Kalkan Turkey

sak46

Hello

We are thinking of going to Kalkan in Turkey this year, we were wondering if anybody had been to this resort and if they could recommend any hotels in the area, or any information on the resort.

Thanks

researcher

we went there about 5 years ago, and quite honestly we were disappointed. We thought we were going to an unspoilt but slightly upmarket resort, instead we found it to be over-rated and overpriced with average quality food at high prices, so-so accommodation (can't remember the name of the hotel). No beach, and poor quality water in the harbour. The local beach that everyone raved about had a digger working from sunrise to dusk. Maybe we were unlucky, but we've never been tempted to return.The best part of the holiday (3 weeks) was that our friendly tour guide, recognising genuine disappointment, moved us to an other resort which he thought we'd like - Dalyan - turned out to be amazing, and we've returned 3 times since!

suki1964

Kalkan is WONDERFUL Its the one place I do return to year in year out and will no doubt be going again in September.

Its not everyones cup of tea, but if you are looking for a quiet resort, dont mind not having a beach, enjoy eating out (150 resturants at least) then its worth a look.

Its an old greek village fishing set on the side of a mountain - very picturesque in the old village part. Its not suitable for people who have mobility problems - even the most fit and active get slowed down by the hills, and seeing as most of the accomodation is set above the village, theres no escaping them

As previous poster has said, there is only a tiny stone beach in Kalkan next to the harbour. Two of the big hotels have beach clubs with bathing platforms (steps into the sea), free water taxis take you to them but the sun bed hire and drinks are pretty dear. If you do want a beach a dolmus will take you to Patara beach which is about 20kms of very fine sand. It is a nature reserve so you have to pay entry (£5 for the duration of your holiday I think) The nearest beach to Kalkan is Kapatus, on the way to Kas, which is very small and sheltered and has very basic aminities. Its reached by about a zillion steps down from the main road.

As previous poster has alos said its not cheap in Kalkan compared to places such as Marmaris. Eating out can cost as much as here in England in some of the resturants. In the past few years more "upmarket places" have opened and its easy to spend £40 a head. Dont worry cos you can still get good meals for around £10 with drinks or even a couple of pounds if you use the lokantas.

Shopping is a pretty laid back affair in Kalkan, you dont get the "hassle" as you do in many places in Turkey - browsing is perfectly acceptable. There are loads of boutiques and tailors, a few glass and ceramic places, bags shops, jewllers, leather and of course carpet shops. The market comes to town once a week where you can go and stock up on all your copy designer wear, fake rolex's etc for next to nothing.

Getting about is easy, the bus station is at the top of the high street where you can catch the bus to fetyhie, marmaris, dalaman, istanbul etc, or the dolmus to neighbouring Kas and patara beach. Jane in the village is the best to go to for trips.

I cant recommed the samira hotel enough. Its in a prime posistion at the top of the village (not far to walk back at night) next to a supermarket, doctor, dentist and 2 mins to the postoffice and bus station. Its family run so the standard of service is excellent. B&B in the hotel or self catering in studios or one bedroom apartments. Everyting is spotless and well maintained. Breakfast on the roof terrace is worth it for the view alone. Decent size pool, small childrens pool and playground, table tennis and odly enough the last time we were there they took delivery of an exercise bike which was put up next to the bar Nice bar and resturant which also serves snacks, and seating under grape vines on bean bags Its only a three star so its not the ritz but its more then basic and the location (once you see those hills) cant be beat. And the Turkish night is a must at least once during a stay

The resort caters for the british and rich Turks. The whole area has had a lot of villas and apartments built the past few years, sold mainly to the British - there are a lot of brits living there now. Kalkan appeals to couples and familys with younger children, theres no night life to speak off just a couple of bars at the harbour who have music.

If you want anymore info the pm me cos I could go on forever about the merits of Kalkan