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About Kalkan Türkiye – What Makes Kalkan Special?
Kalkan is a place to fall in love with… Kalkan, a small, peaceful Mediterranean resort and fishing town on Turkey's beautiful Turquoise Coast, has not been affected by mass tourism. More sophisticated than the usual holiday resorts, Kalkan appeals to travelers looking for more than a sun and sea holiday. According to the Sunday Times, Kalkan also attracts the attention of tourists who want to enjoy Tuscany and the Dordogne. The Guardian likens the town to “the Italian Riviera without the poseurs.
The number of regular visitors who say that Kalkan is the only holiday destination they would choose to visit again and again due to its fascinating charm is increasing day by day. There is no other town like Kalkan on the Turkish coast.
Kalkan curves comfortably around a sheltered historical harbor at the foot of the high Taurus Mountains. The town overlooks a beautiful bay where the islands seem to magically float above the sparkling sea. Narrow streets wind towards the harbour, lined with old whitewashed villas with shuttered windows, located next to small local specialty shops and restaurants in historic buildings. Above us hang original carved Ottoman Greek wooden balconies, adorned with thick clusters of brightly colored bougainvillea, extending down to the streets below. A very special place with a unique atmosphere.
Why is Kalkan so special?
Not only is Kalkan beautiful, but unlike other Turkish seaside resorts, Kalkan's main economy is tourism and therefore citizens put great pride and effort into the historical preservation of the town. Therefore, Kalkan has preserved the fabric of its history by preserving its distinctive Ottoman Greek architecture (it was once an Ottoman Greek and Turkish fishing village). Very strict building rules keep the town small and architecturally blend in with the town's historic centre, known as Old Kalkan.
Besides the famous “Kalkan Style” historical architecture, Kalkan's many excellent restaurants also contribute to Kalkan's special atmosphere. Good food has always been a way of life in Kalkan and continues today. In fact, Kalkan is said to have the most restaurants and bars per capita or per square meter on the Turkish coast (over 100 of them!). Additionally, Kalkan is particularly famous in Turkey for its numerous rooftop terrace restaurants and bars that offer stunning views of the city, sea and stars. It is also nice to sit in one of the many nice restaurants by the harbor and watch the cruise boats and fishermen set off in the early morning hours while you have your breakfast, or watch the fishing boats return with the day's catch in the evening.
There's plenty to do during the day, and the nightlife is fun but laid-back. You won't find noisy, crazy nightlife here as in other seaside resorts. Kalkan has many beautiful features, but what makes this place special is undoubtedly its people.
The people of Kalkan welcome you warmly and you may be surprised at first by the universal friendliness of the town. This, along with warm Turkish hospitality, is the basis of life here, and the people of Kalkan sincerely enjoy getting to know their guests. Do not hesitate to accept one of the tulip-shaped glasses (tea) that will be offered to you as you wander the winding streets of Kalkan. You will not have any problems when you are a guest of Kalkan; The town is trouble-free and proud of it. Here you will find a mixed population of locals, some Istanbul Turks and Turks from other cities who have made Kalkan their home and own small businesses, as well as a small number of well-educated foreigners who have settled in the town.
