Kalkan Holidays

Kalkan, on Turkey’s southwestern coast, used to be a fishing village but now it’s a very cosmopolitan seaside town. Its long promenade is brimming with chic bars and seafood restaurants. Meanwhile, the traditional old town comes with whitewashed houses cascading with bougainvillea, not to mention tucked-away eateries and late-night shops. And you’re in a great spot for some historic sights close by.

The main beach in Kalkan is just east of the harbour. It’s a small, pebbly patch with a shoreline that shelves quickly into the crystal-blue water, and it comes with plenty of sunloungers, umbrellas, beach bars and cafés. Other options are the sandy cove at Kaputas, 10 minutes’ drive away, and Patara Beach – this 12-kilometre stretch backed by a national park is less than half-an-hour away.

In 25 minutes you can be at Kas, with its narrow winding streets lined with rustic wooden balconies. It also comes with a very well-preserved Greek amphitheatre – you can climb up to the top tier for views across the Mediterranean. Further afield is Tlos – it’s a 1-hour drive to this ancient site where you can walk around tombs built into the hillside.