Places of Interest
Peaceful & offering plenty for all to enjoy, Kalkan will present you with an idyllic holiday destination, where many return year after year.
There are many activities, sightseeing and Places of Interest near Kalkan, many excursions run every day and can be booked from local tour operators found in the old town and harbour.
The landscape around Kalkan is covered in walking trials, including the famous Lycian way, a 500 km footpath trailing along ancient Lycia’s coast. (Rated as one of the top ten walks in the world by the Sunday Times). From gentle half-hour ambles to strenuous full day excursions, you can discover a wealth of history and culture at whatever pace you choose.
The Dramatic Saklikent Canyon
For the more adventurous, there is one of Europe’s deepest canyons, the dramatic Saklikent Canyon. Discovered only 20 years ago, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wonder of nature. Saklikent (‘hidden’) Canyon is situated near the Toros mountains and is 300 meters deep and 18 km long, where you can go hiking or take a river rafting excursion. The river is shallow and very cooling in the summer heat. River tubing through stunning scenery on the Saklikent river with a tube and paddle can last 45 minutes up to 2 hours. Remember to take suitable footwear that will tolerate the canyon water and ground surface.
Visit the Sunken City of Kekova
A second-century port town that collapsed into the sea after an earthquake. Either a boat trip or a sea kayaking tour can take you around the coast of Kekova Island to ancient ruins & rock labyrinths, to reveal the half-submerged ruins of houses, staircases and the original harbour. There’s Simena’s Ottoman castle to visit en-route too.
Xanthos River
For a fun day out, try river canoeing on the nearby Xanthos river. Experienced river guides take you on a journey across ancient Lycian land. The ride is downstream and ends at Patara beach, just a 15 minute drive West of Kalkan. You can stop off for a therapeutic mud bath on the way.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Xanthos was
Lycia’s capital city for much of its history.
Close to Kalkan, it attracts visitors from all over the world to look at the ancient ruins dating back over 2000 years. The British museum also has an extensive collection of Lycian artefacts. There are plenty of ancient ruins, such as Amyntas and Myra Rock Tombs, along with the magnificent views from the mountain top village of Tlos, located around a fortified hilltop in the foothills of the Tauras mountains.
