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About Lycia

At the southwest corner of the Turkish coast lies one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas of the Mediterranean. This region, called the Teke Peninsula, was known in the antiquity as Lycia.
Stretching roughly from modern Fethiye (Telmessus) to the Bay of Antalya, the boundries of Lycia were: Caria to the west, Pamphylia to the East, Pisidia and Phrygia to the North and the Mediterranean Sea to the South.
The Taurus Mountains range reaching heights of 3,000 meters (Mt. Akdag), isolates the province in a horseshoe formation and makes the area very rugged. The rivers flowing from sources in these mountains have created fertile valleys with alluvial deltas.
Traveling from East to West, most important of these deltas are:
· Alakir (Limyros) and Başgöz (Arycandos) -> Fenike Plain (the largest in Lycia)
· Demre (Myros) -> Demre Plain
· Esen (Xanthos) -> Kinik Plain
· Kizildere (Glaucos) -> Fethiye Plain
· Dalaman (Indos) -> Dalaman Plain
Tha mountains, mainly composed of limestone, are covered with the typical Mediterranean "maquis" and dotted with wild olive and carob trees at the lower altitudes. On the high ground, up to an altitude of 2,000 meters, there are mostly oak and pine forests; the most typical species being storax, red and yellow pine and cedar which have provided wood for the shipyards building crafts for thousands of years. Cedars as old as 2,000 years can be seen in the Antalya region.
The coastal plains are covered with lush vegetation consisting mainly of citrus trees and a relative newcomer - Eucalyptus - which was introduced from Australia in the 1940s.
The Christian Lycia
Today Turkey is a civil state with a Muslim population of 98% but this has not always been the case as a quick glance at the countries chronological table will show.
In 392 AD. Theodosius the Great made Christianity the state religion and it remained so until the last Byzantium emperor, Constantine XI, died in battle in 1453.
Long before the birth of Christianity one learns from the Bible that much of the Old Testament drama happened on soil which is today defined as Turkey. The Garden of Eden, for example is placed in the fertile plain embraced between the Tigrus and Euphrates Rivers which have their sources in Turkey and the final resting place of Noah’s Ark is thought to be at Mt. Ararat, north of Lake Van.
Close by here in the province of Antalya, which in the days of the Classical Greeks and Romans, was known as Lycia. There is much evidence to be found supporting the very early Christian Church and the ruins of those young Byzantine Churches are to be seen at Xanthos, Letoon, Patara and other sites. Patara, especially, figured in quite a major way and is mentioned in the New Testament (Acts. 21:1-2) where the third missionary journey of St. Paul and St. Luke is written about.
"And it came to pass, that after we were gotten form them and had launched, we came with a strait course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. Second, and finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went abroad and set forth."
In all probability, the Chritian Church was established in Patara in Apostolic times.
St. Nicholas of Myra (St. Claus) was born at Patara (BC.300) and spent his youth there and in AD. 325, bishop Eudemus of Patara attended the Council of Nicea.
Sea Caves Of Lycia
The most important sea caves in Lycia can be seen during a boat trip from Kalkan. Traveling from west to east the caves are:
Güvercinlik, four kilometers from Kalkan, is the home of hundreds of wild pigeons. This cave is only accessible to swimmers even though the entrance is very wide. One of the most important underwater coastal streams emerges from this cave causing the water temperature to drop from 25-30°C in summer to 13°C.
Güvercinini, opposite Güvercinlik, this cave is approximately 40 m. long and 30 m. high. The entrance is very narrow an it is only accessible to swimmers, and of course, the pigeons and bats who make their homes in the cracks of the ceiling. It is preferrable to visit this cave an hour or two before the sunset to appreciate the effects caused by the reflecting light. The deep blue color seen when looking out underwater towards the entrance is marvelous.
The Blue Cave. The entrance to the Blue Cave can be seen at its location two kilometers to the East, beyond beautiful Kaputaş Beach. This cave has the distinction of being the largest known sea cave in Turkey (50 m. long, 35 m. wide and 17 m. high) and before the frequent intrusion of tourists it was inhabited by Mediterranean seals. Again the deep blue color is especially remarkable when looking out to sea from the inside of the cave and this effect is enhanced when diving with a mask.
There are other sea caves in Lycia and the most important of these are between Fethiye and Ölüdeniz; Salim and Iblis sea caves. Kekova Island’s South Shore sea cave. Asirli Island sea cave (close to Kekova).

