Kalkan used to be a Greek Orthodox village, but was taken over by the Turks in 1922. It’s an attractive spot, with bougainvillea and jasmine tumbling out of the buildings and lovely views out over the bay. Kalkan is a good spot from which to visit the white-sand beach at Patara – it’s one of the longest continuous strands in the Mediterranean - and the Xanthos valley. The remains of hilltop Xanthos, with their breathtaking views of the river valley, are amongst the most fascinating in Lycia. 

Charles Fellows controversially stripped the site of many artifacts – including the 4th century Nereid Monument, now in the British Museum - in the mid-19th century, but he left enough behind to make a visit well worthwhile. As well as a stunning beach, Patara also has an important Roman archaeological site, with a largely intact triple-arched 1st century gateway and baths complex. Scuba-divers are well catered for around Kalkan, with a couple of dive-shops in the village and 20 dive-sites within easy reach. Beginners could try Snake Island while more advanced divers could explore the spectacular Sakarya Reef and its sunken wrecks.  

Arriving back into Kalkan, reward your diligent sight-seeing or adventurous diving with a few drinks and a meal at one of the town’s many good restaurants. Some of them are quite sophisticated; then browse around the shops before setting sail again on your Kalkan yacht charter.