How to reach Kalkan

A small peaceful Mediterranean resort and fishing town on the beautiful Turquoise Coast of Turkey, Kalkan has not been touched by mass tourism. More sophisticated than the usual resort town, Kalkan appeals to travelers looking for more than a “sun and sea” holiday. According to the Sunday Times, Kalkan attracts the kind of visitor who would also enjoy Tuscany or the Dordogne. The Guardian likens the town to “the Italian Riviera minus the poseurs.”

Because of its great charm, Kalkan has a growing number of perennial visitors who say the town is the only holiday destination they would choose to visit repeatedly. There is simply no other town quite like Kalkan along Turkey’s coast.

"Mouse" and "Snake" Islands in Kalkan Bay

Kalkan curls snuggly around a historic harbour sheltered at the foot of the towering Taurus Mountains. (Read more about the geography of the region at our Lycia website here) The town overlooks a beautiful bay in which islands seem to magically float upon the shimmering sea.

Narrow streets twist down to the harbour, lined with old whitewashed villas with shuttered windows situated alongside small local specialty shops and restaurants in historic buildings. Overhead hang original carved Ottoman Greek timber balconies garlanded with thick masses of brilliantly coloured bougainvillea cascading to the streets below. It is a very special place with a unique atmosphere.

History of Patara

Sightseeing in Patara

Food & Cuisine Patara

Klima & Temperaturen Patara

How to reach Patara

About Patara

The Lycian way is a 509 km way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya.  The Lycian Way is a coastal walk and mild temperatures mean it can be walked throughout the winter months.

 According to the Sunday Times the Lycian Way is one of the ten most beautiful long distance hikes of the world.

Read more: Lycian Way

Shopping in Kaş

• Kaş History

Lycia’s History - A Struggle For Freedom

The history of Lycia is a story of fierce struggles against those who sought to invade and dominate it, as it was a very desirable region. It appears that Greek efforts to colonize Lycia during the first millennium B.C. were largely unsuccessful even though there were several Athenian expeditions.

The first recorded instance of Lycian resistance fighting occurred around 540 BC when the Persians under the commander Harpagos overran all Asia Minor during the rule of Cyrus II (The Great). The Persians attacked the Lycian capital city of Xanthos and the Xanthosians put up a heroic fight. In the end however, they chose mass suicide over surrender. The men of Xanthos gathered their wives, children and possessions in the acropolis and set fire to all before rushing out fighting to die to the last man. Herodotus of Halicarnassos reports:

"The Persian Army entered the plain of Xanthos under the command of Harpagos, and did battle with the Xanthians. The Xanthians fought with small numbers against the superior Persians forces, with legendary bravery. They resisted the endless Persian forces with great courage, but were finally beaten, their womenfolk, children, slaves and treasures into the fortress. This was then set on fire from, below and around the walls , until destroyed by conflagration. Then the warriors of Xanthos made their final attack on the Persians, their voices raised in calls of war, until every last man from Xanthos was killed."

Read more: Kaş’s History

One of the greatest cultural legacies of the Turks who played a major role in the beginning and development of the history of civilization and undertook the first great migration bringing along their values and culture to the Anatolian lands is the Turkish cuisine.

The Turkish cuisine, which had originated from the blending of the Asian, European, Middle Eastern and African cultures and evolved under the influence of the Seljuk and Ottoman Cuisines over the centuries, offers thousands of various dishes and delicacies.

Turkish cuisine evolved long before the Common Era, during the times of hunting and gathering.  To provide the hunters with delicious and savory food the women of the time developed various dishes by trial and error and discovered the spices that added flavor.

Read more: Food & Cuisine

Average Weather in Kaş

    Hot season / summer is in June, July, August .
    Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January, February, October and November.
    Kas has dry periods in April, May, June and July.
    On average, the warmest month is July.
    On average, the coolest month is January.
    November is the wettest month.
    June is the driest month.

Climate of Turkey

Surrounded by high mountains and open seas, Turkey is a cornucopia of natural wonders. Apart from that, Turkey is noted for its climatic diversity ranging from the Mediterranean to  oceanic to continental climates.

The northern regions of Turkey have an oceanic climate whereas the southern areas are affected by a temperate Mediterranean climate.  The continental climate reigning in the internal regions makes one experience four seasons in one day.

The southern regions which are popular among tourists particularly in summer and the central and northern regions of Turkey which are in demand rather in winter are popular for their cultural heritage as well as the variety of touristic and sports facilities.

Subject to a variety of climates, Anatolia is also rich in flora and fauna. The habitat of numerous varieties of flora and fauna alongside magnificent forests, Turkey, is worth visiting any season of the year.

Kas is the last county town located on the south-west cost of Antalya. Antiquity name of Kas was Antiphellos (facing Phellos). As written on ancient sources; Antiphellos means “the extension of Phellos on sea” or the “coast of Phellos (stony place)”. Antiphellos is now a village located on the north of Kas and called Cukurbag.

Read more: About Kaş