Kalkan
 Piri Reis, an admiral of the Ottoman Fleet in the 16th century is the author of Kitab-ý Bahriyye which is history's first-known sea pilot's book. Every Mediterranean port is accurately described and the charts are almost perfect, reflecting the author's considerable knowledge of the Mediterranean, which partly belonged to his empire (the area stretching from Morocco to Venice).
In 1550, or thereabouts, Piri Reis produced charts of North and South America and here again he has achieved amazing accuracy. How he did it is one of history's unsolved mysteries.
In Kitab-ý Bahriyye, there is a chapter about Kalkan Bay, wherein the author has described with pinpoint precision Kalkan's fresh water supply, the supply which is mainstay of the village today. From him we also learn that the bay was also called ALIKI-KARA or ALKI-KAARA and that the western tip of the bay was named KALAMOÇ. Kalkan the Turkish name and Kalamaki, the Greek name may have been derived from these origins. At the time of writing, Piri Reis does not mention a settlement in the bay. (16th century)
Climate
Often compared with Southern California, Lycia has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and warm wet winters. The sea water temperature rarely drops below 16°C thus enabling swimmers to have an eight to nine month bathing season.
On a beautiful day in the middle of the winter it is a pleasure to walk on the hillsides overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, basking in the sun and enjoying the perfume of thyme, laurel, and sage arising from the "maquis". On such a day it is not rare for the temperature to reach 20°-22°C. (70°F)
The hottest days of the hottest months are cooled down by the "Meltem" which is a breeze which blows every afternoon. Nevertheless, people who have problems coping with the heat are recommended to visit the region during the spring , early summer, or in the autumn.
This temperature climate is the reason for a non-stop agricultural season which keeps the farmers busy the whole year round with an average of 300 days of sun per year.
How to Get to Kalkan
By Road:
Lycia is connected to the rest of the Turkey by the coastal road which follows along the Mediterranean between Fethiye and Antalya. Another important road connecting Central Anatolia with Lycia, joins the coastal road 26 kilometers beyond Fethiye at Kemer Junction. From Elmalý, there are two good roads which link with Kaþ and Finike. In spite of the rugged nature of the countryside, the road system is constantly being improved.
By Air:
The international airports of Dalaman and Antalya are within easy reach of any place in the Teke Peninsula. Turkish Airlines has several flights from Istanbul and Ankara which serve these airports on a daily basis. Foreign airlines are also increasing their use of Dalaman and Antalya in their direct flight programs.
By Sea:
The regular ferryboat service from Italian ports (verify with your travel agent the exact details and schedules) permits travelers to sail to Kuþadasý or Ýzmir an then to continue by road to Lycia enjoying en route some spectacular scenery. In 1991, Antalya was included in the ferryboat program from Italy. During summer months, Turkish Maritime Lines have regular boat services along the Mediterranean coast.
By Bus:
Turkey can boast having one of the best coach/bus systems in the world and in this way every major township in Lycia is connected with the rest of the Turkey.
By Car:
One of the best ways to reach to visit Lycia is to rent a car, a mini-bus, or even better a four-wheel drive. At Dalaman and Antalya airports almost every international vehicle renting company has a stand alongside their Turkish counterpart and an excellent service is provided. Caravan rentals are beginning and becoming increasingly popular.
Note: Tourists are reminded to carry their driving licenses when on holiday.
Day & Night in Kalkan
Kalkan is a prime location from which a great variety of tours can be organized. Kalkan itself is a very rewarding holiday spot.
Start your day with a lazy breakfast on the terrace of your hotel/pension or in once of the restaurants along the marina, watching the heavy traffic of boats moving in and out of the harbor. For your "day on the beach" Kalkan offers you a choice: A large public beach stretches along the front but you will probably discover your own favorite spot somewhere along the coast. The water will always be sparkling clean. You may also choose a very original Kalkan "day-spender" formula: the beach clubs. These are platform beaches accross the harbor, reached by frequent shuttle boat service from the marina. "The platforms" provide everything a holiday-maker can need or dream of, from a sophisticated tequila cocktail to beach mats. This formula is extremely popular among our visitors who will spend their holiday in one of these beach clubs. Every one has a favorite but all offer very good services. They are open all day long and even for dinne by candle light!
If your idea of a holiday is discovering a virgin sandy coast you may spend your day at Patara. Beachi one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Frequent and efficient minibus service from the town square is very cheap. You will find basic restaurants for food and beverages as well as umbrellas, etc. Although much smaller the remarkable sandy beach of Kaputaþ, a few miles from Kalkan, is a wonder, do not miss it. Finally, you have yet another way to spend your day in liquid!
Several hotels offer excellent swimming pools open to the puclic.
After a hot day at the beach you may return to your hotel to prepare for the second part of your day, which often proves to be just as long if not longer than the first : Night life in Kalkan . Your evening may strat by shopping and walkng around in the cool breeze typical at nightfall. All shops stay open until the early hours of the morning and often a silk carpet will be puchased just before returning to your hotel after a long and enjoyable evening.
Kalkan has certainly the highest number of restaurants and bars per inhibitant or per square metre on the Turkish coast. Almost every pension or hotel has its roof or terrace-bar serving all kinds of ,nternational drinks or cocktails. After a Sundowner you will find a table in one of the 40 or so restaurants of Kalkan. It would be wise to make a reservation for a front row table. Most of the restaurants offer an open buffet with a great choice of starters (meze) followed by fish or grilled meat Turkish style. For more conservative paletes, international cousine is also available. Prices are displayed at the entrance except for fish, which is subject to bargaining. The Turkish way of dining is to begin with a selection from ten or more cold straters plus two or three hot ones which will be followed by a main course (accompained by raki, wine or beer) and ending with fruit or dessert and famous Tukish coffee. The meal usually stretches for hours and will finish close to midnight. Finally you may walk through the animated cobbled streets and stop to sip a last one before returning to your hotel after a lovely long day.
Source: Kalkan Org
|
