Gonca’s guidebook
Beach
The longest and most magnificent beach in Turkey. The Daily Telegraph says it is ‘one of the longest and best in the entire Mediterranean’ -18km of fine white sand and even in high season you can find deserted stretches! It is being used in films as a desert scene background as it has unbelievable sand dunes as well. This beach is famous for the yearly return of caretta turtles who lay their eggs in the sand so it’s a protected area and at sunset the beach closes. It is only 10 minutes away from Kalkan by dolmus or minibus which run every half an hour and costs a couple of pounds. As Patara is not developed there is only place to eat. The big beach hut does a great tuna salad and serves drinks. Patara is not just about the beach; it was one of the 6 principle town of Lycia so on your way to the beach you will walk through the ancient ruins dominated by the dilapidated 5000-seat theatre . Next door is the bouleuterion, ancient Patara's 'parliament' where it is believed members of the Lycian League met. Nearby there are tombs and roman baths.
Did you know St Nicolas or Father Christmas originates from here?
308 locals recommend
Patara Beach
The longest and most magnificent beach in Turkey. The Daily Telegraph says it is ‘one of the longest and best in the entire Mediterranean’ -18km of fine white sand and even in high season you can find deserted stretches! It is being used in films as a desert scene background as it has unbelievable sand dunes as well. This beach is famous for the yearly return of caretta turtles who lay their eggs in the sand so it’s a protected area and at sunset the beach closes. It is only 10 minutes away from Kalkan by dolmus or minibus which run every half an hour and costs a couple of pounds. As Patara is not developed there is only place to eat. The big beach hut does a great tuna salad and serves drinks. Patara is not just about the beach; it was one of the 6 principle town of Lycia so on your way to the beach you will walk through the ancient ruins dominated by the dilapidated 5000-seat theatre . Next door is the bouleuterion, ancient Patara's 'parliament' where it is believed members of the Lycian League met. Nearby there are tombs and roman baths.
Did you know St Nicolas or Father Christmas originates from here?
Sightseeing
it is around 30-minute drive from Kalkan and is a 17km canyon, the longest in Turkey. Did you know that it was caused by an earthquake that happened 200,000 years ago? You should do the walk in this huge canyon which is quite safe, but please make sure you get one of the experienced guides (who are local and know every inch of the place). It will only cost you £15-£20 or whatever you think it is fair as a tip. After the walk you will be so hungry and ready to taste lovely “Gozleme” – (traditional Turkish pastry filled with cheese or meat) or whatever you like in one of the floating restaurants on the river.
434 locals recommend
Saklıkent National Park
No : 26 Saklıkent Sokakit is around 30-minute drive from Kalkan and is a 17km canyon, the longest in Turkey. Did you know that it was caused by an earthquake that happened 200,000 years ago? You should do the walk in this huge canyon which is quite safe, but please make sure you get one of the experienced guides (who are local and know every inch of the place). It will only cost you £15-£20 or whatever you think it is fair as a tip. After the walk you will be so hungry and ready to taste lovely “Gozleme” – (traditional Turkish pastry filled with cheese or meat) or whatever you like in one of the floating restaurants on the river.
Neighborhoods
Trout Farms & Perfect Food to Eat - If you want to escape from the heat, head for Islamlar, you will find the trout farms. You can dine open air very cheaply and overlook the mountain valley with a spectacular view to the sea, while enjoying your excellent meal of meze; olives, cheese, aubergine, rocket salad and the best home cooked chips, just like my nan used to make and of course fresh trout. There probably won’t be a menu but you can guarantee that what you eat will be very fresh and locally produced. It might be worth taking a phrase book as not everyone speaks much English but that’s all part of the charm.
17 locals recommend
İslamlar
Trout Farms & Perfect Food to Eat - If you want to escape from the heat, head for Islamlar, you will find the trout farms. You can dine open air very cheaply and overlook the mountain valley with a spectacular view to the sea, while enjoying your excellent meal of meze; olives, cheese, aubergine, rocket salad and the best home cooked chips, just like my nan used to make and of course fresh trout. There probably won’t be a menu but you can guarantee that what you eat will be very fresh and locally produced. It might be worth taking a phrase book as not everyone speaks much English but that’s all part of the charm.