There are many day trips and excursions available in the Kalkan area. Group or private tours are available with trips to suit all interests.
Boat trips
A boat trip along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is a definite must when in Kalkan. Some of the most beautiful vistas can be seen along this stretch of coastline and seeing it from a boat offers a totally unique viewpoint.
Take a day trip around the bay and islands on a Turkish wooden gulet for a completely relaxing experience – this is a lazy day spent swimming, eating and drinking. Lunch is included in the price with drinks extra.
River canoeing
For a real fun family day out, try out the river canoeing on Xanthos River. This gentle downstream trip will carry you through the beautiful and lush surroundings of the ancient Lycian lands to Patara beach where you finish off with a swim. A barbecue picnic is provided along the way and even a mud bath if you fancy it! This canoe trip is suitable for young and old and sure to be a memorable experience!
Scuba diving – Kalkan Dive Centre
The crystal clear, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean provide ideal conditions for scuba diving, and Kalkan is regarded as one of the best locations on Turkey’s coast for this. Kalkan Dive Centre visit several dive sites, including reefs, islands and a wall which is home to a huge variety of marine life. Expect to see, among others, sardines, starfish, octopus, turtles, stingrays, barracudas, groupers, dolphins, nurse sharks, mackerel, squid and sea bream. Lessons can be provided for beginners, but all levels are catered for.
Tel: 00 90 532 553 2006. www.kalkandiving.com
Water Sports
An excellent range of water sports can be found at many of the beach clubs in and around Kalkan. Whether you want to go waterskiing, jetskiing, or have a ride on one of the many inflatable rides, there is plenty of choice to be found.
Retail Therapy
Kalkan is a shopper’s delight, with plenty of stores offering everything you would expect. Most open early in the day and stay open to at least midnight, so you can revel in the ambiance of the village as you wind your way through the streets and alleys, exploring all there is to offer.
There are many clothing shops and several tailors who can make you made-to-measure garments, cut from traditional Turkish cloth. There are several boutiques, but don’t forget to pay a visit to one of the carpet shops, where you can purchase a beautiful, yet hard-wearing Turkish kilim (hand woven rug) or carpet for back home.
There are a several excellent jewellers, each one specialising in silver, gold or precious stones, but all offering superb quality pieces. Silver is sold by the weight, so if you are buying more than one item, be sure to negotiate a discount. Watches are also quite a bargain.
If handbags are your passion, then a visit one of the several bag shops will be high on your agenda. Everyone has their favourite shop but all offer the latest styles.
Every Thursday is market day, starting at 08.00 and closing up around 19.00. It can be found on the road leading up from the main roundabout, towards the petrol station, and is located on the right-hand side. Here, you can buy local produce. There is an amazing variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, olives, eggs and nuts on offer. A visit to the spice stall is highly recommended. Other stalls offer jewellery, clothing, shoes, pottery and linens, but half the pleasure is to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. Of course, no trip to the market is complete without taking the obligatory Turkish delight back home.