Villa Calkris
Kalkan, Turkey
Untouched by mass tourism, Kalkan is a small peaceful Mediterranean resort and fishing town on the beautiful Turquoise Coast of Turkey. Much more sophisticated than many Turkish resort towns, Kalkan appeals to the discerning traveller who is looking for something more than a regular 'package deal' holiday.
Because of its great charm, Kalkan has a growing number of regular visitors who say that this coastal gem is the only holiday destination they would choose to visit repeatedly. There is simply no other town quite like Kalkan along Turkey's coast!
Kalkan curls snuggly around an ancient harbour sheltered at the foot of the towering Taurus Mountains.
The town overlooks a beautiful bay in which islands seem to magically float upon the shimmering sea. Narrow streets meander down through the historic town to the harbour and are lined with whitewashed villas, local specialty shops and restaurants. Overhead hang original ornately carved Ottoman timber balconies garlanded with brilliantly coloured bougainvillea cascading to the streets below. It is a very special place.
Not only is Kalkan beautiful, but unlike other Turkish coastal resorts, Kalkan's main economy is tourism and therefore its citizens put much pride and effort into the town's historic preservation. Because of this, Kalkan has retained the texture of its history with its distinctive Greek architecture - it was once a Greek and Turkish fishing village. Very strict building codes keep the town small and architecturally blended with the historic heart of the town known as "Old Kalkan".
Besides the famous "Kalkan Style" historic architecture, the many excellent restaurants contribute to the special atmosphere. Good dining has always been the way of life in Kalkan and is said to have the highest number of restaurants and bars per inhabitant or square meter on the Turkish coast. Additionally, Kalkan is especially renowned for it's many roof terrace restaurants and bars which offer a wonderful view of the town, sea and stars. As you sit at one of the many fine harbour-side restaurants, one can watch the fishermen leave early in the morning, or see them return with the day's catch in the evening.
Kalkan is a small town of only a few thousand, and this creates a wonderful intimate feel. But don't let it's size mislead you! There is plenty to do in and around Kalkan. During the day the town is surprisingly empty as most guests choose to swim or explore the multitude of beautiful ancient Lycian and natural sites of the area. However, everything changes in the evening when Kalkan bursts alive for a long, festive night.
Warm Turkish hospitality and friendliness is the basis of life here and the people of Kalkan sincerely enjoy getting to know their guests. Don't hesitate to accept one of the many tulip-shaped glasses of çay (tea) that you will be offered while you amble along Kalkan's winding streets.
You will enjoy the genuine warmth, welcome and simplicity of Kalkan so much that you will be planning your next visit very soon!
