Out and About
Beaches
Kalkan has a pebbled beach to the left hand side of the harbour but there are also many other options. There are five beach clubs available around Kalkan, these clubs are rock gardens cut into the hillside offer relaxing sunbathing and swimming in the warm turquoise ocean. Some of them offer water-sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, diving, sailing, and fishing. The clubs charge a fee, of around 0.75 per day per person for the use of the sun beds and umbrellas. They all have restaurants offering good menus in beautiful settings.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and voted one of the world's best beach in a Sunday Times survey is Patara beach, 18 kilometres of golden sand, which you can reach it by car, 25 minutes or by bus and taxi. There is an entrance fee of around ñ. The beach's facilities offer hire of sun beds and umbrellas, toilets and a small cafe. It is set amongst a protected historical site and is well worth the visit. It is easy to swim from, but itӳ best visited on a day itӳ not so windy.
Adventure Holidays
On those days when you wish to venture away from the villa there are many places to visit and if you do not wish to hire a car you can book trips through agents in the village. There are also many trips offering canoeing, jeep safaris, white water rafting, horse riding in the mountains and scuba diving You can also hire your own boat to explore the coves around Kalkan, they usually include and ice box and mobile phone, life jackets and flares, sun canopy and detailed operating instructions. The cost is about £45 per day and will take 4 people.
Xanthos and Islamar
This is about a 30 minute drive from Kalkan and well signed posted. This is the site of the Lycian capital city and has been excavated by the French from 1954. It contains a good example of an amphitheatre and mosaics. It is best to arrive here about 4 pm as the site is open until 7pm and most visitors have left, it is cooler at this time. There is a shaded area to sit where you can buy drinks, and use the loos.From here you can take approximately a 30 minute drive to reach the mountain village of Islamlar where there are several good restaurants which serve trout that is farmed in the area.
The Sunken City of Kekova and the Village of Kale
You need to do this on an organised tour as you are driven to the village of Ucagiz, about 1hr 15mins form where you will travel by boat to the ancient Lycian city of Kekova, the remains which are mostly submerged as a result of the 4th & 5th century earthquakes. You will also stop off on the boat at the village of Kale where you can climb up to the St John's crusader castle, which have the most wonderful views. Here you can buy good locally made textiles. Most boat trips will stop during the day for swimming and lunch is provided.
Tlos & Saklikent Gorge
You can then travel on to the Saklikent Gorge (Turkey's deepest gorge) where you can walk up the gorge in the icy waters
The Dalyan Delta
Your river boat "putt-putts" its way downstream through the most beautiful river scenery, to ancient rock tombs. From here you proceed further down stream to relax on Istuzu beach famous as one of the few remaining nesting sites for loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. Many of the trips will offer a picnic before moving upstream to rejuvenate yourself by bathing in the famous sulphur mud baths.
Pamukkale
The name Pamukkale means "cotton castle" and it describes the place very well. Mineral water runs down from hot springs and over centuries it has formed white basins and falls; the travertines. The temperature of the water varies from 35ºC to 50ºC and it is believed to treat diseases related to the heart and nerves in particular.
Efes
Marble town Efes is located between Izmir and Kusadasi. This Greek-Roman metropolis was established around 1000 B.C. The city is well preserved and even now you can feel the ancient luxury. On a mountain slope there is an amphitheatre with 24.000 seats, which was built in the Hellenic period. The Celsus Library that was built in Roman times is located on the marble street. The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the antique world. This trip is organised with an overnight stop
