The story of Kalkan
- By Simpson Travel
- 21 May 2025
- Where to go
Kalkan has been part of the Simpson Travel family for well over a decade, and was popular with Simply Travel guests as far back as the mid-1990s. Inevitably, much has changed, so we caught up with Product Director Mathew Simpson to hear his thoughts on the development of Kalkan from tiny fishing village to the vibrant resort it is today.
Image: Courtesy of ‘Old Kalkan Photos’ Facebook
“The warmth and appreciation of visitors is as genuine now as it ever was, and Brits are particularly welcome, be it your first visit or your 15th.”
When did you first go to Kalkan, and why?
My first visit was with a girlfriend in 2006. I remember my dad Graham talking about how special it was in the 90s, so we thought we’d check it out. I loved the atmosphere there from day one – so much positive energy about the place. The standard of accommodation was pretty remarkable even then, and I’ll never forget the first time I ate at one of the roof top restaurants – amazing! It really felt like a place that was on the up, and that vibe is still there today.
Kalkan Harbour c1980
Your first visit was almost 20 years ago. What changes have you seen?
There’s a lot of healthy competition between the owners to build ever-more luxurious properties, which is great news for guests as the villas just keep on getting better and better. The quality is honestly the best you’ll get pretty much anywhere in Europe, but at very competitive prices compared to say Ibiza or Corsica. You get this same drive for improvement right across the board in Kalkan, so each time I go back I’ll see that maybe one of the beach clubs has had an upgrade, or a restaurant has revamped its menu – it’s constantly evolving to keep up with what people want.
Kalkan Harbour today
The food in Kalkan was always good, but now it’s also really innovative. I’m on the road a lot for work, and typical Greek and Turkish food can get a bit samey after a while, so I love it when I get to eat in Kalkan. The steaks here are superb, but what most people rave about is the fusion food – a mix of Mediterranean and Asian flavours that are as unique as Kalkan itself. Another great innovation is our meze delivery service – hands down the best way to start your holiday. Boring as it might be, one thing I really appreciate is the new road from the airport. It used to take up to 4 hours back in the 90s, and now you can do it in an hour and 40 minutes which is a total game changer.
Patara Theatre
“The quality is honestly the best you’ll get pretty much anywhere in Europe, but at very competitive prices compared to say Ibiza or Corsica.”
Is anything still the same?
Yes – the hospitality for one. When I went back five years after my first visit, I was staggered to be recognised by a restaurant owner who remembered that I’d been before and sat at one of his tables reading Louis de Bernières! Returning guests get this kind of recognition all over Kalkan, and I see people being greeted in our hotels like old friends. The warmth and appreciation of visitors is as genuine now as it ever was, and Brits are particularly welcome, be it your first visit or your 15th. There are villas all around the hillsides now, but the centre of the town is protected by preservation orders on the old Greek buildings – you can’t even change the windows, so there is still a sense of the old Kalkan there, with plenty of colourful bougainvillea and Ottoman balconies in amongst the vintage clothing shops and the ‘designer’ bargains!
And of course, the history of this area goes back way, way further than the origins of Kalkan. There are many Lycian sites nearby, and if you take a trip out to the ruins at Patara and walk a little way along the 11km beach at sunset, you feel like you’ve stepped back 1000s of years. If you want to get a taste of traditional Turkey you can still find it easily in the surrounding villages. We have villas in Islamlar and Üzümlü, Kalkan’s much quieter cousins about a 15-minute drive away in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. These are ideal if you want to dip in and out of the Kalkan fun, and still have an authentic Turkish base.
View from Islamlar
Any future predictions for Kalkan?
There’s such a positive mind-set here that I’m sure it will continue to innovate and impress us all. However, the geography of the bay and the hills behind are naturally limiting features, so I don’t expect it will grow much bigger. We are very much invested in the well-being of Kalkan and its wonderful people, and my feeling is that it will continue to thrive.
YOUR KALKAN BONUS
The villas are amazing, the views are sublime and the food is simply outstanding, and as if that wasn’t enough, all our guests can also enjoy these three essential Kalkan experiences, with our compliments:
Turquoise Coast Cruise
Spend the day on a traditional-style gület, cruising the deep blue of Kalkan bay to sea caves and secluded beaches, with time to swim and a generous buffet lunch included.
Traditional Hamam
Enjoy a steamy hamam at the Kalkan Regency spa: a delightfully soapy, soothing, scented way to relax.
Indigo Beach Club
Loungers, sunbathing platforms, watersports and an excellent restaurant await: just take your Simpson Travel beach towel for complimentary access.
A selection of our favourites
Tepe Ev
Sleeps 4
An elevated position means outstanding views, not just over Kalkan but as far as the Xanthos valley and Patara beach beyond.
Villa Sultan
Sleeps 8
Set just above the Palm Beach Club and close to all Kalkan’s attractions, stylish Sultan is perfect for a group or family with teens.
White Collection - Villa Sun
Sleeps 2
It’s so rare to find small properties with their own pool, which is why we love this one-bedroom gem with sweeping sea views.
Eden Collection - Azra
Sleeps 10
The epitome of Kalkan’s signature style: lofty living spaces, luxury bedrooms, sleek décor and vast walls of glass framing panoramic views.
Villa Zaffre
Sleeps 8
With four bedrooms and a rooftop bar, Zaffre has the feel of a luxurious small hotel, a fantastic base for a group or family party.
