Kalkan Transportation

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As in other places in Turkey the local Dolmus is the most cost effective way to get around. We used them to go to Kas and Patara - but with hindsight we could have used them to visit the site of Xantos and the gorge of Saklikent - easily combined for a great day out. Its worth noting that the main bus station is now at the top of the hill but some buses do come down the hill to the roundabout junction - just opposite the taxi rank(there's a sign outside advertising) You buy tickets before you get on and you'll normally be asked which bus you want your return ticket for. With Kas its best to leave it flexible - you never know how much time you want to spend there - the local dolmus don't tell you but there are other companies that serve the route back to Kalkan. The bus station in Kas is also at the top end of the town - handy for the market but not the harbour!
Prices as below in 2007:
Patara 5 Ytl 10.00,10.30,11.00,11.30,12.00,13.00,14.00,15.00
return 15.00,16.00,17.00
Kas 3 Ytl 9.30,10.00,10.30,11.00,11.30,12.00,13.00,14.00
return 15.00,16.00,17.00
Kaputas ?(about 1) Ytl times same as above
Xanthos/Saklikent 9 Ytl 10.30 return 16.00
Myra/Sunken city 12.50 Ytl 10.30 return 17.00
Fethiye ? Ytl 10.30 return 17.00

The taxi drivers have this year formed a consortium and hiked up charges by at least double. What used to cost 4TRY, now cost 12-15TRY depending on the time of day. I would suggest you read the Kalkan forum on trip adviser for more info. This was my third and final visit to Kalkan, I don’t appreciate being told by a taxi driver to get off the hotel coach. Yes that is true, they are almost a mafia and think they are above the law but it’s Kalkan who will suffer in the longer term as Turkey is a great place to holiday with lots of choice.

The taxi drivers have this year formed a consortium and hiked up charges by at least double. What used to cost 4TRY, now cost 12-15TRY depending on the time of day. I would suggest you read the Kalkan forum on trip adviser for more info. This was my third and final visit to Kalkan, I don’t appreciate being told by a taxi driver to get off the hotel coach. Yes that is true, they are almost a mafia and think they are above the law but it’s Kalkan who will suffer in the longer term as Turkey is a great place to holiday with lots of choice.

Situated at the top of town near the bank and post office.
2006 prices in New Turkish Lira (Ytl) and 1 way NOT return
Patara 5 Ytl 10.00,10.30,11.00,11.30,12.00,13.00,14.00,15.00
return 15.00,16.00,17.00
Kas 3 Ytl 9.30,10.00,10.30,11.00,11.30,12.00,13.00,14.00
return 15.00,16.00,17.00
Kaputas ?(about 1) Ytl times same as above
Xanthos/Saklikent 9 Ytl 10.30 return 16.00
Myra/Sunken city 12.50 Ytl 10.30 return 17.00
Fethiye ? Ytl 10.30 return 17.00

You can find free water taxis to some of the beach clubs (terraces at the edge of the sea with umbrellas, sun loungers, drinks/snacks) at the kalkan harbour - there are signs. The Kalamar Beach Club (in Kalamar Bay, my favorite) will pay for your taxi ride to the club (make sure you have them pay) and gives free shuttle service back to your accommodation.

There is a taxi rank in the centre of town that is handy if you are staying at a villa, apartment or hotel that is above the centre of town or you don't feel like walking. There are taxis available all night for late-night revellers. They are also useful if you want to visit a trout farm restaurant in the nearby village of Islamlar (prices are cheaper at these restaurants than in Kalkan, so what you save can pay for the taxi ride).

It's really easy to get to other places around Kalkan. Domuses are shared minibuses and you can pick one up in the centre of town (they are very cheap) for nearby places like Patara Beach, Kaputas Beach and the neighbouring town of Kas. The Dolmus stop is right next to the taxi rank, you can't miss it. You can also take a bus (they are cheap too) to anywhere in the country. Lots of tourists take the bus on Tuesday mornings over to Fethiye, for the large Tuesday market there. Once you reach the bus station in Fethiye, the bus company has a free shuttle to the market (it's not far away). I believe the last bus returning to Kalkan leaves about 4 pm.

As you may have guessed, you'll need to rent a boat to get to the island. There are a number of boat companies that will take you there at reasonable prices. However, it may be worth the effort to ask one of the local fisherman to take you to Kekova. It will not only be cheaper, but also much more interesting. In addition, you'll probably be alone on the boat. The fishermen know the area well and are happy take you to the little coves that are only accessible by boat, so that you can dive into the deep water for a swim that you'll never forget. Don't forget to tip the fisherman at the end of your day. Or if you are gonna choice a public one, remember to choice the one with window under the water...I don't know the special term for that....but I'm sure people can remind it to you. (salesman :P)