but you should be fit and able to walk here as well. Waterproof shoes are also a must here, but you can also rent water shoes on site.
After about 300m you reach the breathtaking waterfall and thus the end of the gorge.
41 locals recommend
Gizlikent Selalesi
Gizlikent Waterfall is 5 minutes from Saklikent National Park and Canyon.
Gizlikent Waterfall is hidden behind the green nature in natural beauty, it almost looks like a "secret city" as the name suggests. The stunning Gizlikent Waterfall with its view is a natural wonder.
A long staircase leads down to the canyon and thus to the waterfall. With the sound of running water and a cool climate, this is a very impressive place, especially in the hot summer months.
Compared to Saklikent Canyon, Gizlikent Canyon is much easier to walk and is also much shorter, but you should be fit and able to walk here as well. Waterproof shoes are also a must here, but you can also rent water shoes on site.
After about 300m you reach the breathtaking waterfall and thus the end of the gorge.
ancient cities
Patara is located in the heart of Lycia, with a breathtaking landscape and still several kilometers of unspoilt coastline.
Patara was the largest and most important seaport of the Lycian civilization. According to mythology, this is the birthplace of Apollo and Saint Nicholas is said to have been born in Patara.
At the entrance is the well-preserved Roman victory arch. Many ruins such as the Vespasian bath, the Corinthian temple, the main street, the port and the granary can be visited there.
156 locals recommend
Patara Antik Kenti
Patara is located in the heart of Lycia, with a breathtaking landscape and still several kilometers of unspoilt coastline.
Patara was the largest and most important seaport of the Lycian civilization. According to mythology, this is the birthplace of Apollo and Saint Nicholas is said to have been born in Patara.
At the entrance is the well-preserved Roman victory arch. Many ruins such as the Vespasian bath, the Corinthian temple, the main street, the port and the granary can be visited there.
The ancient city of Xanthos takes its visitors on a journey through history with its centuries-old ruins. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can drive straight to the ancient city of Xanthos. The city is divided into 2 parts by the road.
You can see the Angora, the Theater and the Acropolis. The original "Harpy Monument" is in London.
65 locals recommend
Xanthos Antik Kenti - Ancient ruins of Xanthos
Asar CaddesiThe ancient city of Xanthos takes its visitors on a journey through history with its centuries-old ruins. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can drive straight to the ancient city of Xanthos. The city is divided into 2 parts by the road.
You can see the Angora, the Theater and the Acropolis. The original "Harpy Monument" is in London.
Tlos is another ancient city in Lycia. About 65 km from Kalkan.
On the winding path that leads to the Acropolis, you can still see many remains of the old houses.
The rock tomb of Bellerophon is also interesting, Bellerophon was depicted on his sarcophagus on the winged horse Pegasus. There are also images of lions and leopards on the rock tomb.
12 locals recommend
Tlos Amfi tiyatro
Tlos is another ancient city in Lycia. About 65 km from Kalkan.
On the winding path that leads to the Acropolis, you can still see many remains of the old houses.
The rock tomb of Bellerophon is also interesting, Bellerophon was depicted on his sarcophagus on the winged horse Pegasus. There are also images of lions and leopards on the rock tomb.
Fethiye Fish Market
If you are in Fethiye and like to eat fish, you should definitely go to the fish market.
There is everything the sea has to offer. You choose your fish and this is then prepared directly in the surrounding restaurants.
Don't miss out on this atmosphere.
43 locals recommend
Fethiye Fish Market - Balık Pazarı - Mengi
Balık PazarıIf you are in Fethiye and like to eat fish, you should definitely go to the fish market.
There is everything the sea has to offer. You choose your fish and this is then prepared directly in the surrounding restaurants.
Don't miss out on this atmosphere.
City advice
What to pack
Kalkan
An important note, high heels are not recommended in Kalkan, it is much better to walk around with comfortable flat shoes. 😉😊
Don't miss
weekly market
Every Thursday there is a market in Kalkan.
There the stalls are densely packed and traders loudly advertise their goods. Holidaymakers can buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing and handicrafts.