Beaches/beach clubs
Patara Beach: A 25 minute drive takes you to the famous Patara beach with its 22km of sand stretching as far as the eye can see. It is set in a national park and is fronted by a protected archaeological site, so no building is allowed near the beach, making this an unspoilt area. Its dunes are home to many types of crab, wading birds and the beach is the nesting ground of the protected loggerhead turtle. If you do not have a car you can either book a taxi or take a dolmus (bus) from Kalkan town centre.
Kaputas: The much photographed beautiful sand and shingle beach, dramatically positioned at the bottom of a ravine, about a 15 minute drive from Kalkan. An alternative way of getting to this beach is to take a gullet day cruise from Kalkan Harbour.
Kulube Hotel with its pretty landscaped gardens, has direct access to the sea and is less than 5 minutes stroll from the villa.
Kalamar Bay Beach Club/Dive centre which can be seen from the villa, so is just a 3 minute stroll away, offers a range of water activities including a floating trampoline and pedalos. It has a restaurant which is great to visit for lunch or for enjoying a Sangria as the sun sets over the bay. Access to the sea is via platforms and ladders. The Kalkan Dive Centre has qualified PADI dive instructors. The club has a courtesy bus service that will run guests into Kalkan after they have finished using the facilities there.
Kisla Beach Club situated on the outskirts of Kalkan, offers direct access into the sea, a waterslide and a restaurant. A free boat service runs to and from Kalkan harbour throughout the day.
The Lycian Way:
This is a spectacular 500km route through the mountains and along the coastline of south-west Turkey; it has also recently been voted one of the Sunday Times World’s top ten walks. Following the line of Roman and Ottoman roads, mule tracks and nomad trails it passes through many sites of archaeological interest including:
- Xanthos: Approximately 17km north of Kalkan you will encounter the ruins of the famous city of Xanthos.
- Letoon: This was the Lycian Union’s biggest religious centre. The remains of the city, which is near the village of Kinik, are scattered around the skirt of the hill where the Helenistic theatre is found.
- Kekova: Sunken city Island fortress, the remains of which can be seen from beneath a glass bottomed boat.
- Tlos: Numerous rock tombs carved into the face of the acropolis. The tomb of Bellephoron being just one. With its backdrop of mountains (snow covered in spring) this valley is hard to beat as a spectacle.
- Saklikent: A spectacular 20km long gorge, carrying vast amounts of snow melt. Walk through the 100mcanyon via a wooden passage, water gushes from the rocks. This is a favourite picnic site and the locally served trout will make this a trip to remember.
For further information see: www.lycianway.com or www.lycianturkey.com.
Horse riding
There are numerous horse riding trails in the local area and treks on Patara Beach can be organised through agents in Kalkan town.
Cruises
Gullet cruises from Kalkan harbour – A variety of island cruises are available from the harbour and will often include a visit to Kaputas Beach, Mouse Island and the Blue Caves to name but a few destinations. The cost is approximately £10 per person and lunch is provided. Cruises can be booked at the harbour either the night before or on the morning of the trip. The boats generally leave the harbour at about 10:00 – 10:30 and return about 16:00.
Paragliding
This can be organised through agents in Kalkan town.