Two years ago this July, we booked a family holiday in Kalkan. We decided to take advantage of the unusual circumstances—we were in the midst of a pandemic—and the airlines’ decision to permit travelers to use their flight paths. After we discussed how we should take a chance and try a new location, I happened to Google “villa vacation Turkey” even though I had never heard of Kalkan before. My brother and his family travel to Turkey every year, so we had heard good things about the country and were huge fans of its reputation for consistently hot summer temperatures. As a family, we live for holidays. We have always planned to take our kids as many places as we can afford to ensure that they know there is life outside of the UK that deserves to be explored. I was partially raised in Hong Kong and have always desired to live abroad, even though circumstances have always prevented me from achieving this goal—give me ten years, and I’ll be there. We have put a lot of effort into making it possible for them to visit different places and engage with different cultures so they can develop a deeper awareness of the world that is larger than their own. I find it really important that they do this.
On paper, Kalkan looked as if it might be perfect. Blue seas, blue skies and we could fly from Leeds Bradford which is generally my benchmark. Two years ago, it was hard for our family of four (two adults, a 10-year-old, an 18-year-old, and an 18-year-old) to find a vacation spot that suited everyone. Eight years ago, our tick box list was a piece of cake. During their stress-free all-inclusive vacation, the kids had access to the pool, buffet dinner, snack bar, drinks on demand, and mini disco thanks to a colorful wristband. You’ll note I didnt add Kids Club into that equation. This is because, on any given holiday, my three children have resolutely refused to even entertain the idea of visiting the esteemed Kids Club. We never even reached the point of signing them in. During those three days with the children under ten, I would have given anything to be able to spend a few hours by the pool alone with Joe, reading a book and sipping a cold white wine in the sun. They were kept occupied by an accommodating Kids Club member elsewhere. NEVER HAPPENED. In reality, we had hectic days where we switched childcare providers roughly every 30 minutes and became irritated when we noticed each other relaxing. Concurrently, the well-mannered children, who recognized their parents’ desire for “me time,” enthusiastically trailed a representative who was enacting the Choo Choo Train around the swimming area. Honestly.
Nowadays, ticking everyones boxes is a little more difficult. Basically, the ultimate wish list for both Joe and my children would be as follows. 1). Super modern villa with an interior that bears no resemblance whatsoever to our house (rude). 2). Walking distance to shops selling things that they want to buy. 3). Restaurants serving food that all the family will eat, namely breaded chicken dishes and chips. 4). Bars that fulfill the expectations of my two older children so they can go out when the mood takes them, or bars that serve pink gin and lemonade and Jagerbombs 5) Pool big enough to play games in. 6). Guaranteed sunshine and no clouds. 7). Full bar, strong wifi everywhere, especially by the pool and preferably IN the pool. No pressure. We looked through a lot of travel websites and found that Kalkan seemed to meet a lot of these requirements, so we took a chance and booked a weeklong stay. Here’s the low-down and what we got up to.
Yo fellow wanderlusters! Planning a trip to the stunning Turkish Riviera and wondering if Kalkan is a safe bet? You’ve landed in the right spot. Let’s dive deep into the safety scene in this picturesque town, uncovering potential risks and equipping you with the knowledge to navigate like a seasoned pro.
Crime Rates: A Lowdown
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – crime rates. Breathe easy, globetrotters, because Kalkan boasts impressively low crime rates. You can stroll through the charming streets without constantly clutching your belongings, feeling relatively secure.
However, like any tourist hotspot, petty crimes like pickpocketing do exist Keep your wits about you in crowded areas, especially markets and bazaars, and safeguard your valuables.
A Word on Passport Thefts
Heads up, travelers! There have been isolated reports of passport thefts from rented villas, including safes, in Didim, Kas, Kalkan, and the Fethiye/Hisaronu/Ovacik areas. While this shouldn’t send you into a panic spiral, it’s crucial to be extra cautious.
Here’s how you can outsmart potential thieves:
- Choose reputable villa rentals with enhanced security measures.
- Don’t leave your passport lying around in plain sight.
- Consider using a safe deposit box at your accommodation.
- Make copies of your passport and keep them separate from the original.
Road Safety: Buckle Up for a Smooth Ride
Hitting the road in Kalkan? Buckle up, folks! Traffic accidents are a leading cause of concern in Turkey. Be extra vigilant, especially when driving at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Here are some tips for staying safe on the roads:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations.
- Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Be cautious of pedestrians and animals crossing the road.
- If you’re unsure about road conditions, opt for taxis or public transportation.
Natural Hazards: Be Prepared for Mother Nature’s Whims
Kalkan, like many coastal regions, is susceptible to earthquakes and wildfires. While these events are unpredictable, staying informed and prepared can minimize risks.
Here’s how to be earthquake-ready:
- Familiarize yourself with the earthquake safety procedures at your accommodation.
- Locate the nearest evacuation routes and emergency exits.
- Keep a first-aid kit and essential supplies handy.
To prepare for wildfires:
- Stay updated on fire warnings and evacuation orders.
- Avoid starting open fires or using fireworks.
- Be mindful of dry vegetation and potential fire hazards.
Health Concerns: Stay Healthy and Happy
Traveling to a new destination often raises health concerns. In Kalkan, tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available if you prefer.
Here are some additional health tips:
- Pack essential medications and a first-aid kit.
- Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and travel insurance.
- Be aware of food hygiene and avoid consuming street food from questionable sources.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Embrace Local Customs: Respect Goes a Long Way
Immersing yourself in the local culture is a key part of any travel experience. In Kalkan, respecting local customs goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here are some cultural considerations:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.
