Kalkan Dream

The historic town of Kalkan sits at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, along Turkey's stunning Lycian coast. The charming haven, with its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets and balconies draped in bougainvillea, boasts rich history and a warm culture in a picturesque setting.

Kalkan has not been as heavily touched by tourism as some of its fellow south-coast spots, such as Antalya and Bodrum. With a slightly more refined ambience, which The Guardian once likened to 'the Italian Riviera minus the poseurs', the fishing town offers much more than a standard 'sun and sea' holiday.

Curling around a historic harbour, full of wooden gulets and small fishing boats, bordered by a beautiful pebble beach and waterfront bars and eateries, the town extends back from the sea, against a mountainous vista. The Old Town is at its heart, a labyrinth of little streets dotted with small boutique shops and bars. Sleepy by day, it comes alive at night, as holidaymakers sip sundowners in a traditional Ottoman seating area on one of its many roof terrace bars, watching fishermen haul their catch in the harbour below.

Food here is a fusion of the town's rich heritage, with Ottoman, Balkan, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influence. Unsurprisingly, seafood is a fixture on most menus, along with meze, kebabs and baklava. The Olive Garden is a foodie hotspot that serves up typically-Turkish cuisine, with an upmarket vibe and stunning views.

The lush hinterland behind the town is easily accessible, and two small villages, Islamar and Uzumlu, offer are a calm contradiction to the hubbub and give an authentic feel for rural Turkish living. They both have an abundance of fruit trees, olive groves and vineyards, and small springs and waterfalls which provide natural irrigation. Yayla, in Islamar, is a great spot to enjoy crispy trout with a side of local cheese.

The Lycian Way, listed as one of the world's top 10 walks by The Sunday Times, connects villages, hamlets and ancient sites. It stetches from

If some R'n'R is needed, the Aqua Wellness Spa Centre in the Old Town offers up a Hammam, sauna and steam room, and a range of treatments. For less than the cost of one massage in a London- based spa, guests can enjoy full use of the facilities, a scalp and back massage, reflexology, and a refreshing bowl of fruit to finish.

With prime 'sun and sea' appeal, ancient architecture, mouthwatering eats, and welcoming locals, Kalkan is a romantic gem on the Turquoise Coast. You'll find yourself falling in love with it, we're sure.