The historic town of Kalkan is an enchanting place and one of the most beautiful locations along Türkiye’s gorgeous Turquoise Coast. With the absence of mass tourism, Kalkan remains a charming and unspoiled haven of lush nature, brilliant blue crystal-clear sea, historic architecture, ancient history and warm traditional Turkish hospitality.
When people think about Kalkan, the first thing that normally comes to mind is the bay.
Kalkan is set in one of Europe’s most breath-taking Mediterranean bays, with the majestic Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. This unique town is built around a charming harbour, full of Turkish wooden gulets and small craft, bordered with waterfront restaurants; behind the harbour and the beach is where the beautiful and historic Old Town area extends back from the sea.
Formerly a small but important trading port – don’t let anyone tell you it was a “former Greek fishing village”… it never was! – Kalkan is now a thriving but still unspoilt resort with the bustling, historic old quarter being the heart of the town. During the long hot summer days, the town is quiet and sleepy… but after dusk, its picturesque winding streets – lined by traditional houses, restaurants, small boutiques and local shops with overhanging balconies – come to life as Kalkan’s renowned Old Town restaurants entice people from their accommodation further out of town, and down to the harbour and surrounding streets.
From Kalkan’s harbour, many of the beach clubs dotted around the bay are accessed by small colourful boats that provide a complimentary service to transfer guests, and traditional wooden Gulets offer boat trips to the beaches, islands and inlets nearby. Water sports, diving and fishing trips are also offered. The former Greek Orthodox Church by Kalkan’s harbour has been converted into a mosque and is a fine example of Greek architecture in Kalkan but, at every turn, whitewashed and stone buildings with shuttered windows and timber balconies hint at Kalkan’s rich history.
With its distinctive mix of Greek and Ottoman architecture, roof terrace restaurants and harbourside bars, featuring lovely views to the sea, the Old Town is a place you will want to discover and enjoy for yourself.
The largest area of Kalkan, Ortaalan’s main selling points are its proximity to the main supermarkets, shops and banks and the Thursday market, often coupled with elevated sea views. Since the council offices and main banks moved up from the Old Town a few years ago, Ortaalan is now considered to many to be the “New Town” area of Kalkan. A 5/10-minute walk, or short taxi-ride, from the Old Town and all its amenities, Ortaalan gets a lot of sun, and is less crowded than the Old Town. Many villas and apartments here boast sea-view balconies and swimming pools… some newer apartments blocks have been designed with individual private pools per apartments.
Apartments and villas in Kiziltas are usually modern and up-to-the minute. Many boast swimming pools and infinity pools, and offer spectacular sea views. Yet, Kiziltas is an affordable alternative to Kisla and Komurluk. Set in the foothills of the Taurus mountains, and surrounded by idyllic countryside, Kiziltas is more secluded than the Kalkan Old Town area. Nevertheless, you’re only a 15-20 minute walk, or 3-minute taxi ride from all the attractions of the town centre.
Considered by many to be the “premium” location, Komurluk boasts glorious harbour views, and is a 10-minute walk, or 2-minute taxi ride from Kalkan Old Town. Befitting its status as one of the more exclusive areas, accommodation tends to be at the luxury end. Villas here are large-scale homes from home, with all amenities, including balconies and pools. there are also one or two small apartment blocks. Komurluk is exceptionally quiet and peaceful, and has its own beach club offering watersports and a restaurant
With its edge-of-the-bay location, Kisla offers breathtaking island views, superb sunsets, and luxury accommodation options. Most villas are spacious and detached, and boast private pools and balconies. Visitors to Kisla can reach the Old Town with ease – choose between a 10-minute water-taxi ride, 3 minutes by “normal” taxi, or a scenic 20-minute walk. Kisla also has a smattering of its own shops and restaurants, but overwhelmingly, it’s a quiet, secluded alternative to Kalkan Old Town
More affordable than Kisla and Komurluk, Kalamar Bay’s accommodation has similar appeal to the villas of the Old Town. Places here vary from are historic to modern, and more compact and condensed than in the outlying areas. Though it lacks Ortalaan’s elevated sea views, Kalamar Bay is within easy reach of the water and is still a stunningly picturesque location. Kalamar Bay is a 5-minute taxi ride from the Old Town. The walk is 20 minutes, involving a steep hill on the way back. Kalamar Bay also boasts several of its own appealing restaurants and bars.
LaVanta, located just above Kalkan and Kalamar Bay’s offers some of the finest holiday home accommodation in Kalkan, combining high standards of design and build, a stunning location, breath-taking views of the Mediterranean and excellent amenities.
The LaVanta resort comprises a selection of three and four bedroom villas with private swimming pools, two bedroom town houses, and duplex apartments with either one of two bedrooms. They offer not only an excellent choice of accommodation, but exceptional quality and a beautiful location.
LaVanta’s location is unique; perched atop a hillside overlooking Kalkan on Turkey’s elegant Turquoise Coast. The development itself is simply stunning and LaVanta’s holiday homes have been built to reflect the unique character of the area, with varying roof heights and designs.
Outside, furnished terraces and in many cases mature gardens are lovely spaces to dine, relax, swim and enjoy the views.
The resort is beautifully landscaped and offers excellent amenities including the KBar LaVanta clubhouse with pool table, table tennis and darts, cocktail bar, restaurant and wireless internet access.
There are weekly BBQ’s in the summer at the Clubhouse located at the heart of LaVanta which brings guests together and creates a great atmosphere. There really is no better place to relax with a cool Efes beer or chilled glass of wine and watch the sun setting over the Mediterranean and mountains in the evening.
Lavanta’s 25 metre communal infinity swimming pool is, in our opinion, one of the finest in Kalkan. Its elevated south facing position makes this one of the best places to enjoy the late evening sun, and the panoramic views out to sea. Its terrace is furnished with sunbeds, tables and umbrellas for shade and offers plenty of space for all.
The resort feels upmarket, and offers views, amenities and peace and quiet that few other locations can match, all within 4 minutes of Kalkan centre by car.
All of our LaVanta properties have an internal phone system that can additionally be used to call taxis. Taxis are plentiful and a fixed price from LaVanta, however we do recommend car hire to really open up the area and get the most from your holiday.
MAPS Travel is part of the MAPS Global Group.
Muhammet Ali Property Services
Villacim
