Patara- A Great Day Out on your Kalkan Holiday

Kalkan is a holidaymakers gem with crystal clear waters, quaint harbour and authentic Old Town. Your two-week holiday can fly by without you having enough time to explore all the wonderful experiences Kalkan has to offer. However, if you are the type of traveller who likes to make the most out of your holiday, you may want to embark on an adventure and explore further afield. One of our favourite ‘alternative days’ to a leisurely day at a Kalkan beach club is a day at Patara. Patara is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive away from Kalkan and you can combine a really rewarding mixture of holiday experiences into one day.

Patara sands

Patara Village

If you decide to visit you will note that the village of Patara (known locally as Gelemis) is quite different from Kalkan’s quaint town. Although Kalkan has not yet been touched by mass tourism, Patara in contrast is even more sleepy and ‘authentic’ with a minimal number of small family businesses and modest accommodations. It’s also very green in comparison to Kalkan which gives it an exotic ambience but invites more mosquitos than Kalkan, so be sure to take your protective spray with you.

Gelemis Village

The Historical Site

According to legend the original city of Patara is said to have been founded by Patarus, a son of the Greek God Apollo. Today the name is still attached to the city ruins which are undergoing excavation and restoration. As recently as 2020 some exciting new discoveries have been made. These include a 1,900 year old statue of a woman and a 2,000 year old Greek snake alter.

Naval ship in historical site

Patara was the major naval and trading port of Lycia which made it very wealthy. It was also a very powerful city as it was one of the six principal cities of Lycia and held the highest number of votes. In the Roman era it was the judicial seat of the Roman governor. The city became the capital of both the Lycian and Pamphylian provinces at one time. Believe it or not there is also a significant part of Christian history in Patara as it was the birthplace of St Nicholas. Yes Father Christmas was born in Patara! It was also a place where St Paul carried out missionary work. In short, there is a lot of history connected with this site and it is well worth a visit to check it out for yourself.

What will I see?

On entering the historical site, you will see a vast amount of fallen stone. Some have intricate carvings and some make up the remains of rooms and buildings. You certainly get a feel of how vast the city once was.

However, there are 3 ‘main’ impressive structures which are largely intact. Firstly, the grand amphitheatre which has both a stage building known as a ‘skene’ and staggered seating for an audience of 8000 which follows the incline of the supporting hill. You should walk up the steps between the rows of seating to the top. The climb may be steep but you will get a fantastic, elevated view facing over the ancient city centre.

Patara amphitheatre

Secondly there is the parliament building where the representatives of the Lycian League met. It has rows of stone seats arranged in a semicircle; the same arrangement used in the chambers of the American Congress. The stone vaulted main entrances are also intact as is the thronelike perch where the president of the League sat.

Patara Parliament building

Thirdly, a little further along from the parliament building is the main street which is lined with pillars on either side.

Patara ancient main road

Another interesting monument which is being restored to its former glory is the lighthouse. As part of the ‘year of Patara festival’ in 2020 reconstruction of what may be the oldest lighthouse in the world got underway. The lighthouse is inscribed with Nero’s words: ‘I built this for the welfare of sailors’. Currently, you can see the base and the rows of stones which are laid out in preparation for rebuilding.

Patara lighthouse foundations

Patara Beach

If you are a lover of a sandy beach, then Patara beach will be a dream come true. The beautiful, fine white sand contrasted with the turquoise sea create a dazzling sight to behold. The area is steeped in history and legend has it that the sand has extraordinary healing powers. This 18 km long beach is renowned for its very shallow waters. So if you have children in your group, you can be comfortable to let them paddle. Of course, you can also swim in deeper waters however you will have to go far away from the beach. Do be cautious as there is a sudden drop in the seabed. We advise that you only give it a go if you are a confident swimmer.

Patara waves

The beach is unsheltered and open on all sides. What does this mean? Yes, you guessed it; the frequent opportunity to catch some impressive waves. This makes it an unmissable destination if you are a surfing fan. Facilities are available including sun bed and umbrellas for hire, showers, toilets. One large cafe at the centre of the beach serves snacks, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. To enter the site which encompasses Patara beach there is an entrance fee per person which doesn’t include sun beds. If you plan to drive that parking spaces for vehicles are available on site.

Patara Kum Tepesi

For spectacular sunsets you should make your way to the Küm Tepesi (translated as ‘Peak of the Sand’) area of Patara beach. You can reach this lovely spot by following winding roads uphill on the other side of Patara village. Here you won’t have to pay an entrance fee because there is no manned entrance. So, if you want to experience Patara like a local this is the place to go.  This favourite spot with the locals has huge rolling sand dunes with great views. It’s particularly populated in the evening with visitors watching the sun go down and star gazing at night.

