The stretch of Turkey’s famed Turquoise Coast which surrounds Kalkan is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountains, scattered with ancient tombs. Yet, hidden within deep gorges and fringing Lycian ruins are a couple of the country’s most famous beaches. If the solace of an empty bay is more to your liking, drive the coastal road towards Kaş, which is peppered with empty, nameless coves. To get you started, here are a few of the best beaches in Kalkan …
Kalkan’s beach clubs
Kalkan is famous for its private beach clubs; essentially smart paved sunbathing platforms with loungers, parasols and diving areas or ladders into the sea. They are serviced, offering a range of food and drink and plenty of Kalkan activities on tap, such as kayaking and pedalos. Set within the beautiful Kalamar Bay, Kalamar Beach Club even has a PADI-approved diving centre, catering to all abilities.
Kaputaş Beach
Dramatic drone view of Kaputaş Beach
Accessed via almost 200 steps, you may recognise this picturesque sandy bay from various guide books. One of Turkey’s most famous beaches, it’s just ten-minutes’ drive towards Kaş. Sitting in the mouth of a steep gorge, it’s a popular stop off point for the local gulet cruises, which anchor off the beach for a swim. We recommend getting there early – it’s incredibly popular and people park all the way down the clifftop road and teeter to the top of the infamous steps to get that perfect photo. Due to the endless steps, this beach is tricky for families with very young children or mobility problems.
Drive another twenty minutes and you will reach Kaş Peninsula, a sweet outcrop just outside the ancient town, dotted with small pebbly beaches – they are only frequented by the odd camper and you can park just metres from the sea.
Akcagerme Beach
Akcagerme beach: perfect for the family
This protected shingle beach, with the prestigious Blue Flag status, is just before Kaş’ quiet marina. With safe swimming and waterpark facilities nearby, plus rentable loungers and parasols, it’s a good choice for families after a refreshing dip en route to bohemian Kaş.
Kalkan Public Beach
Kalkan also has its own public beach, located near the entrance to its buzzy harbour. The beach’s white pebbles mean that the water here is incredibly clear. In fact, the beach holds Blue Flag status. It’s brilliantly convenient for those staying in town and has good facilities and easy access to the Kalkan food scene, for a post-beach Ottoman feast.
However, Kalkan Beach is relatively small and does get very busy in summer, so if you are after vast sandy shores or a peaceful bay, we recommend driving towards Kaş and stopping wherever catches your eye. The route is scattered with tiny off the radar beaches and swimming spots.
Patara Beach
The long golden stretch of Patara Beach
Just a twenty-five-minute drive from Kalkan resides Turkey’s longest beach, Patara, which boasts 11 miles of white sandy shores. Thanks to the protection programme in place for its resident loggerhead turtles, it remains unspoilt by tourism, with just one small café and the odd lounger in summer. However, the touristy village of Gelemi is close by, with a decent selection of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Perhaps most excitingly, tucked away behind Patara’s sand dunes and rambling mimosa bushes, you will also find the famous ruins of a Lycian city – one of our top sights to see in our things to do in Kalkan round-up! They aren’t the best preserved, but you can still find evidence of Roman baths, a Byzantine basilica, the main street and a stadium.. Do note that this beach is a no-go zone after dark, to protect the turtles which lay their eggs on it.
We’ve got a beautiful selection of villas and places to stay around the Kalkan region – some of which put you within walking distance to the best beaches in Kalkan. We’ve even got a concierge service on-hand, to help answer any (and all) questions you have.
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