If you're looking for a holiday where you can relax in the sun, or if you love your water sports, then Kalkan is the place for you!
Kalkan itself has a very pretty pebble beach next to the harbour. It rarely gets crowded, plus you're a stone's throw away from numerous cafes and restaurants.
Two wonderful sandy beaches are nearby:
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- Kaputas Beach, which is at the bottom of a gorge (accessed by many steps. It is very picturesque but basic. Only a 10 minute drive away (public dolmus minibuses can drop you off on the way to Kas.
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- Patara Beach - 14km of sand and little else, apart from a cafe, toilets and showers. It's a national park, as sea turtles go there to lay their eggs. It seems totally wild, with sand dunes and ruins in the background. They do have sunbeds, parasols, snack bar, toilet and showers. Definitely worth the 15 minute drive (public transport departs regularly from Kalkan to Patara).
Another way of enjoying the sun and sea, is to visit one of Kalkan's many 'beach' clubs. The
description is a misnomer as there's no sand whatsoever! These clubs consist of platforms built into the rocks, where you can sunbathe in comfort and access the clean, clear waters directly. From here you can water ski, jet ski or even try a banana or doughnut ride (not for the faint-hearted). They all have sunbeds, parasols, cafes, toilets & showers.
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If you'd like to book some water sports or just want more information about what's on offer, visit Blue Marlin Watersports located next to the harbour, near Sarpendon Gifts.
To really get the feel of Kalkan and its coast, you should try a boat excursion (Ali Travel offer several options, eg., a full day trip to the sunken city at Kekova), or for total relaxation and privacy, hire a boat for the day. This is much more reasonable than you think. We recommend the Kartal, which takes 12 passengers (there's room to sunbathe on the boat). It's skippered by Captain Lucky, who'll take you around the nearby coast and islands, making several long stops for snorkelling, swimming or relaxing. He also provides a delicious, freshly cooked lunch. You can find his boat in the harbour.
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If you're very adventurous or just like a challenge, try scuba diving. If you've never done it before, it's exciting and a little scary, all at the same time, but it's a worthwhile experience. If you've always wanted to try it but don't want water in your ear, go on-line and order a mask with ear cups. The seasoned divers may laugh but they work!
Click here for Dalaman-Kalkan road map
Click here to find more information on weather, safe sunbathing, mosquitoes, directions from Dalaman to the villa, etc.