Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Holiday Reports and Reviews => Topic started by: seasick on May 04, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
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well her we are!
since wednesday 2nd may!
firstly flight should have been 6am....got moved to 12.30 pm by monarch airlines about a month ago (booked it last october)
delyaed by an hour of course as always and got to kalkan at 9.30 pm local time
got th the most amazing apartmnet ever (b3 of dere apartments) went out for dinner straight away at baharat one of our last favs in 2010
must say just not the same this time, seabass a real let down!
nevermond went to our old fav yali bar and all was good again, retired at approx 12.30am
7.30am thursday 3rd may they rae ripping up the main road right outside sahane b3 and the noise is hateful!
relaxing holiday has gone out of the window!
on the email/text to sue who manages the apartment who was amazing and should be given a medal for her work, who moved us to the pink house on the harbour!
amazing, quieter but not quiet (take note kalkan and do not dig up roads in may!!)
last night after unpacking for 2nd time went to trio, on my god best meal in kalkan for a long time, sue had foil baked sea bass, me the clay pot chicken, both awesome, service amazing and would give this 95% rating
went to yalis again and had a "lolipop" cocktail which came out all guns blazing with 5th nov flames and straws galore (wife hated me for it as found it embarrasing!!, i thought my del boy moment had finally arrived)
stayed until approx midnight and walked "downhill" as nice change to bed!
awaoke at 9.30 this morning which was better than 7.30 and had a "happy" day, drinks ta fenner my olf fav and off to mussaka tonight now on the harbour once wife has "sorted" her hair!
paul
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what a shame you've had to move from Sahane - amazing apartment that we've stayed in before. I understand the work is being undertaken after the survey on the rockfall on the beach - it must be urgent or the Belediye would have waited until the end of the season as this is the service road I assume - starts and finishes right in front of Dere?
Look forward to receiving the rest of your reports, Paul and cut the Mrs some slack - hair and Kalkan is a bad combination :-*
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Thanks for the update, Paul. Hope the rest of your holiday is peaceful. I remember seeing The Pink house and it looked gorgeous. I am sure Mehmet and Kitty will look after you at Mussakka later - I could just murder one of their Summer Steaks, right now. Kitty was saying on email the other day that they have a new lounge and bar area in the middle of the enlarged restaurant.........enjoy!
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mussaka was fab last night, had foil baked seabass (with mint) which was different but maybe slightly overpowering the fish later in the dish
susie had pasta which she said was better than mine!! (divorce on the way)
back to yalis bar for more lilipops! and sue with her free popcorn (how that girl stays a size 10 is beyond me!!)
had lunch at fenner which of course only a one minute stroll now which is awesome!
this still remains our daytime fav after nearly 4 years just to be right by the sea and on the ottomen seating
off for a showe then an early one at yalis for cup final (sisie doesnt know yet!!!)
have not decided about dinner yet after that but a rooftop is coming on after two nights in the harbour!
and yalis the guys there remember us from october 2010?? how?? i cant remeber my clients from yesterday most of the time!
i must say one thing and i hope im worng and more so hope i do not offend anyone, but it seems kalkan is changing since more and more of the top two tour ops are sending clients here now, lots more familes with kids,pushchairs etc and a "different" crowd although we normally come in october so that maybe why!
just hope it doesnt get overrun with "eggs and bacon" etc in the years to come!
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Oh the horror- families with pushchairs!!! Nearly as bad as people who sit watching the cup final outside on large screen tvs! >:D
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So glad to hear you managed to get a move away from the worst of the noise and hopefully will now enjoy the rest of your holiday in Kalkan.
It is good to hear you say Trio is as good as ever. We have been going since they opened and always had a good meal and service. Someone else on the forum had also mentioned that Trio was still good. So a definite on the list for our June visit. We have sometimes had a long leisurely lunch there rather than going in the evening. It is a great spot to relax during the day and at lunch time no need to have booked a table.
Must try Fener too as more and more people seem to be recommending it
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lol@mitch
well i wouldnt normally bother with footbaall when away but i am a chelsea fan and didnt think we would have any chance of any finals this year and 2 come along!!
families are fine, just not sure its best suited to them pushing chairs up the cobbled streets etc and no real beach to speak of and no hotels catering to kids activites etc
i come here for the peace and recommend it to my clients too who ask to be away from that type of holiday and large family orientated hotels, just an opinion thats all, i also dont agree with kids being out of school too in term time, and there are a fair few here right now!
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Is 7 month olds ok? I promise I haven't taken her out of school!
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Let's hope all the Turkish families who live here get the message too. There are hundreds of Turkish children all over Kalkan, on the beaches, in the playgrounds, even in restaurants. They run around laughing and having fun with no thought for the sensitivities of tourists who come here for 'peace'
And as for their parents who push them around in buggies, what a menace. Buggies should be banned from the streets of Kalkan. Shambo, start carrying those twins on your back. !!
