Kalkan is the Turkish Riviera's most exclusive address — a whitewashed Ottoman hillside village tumbling down to a deep turquoise harbour, beloved by discerning British, European, and international travellers for its stunning boutique hotels, rooftop restaurants with sweeping Lycian Coast views, and the legendary Kaputaş Beach just 10 minutes away. MRT VIP Transfer covers the 3-hour drive from Antalya Airport for a fixed €230 in a luxury Mercedes.
Kalkan is not a resort in the traditional sense — there's no beach within the village itself, but the harbour swimming platform, infinity pool hotels, and easy access to Kaputaş and Patara beaches more than compensate. What Kalkan offers instead is atmosphere, fine dining, and exclusivity that few Turkish destinations can match.
Kalkan's Rooftop Restaurants & Dining Scene
Kalkan has, per capita, one of the best restaurant scenes in Turkey. Dozens of rooftop restaurants line the hillside, many with unobstructed views across the turquoise harbour and out to sea. The speciality is meze-based Turkish cuisine — long tables of cold mezze followed by fresh fish or grilled meat. Sunset dinner reservations at the harbour-front restaurants fill up quickly in July and August; book the day you arrive. The covered bazaar area at the bottom of town is excellent for fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice and local honey.
Kaputaş Beach: The Lycian Coast's Most Photogenic Cove
Kaputaş Beach is 10 minutes from Kalkan and is arguably the most photographed beach in Turkey — a narrow strip of golden sand framed by towering cliffs, accessible by 187 stone steps leading down from the road above. The water is a luminous turquoise-blue, calm and crystal-clear. It gets very busy in July–August; arrive before 9am or after 5pm for more space. Patara Beach (Turkey's longest beach at 18 km, also an important sea turtle nesting site) is 30 minutes away.
Travel Tips
- Kalkan's cobblestone streets are steep — all hotels have porters or arrangements for luggage; your MRT VIP driver will drop you at the closest vehicle access point.
- Rent a car or scooter for the days you're there — Kalkan itself is walkable but day trips to Kaputaş, Patara, and Kaş require transport.
- Sunset watching from the harbour promenade is a Kalkan institution — find a spot at a harbourfront cafe by 7pm in summer.
- If visiting Patara Beach, note it closes at sunset to protect sea turtle nesting — plan accordingly and bring your own shade as the beach has no umbrellas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kalkan from Antalya Airport?
Kalkan is approximately 190 km southwest of Antalya Airport — about 3 hours by private transfer along the D400 Lycian Coast highway.
Does Kalkan have a beach?
Kalkan town itself has no sandy beach — there's a harbour swimming platform and several hotel infinity pools. The magnificent Kaputaş Beach is 10 minutes away by car, and Patara Beach (18 km long) is 30 minutes away.
Is Kalkan more expensive than other Turkish resorts?
Yes — Kalkan is at the premium end of the Turkish Riviera. Hotel prices, restaurant meals, and activities tend to be higher than in Antalya or Side. However, the quality and exclusivity justify the premium for most visitors.
Can we combine Kalkan and Kaş in one trip?
Yes — Kaş is only 30 minutes from Kalkan. Many visitors base themselves in Kalkan and take a day trip to Kaş for diving, Kekova boat tours, and shopping. MRT VIP can arrange point-to-point transfers between the two.