Patara Kum Tepesi

Patara Eateries

Gelemis (Patara) is an intimate village so most of the restaurants and bars are located along the main street leading into the village centre. If you want to try a taste of a a true local tradition, there are numerous ‘gözleme evleri’ or pancake houses you can visit. These traditional style Turkish pancakes are delicious and filled with local mountain greens, cheese and spices. We’re sure you will enjoy watching the village women rolling out the pancakes over a wooden table and cooking them over open flames. We recommend trying Gözleme for breakfast or a daytime snack.

Gozleme pancake

You will also discover several family run restaurants (which are more like cafes in style) serving a range of traditional meat and fish dishes, village style mezzes and pides (Turkish pizzas). Sailing Terrace, named after its large sail offers a good range of fish and meat dishes. Durak restaurant serves traditional Turkish dishes and plenty of vegetarian options. St. Nicholas restaurant has a spacious dining terrace and a wide menu of traditional dishes and some international favourites.

Turkish mezzes

Where to drink in Patara

There are a few bars you can try which have a chilled atmosphere and serve drinks throughout the evening. A particular favourite of ours is Simbar and Beanies which is next to the local post office. By day you can try coffee and homemade cake at Beanies coffee shop. By night a range of excellent cocktails are on offer at Simbar. The setting is very romantic. Wooden pergolas covered by foliage shade the tables set about quaint garden beyond the bar. If you would like to support local artists there is a gallery at the back too!

Simbar and Beanies bar and coffee shop

How to get there

Basically, you have three options. The first is the local Dolmus service. This is a local minibus shuttle that runs between Kas and Patara regularly throughout the day and evening. You can alight at Kalkan’s bus station and arrive in the village about 25 minutes later. The bus follows the scenic route through the local villages. It will cost you the equivalent of a couple of pounds per passenger so definitely works as an economic option. Alternatively, you can go by taxi or car which will take just 15 minutes along the main road. It’s easy to find the village of Gelemis as you follow the path of one road which leads through Patara.

Dolmus local bus service

How can Kalkan Holiday Property assist?

We understand the importance of having a fulfilling holiday and having the opportunity to experience new things. At Kalkan Holiday Property we are very passionate about what Kalkan and the surrounding areas can offer to our clients. When holidaying in one of our properties, our concierge services allow you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. A member of our team will be happy to advise on activities and help you plan your holiday. 

Don’t forget to tag us at @kalkan.holidayproperty when you visit Patara and take an amazing shot!

Beach Clubs: A day in Kalkan

Kalkan’s picturesque shoreline is marked by numerous waterfront beach clubs. Each boasts a unique view of the town, harbour and sea. Some are embellished with quaint platforms, others with pebbled coves. Many have water themed amenities such as floating platforms or sea trampolines. Whichever establishment you visit expect a full service of food and beverages as well as sun loungers and access to the sea. You will be blown away by the choice of stunning views and crystal clear sea waters to swim in!

A get-away to the charming town of Kalkan is never complete without a visit to one (if not several) of the fantastic beach clubs this seaside resort has to offer. Read on to discover which of these sea-front havens may be the perfect spot for you. 

Indigo Beach Club

Indigo beach club is located on the far side of Kalkan harbour. An early morning stroll to the entrance is a great opportunity for you to see the various gullets which inhabit the marina. Indigo has a generous bar and restaurant area which boasts spectacular views out to sea.

Indigo Beach Club dining area

The sunbathing terrace is one level below the restaurant and has plenty of sun loungers and parasols. You can access the sea directly via steps above the rocks . A daily highlight you will surely enjoy is the complimentary Turkish Çay (tea) and cake which is served late in the afternoon.

Indigo Beach Club

If you are an adrenaline junky Indigo beach club is a great place to spend the day. It is home to Kalkan’s excellent water sports company Aristos. They have their main platform at Indigo although they do provide services to several other beach clubs. You can get picked you up from across the bay in one of their speed boats.

Aristos Water Sports
Aristos Water Sports

Aristos cater for all demographics and offer various activities and services. Sailing, boat renting, speed boat trips, paddle boarding, kayaking, motorised water sports-inflatables and jet-skis are all available for you to try. Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill? Then why not take a lesson in Water-skiing, Wake-boarding, Mono-skiing or even Knee-boarding.

Indigo Beach Club Wedding
Entrance fee:

A fee is charged per person for use of the sunbeds and showers.

