TRAVEL GUIDE

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS ;

PATARA

Patara, Patara, the taxi and Dolmus drivers shout.

Patara is a quaint Turkish village filled with an eclectic mix of traditional pensions and restaurant’s offering affordable accommodation for those seeking a truly get away from it all holiday.

Having a certain quirkiness, the village oozes rustic charm with most of the restaurant’s run by local families serving authentic Turkish cuisine providing a fusion of spices filling the air with pungent aromatic aromas.

Patara has not been subjected to mass tourism, which makes it the perfect place to unwind, destress and having a warm friendly welcome awaiting you to tend to your every need you will leave feeling relaxed and revitalised

As you enter the village the rich vibrancy of the lush flora and forna awakens your senses, the local farmers producing sweet tomatoes, peppers, succulent cucumbers and aubergines grown in the rows of covered greenhouses next to olive and lemon groves.

Travelling further into the village you are greeted by the magnificent national park; the well intact triple gateway provides a monumental entrance. The ancient ruins of xanthos steeped in history, provide home for the rich wildlife and wading birds, friendly goats wander freely amongst the fields whilst a team of archaeologists every summer excavate and renovate the vast ruins, the ancient parliament buildings with the semi-circle rows of stone seating can be clearly seen, many of the ruins are still undiscovered but more recently the remains of what is thought might be the oldest lighthouse in the world have been found.

The national park is best explored in the morning before the blistering heat of the afternoon sun, where you can meander and take in the breath-taking views before heading down the cobbled road to the 12km of golden sandy beach where fruit sellers sit selling cactus fruit a local delicacy.

The beach is a famous breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles and is closed from the months of May to October, giving the turtles peace to lay their eggs.

There is plenty of space to unwind, people watch or just take in the peaceful atmosphere, it is the ideal place to soak up the sun, situated amidst the back drop of the surrounding rugged mountains.

A refreshing light breeze blowing across the dunes enables you to walk along the shallow waters edge feeling the soft sand sifting through your toes, the cool opulent waters of the Mediterranean are a real jewel in the ottoman crown.

The beach has plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas and a large café serving snacks, drinks, ice cream and the traditional Turkish Gozleme, pancakes, these are made freshly by the local woman with a variety of fillings.

There are showers and toilet facilities which enables you to make a full day of indulging yourself on this beautiful piece of the Turkish Riviera.

KALKAN MARKET

Kalkans Quaint Traditional Market. As I saunter up the steep cobbled hill towards the Kelebeck hotel and the Mustafa Ozgen Mosque, one of three traditional mosques in Kalakn, a stray dog wanders past nonchalantly, the old man sat on the bench raises his walking stick “merhaba” he shouts to me. Local traders are busy setting up their stalls amongst the residential area, the sun is beginning to rise over the bay and the air is sweet and filled with the aromatic aromas of spices infusing the atmosphere, the vibrancy of the Piysa, Turkish for market is starting to awaken my senses. 

The market is a decent size and set under cover to keep shoppers cool whilst browsing the many stalls. Strolling leisurely taking in the colour and splendour, rows upon rows of mouth-watering dusty Turkish delight, glistening like opulent jewels catch my eye, this symbolic juicy sweet cube tempts and seduces your taste buds, a kaleidoscope of colour. Turkish Delight is part of the fabric of Turkey and I cannot help resist the kind offer to try a succulent piece of this famous ancient sweet that melts on your tongue and leaves a delicate fragrance, a hint of rose or burst of lemon. Further along hessian sacks stuffed and bulging with exotic spices spill onto the street, here I stop to purchase loose bags of my favourites, Turmeric, with its deep yellow colour and gingery peppery flavour, the delicate threads of saffron that are derived from the flower of the crocus and of course, my favourite, Kofte, to help inspire me to recreate my own version of ottoman cuisine. 

