LOCATION :
   Situated at the South West corner of Turkey, Kalkan is a holiday town getting to be known better each day. Kalkan is within the borders of Antalya (about two and a half hours by car) which is the most important tourism center of Turkey and also close to Fethiye (about one hour by car), and Kas (half an hour by car), other important tourism points in the area. Kalkan is famous with its unique panoramic views from almost all points due to its well-situated position around a small yacht marina and on the slopes of the mountains behind.
HISTORY :
   Kalkan is located between Antalya and Fethiye where around 3000 years ago Lycian civiliazion lived. It is believed that 200-150 years ago Greek merchants coming from the Greek island Megistis (across from Kas) were the early settlers. Kalkan, being a sheltered bay, was a commercial port for the ships which carried products like coal, silk, olive oil, Wine, cotton, grain, sesamseeds, flour and grapes. It was also used for marketing and/or shipment of the agricultural and forestry products coming from Elmali-Gömbe-Bezirgan. Other goods, coming by ship, were carried to the off-shore areas like Elmali and Xanthos by camels. Until 1920 Kalkan was a Greek fishing village called Kalamakis. The historical part of the town is reserved and called “Carsi”. The village church from those years is being used now as a mosque. It is believed that historian Herodot, who lived about 2500 years ago ,mentioned from Kalkan as follows:”A place nearest to the stars”.
CLIMATE :
   Typical Mediterranean climate with dry and hot summers, rainy and moderate winters. Sea water temperature is rarely under 16 degree. With an average of 300 days of sunshine in the year it is preferable by foreigners as an ideal place for a healthy living. For swimmers and divers the season lasts for 9 months. Average temperatures is 35-40 degree in summer, 14-16 degree in winter.
TRANSPORTATION :
   Transportation to Kalkan is generally by car. Airway transportation is possible via Dalaman Airport, which is 130 km away from Kalkan, or Antalya Airport which is 214 km. Fethiye is 70 km away from Kalkan. With the recently built tunnels and roads the distance between Dalaman Airport and Kalkan is reduced to 1,5 hours of drive. During the summer season from the bus station daily buses depart to major cities in like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Also minibuses depart hourly to nearby towns and historical sites like Kas and Patara.
SHOPPING :
   The shopping area with its narrow streets full of the typical Mediterranean Flower “bougenville” is called “Carsi” and is located within the historically preserved old town. The shops sell all kinds of handicrafts and clothes. Shopping can also be made on the weekly market on Thursday or in several supermarkets.
VICINITY :
   Being almost in the middle of the ground between Antalya and Fethiye, where about 3000 years ago the Lycian civilisation , which is ruled by the first sample of democracy.You can visit many antique cities and ruins within the vicinity. Kalkan on the Lycian road of 509 km long from Fethiye to Antalya is close to Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Sidema and Tlos, antique cities towards the direction of Fethiye, Kekova (Sunken city) and Myra towards the direction of Antalya. Saklikent (water city) with its canyon going 8 km deep, is a good and cool alternative among the places to visit in the hot summer days. Kaputas Plaji (Kaputas Beach) which is within the borders of our town is one of the major elements of promotional films in Turkey with its golden sand and turqois water. Patara Plaji (Patara Beach) 18 km long, is around 15 km from Kalkan. It’s the longest beach in Turkey and the second long in Europe and famous with its turtles Caretta Caretta. Mavi Magara (Blue cave) and Güvercin Magarasi (Pigeon cave) you may visit by taking the daily boat tours from the marina. In order to be able to see all the above natural and historical sites you can rent a car, or explore the area by bus or boat with one of the professional travel agents.
SPORT :
   Diving courses by profassional trainers are available. The climate in the region allows diving sport for 9 months. Within its unique deep water views, major sport activity in the region is diving. Paragliding from the platforms 1050 m high takes between 15 and 25 minutes. Kalkan is surrounded by mountains from three sides and almost like a “bowl”shape. Also rafting and canoeing can be made on Esen River within half an hour distance from Kalkan. Water skiing, jet skiing, ringo etc. are also alternative sports which are provided by spezialized firms around the Kalkan bay.