History Of Kalkan

Kalkan, known as Kalamaki in ancient times is thought to have been founded 150 - 200 years ago by traders from the Greek island of Meis or with the Greek name of Castellorizo, which is a couple of miles away from Kas town.

Their success encouraged other settlers of both Turkish and Greek origin particularly from Rhodes. In those days all were of course subject of the Ottoman empire.

The influence of the settlers from Meis can be seen in the similarity of the architecture between Meis and Kalkan. Having the only hospitable harbour between Fethiye and Kas also encouraged the development of the village.

In the old town there are two mosques now, one of them which is opposite of Akin pansion was originally Greek orthodox church and you can still see a small cross on the roof.

During the Ottoman Empire period over 500 years Turks and Greeks lived until the early 1920's in kalkan. Today you can see lots of smilarities between Turkish and Greek culture , cuisine and lifestyle.

The main occupation of the Kalkan people was trade. Produce was brought to the village from the high lands and the fertile Patara plain by camels and loaded , via small boats , onto large ships in the bay. From here the produce was taken east to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus and Rhodes, all members of the Ottoman Empire.

During the early 20th century, Kalkan appears to have been quite a prosperous port. There were 17 restaurants, a goldsmith and several tailors. There was also a customs house which was restored and has been used as a family house since. Other thriving industries were charcoal, silk, cotton, olive oil, grain, sesame (a trip to Bezirgan village in the summer will reveal fields of sesame), grapes and timber .

The first changes started to occur in the early 1920's with the founding of the Turkish Republic and exchange in the Greek and Turkish populations.Greeks who lived in kalkan and other parts of Turkey moved to Greece, Greek islands and Australia. Turks who were living in Greece and Greek islands moved to Turkey.

The first coastal road linking all the southern coastal towns opened in the early 1960's . At this time many people left Kalkan to make business in larger towns such as Antalya and Fethiye.

Kalkan's resurgence came in the late 1960's with visits from wealthy yachtsmen. Tourism received a large boost with the asphalting of the road between Kalkan and Fethiye in 1984 which change destiny of Kalkan.

And now...

Kalkan is a beautiful and fascinating Mediterranean town, located in the heart of the Teke Peninsula or ancient Lycia.

If you would like to stay in a town of houses with crumbling wooden balconies,spilling with begonvillas and over looking a spectacular bay, then Kalkan is your place.

Kalkan is a delightful confusion of cobbled streets, wooden balconies, a very good selection of small shops, seafront restaurants and bars, some of which are situated on the roofs of the buildings commanding fabulous views over the bay and the small elegant harbour.

Kalkan is the kind of lazy and easy resort where time can pass doing virtually nothing except relaxing and enjoying your days. However, for those who want to explore the surrounding area, it is a great base as Kalkan is in the centre of Lycia. We will happily help you to organise tours of great historic sites like Tlos, Xanthos, Kekova & Simena, Pynara, Patara, Arycanda and many others.

You can go to Turkey's most beautiful beaches Kaputas and Patara, from Kalkan Patara is a stretch of 17 km of superb sand approximately 20 minutes away from Kalkan. Kaputas beach is a stunning and cosy sandy beach about 15 min drive away . Kalkan also has its own pretty pebble beach by the harbour.

Kalkan is a special place - that's why many people who say they go a certain place only once but when they come to Kalkan they cannot stop themselves coming again. The startling beauty of the town is only matched by the warmth and friendliness of the Turkish people, for whom hospitality is a way of life.

PLACES TO SEE IN AND AROUND KALKAN

Kaputaş Beach

Located on the Kalkan-Kaş road, Kaputaş is famous for its turquoise sea. It's a canyon-mouth beach, fed by underground waters emerging between the mountains. To reach the beach, follow the signs along the D400 highway. There are about 170 steps down to the beach, offering one of the region's most photographed views. Kaputaş Beach is approximately 8 km from Lures Hotel, a 10–15-minute drive by car.

Patara Ancient City & Patara Beach

One of the largest and most important cities of Lycia, Patara is also the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, known as Santa Claus. The ancient theatre, parliament building, and Roman road are still visible. The adjacent 12-kilometre-long Patara Beach is famous for its fine sand and sunsets. Patara is about 15–17 km from Lures Hotel, roughly a 20–25-minute drive.

Kekova & The Sunken City (Accessible by Daily Boat Tour)

Kekova is located off the coast of Demre in Antalya and is known for its historical and natural beauty. The ancient Lycian city of Dolichiste (Dolikisthe) partially sank after earthquakes in the 2nd century AD and is now referred to as the "Sunken City." Rebuilt during the Byzantine era, the city was abandoned due to Arab raids. Declared a Special Environmental Protection Area in 1990, swimming and diving are allowed in areas outside the Sunken City. Accessible via boat tours from Kaş or Demre, Kekova offers a unique experience of history and nature.

Meis Island (Megisti/Kastellorizo) (Megisti/Kastellorizo)

Meis Island is the easternmost of Greece's Dodecanese Islands, located just 2.1 km south of Kaş. Known in Turkish as "Kızılhisar" and in Greek as "Megisti" (meaning “the greatest”), the island is the largest among its surrounding islets. The name "Kastellorizo" derives from the Italian "Castello Rosso" (Red Castle), inspired by the red cliffs of the island. Its only settlement, Kastellorizo (Megisti), is noted for its pastel-coloured Greek architecture along the harbour. Highlights include the Blue Grotto, a sea cave lit by shimmering blue light, and the 18th-century Ottoman Mosque, now a museum. Ferries from Kaş reach the island in about 20 minutes.

Saklıkent Canyon

Saklıkent is the second-longest canyon in Turkey and a perfect escape from the summer heat. Visitors can walk through its icy waters, waterfalls, and natural pools. Located in Seydikemer, Muğla, Saklıkent is ideal for a day trip from Kalkan. It is approximately 39 km from Lures Hotel, about a 40–45-minute drive.

Xanthos Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Xanthos, once the capital of ancient Lycia, is located near the village of Kınık. With a history dating back to the 8th century BC, it was the largest administrative centre of Lycia and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. The city witnessed key events during the Persian and Roman periods and was twice destroyed and rebuilt. Visitors can explore ruins such as the theatre, tomb monuments, and inscriptions. Xanthos is around 19 km from Lures Hotel, a 25–30-minute drive.

Letoon Ancient Sanctuary

Letoon, in Kumluova (Seydikemer), was the religious centre of the Lycian civilization. Dating back to the 7th century BC, it features three temples dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children, Apollo and Artemis. Letoon is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1988) and located just 4 km from Xanthos. From Lures Hotel, it is about 19 km away—a 20 minute drive.

Antiphellos Ancient City

Antiphellos is the ancient Lycian city located where modern-day Kaş stands. Originally a harbour settlement, it grew to be an important member of the Lycian League. "Antiphellos" means “opposite of Phellos.” The well-preserved ancient theatre, facing the sea, had a capacity of 4000 and is still used for cultural events. Visitors can also see rock tombs, sarcophagi, ancient roads, and ruins. It is within walking distance of Kaş centre, offering a mix of historical and natural beauty.

Lycian King’s Tomb (Lion Sarcophagus)

The King's Tomb in the heart of Kaş is one of the most striking Lycian monuments. Commonly called the “Lions' Sarcophagus,” it dates back to the 4th century BC. Carved from a single piece of stone, it features lion reliefs on both ends of the lid. The inscription in the Lycian language remains undeciphered, adding a layer of mystery. Located among the shops and restaurants of Kaş, it offers a time-traveling glimpse into ancient history—easily accessible and impressive.