Food & Drink:

A varied menu of food and drinks is available day and night at an extra cost. Definitely try the fishcakes for lunch, they are the best we have had in Kalkan. There are also semi-regular themed nights at Indigo where you can try a variety of world cuisine. We have visited on Thai and Mexican night and the menu was delicious and varied for a great price!

Special Occasions:

Indigo beach club is one of the frequently chosen venues for holding wedding ceremonies and parties. The venue can be hire privately for the day and they have great facilities for catering for a wedding group.

Access:

You can reach this beach club on foot by walking along the harbour. If you have a car parking is available near to the side entrance of the club.

Palm Beach Club

Palm beach club is situated on the opposite side of the bay from Indigo beach club and is a fantastic place for you to observe Kalkans’ stunning sunsets. Its’ position means it gets the sun late into the evening so you can enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun sink behind the mountains.

Palm Beach Club

You have a choice of sunbathing spots as the platforms are split over several levels. For frequent dips in the sea you can settle yourself on the large wooden platform just above the sea. If you have smaller children in your group there is a small private pebble beach next to a cave. This little beach is ideal for getting in and out of the sea easily with toddlers. Prefer a quieter spot? Choose a bed placed among the plush greenery that grows around the club. Other facilities at Palm beach that you can enjoy include a games area with table tennis, foosball and pool table as well as a large platform and trampoline in the sea (free of charge).

Palm Beach Club Trampoline
Palm Beach Club Pebble Beach

If you feel like having a break from the sun to pamper yourself a professional masseur is set up at Palm Beach. A private massage room overlooks the sea and a range of therapies are available including reflexology, head and face massage and full body massage. Aristos water sports services are available from this beach club just ask the staff to help you arrange a sport and available time.

Palm Beach Club Massage
Palm Beach Club Massage
Entrance fee:

You will be charged a fee per person during the daytime for use of sun beds and showers.

Food & Drink:

Palm beach offers a variety of food and drinks from breakfast to dinner with Turkish cuisine as well as classic snacks and popular lunch choices like salads and pastas. A new a la carte restaurant was constructed and opened for the 2020 season with a once-a-week live traditional Turkish music performance with a menu that features seafood and Turkish mezzes. We recommend one of their tasty fresh salads for lunch and the stuffed calamari form the evening al a carte menu is divine.

Special Occasions:

This beach club is another favourite venue for wedding ceremonies and parties and can help you to arrange decorations on request.

How to get there:

Palm beach offers a complimentary water taxi that leaves regularly from the harbour or can be reached by car or local taxis.

Zest Beach Club

Zest beach club is a fairly new addition to Kalkan as it launched in 2019 and is the next club along the bay from Palm beach club. You have a choice of stone paved or wooden sunbathing terraces which get day-long sun. As well as access to the sea for swimming there is a 25 metre saltwater infinity pool ideal for those in your group who are less confident at swimming in the sea. A word of warning however. If you are nervous about heights then this may not be the best beach club for you. To access each platform there are a maze of steep steps some of which look right down to the sea below.

Zest Beach Club
Zest Beach Club Pool
Zest Beach Club dining
Entrance fee:

A fee is charged for entrance and use of sunbeds and facilities, they do have a reservation system unlike the other beach clubs. Reservations must be made by email/whatsapp request before arrival and beds will be reserved until 11 a.m.

Food & Drink:

Zest offers you a choice of two bars and two restaurants which provide breakfast lunch and evening meals with fantastic burgers and wonderful fruit salads if you fancy a sweet treat. There is a good cocktail menu you can choose from. The location is great for enjoying a sundowner.

How to get there:

Zest also offers a complimentary water taxi that leaves regularly from the harbour or can be reached by car or local taxis.

Mahal Beach Club

Mahal beach club is part of the Villa Mahal Hotel but will welcome you as an external guest. The beach club area consists of platforms built into the hillside hidden under the shade of olive trees. These platforms are spaciously arranged to give you more privacy. So as you may have guessed this beach club is best suited to couples/adults. If you are a family with children don’t worry you will still be welcomed although there are fewer child-suited amenities here. Mahal is another beach club which is perfectly positioned on the left side of the bay to enjoy the sunset views.

Mahal Beach Club
Mahal Beach Club Bar
Mahal Beach club dining
Entrance Fee:

You will be charged a fee per guest during the day for use of the sun beds and showers

Food & Drink:

You can use Mahal’s offers a restaurant and bar throughout the day. In the evening the dining area and platforms are transformed into a chic waterfront restaurant with soft lighting and spectacular views of Kalkans’ harbour. If you want a romantic setting this is great as you can see the hills lit-up with their twinkling lights reflecting across the waters. The most popular dish at lunchtime is a pide- a Turkish style pizza cooked in a stone oven.

