The world is a big place. There are enough places to visit in a lifetime without ever returning to the same place twice. Why then do we keep returning to Kalkan in Turkey?
We absolutely love the town and have been visiting for around 17 years. Some years we have not visited and we've gone to other countries or other Turkish resorts and some years we have visited Kalkan and also the next town along the coast which is Kas. We love them both but probably favour Kalkan over the two.
The place has grown considerably over the years. It used to take 4 to 4.5 hours transfer from Dalaman airport to reach Kalkan. With the building of tunnels through mountains and new dual carriage by-pass roads, the journey has now reduced to to 2.5 hours. This has led to it becoming more popular and where there were once olive groves, there are now villas and apartments. There is now an old town and new town whereas in the past there was just the village. It has however not lost its charm.
We have stayed in numerous hotels over the years that have generally been good but with the occasional average one. We discussed visiting Turkey this year and decided against it for a number of reasons: we had been to Tenerife in April, we are planning to go to New York in December again, David retires at the end of June so we have more freedom booking leave (he has to book his leave 14 months in advance). I looked on line last week at holidays to Symi in Greece (another favourite and a place we have not visited for some time) and then found myself looking at a bargain holiday to Kalkan. It was love at first sight and booked.
To give this some context, a two week holiday in a hotel with transfers, breakfast and extra hold luggage was cheaper than our return flights to Tenerife. Why would you not book this? Even more so considering that it is hot and expensive in July which is when I have booked for our stay. We normally visit in the cooler, quieter and cheaper months of June and October. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to this holiday with a break from the ever stressful work and the busier hustle and bustle of a mid season break.
So why Kalkan?
A lovely small harbour within a horse/shoe shaped bay with a view out to two small islands named snake and mouse.
Fabulous restaurants, bars, and cafes serving Turkish and international food. The price ranges from incredibly to cheap to extortionate but there are so many price ranges and options in between. It is great to have the choice. There are some pretty good take-always too.
A good sprinkling of shops - not too many but not too few. We have our favourites. BSG leather is my all time favourite and I have never visited Kalkan without coming home with at least a handbag, if not more than one and/or a purse. There are also some fabulous jewellery shops too. There is a weekly market but I don't recall ever buying anything on the market.
There are a number of great beach clubs where you pay for the use of the sun bed and get a fee boat ride there and back. These tend to have delicious cafe bars serving lunches such as fresh grilled fish with salads washed down with chilled beer or wine.
A laid back unhurried vibe in the evenings. Cocktails or chilled wine and beer at the harbour or a bar or even your hotel bar. People make the evening an occasion to get out their glad rags and make the effort. Most of the restaurants are rooftop to take advantage of the views. The whole town twinkles.
There is the beautiful beach of Patara a short dolmus ride away with beautiful ruins and in the other direction is Kas which is a more Turkish town than Kalkan which tends to be a British resort. We have stayed here too on quite a few occasions. It is equally lovely.
Last but not least, the Turkish people are just lovely. We have made friends with many who remember us each year and are always so welcoming and kind.
I can't wait until July for our next visit and am counting the days.
Follow all the Blog Every Day in May bloggers on Twitter #BEDM and me #themrsdanvers.
To give this some context, a two week holiday in a hotel with transfers, breakfast and extra hold luggage was cheaper than our return flights to Tenerife. Why would you not book this? Even more so considering that it is hot and expensive in July which is when I have booked for our stay. We normally visit in the cooler, quieter and cheaper months of June and October. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to this holiday with a break from the ever stressful work and the busier hustle and bustle of a mid season break.
So why Kalkan?
A lovely small harbour within a horse/shoe shaped bay with a view out to two small islands named snake and mouse.
Fabulous restaurants, bars, and cafes serving Turkish and international food. The price ranges from incredibly to cheap to extortionate but there are so many price ranges and options in between. It is great to have the choice. There are some pretty good take-always too.
A good sprinkling of shops - not too many but not too few. We have our favourites. BSG leather is my all time favourite and I have never visited Kalkan without coming home with at least a handbag, if not more than one and/or a purse. There are also some fabulous jewellery shops too. There is a weekly market but I don't recall ever buying anything on the market.
There are a number of great beach clubs where you pay for the use of the sun bed and get a fee boat ride there and back. These tend to have delicious cafe bars serving lunches such as fresh grilled fish with salads washed down with chilled beer or wine.
A laid back unhurried vibe in the evenings. Cocktails or chilled wine and beer at the harbour or a bar or even your hotel bar. People make the evening an occasion to get out their glad rags and make the effort. Most of the restaurants are rooftop to take advantage of the views. The whole town twinkles.
There is the beautiful beach of Patara a short dolmus ride away with beautiful ruins and in the other direction is Kas which is a more Turkish town than Kalkan which tends to be a British resort. We have stayed here too on quite a few occasions. It is equally lovely.
Last but not least, the Turkish people are just lovely. We have made friends with many who remember us each year and are always so welcoming and kind.
I can't wait until July for our next visit and am counting the days.
Follow all the Blog Every Day in May bloggers on Twitter #BEDM and me #themrsdanvers.
No comments:
Post a Comment