 

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 Kaputaş, 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.

HOW TO GET TO THE 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 Elmalı, there are two good roads which link with Kaş and Finike. In spite of the rugged nature of the countryside, the road system is constantly being improved.

BY AİR
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 Kuşadası or İzmir 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.

 

Kalkan Beaches and Beach Clubs

 

Kalkan has man made pebble beach, which is situated in the Old Town to the east of the harbour. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for hire and there are plenty of nearby cafes for refreshments, toilets and a shower.



More notably however are the sandy beaches at Kaputas and Patara a short distance away.



Kaputas beach is just a 5 minutes bus ride from Kalkan along the Kas road. A natural sandy sheltered beach with beautiful turquoise blue water in the cove of the gorge. 



Patara beach, a 20 minute bus ride from town in the direction of Fethiye, is Turkey's longest and widest sandy beach, measuring 18km in length and shelving gently into sea. The beach has not been spoilt by development and is closed a night to protect the resident Loggerhead turtles who make for the sand to lay their eggs.

Kalkan Beach Clubs

At the last count Kalkan boasted seven beach clubs, all with sun beds and umbrellas for hire, water sports, cafes and toilet facilities.
The largest of these is the Patara Prince resort, with its sun bathing platforms at the shore line as well as two sea water filled pools (including an adults only pool) and restaurant directly on the sea front. A water taxi run from the harbour to ferry guests across to Patara Prince. There is a charge for the water taxi and use of the facilities.



The Villa Mahal Beach Club is part of the Villa Maha Boutique Hotel. A smaller and relaxing beach club with water front cafe/restaurant. A water taxi runs from the harbour across to Mahal and there is a hire charge for sun beds.



The Kalkan Beach Park is the most popular with the locals offering a free water taxi service from the harbour and free sun beds. The most child friendly, this beach club has a small beach area from which you can safely walk into the shallow of the sea. As well as a restaurant and cafe bar, which serves excellent pizza and homemade chips, there is a water slide and water sports during the peak summer.



Palm Beach Club just along the bay from the harbour is one of Kalkan's more recent additions. Very stylish and immaculately clean it is a fantastic place to drop in for lunch or an early dinner and watch the lights of the town. A water taxi runs from Kalkan harbour during the day time.



Kalamar Bay Beach Club a firm favorite of many holiday makers to Kalkan operates a free shuttle service from the top of the Old Town to Kalamar Bay. Undergone considerable extension this winter it is anticipated to open its new beach area this summer 2008. A water front cafe/restaurant and water sport facilities are available.



IBO Beach Club is sited on the rear of the harbour wall and Yali Beach Club a 10 minute walk along the road running on the shore line west of the harbour.

 

The Patara Waterway

On your way back to Kalkan turn left at the entrance of "Yesilköy" (the large village after the Patara junction). The dust road climbing to the South will lead you to one of the engineering masterpieces of antiquity: The Patara Waterway (Delik Kemer).
The aqueduct stands 10 meters high, built in typical Lycian masonry with large pentagonal stones. A closed hose type waterway, formed by hand-carved hollowed rock blocks is supported by this structure. The system, called a siphon, crosses the valley, which avoided having to construct an enormous aqueduct raised to the same level. It is worth the trouble to climb up to the top to see details like the vertical holes to reduce pressure, the precision of the fittings, etc. A beautiful plunging view of the Mediterranean can be enjoyed from the top of the aqueduct (2.7 km from the main road and well worth a visit despite the poor condition of the road).