- Avoid public displays of affection, as it may be considered offensive.
- Learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Be mindful of local customs and traditions, showing respect and understanding.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers: Stay Alert and Connected
Going alone? Don’t worry! Kalkan is generally safe for travelers traveling alone, but you should always be extra cautious.
Here are some safety tips for solo adventurers:
- Inform someone about your travel plans and itinerary.
- Stay connected with friends and family back home.
- Choose well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
- Trust your instincts and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Consider joining organized tours or group activities to meet fellow travelers.
Emergency Numbers: Keep Them Handy
In case of an emergency, knowing the essential contact numbers is crucial. Here are some important numbers to keep handy:
- Emergency services: 112
- Police: 155
- Fire department: 110
- Ambulance: 112
Additional Resources:
- Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/
- British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey
- US State Department: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/turkey-travel-advisory.html
Remember, staying safe while traveling is all about being proactive and informed. By following these tips and using common sense, you can have an incredible and memorable experience in Kalkan, Turkey.
So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready to explore the beauty of Kalkan with confidence!
How Did We Get There?
We flew Jet2 from Leeds Bradford, which is my favorite airport ever since it’s my home and is 45 minutes away via gorgeous Yorkshire villages with on-site parking. I always enjoy going to Gatwick even though it has traumatized me on most of my adult travels and I view it as a place of hell. Actually, the flights from Leeds to Dalaman aren’t that great. They arrive late in the afternoon and get there almost midnight, and the flights take off simultaneously. This causes my husband, who usually goes to bed by nine, a lot of stress. Usually, we would rent a car and explore the area, but initially, we decided against it because we had never been there before and, to be honest, we were just glad to get away. Instead, we wanted to make the trip as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Furthermore, it didn’t appeal to search for our rental car at midnight and venture into the unknown. For roughly £130 total, or £26 per person, I used Holiday Taxis to book a private minibus—which is required if you are taking more than two children abroad. Considering that I would have had to pay this much for a black taxi ride from York station to get home, I didn’t think that was too bad. This was a wise decision because we had no desire to leave our villa once we were settled in. You can rent a car for around £40-60 a day if you so wished.
What Did We Do?
Mostly sat by the pool, although it was EXTREMELY hot, sometimes even too hot for me which is unheard of. The villa had enough to keep the kids occupied during the day and I read at least three books whilst sitting in the shade admiring the view. We went twice to Indigo Beach Club (Kalamar Beach Club was also close to us but we never managed to book in in time due to poor planning) which broke up the week nicely. It doesn’t have a beach but it has a huge decking platform set into the rocks from which you can swim and snorkel (or sip a cocktail from your sunbed, whatever suits). Indigo is next to Aristos Water Sports Centre and Max learned to waterski whilst we were there – you can book one to one lessons alongside the obligatory inflatable fun. There’s a restaurant too so you can come out of the sun for a few hours at lunchtime. Our villa host, Julie, also recommended and booked Therapy Boat for us so that we could take a half day trip out to see the sights. It was £200 for the morning which included drinks, snacks and the most fantastic meze lunch which was freshly prepared and served on board. It is absolutely worth doing this – the coastline is amazing and the boat regularly stopped for us to swim and snorkel. You don’t need to go far to take the trip either – the boats go from the harbour which is right in the centre of the town which is extremely handy.
Important Information: If you are at the top like we were, the hill is indeed steep, as I previously mentioned (in the Ortaalan area) I would be reluctant to recommend it to people who are physically challenged because it is challenging work even for the most physically fit. However, you can rent villas that are located much further down the hill. Everywhere you look, you can find taxis for a few pounds, and the town has a central rank where you can always find a free car. Anyone who has visited Turkey during the height of summer knows how unbelievably hot it is there. In fact, it is so hot that I was unable to use a hairdryer, which is unheard of for me. My hair was in a constant state of Crystal Tipps. But anyway, I’m getting off topic. Every night, after having a few cocktails, it was too much to walk down a very steep hill. It wasn’t even worth considering, especially after you were dressed for going out in the intense heat. For this reason, we took taxis to get to and from the town.
WHY IS KALKAN IN TURKEY A UNIQUE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
FAQ
Is Kalkan Turkey is safe for tourists?
What is Kalkan in Turkey like?
Is it safe for Americans to travel to Turkey?
Is Kalkan expensive?
Is Kalkan a good place to live?
Kalkan, like its neighbor Kas, is a lovely Turkish beach town. While most travelers spend their time enjoying the sun and sea, history buffs will appreciate Kalkan’s proximity to several ancient Lycian cities. If you’ll be in town for more than a day, consider renting a villa—you’ll love the chance to live like a local in such a beautiful spot.
How to get to Kalkan in Turkey?
However, if you wish to explore the surrounding areas or visit nearby attractions, you can easily hire a taxi or rent a car. Additionally, dolmus (minibuses) operate regular routes between Kalkan and neighboring towns, providing an affordable and convenient transportation option. The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
Why is Kalkan so popular?
It’s as justly popular for its excellent restaurants as its small but central beach. Just be aware that Kalkan is pricier and more dominated by British holiday-home residents and tourists than most other coastal spots, including nearby Kaş. Experience the real Kalkan.
Is Kalkan in Antalya a good place to stay?
Kalkan in Antalya offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses and private villas, there’s something for everyone. Many accommodations offer stunning views of the sea and convenient access to the town center and attractions.