Turkey » Mediterranean Coast and Aegean Coast » Turquoise Coast/Lycia - Muğla » Kalkan » 

The Turkish Riviera (also known popularly as the Turquoise Coast) is a term used to define an area of southwest Turkey encompassing Antalya, Muğla and to a lesser extent the provinces of Aydın, southern İzmir and western Mersin. The combination of a favorable climate, warm sea, more than a thousand kilometers of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean waters, and abundant natural and archeological points of interest makes this stretch of Turkey’s coastline a popular national and international tourist destination. Among the archeological points of interest are two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the ruins of the Mausoleum of Maussollos in Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

Kiziltas Villas are located in the historic harbour town of Kalkan, an enchanting place in one of the most beautiful locations on Turkey's gorgeous Mediterranean coast.

Kalkan bay will take your breath away. It's crystal clear Turquoise water, and mountains that rise steeply behind it provide a dramatic and beautiful backdrop in which to enjoy your stay. Kalkan has not been touched by mass tourism, and as a result remains unspoiled, upmarket and very charming, with amazing views at every turn.
Strict building codes ensure the towns historic preservation, and the many fine restaurants contribute to the special atmosphere that brings back visitors time and time again.

Narrow cobbled streets that wind away from the harbour with bougainvillea covered wooden ottoman balconies and historic architecture are typical of the old town, and the warm Turkish hospitality will stay with you long after your holiday is over.

Beach Clubs:
There are a number of beach clubs around the bay that can be reached by free shuttle service from the harbour. These are wonderful paved platform terraces and gardens with ladders going into the sea. They offer swimming, sunbathing, water sports and restaurant/bar facilities and have sun beds and umbrellas for hire.

Water sports:
Jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides are available from the beach clubs around the bay.
Diving:
Kalkan's crystal clear waters are popular with scuba divers and is a top location for diving along Turkey 's coast. It has several sites including islands and reefs with a huge variety of marine life including turtles, nurse sharks, dolphins and barracudas. Kalkan Dive centre can be contacted on www.kalkandiving.com

River Tubing:
Enjoy floating down the shallow Sakilkent River with your tube and paddle. It's great fun and lasts between 45 minutes and a couple of hours depending on which trip you choose. River tubing can be booked in Kalkan at one of the tour companies or you can join the tour just outside Sakilkent Gorge.

River Canoeing:
Enjoy a day canoeing on the Xanthos River near to Kalkan. Experienced guides take you downstream through some beautiful scenery. A barbecue lunch is served along the way, and there is an opportunity for a revitalising mud bath before the tour finishes at beautiful Patara beach for a swim.

Boat Trips:
Relax on a day trip around the bays and Islands of Kalkan on a traditional Turkish Gullet and visit beautiful Kaputus beach, Snake Island , the blue cave and aquarium bay. Tours leave at 10.00 am from the harbour and return around 5.00pm . There is plenty of time for swimming, and lunch is served on board.
A very popular trip is to the ancient sunken city of Simena in the area of Kekova, one of the most beautiful areas of the Lycian coast.A terrible earthquake in the 2nd century AD caused a downward shift of land and the submerged ancient houses can be viewed through glass bottom boats. Boat trips can be booked direct at the harbour or through the tour companies in Kalkan.

Sightseeing:
Within easy reach of Kalkan are the ruins of the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, its port Patara, religious centre Letoon, and also Pinara.
Xanthos was discovered in 1838 by the archaeologist Charles Fellows. Today a mixture of ruins from Roman, Lycian and Byzantine times including the Tomb of the Harpies, theatre, Neried monument and Inscribed pillar can be seen. At the holy Lycian centre of Letoon there are 3 temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo, gods of mythology.

Patara is very close to Kalkan and famous as being the birth place of St Nicholas who has entered into Christian tradition as Father Christmas, and for having many interesting ruins. It was an important commercial centre and harbour during the 5th century. A day trip to Patara can include beautiful Patara beach, one of the best in Turkey and a perfect place to relax after a bit if sightseeing.
There are several beautiful beaches in and around Kalkan. The main beach in Kalkan is just two minutes walk from the villa and next to the harbour and old town. It has crystal clear aquamarine water and white pebbles. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired for around 3 Turkish Lira a day. It's location next to the harbour make it a very popular place for soaking up the atmosphere of the early evening and watching the boats come back to harbour.

Kaputus Beach
Ten minutes from Kalkan is beautiful Kaputus beach, a sandy cove at the foot of a mountain gorge. The turquoise water is incredible and this beach is used in many travel brochures for Turkey . There are cheap and frequent Dolmuses (shared minibuses) from Kalkan.

Patara Beach:
Patara beach is a completely undeveloped 12km stretch of sandy beach voted one of the best in the world by Times online for 2005.

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