How to get there:

Mahal offers a complimentary water taxi for you to use which leaves regularly from the harbour or you can get there by car or local taxi.

Kalkan Beach Park

Kalkan beach park is found towards the edge of the left side of Kalkan’s main bay below the area known as Kışla. If you have younger children this may be the one for you. Kalkan beach park is the most family friendly beach club with a children’s playground, small beach, trampoline and platform in the sea. It’s also the best place for you to get a chance at spotting sea turtles. Being furthest from the harbour means the waters are less disturbed by passing boat traffic.

Kalkan Beach Park
Kalkan Beach Park
Entrance fee:

This is the only beach club that will not charge you to the use of the facilities. However, as a visitor you are expected to make use of the bar or restaurant. You are not permitted to bring in any food or drink from outside.

Food & Drink:

Dining is available served morning to evening at the restaurant. You have the choice of two bars at each end of the beach club serving hot, cold and alcoholic refreshments throughout the day. Try the seafood pizza for a delicious lunchtime snack.

How to get there:

Similar to other beach clubs Kalkan beach park offers a complimentary water taxi that leaves regularly from the harbour or can be reached by car or local taxis.

Yalı Beach Club

Yalı beach club is on the opposite side of the bay from the above-mentioned clubs and is spaced across several levels of wooden decking built into the rock cliffs. If you are staying on the Kalamar Road area of Kalkan this beach club is more conveniently located. Plus the position means you get a different viewpoint with the towering mountains above the seascape.

Yali Beach Club

You can hire large Ottoman seating areas for the day. You will pay an extra fee but it is worth it if you have a special occasion you would like to celebrate. Choose from two floating platforms which are anchored in the sea at Yalı beach club for sunbathing on the turquoise waters.

Yali Beach Club
Yali Beach Club Dining
Entrance fee:

The beach club has agreements with a few hotels in Kalkan and for their guests entrance to the beach club is free. So don’t be put off if you are paying and someone else doesn’t! There is a set charge per guest for use of sun beds, umbrellas, showers and towels for all other visitors.

Food & Drink:

Yali beach serve food and drink morning to evening and their dining area sits on a platform just above the sea with wonderful views. Their frozen cocktails and frozen smoothies are perfect to cool you down in the heat of the summer.

How to get there:

Yalı beach club can be accessed by taxi or on foot and is located in the Kalamar area of Kalkan.

Kalamar Beach Club

Kalamar Beach Club is the only beach club found in Kalamar bay. Here the waters are a little warmer than other areas of Kalkan if you prefer a more temperate dip!.Unique to this beach club, kayaks and pedalos are available to use free of charge to visitors. Kalamar beach club is popular amongst families with children and young adults and has a capacity of up to 200 guests. Reasonably priced food and drink is readily available from morning until evening.

Kalamar Beach Club
Kalamar Beach Club

Are you into diving? Perhaps you are a novice and fancy giving it a try? The Kalkan Dive Centre platform and team are well equipped to help you. They offer everything from scuba diving to jet skis and private boat hire to trampolines. Book a diving trip with the team and discover stingrays, turtles and starfish which make an appearance from time to time around the reefs and islands. You can expect visibility of up to 30m in clear blue water and sea temperatures between 18 – 30C.

Kalkan Dive Centre
Diving in Kalkan
Entrance fee:

There is a charged a per person fee for the use of sunbeds, pedalos and kayaks.

Food & Drink:

You can enjoy reasonably priced food and drink is readily available from morning until evening. Chicken skewers and grilled fish are a popular choice from their restaurant.

How to get there:

There is no water taxi to Kalamar beach club it is situated in Kalamar bay. This is a separate bay from Kalkan’s main bay. They do however pay for taxis for guests. When you arrive you can go town to the restaurant area to open your tab without paying the taxi driver.

What can Kalkan Holiday Property do for you?

We understand that your time on holiday is precious and you want to make the best of your travels. That’s why we offer a round the clock service to all guests staying at our properties. We will be happy to help you plan your itinerary, arrange meals or book days at any of the local establishments. We can even help you to plan celebrations for special occasions. Whatever your question our friendly team will be happy to advise, just contact us for more information.

What Are The Best Beaches In Turkey?

Turkish beaches are known for their beauty and are arguably some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean. You will experience the clearest of turquoise waters and either sparkling white sand or beautifully polished white pebbles.

With a rich ancient history and unrivalled scenery, it’s not surprising that Turkey is a sought after holiday destination. Those who visit return time and time again. 

At Kalkan Holiday Property, we’re passionate about everything Turkish, so we have prepared this handy guide to the best beaches in Turkey.

