Patara
Patara is one of the largest unspoiled Mediterranean beaches - fifteen kilometers of unspoiled dunes. The fact that this gem is not lined with hotels depends on two things. First, the ruins of some ancient city Patara not been uncovered yet. Here are several well-preserved buildings, parade the streets and a well-preserved amphitheater. It is said that Saint Nicholas - the specimen to our Santa Claus - was born here. And because of the Mediterranean sea turtles which lay their eggs during the spring nights. The area is a nature reserve.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at reasonable prices. There is a cafeteria on the beach, where you can buy ice cream, drinks and food. There are toilets, changing rooms and showers are in the facility.
Journey: Minivan from Kalkan takes approx. 20 minutes. A trip to this huge untapped beach is something we highly recommend.
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Saklıkent
The hidden valley "Saklikent" was discovered in the 1980s by the local people. Ravine near the Taurus Mountains between Fethiye and Kalkan, east of Esençay rivers valley. It is eighteen kilometers long and steep - one of the most beautiful in Turkey. The valley is so deep that the sun can not penetrate down to the icy water on the bottom of the ravine.
You walk into the canyon over a beautiful natural-shaped bridge and wade through the water further. On the way, you can take a dip in the small waterfall. For the more adventurous can hike up the stream be quite exiting. And was not sure you'll find at the end of the ravine.
In the narrow passes inside the canyon walls are the locals fixed small restaurants with seating on wooden platform hanging above the rushing water. These places are ideal for rest and a beer in the shady trees.
Saklıkents ravine is also known for the popular tree houses, where travelers can spend your holiday in peaceful and relaxing atmosphere and enjoy the surroundings, listen to the sounds of birds, wildlife and the river. One other activity that is popular in the canyon, is flodrafting.
We recommend that you stop and eat a delicious grilled fish and drink an ice cold beer at the River restaurant. At very low prices as well.
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Xanthos
Xanthos is the Greek name for the city Arñna, the Lycian origin. Hittite and Luwian was named Arina. The Romans called the city of Xanthos. Lycian Xanthos was a center of trade and later for the Persians, Macedonians, Greeks and Romans who in turn conquered the city and the surrounding occupied territories. On 590s f.Kr, conquered the nearby Xanthos Telmessos and incorporated them into Lycia.
Xanthos is often mentioned by ancient Greek and Roman writers. Strabo describes Xanthos as the largest city in Lycia. Both Herodotus and Appian describes Harpaqus conquest of the city on behalf of the Persian empire around 540 BC
According to Herodotus, the Persians defeated a small Lycian army on the fields north of town. After the encounter, Lycians retreated into the city which was besieged by Hapargus. Lycians said to have destroyed their own city Acropolis, killed their wives, children and slaves, since a suicide attack against the superior Persian troops. This wiped out the entire population of Xanthos of eighty families.
During the Persian occupation, installed a new leadership in the city, 520 f.kr.präglade its own coins. 516 BC Xanthos was included in Darius I first Greek prefecture of the attributes list. Xanthos fortunes were tied to Lycia's when they switched sides during the Persian Wars. Archaeological excavations show that Xanthos was destroyed around 475 BC-470 f.kr, unclear if it was the Athenian Cimon or the Persians. Since there is no reference to the destruction of either the Persian or Greek sources, some agree SCHOLASTIC destruction have been natural or resutatet of unfortunate circumstances.
Reports on the city's surrender to Alexander the Great varies: Arrian reports a peaceful transition, but Appian claims that the city was plundered. After Alexander's death, took control of the city of his rival heir, Diodorus notes the capture of Xanthos by Ptolemy I Soter after having been in the hands of Antigonus I Monophthalmus. Appian, Dio Cassius and Plutarch writes that the city be destroyed by Brutus during the Civil War during the Roman Republic around 42 BC, but Appian notes that the city was rebuilt during Mark Antony. Remains of a Roman amphitheater remain on the site. Marino reports that there was a grammar school in Xanthos in late antiquity.
Archaeological excavations at Xanthos has many texts in Greek and Lycian, including several bilingual which is useful in the deciphering of the Lycian language.
Distance from Kalkan: 25 km
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Kaş
Kaş is the place where the Turks go spend their holidays in their own country. Kaş is 27 km from Kalkan and is considered one of southern Turkey's most beautiful places - also a very quiet and relaxing one.
Kaş is scenic and has a town center with small alleys and a port with nice restaurants and bars. There is also the turquoise blue sea that creates a perfect contrast to the white limestone cliffs that surround the city. Straight out from port, you can see the Greek island Meiz, there Kaş Greek population moved in 1923 when the large population movements.
Although Kaş is a small locality, you can spend your entire vacation here without being bored. In the narrow streets - that always seems to go up - you can shop for carpets, clothing, pottery, jewelry and other handcrafts. In the harbor, just above the fishing boats, there are several good restaurants, serving delicious Turkish dishes. Dinner is served under the stars in harmony, with time to socialize and enjoy the good service.
Almost all of Kaş is pedestrian, so it is pleasant to stroll in the quaint alleys of old restored stone and wooden houses in white and purple. Do you want to continue the night there are also bars and discos.
Both on land and at sea is full ofhistorical attractions that attract expeditions. Outside Kaş lies among oyhers the ancient city of Kekova, partly below sea level! There is also an ancient theater and open-cut tombs on display.
