Villa with amazing views
Kalkan is the most attractive Turkish fishing village which has not been too upset by the growth of tourism except for the increase in built villas. It is still very Turkish in appearance and feel.
Our villa is just on the town limits of Kalkan located on a hillside which means we enjoy the wonderful views over Kalkan Bay, Patara Beach and into the mountains. It is in a very peaceful, rural area but only five minutes drive to Kalkan harbourside.
It was this peaceful setting and stunning views that made us fall in love with this new build villa.
The villa has a VERY large pool and terrace area. There are eight wooden sun loungers with cushions, five parasols and a table and chairs so that you are able to enjoy the views and the large swimming pool. (pool shared with Airhouse Villa hence lower rental charge)
There is also a separate patio area with raised flower beds where you can sit quietly enjoying the shade reading a book.
On the roof of the villa is a well appointed terrace where you can sit under the pergola on the sofa and enjoy the view. The barbeque is located here so that you can barbeque your evening meal and sit at the glass topped wrought iron table enjoying the view and the stunning sunset over the mountains.
The use of a car is advisable and the villa has private car car parking to the front of the property. However, taxis are numerous, inexpensive and easily ordered using your mobile phone. The Dolmus (bus) frequently runs past the end of the road - this too is very cheap.
Facilities inside the villa
The villa is furnished to a high standard.
The main rooms have verandahs outside and all windows have insect screens attached.
The kitchen is fully fitted and comprises a full sized dual fuel cooker, extra large fridge freezer, dish washer, automatic washing machine, toaster, juicer, and more than enough cutlery and china to accomodate eight people. Cooking equipment is limited. You can very easily prepare and cook breakfasts and simple lunches but it would be difficult to cook a roast dinner - and who really wants to do that on holiday!
There is a dining area with a table and six chairs.
The living area comprises two large sofas (one is a sofa bed), Satellite television, DVD/CD player, a selection of DVDs.
Coffee table and Bookcase (with a large selection of books that guests can read and take with them)
These living areas enjoy air conditioning.
Both Dining area and Living area have french doors to open for the view or a breeze. However, the room has air conditioning.
Verandah - table and chairs where you can sit and drink coffee simply admiring the views.
Separate toilet - useful for when using the living areas.
Master bedroom - Is a very large air conditioned room comprising a KING sized bed with bedside cupboards, large walk-in wardrobe, dressing table with hair dryer, en suite bathroom comprising loo, basin, bath with shower over, bathroom cupboard and mirror. Through the french windows of the bedroom is a verandah.
Second bedroom - is a large twin bedded room is air conditioned with a dressing table and hair dryer, large walk in wardrobe,a large en suite wet room (shower room) with loo and basin. This room also has french windows through to a verandah.
Single bedroom - comprises single bed and bedroom furniture and air conditioning unit.
What to do and where to go
Kalkan is set against a picturesque harbourside. It boasts many small family run shops selling all sorts from clothes to leather goods to Ottoman china and glassware. Although the village depends on the tourist it is not really a commercial touristy place. Turkey is the home of designer goods all copies of course! However, there are very good copies available - e.g. Gucci, Mulberry and Fendi handbags or Armani, 501 and Hilfiger jeans. You do have to be quite discerning about the quality though!
There are a few businesses that organise day trips - to such places as Xanthos or Tlos- archeological ruins of towns (well worth visiting), or river walking up the Saklikent Gorge. The best trip in 2007 was the boat trip to the sunken city Visit the protected beach at Patara - miles of almost white sand or use the village beach (small and pebbley). Across from this beach is a water sports centre (will collect you for free on their water launch) where you can jet ski, snorkel and water ski to name a few sports. Go on a day trip to certain other beaches and hope to see turtles or go for a mud bath. Go on a horse trekking day or rough terrain driving in jeeps.
Some local hotels hold Turkish evenings which are worth going to - experience the local culture. You can also get a Turkish bath and massage here.
Kalkan has a varied choice in cafes and restaurants. It is possible to eat for about £4.00 rising to £25.00 per head. Try Turkish food - it is absolutely delicious - not at all curryish - simply tasty. Chicken casserole is always a good choice and it tastes quite different from different restaurants! The average charge per head in the summer of 2007 seemed to be about £10.00 (including drinks). My favourite restaurant is Gironde - pricey but worth every Turkish Lira worth visiting if you have a special celebration whilst on holiday.
Most restaurants also cater for the English palate - steak and chips and pizza.
The night life in Kalkan is quite sedate. The bars are frequented by both the tourist and the locals and tend to close when the last customer leaves. There is no rowdiness or drunkeness in Kalkan. In all Kalkan is the most lovely village offering the tourist a memorable holiday.