Turkish Dancing
by ann500
If you would like to see some traditional-style Turkish dancing (the kind you would see at a Turkish wedding) stop by Belgin's Kitchen Restaurant in the centre of the Old Town. There is a gypsy band playing lively music just about every night and Turkish families like to come and dance - the real dancing action seems to start around 11:00 or midnight. Little girls are prepared with their coin-covered hip scarves and you can see them itching to dance, but too shy until an adult gets on the floor, then they all rush out, inhibitions forgotten! Everybody loves it when the tourists join in too. Seating is very casual, on comfortable cushions around low tables (except for a few normal ones) and the atmosphere is happy and relaxed and a good place for families.
The "Spot"
by purplekedi
We were taking the dolmus to Kas from Kalkan all the time and we saw this little beach with the most amazing tones of green & blue. So one day, we decided to get off right there and it was just the right decision. The sand was golden and I felt so good swimming in those waters. It's very hard to express how one feels there with words but it's worth even to change plans for this "spot"
You just need to be watching around during the short trip from kalkan to Kas and you can't miss it.
Trout Farm Restaurants
by ann500
In the village of Islamlar, in the mountains above Kalkan, are several local trout farm restaurants. They make very good use of the plentiful spring water in the village! It is a short drive there and you are rewarded with excellent food and stunning views over a valley to the sea and islands. The village is lush with nature due to all the water, set in a pine forest. Grapes are grown here and their huge vines are all over the place, wrapping around trees. The food is excellent! Fresh trout (grilled or pan-fried), fresh salads, delicious fried local cheese are just a few things on the menu. Some places serve local wines. During the summer you can eat outside on shaded platforms overlooking the valley and during the winter there is indoor seating, often with a roaring fire.
The cost of the meal depends on whether or not you have wine with it, but you'll generally pay less than you would in Kalkan. I think Islamlar is perhaps 8 km from Kalkan, so if you haven't hired a car, the cost of a taxi and meal might be about the same price as eating in Kalkan (try to work out a deal with a taxi driver).
Very friendly service. Well worth a visit! Fresh trout, fried local cheese, fresh salad, home-made chips (fries), beer.
Saklikent Gorge
by sandysmith
Another favourite spot re-visited was the gorge of Saklikent. Saklikent Gorge is the second-largest (20 km-long) gorge in Europe, the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey and always a popular excursion - open from the April 1 to September 30. Again much more touristic now but the fee is still ridiculously cheap (about £1) and we had the chance to explore the gorge much further than before - I braved the icy cold water this time to cross into it and had my picture taken as a souvenir. The shape of the rocks and the high cliffs is an amazing sight. and parts are so narrow you have to squeeze over large boulders. Afterwards there are lovely restaurants with Turkish seating over the river - a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a meal. Boards over the water take you so far - then you have to cross the water - knee deep and fast flowing. Wear swim shoes - these can be hired if you don't have any. Any problems and willing hands will help you - for a small fee of course ;-0
Beach Clubs in Kalkan
by ann500
Kalkan has many very nice beach clubs - they are paved terraces cut into the mountainside beside the sea with sun loungers and umbrellas, serving drinks and snacks. Those across the bay have water taxi boats that you can pick up for free at the harbour.
My favorite beach club is the one pictured in my photo, the Kalamar Beach Club in a cove in Kalamar Bay. The water here is turquoise and just... lovely. There is a great view of the islands and mountains and because it isn't in the main Kalkan Bay, it feels like a nice change (it's about 1 km from the town centre). It has a restaurant and has free transportation to and from your accommodation. You can take a taxi there and the beach club will pay for it - make sure that you don't pay the driver. Then they have a free shuttle back to your accommodation. Or you can call or have your hotel call the Kalamar Beach Club (844-3061) and they will send a taxi to pick you up and pay for it.
You can also go diving or snorkeling from this club (masks and snorkles for rent for 2 TL) and there are water sports in the bay and padaloes (paddle boats) and a floating water trampoline. I always see plenty of fish when I go snorkelling here, sometimes a starfish or two, and if you bring a bit of bread with you to crumble in the water, the fish will swim right around and below you.
The Kalkan Dive Centre is also located at this beach club and they give free introductory scuba lessons.
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Ivy Terrace
Mediterranean tube anemone.
Xanthos
Bezirgan
