Kalkan Area Guide

Kalkan is a sophisticated former fishing village lying midway between Dalaman and Antalya.
A pretty bay with a year round working harbour, it is famous for its luxury white washed houses perched high on a peninsula caught between the tumbling Taurus mountains and the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean. 
 
The region is renowned for its outstanding sea vistas and is within a short distance of the new exclusive 470-berth marina at nearby Kas.
 
Kalkan is situated in the heart of the Lycian region, so for those who wish to broaden their minds as well as bronze their bodies, there are many ancient sites of historical interest in the vicinity including Xanthos, Letoon, Patara, Pinara and Tlos. Previously known as Kalamaki (being predominantly Greek) the name changed in 1923 after the War of Independence which led to the forced repatriation of Greeks back to their homeland.
 
With a plethora of high end sea-view estates nestled into private elevated settings, Kalkan attracts a discerning crowd of Turkish property investors seeking a deluxe Riviera escape tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and a refined alternative to all that comes with the mass tourism of Turkey's better known sea resort towns. 
 
In 2012, Kalkan received much coverage in the travel and property press with it tipped as ‘Turkey’s most likeable ‘untouched’ harbour town’ by the Sunday Times, the discerning Brit’s choice by A Place in the Sun and an alternative to the French Riviera by the Guardian.
 
Kalkan Centre 
 
Kalkan old townKalkan centre is a beautifully maintained mix of harbourfront and traditional Ottoman buildings draped in bougainvillea. 
 
Home to a raft of rooftop and waterfront restaurants, a cosmopolitan bay bobbing with sailing boats and expensive cruisers, a handful of boutique craft shops and modern clothes and convenience stores – it has all the attributes of a refined Riviera setting.
 
A 15 minute drive out of town will bring you to the uncrowded white sand beaches of Patara and Kaputas. Backed by Lycian and Roman ruins, both are highly protected areas being the habitats of rare loggerhead (Carretta Caretta) turtles. Further beaches are to be found in the coves of Kalamar, Kiziltas and Kisla.
 
Dalaman is Kalkan’s nearest serving airport, 90km (approx. a two hour drive), although year round international fights also operate to Antalya, 170km away.  
 
Being predominantly a couple’s resort, one bedroom apartments in Kalkan are in short supply. While new developments closer to the flats of the town centre offer some cheaper investment options, Kalkan’s high-end sea-view peninsula properties are the ones to aim for in order to fully benefit from holiday let premiums.
 
Local building restrictions limit property heights meaning there are no high rises to interrupt views.
 
Main Kalkan Regions and Resorts
 
Kaputas beach
Kalamar
 
A five minute drive from Kalkan village centre will bring you to Kalamar. Famed for its bright blue bay, it is a quiet area with most properties and hotels perched high on the hill top to take full advantage of the panorama. The area is ideally suited to those wanting to be away from the bustle of the town centre but within convenient access of its amenities. Properties in Kalamar are great for those looking to invest in a sea view property but not so good for those with mobility restrictions. 
 
Kisla
 
For all those that want a beachside setting in Kalkan, Kisla is for you. Lining a pebbly beach near the private platforms of hotel clubs offering facilities for sunbathing and swimming, the area offers a good selection of buy-to-let and holiday home options in elevated and flatter positions suited to most budgets.