Kalkan is one of the hottest locations on the southern coast in summer and mildest in winter. March and April can be great months to explore the area, with cooler daytime temperatures around 19-20 degrees sometimes accompanied by a short springtime shower. At this time of year, the mountains are lush with springtime flowers, just perfect for walking holidays or getting around the historic sites. With May is the start of summer and temperatures slowly start to rise through the 20’s to reach 29/30 degrees by the start of June. Summer temperatures generally peak from the middle of July to the end of August when they can reach well into the 30’s. September’s weather is very similar to June and October’s weather to May. The sea and pools however are generally warmer in the Autumn than in the spring.
During the winter months of November to March the whether still has many good periods. In particular November and December can see daytime temperatures in the 20’s, warm enough to still swim in the sea. The wettest period is usually January into mid February when heavy but short lived rain storms can be expected.
The main tourist season is from the beginning of May through to the end of October. If you visit outside these months you may find a more limited range of shops and restaurants open and some facilities like the beach clubs closed. We suggest you ask the rental owner you are dealing with to give you more information about what is available around their property.
Most European visitors to Turkey will need to purchase a Tourist Visa to enter the country. The cost of this varies according nationality. The tourist visa should be purchased online before you travel at: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/.
If you are arriving at Dalaman airport you need to exit the arrivals terminal building and head down the ramp to the car parks. On the left is a cafe and open area, where tour reps and drivers and are waiting to collect their guests. Your driver may or may not speak English. They will probably be happy to have 5-10 minute break on route. Licensed transfer companies employ many drivers, so you may not get the same driver at the end of your stay to take you back to the airport. If you are particularly happy with the service you get from your driver then do tip them before they leave you at the property.
If you plan to travel by bus to from the airport you will need to plan it, as services vary at different times of the year and day. Whether you are arriving at Dalaman or Antalya airport, you will first get the bus to the nearest main bus terminal. This is Fethiye town for Dalaman and the central bus station in Antalya. There you will change buses headed for Kalkan. These small buses stop at many villages on route and typical journey times are 3 hours from Dalaman and 5 hours from Antalya.
In general you will find better rates on exchanging currency into Turkish Lira locally in Kalkan than at home. We recommend you bring a small amount of TL cash and exchange your home currency on arrival. Money can be exchanged at local banks (open Monday to Friday), the Post Office (PTT), or at a number of local shopkeepers advertising money change. See the general map below for these locations.
Yes you can pay for goods and services in most places with credit cards such as VISA and MASTERCARD, as well as withdraw cash from local cash machines. In general though cash is king. So if you are after haggling the price of a particular item then offer cash.
We would strongly recommend that you have travel and health insurance for your stay. As Turkey is not part of the EU there is no formal reciprocal healthcare should you have an accident or fall ill.
Kalkan has local GP practice or medical clinic located on the Kalamar road (Cumhuriyet Cad.) This has one english speaking doctor, who is also available to visit you at “home” on a private basis. Many minor complaints can be dealt with by visiting one of the local chemists. Many medications here are available without prescription and relatively inexpensively. If you are taken suddenly very unwell, or have an accident, we recommend you contact manager for the property you are staying in for assistance. If they can not be reached you should ring the emergency services on 112.
The nearest public hospital is located in Kas, but for most complaints guests will visit Fethiye, where there is a good choice of hospitals (e.g. Esnaf and Letoon) with English speaking liaison staff.
Kalkan and Kas also have several dentists where you find work significantly cheaper than in the UK.
There are 3 chemists in Kalkan and one is always open 24/7 for emergency purchases. If you arrive to find it closed then there should be a notice on the door informing you which chemist is open. For their locations please see the map below.
