Things To See & Do
Saklikent Gorge
There are a number of local tour operators within Kalkan all offering the same range of trips and excursions.
Tours to Saklikent Gorge, Tlos, Myra, Kekova, Xanthos and Kas are all very worthwhile.
You can also arrange your own trips by using the local buses (Dolmus) or taxis.
Kas is about 30 minutes east by road and the drive is spectacular, following the coast all the way. Kas harbour is bigger (but maybe less picturesque) than Kalkan and there are some very pretty streets in the town that are well worth exploring.
Approximately 8 kilometres inland from Kalkan is the village of Islamlar which is home to Mahmouts trout farm and restaurant. It is somewhat cooler and greener there and is an excellent venue for a lazy lunch.
A boat trip on a gulet at day or at night (preferably both) is an absolute must. The coastline and Taurus mountain backdrop is spectacular and the clear warm waters are excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Just take a wander in the harbour and choose which boat you would like to go on.
Saklikent
Restaurants at Saklikent
Saklikent (Hidden City) Gorge is the second-largest (20 km-long) gorge in Europe and the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey.
It is about a 50 minute drive from Kalkan.
It’s a spectacular place, with sculpted walls soaring high above.
Four km. of the gorge is walkable after April when most of the snow from the Taurus Mountains has melted and passed through the gorge on its way to the Xanthos River.
Summer is the best time to visit as the canyon is deliciously cool and shady with cold water flowing through it.
You can eat or drink at one of the number of waterside and over-water restaurants.
Kekova
Kekova
The Kekova region was declared a Specially Protected Area in 1990 to protect the natural, cultural and geographic richness of Kekova Island and surrounding coast.
Kekova-Simena is an enjoyable place to visit for its great beauty and charm. It is a peaceful place of history, gorgeous turquoise water, sun, islands, unspoilt nature, blue skies and wonderful swimming and kayaking.
The ancient Lycian sunken city of Simena is often referred to as Kekova-Simena. The city is a charming mix of ancient, medieval and modern history making it interesting as well as beautiful. In ancient times Simena was a small fishing village and was later an outpost of the Knights of Rhodes (formerly of St. John).
There are many other local attractions and these can be seen at Lycian Turkey
Alternatively you may choose to relax around the pool, at one of the local beach clubs, the Town Beach or at Kaputas or Patara Beaches which are both within 15-20 minutes of Kalkan.
Kaputas Beach
Kalamar beach club
Kalkan town beach
Patara Beach