As I mingle amongst the locals and tourists, the call of the traders enticing you to peruse over their wares, “cheaper than Asda Price” “ looky look lady, if like you can try, if you like you can buy”. Genuine fine leather goods, as well as fake designer sunglasses, watches, perfumes and clothes, a bargain hunter’s paradise, to haggle is a must and a welcomed social custom, as I stop and watch with amusement the bartering between tourist and seller, the acting of the stall holder is worthy of an Oscar as he appears somewhat hurt at the ludicrously low offer made by the burly gentlemen trying to get a knock down price on his purchases, negotiations reached and all ends well with a shake of hands and new friendships made. Bronze curios shining in the sun, hand painted ceramic meze dishes, olive bowls and decorative plates with their intense bold colours of turquoise, cobalt blue, earthy greens, vivid reds and oranges that will enhance any dinner or coffee table and make excellent gifts. Delicate lace tablecloths, handwoven Turkish linens and thick luxurious cotton bath towels in a rainbow of colours and half the price of our department stores back home.  

The piercing blue of the traditional Glass Eyes, said to ward of the evil eye made into jewellery, charms and wall hangings, traditional belly dancers costumes, felt fezzes, hookah waterpipes, BBQ skewers and hand carved chess and back gammon sets all make memorable momentous. Meandering further into the market, I am greeted by many of the local restaurateurs and bar owners, shopping for fresh locally grown produce that will be served up on tonight’s menus. Once again I feast my eyes upon the carnival of colours, shapes and sizes of, peppers, strong fragrant onions that are sure to set your eyes and mouth watering, succulent beef tomatoes, sweet juicy oranges, lemons and limes, at the same stall I spot one of my favourites, Dates, known as hurma, their flesh plump and wrinkled which adds to the character,  the seller offers me one to try, exotic and decadent with a moist sticky sweet taste, almost a hint of caramel, often referred to as the fruits of paradise and consumed at the end of fasting. Smells produce memories and wandering through the market certainly creates many, I stop for some refreshments at a make shift café situated on the street in the market, I am shown to a table near where the Turkish women sit on a platform cross legged making the traditional pancake (Gozlema) the pancake is light and delicate and filled with goats cheese and parsley, the combination complimenting one and other perfectly.I order a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice the colour similar to the mid-day sunshine that is now bursting through the canvas tarpaulin, as I sit and soak up the atmosphere this really is a nourishing experience, I would highly recommend a morning spent at the market mingling amongst the locals and tourists, it gives you a sense of the community spirit that is so prevalent in this beautiful fishing village. The market is every Thursday from 8:00 am onwards.

 BEACHES & BEACH CLUBS

• Kaputaş Beach: The beach is situated at a distance of 7 from Kalkan, at a point where an extremely narrow valley towered by steep cliffs and forests joins the sea shore in the cove of the same name as the beach (Kaputaş). The beach is quite popular among visitors to the region due to its untouched natural beauty commanded by a view from the heights traversed by the State road D400between Kaş and Kalkan. There are now loos, showers, a cafe bar and changing huts in Kaputaş Beach.. The beach is reached by 170 steps descending from the road. A limited number of parking paces are available at the street side. The beach is guarded by the municipality of Kalkan. There are local small buses from the village centre takes ten minutes to reach.

• Patara Beach : Patara Beach is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches near the ancient Lyciancity of Patarain Turkey, on the coast of the Turkish Riviera. The 18 kilometres (11 mi)-long Patara Beach is the longest in its region and sometimes reaches a width of 200–300 metres. The beach has soft sand and shallow sea. It is one of the places that sea turtlesleave their eggs. Because of this, the beach is under protection. At its easternmost point there is a rocky outcrop looking over a spectacular rocky cove. The single road approach to the beach features ancient sites of archeological interest. Slightly further a field, though well worth the small bus ride (20-30 minutes).

•  Nature & Animals : There are some mosquitos but don’t carry malaria. It will be better to close the windows at day & night times, light will atrract them. There are no poisonous snakes or spiders in Kalkan but there are few scorpions. They are very rare to see but if you get bitten by a scorpion, please ask for a medical assistance. You will see that Kalkan has many street dogs and cats, mostly they are very firendly. We strongly advice not to feed the street animals at your property, which will encourage them to enter your property. You may also see tortoises wandering about and dolphins and turtles are occasionally spotted in Kalkan Bay.

• Beach Clubs : The Mahal and Palm Beach Clubs are a free water taxi ride from the harbour. Kalamar Beach Club is situated in Kalamar Bay, Indigo Beach Club is right by the harbour and the Yali Beach Club is situated a short stroll from the harbour. Some provide sun loungers and parasols free of charge, athough some charge a small fee to hire.