KALKAN BEACHES

Kalkan boasts a number of the best beaches in Turkey. These are often ranked in the top ten beaches in the whole country.

PATARA

One of Kalkan’s most well-known beaches is Patara Beach, famous for its length stretching over 11 miles, the longest in the entirety of Turkey, and one of the breeding grounds of the Loggerhead turtle. 
Not only is Patara part of a national park brimming with exotic birds, but it also boasts fantastic ancient Lycian ruins, once an important city within the Roman Empire, including houses of parliament, bath houses, temples and a grand amphitheatre. Archaeologists from Antalya University have pumped millions into the reconstruction of these beautiful buildings. They are definitely a must see. Patara Beach was also dubbed as ‘One of The Best Beaches in Europe’ by The Sunday Times.

KAPUTAS

Only accessible by a series of 200 or so steps set into the rock, Kaputas Beach is a spectacular picturesque cove. Set in the protected area of the ‘Five Wonders of Antalya Conservation Project’, the cove is home to a species of endangered plant called the Kaputas Inula, which is found only on Kaputas Beach! 

Slap on your sunscreen and prepare to get your tan on, because this beach is completely protected from the wind. It’s also a popular mooring point for Gulet day cruise guests to anchor down and take a dip in the crystal waters. In recent years, the facilities have vastly improved with free use of the showers, toilets and changing as well as a small cafe that is renowned for its pancakes!

Beaches near Kalkan

KALKAN BEACH

A beach popular with the locals, Kalkan beach is covered in small white pebbles. The incredibly clear and calm water is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. It also boasts one of Kalkan’s blue flags for cleanliness. There are great facilities for tourists including toilets and changing rooms. Plus access to a number of beachfront restaurants, shops and cafes, to relax and enjoy the sun. Enjoy fabulous views and watch the yachts and gulets meandering lazily to and from the harbour.

Beaches- Kalkan beach

TOP 3 TURKISH BEACHES OUTSIDE OF KALKAN

IZTUZU BEACH

Also known as Turtle Beach, home to the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtle and complete with a specialist turtle sanctuary, Iztuzu Beach is about 4km long and surrounded by stunning mountainous scenery. Conservationists ensured this beautiful stretch of beach was uninhabited to protect the nesting place of these gentle creatures. This beach is only accessible during the day from May to September. The nest sites are protected by a line of wooden stakes. 

If you look carefully, you may spot the Lycian Kings Tombs from the 4th century BC, carved into the rock formations above. Why not visit the natural mud and sulphur baths whilst you’re there? They are said to be healing, kind to your skin and can promote youthfulness.

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s famous Turtle Beach, this is approximately a 3 hour drive from Kalkan. 

turtle beach

OLUDENIZ – THE BLUE LAGOON

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most peaceful beaches in Turkey, famous for its varying shades of turquoise waters. As a protected national park with limited access for boats, paddle boards and canoes are the main mode of transport here. The waters are shallow, making it a safe relaxation location for families with small children. A tourist hotspot without the rowdiness of bars and nightclubs, The Blue Lagoon is truly a Turkish paradise. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, Sugar Beach is private with it’s own restaurant, bar and bungalows for an overnight stay.

Are you a thrill seeker that wants to make the most of the scenery? Then paragliding is the perfect activity for you. If you are a nature lover, the remote nature reserve of ‘Butterfly Valley’ is a must see. It is tucked peacefully away, accessible by coach or a boat ride. If you’re one for culture and history, the Ghost Town of Kayakoy boasts beautiful but derelict homes, shops, churches and other infrastructure, after being abandoned in 1923 during a population exchange between Greece and Turkey. 

If you want to visit the town of Kayakoy, it’s approximately a 1hr 20 minute drive from Kalkan.

blue lagoon

ICMELER BEACH

Previously a fishing village, Icmeler Beach is now a popular spot for holidaymakers with views of the pine forest mountains, offering a number of water sporting activities from scuba diving and fishing, to water skiing and banana boating, there’s something for everyone. Hire a pedalo or a powerboat, the options are endless! Travelers can also benefit from a number of restaurants and beach bars. 

Are you looking for something more than just relaxing on the beach? There are plenty of exciting activities to get that adrenaline rush. Choose from mountain and quad biking, hiking and even horse riding!

icmeler beach

WHAT CAN KALKAN HOLIDAY PROPERTY DO FOR YOU?

Are you ready to plan your next amazing holiday to Turkey? At Kalkan Holiday Property, our specialist operators can provide you with dedicated itineraries based on your requirements. We can also provide you with a number of recommendations for activities, eateries and unmissable experiences in Kalkan.

For more information, please get in touch with a member of our team.