Alternative to Kalkan required

[pw]

I appreciate some of you might think this is a strange notion but for next years holiday I'm thinking that rather than spend 2 weeks in Kalkan it might be nice to have a 2 centre break (i.e.1 week elsewhere)......................The problem I have is that Kalkan is the only place in Turkey I've been to so have no idea where to go for the other week. So I'm looking for suggestions. Can anyone help?
There are a few ground rules though. The other place must:

• be a shorter drive from Dalaman than Kalkan
• not, how can I say this with out causing offence, common/chavvy/Benidorm-ey
• have good choice of restaurant (authentic Turkish obviously)
• in short be similar to Kalkan

Any suggestions gratefully received!


Cheers


Pete

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=6528.0

[Blue Lizard]

kalkan is unique in it's choice of restaurants in a small(ish) village...but within your travelling distances from dalaman what about Dalyan?  it is 25/30 mins away from Dalaman..nice river ,rock tombs etc...Lovely iztuzu beach,it has ample restaurants and plenty of pensions and hotels so easy to get accommodation..maybe 5 days there and head towards Kalkan for a couple of nights in Gocek? (just after the tunnel on the road to Kalkan turn right)enough in Gocek for a couple of nights, you will be about 1hr 15 mins away from kalkan.......i'd love this but Mrs Lizard likes all the i's dotted and the T's crossed so we head straight to kalkan!!

[maryjane]

I agree re. Dalyan, have had several great holidays there in recent years.  BUT, because of its proximity to the river that winds thro' the town, beware of the mossies - they are EVIL at times

[fitwenchdidyell]

Try Akyaka.  Like Dalyan it's based on a river that leads down to beach (10min slow stroll) but quieter.  About 1 hour from Dalaman but in opposite direction than Kalkan so not ideal for 2 centre break with Kalkan.

I loved Kalkan on 2009 but wanted to avoid duplication, Akyaka didn't disappoint.

[pw]

Cheers guys. Flights now booked. Roll on 8/7/11. All we have to do now is decide exactly where to stay.

[daisymai]

I have the same question, but am looking for somewhere fairly close that is a bit "benidormy"! (Not for me I might add!)

[pw]

I have the same question, but am looking for somewhere fairly close that is a bit "benidormy"! (Not for me I might add!)

How about Oludeniz - not been but understand it's quite lively/

[daisymai]

Thanks, we'll look into it :-)

[maryjane]

Must be very unfortunate - eaten alive by mossies in Dalyan - had a meet up with jelly fish in Blue Lagoon - Olu Deniz.  Cannot comment on nightlife but wildlife Wow!   Oh yes, and colleague versus jumping spiders in Kalkan this year. Spiders 8 - 1 win!  Apart from all that, LOVE Turkey!!!

[IanTrishinHull]

Hi,

As a complete alternative you could always try Turgutreis on the Bodrum Peninsular...its a resorty village with decent beaches, nice hotels and restaurants, a nice bazaar and lively but not overly rowdy nightlife.....oh and you're only about 20 mins from Bodrum and Gumbet if you really want to let your hair down. I wouldnt recommend it in the height of summer perhaps tho as the whole area is very popular but either side of that would im sure be fine. Also on the peninsular are other small resorts like Bitez, gumusluk, yalikavak and akyarlar which are worth a dolmus ride to also. Theres lots of excursions and boat trips available from there to various spots and a large market once a week. Transfer from Bodrum airport is under an hour depending on where you re staying. Hope this is of some help.

[merseydave]

Southern Turkey Ltd do a 5 night stay in Istanbul and 8 day stay in Kalkan. Best of both worlds, I'd imagine Istanbul to be fascinating. What do you think darling?  (the BH reads all of my posts!)

[onelove]

Sounds great honey 

[JulesCheshire]

Peter,

On our first visit to Turkey, we stayed in Gumbet, close to Bitez which I have to say was slightly more relaxing than the centre of Gumbet.  We had some really good authentic food  and the beach was clean should you want a change from the pool.

Having stayed in other Turkish resorts over the past 5 years, it would have to be a very special place to woo me away from Kalkan now, it's in a different league!  On a flight to Dalaman a few years go we met a lady who owns a villa in Kalkan and she said once we stayed there we wouldn't want to go anywhere else and she was right! (my opinion, can't speak for the OH)

Dave, Istanbul and Kalkan combined sounds great, is it booked yet? lol

[merseydave]

What did I tell you Kalamar....don't post in the room.....others may be watching! 
Jules, I'll look into it, but do you want to go back to being hassled by young Turkish men?? 

[Potter]

OK, my suggestion is not in Turkey but for me it's got to be..Kefalonia 

[wendy5491]

stayed in kalkan in may for the first time but we prefer Dalyan or Akyaka . Dalyan is only half an hour from the airport and flat with good restaurants plenty to see close at hand and good dolmus service. Akyaka is also very nice away from it all nice seaside resort. It also is very good for walks.   good luck in your search.

[davidm]

How about Kas?
I appreciate its only an hour from Kalkan but it is quite different- we spent 3 years coming to Kalkan (loving it)  and last year shifted down the coast for somewhere a little more Turkish....we liked it so much we are going back mid August.
Always log on here ahead of hols though to find out whats happening!