The historic town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's gorgeous Lycian Coast and was once a simple Turkish/Greek fishing village. Today's Kalkan is quietly sophisticated and postcard pretty with a few good quality low-rise hotels and a multitude of excellent roof-top restaurants offering all manner of culinary delights, together with a good selection of stylish and
atmospheric blues and jazz bars.

Unlike some other Turkish coastal resorts, Kalkan's main economy derives from tourism and consequently, its inhabitants put much effort and pride into the town's historic preservation. As a result of very strict building regulations and the efforts of the Kalkan Foundation, the town has retained its charm and special ambience. The wonderful hospitality of the Kalkan people is another reason why the first-time visitor invariably returns time after time.

During the day, if you can drag yourself away from the pool, you can make use of one of the many 'beach clubs', visit the local market (Thursday) engage in some of the local sporting activities (such as water-skiing, parascending, scuba diving, trekking etc), take a trip to one of the many historical sites or an area of natural beauty, drive a jeep up into the mountains cruise on a gulet or visit Patara’s fantastic 10 miles of sandy beach and evocative ruins that protrude out of the sand dunes.

The village shops stay open until around midnight and are well stocked with interesting antiques, crafts, jewellery, carpets and clothing. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with whitewashed shuttered buildings festooned with brightly coloured bougainvillea intermingled with shops and terrace-topped restaurants. These streets twist down to the harbour, which is the focus of the village and here you can enjoy a meal whilst watching the world go by or by looking at the array of elegant 'gulets'.