Places to Go
Beaches
Kalkan itself has a small beach but it worth travelling out to Kaputas Beach or the famous Patara Beach both of which can be reached using the regular dolmus (shared taxi / minibus) service from the town centre as well as boats from the marina.
The nearest of the two is Kaputas is a lovely sandy swimming cove nestled at the foot of a striking mountain gorge which is approximately 15 minutes drive away and offers clear waters a brilliant colour of turquoise with a beautiful coarse beach. Umbrellas can be hired here and a few enterprising locals sell snacks and beverages.
Kaputas Beach
Approximately 20 minutes from Kalkan is Patara beach with its 18km of gorgeous sand. The beach is backed by dunes and is without a single building on it. However, at the end near the dolmuş drop-off are a few basic restaurants to supply you with food, beverages, umbrellas and sun beds. Patara beach is closed after sunset as it is one of the few places in the world where the endangered Loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs. Horse riding across the dunes and along the beach is available and is a lovely way to see more of Patara.
Patara Beach
Horse Riding on Patara
Mountains & Gorges
High in the mountains above Fethiye, rushing icy torrents of the Eşen River have cut a narrow gorge through the mountains over thousands of years, creating Saklikent Gorge.
A natural wonder, the resulting canyon is 300m deep and 18km long and is a breathtaking sight. The walls are so high that they cut out most of the sunlight and the fresh spring waters that flow through are icy cold. Restaurants at the base of the gorge are known for their fresh-cooked trout from local hatcheries.
In summer the Turks come here to escape the heat and relax in this cool oasis.
During winter the Saklikent region is a popular resort for winter sports. In March and April you can ski in the morning and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean in the afternoon.
Kalkan is a truly wonderful holiday destination.