To the left of the marina is a small shingle beach, but swimming is mostly from the rocks. On the rocks there are sunbeds, umbrellas and ladders into the water.
Most prefer to make day trips with Gulet, an old Turkish type of boat, to a sheltered bay in Turkey's most beautiful archipelago, where the water is really crystal clear and turquoise. With any of Kaş diving clubs, you can also explore what is under water in which is perhaps Turkey's most beautiful diving sites.
Kaş is not as quaint as Kalkan, although larger. Therefore you will find more business here if you are missing something when it comes to shopping in Kalkan.
Market place
On Thursdays, the market in Kalkan and where you can find everything under the sun. Usually you dicker on the price and sometimes sharply, except the food and the like. If you m issed market in Kalkan, you can take a trip to Kaş the next day because they have the market on Fridays.
Simena and the sunken city of Kekova
When dagturisterna gone calm descends over the small village of Kale, Ancient Simen. All visitors come by boat.
The big attraction, besides the village on a hill crowned by a castle, is the sunken city of Kekova Island at a few hundred yards out. Through the clear water is clearly visible streets, building foundations and old wharves. It is a fascinating experience to dive or snorkel here. You can also join one glass bottemed boat flowing over the area and allows you to experience this city under water without getting wet.
The view from the castle over Simena archipelago islands are also nice. Several simple guesthouses and restaurants in the port makes you happy to stay a few days.
Journey: Boat trips from several ports, the shortest trip is from Üçagiz, which can be reached by local bus from the town of Demre in the main road. Trips go from Kalkan with buses or boats. We took a boat from Kaş.
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Kaputaş
If you w ant to enjoy a beach with turquoise water, take the mini bus to Kaş or rent a scooter. After ten minutes you will arrive at the coarse-grained beach of Kaputas. To get down to the beach one needs to climb down some stairs, but it's worth it. You can rent umbrellas on the way down, and be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack basket for there is nothing to buy there, but sometimes someone sells corn on the cob and drinks. Do not forget the sunscreen.
Çıralı
In between Kalkan and Antalya is located this exciting excursion place. Çıralı and twin town Olympia is perhaps the most beautiful coastal location, with steep cliffs that plunge straight down into the sea and the peaks above 3 000 meters in the background. Olympian curls with ancient ruins and living in special tree house - a favorite for tourists on a long backpack trip.
Çıralı has plenty of guesthouses, the delightful Sima Peace Pansiyon need highlighting. Near the village there is a mountain side with a great sea view and unique eternal flames right out of the mountain. Take a trip here at twilight, when they are most striking. The gravel beach is beautiful and without the congestion and the water is incredibly clear.
Journey: Bus from Kalkan takes approximately three hours and taxis are waiting at the bus stop in the mountains. Note: Various stops Çıralı and Olympia.
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Fethiye and Ölüdeniz (The blue lagoon)
Fethiye is a touristic small town in southwest Turkey in the so-called Turkish Riviera. The city lies approximately ninety kilometers from Kalkan. The city is known for its beauty, its ancient monuments, not least for its beautiful beaches and magical nature.
Fethiye is beautifully situated in the impressive mountain Mendo foot of the Taurus mountain range. The surrounding countryside is breathtakingly beautiful. Offers lovely walks and cycling trips. The city lies in a bay with the same name as the town. Here gathers the holidaymakers from all over the world to experience the historic wings of all the archaeological sites that are available here. This is one of Turkey's best holiday destinations.
At one time the town was called Telmessos or Makri. Here ruled the oracle of Apollo. During the Hellenistic era in this area had a great wealth and the town had its heyday. Today testify ancient stone tombs, carved right into the rock, sarcophagi, the fortress, and not least the Roman theater here on the greatness of times gone by. The most famous tomb is Amyntas. The fort was built in the 1000's. At the fort you can also see the old walls from the Roman period. The whole area will be open-air museum, thanks to the many different archaeological sites. A lot of interesting history can be experienced on a guided tour in the historical museum.
Fethiye has about 70 000 inhabitants and its beaches attract sun, swimming and water sports. The three kilometers pure white beach and the surrounding nature has given Fethiye nicknamed "God's paradise on earth". Looking out over the sea, it is easy to see why.
It is popular for leisure yachtsmen sailing along the coast of Turkey. The marina is full of life and here you will find fine restaurants and bars. Several boat trips are organised from the marina. The island Gemiler houses several Byzantine ruins and waterfalls, and valleys filled with butterflies. One should not miss Kantrancı bay , Gunluk bay and the small village of Göcek, with its cozy marina.
Approximately 95 km from Kalkan.
Boating and water sports
Arranges a large number of boat trips to various destinations.
Free Boats go all day to the other side of the bay, where more opportunities for fun. Please visit the site Patara Prince Resort. Swimming off the rocks there, and a sumptuous lunch at the hotel we can recommend.
Scuba diving
Many tourists travel to Kalkan to dive. Here is a wide range of underwater activities. You can, if you are lucky, see turtles, large rays and sharks. Outside Kalkan lies the island Öksüz which is known for its lionfish. There are several diving schools in the area.
Read more about Scuba diving in Kalkan
Paragliding
Paragliding for the brave. Something we have not dared to try yet, but we usually see them come sliding along the mountains, it looks cool.
Hiking Trails
"Lycian Way" is Turkeys first long trail. It is passing Kalkan. There is another one which is a bit further away "St. Paul Trail."
Read more about Lycian way |
