A small peaceful Mediterranean resort and fishing town on the beautiful
Turquoise Coast of Turkey, Kalkan has not been touched by mass tourism. More
sophisticated than the usual resort town, Kalkan appeals to travelers looking
for more than a "sun and sea" holiday. According to the Sunday Times,
Kalkan attracts the kind of visitor who would also enjoy Tuscany or the
Dordogne. The Guardian likens the town to "the Italian Riviera minus the
poseurs."
Because of its great charm, Kalkan has a growing
number of perennial visitors who say the town is the only holiday destination
they would choose to visit repeatedly. There is simply no other town quite like
Kalkan along Turkey's coast.
Not only is Kalkan beautiful, but unlike other
Turkish coastal resort towns Kalkan's main economy is tourism and therefore its
citizens put much pride and effort into the town's historic preservation.
Because of this, Kalkan has retained the texture of its history by protecting
its distinctive Ottoman Greek
architecture (it was once an Ottoman Greek and Turkish fishing village).
Very strict building codes keep the town small and architecturally blended with
the historic heart of the town known as "Old Kalkan".Here you will find narrow streets
with whitewashed houses,shops and small cafes. The shops are a delight with good local crafts
and designer wear and of course the distinctive jewellery this coast is reknowned for.
Besides the famous "Kalkan Style"
historic architecture, the many excellent restaurants of Kalkan contribute to
the special atmosphere within Kalkan. Good dining has always been the way of
life in Kalkan and continues today. Kalkan is especially renowned for its numerous
roof terrace restaurants and bars which offer a
wonderful view of the town, sea and stars. It's also nice to sit at one of the
many fine harbour-side restaurants and watch the pleasure boats and fishermen
leave early in the morning as you eat your breakfast, or see the fishing boats
return with the day's catch in the evening. There is lots to do during the day and
nightlife is fun, but laid-back. You won't find noisy, wild nightlife here, unlike
some other coastal resorts. The people of Kalkan warmly welcome you,
and you may at first be surprised by the universal friendliness within 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. So don't
hesitate to accept one of the many tulip-shaped glasses of çay (tea) you will be
offered while you amble along Kalkan's winding streets. You won't be hassled
while you are a guest of Kalkan - the town is hassle-free and is proud to be so.