Perhaps they could be persuaded to keep their children inside until your holiday is over. British families could be dissuaded from coming here if they have children. Might affect the local economy a bit but it would certainly be peaceful.
lantana
Lantana
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Personally, I too want a quiet peaceful holiday, had two children of my own who are grown up now, so understand both points of view. I think the problem arises, (as it does in this country) where the adults take them out and let them run amok - as witnessed once in Kalkan, the parents offered no words of wisdom as to "take your feet of the furniture" etc...! One of the reasons we return time and time again is that it is peaceful, no high rise hotels, therefore no bargain basement holiday makers! Lets hope it stays that way.
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well saturday night we could not resist and went back to trio "already" susie had baked sea bass and me lamb shank which was divine especailly with baked cabbage and bacon!
all a bit english i know but superbe service,prsentation and above all taste!
tried sade sunday night and a very good start for them, very attentive, its decorated simply but nice, homemade soup im not sure was as per menu, sea bass excellent with roasted garlic all in good time and good quality, although susie ordered a desert (i didnt ) and this took over 20 mins to arrive but when it did it was pretty special (chco souffle)
overall a 7 out of 10 not the best by far but very good and worth a visit
As for the bargain basement they are here already i know as i work in the industry, we had deals on for 2nd may departure to the samira deluxe 2 weeks for just £282 per person inc luggage and transfers with thomson if i remember rightly
now i'm all for live and let live and very much working class with my own business albeit it a small business and only i work in it!(only had 6 days off all last year) but when i see a large family sitting at yali's eating a takeaway of burger and chips out of paper with all the fab places we have here to eat, and then a group of older lads walking past effing and blinding then something is changing in my opinion and it would be a rel shame for thomson and thomas cook to come and wreck this place, another reason i do not work with them personally and chose smaller operators and steer away from mass market bums on seats mentality again only my opinion i choose here the avoid the hustle and bustle, after all i could go to any town in englad and see the above and not have to pay a penny for it!
ps i do miss my dog at home so we have adopted a local small brown onw! its being fed very well by the wife!
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Paul,thanks for the update - keep them coming!
It sounds like you enjoy a bit of p & q - have you tried a stroll up to Cafe Ev, opposite the market? And of course, a visit to Adams. Both of these have a very tranquil feel about them. And the ultimate p & q, less than TL10 taxi fare up to the Mediteran and take in that tremendous view.
Enjoy
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Morning Antler, just googled the Mediteran Hotel, and it looks amazing, definitely will be paying them a visit in August.
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let's not be too quick to assume that everyone who gets a bargain through Thomas Cook is of a certain 'type'.....I have two lovely friends who are staying at the Samira in August for an amazing bargain price.....one has been to Kalkan before and is delighted to be able to return as she didn't think she would be able to afford to as she was looking for a bargain holiday
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Morning Antler, just googled the Mediteran Hotel, and it looks amazing, definitely will be paying them a visit in August.
Do you have any more information about the Mediteran, please? We'll be there this time next week and are now getting a bit anxious as they don't have their own website (we booked through Simpson Travel online) and we're not sure where exactly it is. We're previously stayed at the Samira, Samira Gardens and Meldi, but the photos of the Mediteran swung it for/ us!
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http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/40903-Kalkan-Mediteran_Apartments-Holiday-Review.html
Rharris, what a choice! Never stayed there, but spent many an hour there, enjoying the view from their infinity pool - and their koftè is extra special, too.
It is situated above th D600 main road, so unless you are pretty fit, I would suggest a taxi up and a walk down.
Last year, the taxi fare was around TL10. The apartments are linked with the beach club down at the harbour - I think that one is Indigo, but not totally sure. So, they can arrange anything you want down there, too.
I would suggest you have made a fabulous choice!
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Yes it is Indigo near the harbour. Last year we met the Simpson travel rep - a really nice girl called Vicki whose husband Ali is captain of Anil boat. She spends some time at Indigo on her days off so it must be OK! I think the Mediteran looks fabulous as well - must go for a lunch and afternoon in August when we go. :) :) :)
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I agree with Babs...don't assume all of us that book though a large agent are all the same!
I have had a good deal booking for half term with a large agent.. I cant take time off during 'cheaper' times as i work in school and i am not allowed out of term holidays.
We are a middle aged couple with no children at home now, but welcome the budget holiday we have found because otherwise we wouldn't be going anywhere!
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never stayed at the Mediteran but have been there a few times - once for a lovely wedding party :) It's absolutely gorgeous and the staff are wonderful, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time. We've walked down from there lots of times as friends had a villa nearby, but never made the trip up without 4 wheels.... ;D
BTW, well said Babs ;)
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im not assuming anything at all ,just an opinion and witnessed it for myself over the years in various places, as mentioned i work in the industry and have done for 20 years, and have seen the big boys come in to fantastic places and ruin them by negotating horrbily small "contracts" with hotel owners of sometimes as low as 50 pence a night per person, selling it at vastly inflated rates to whoever will take it off there hands, just saying it would be a shame to make this another runied resort with mass market tourism
i actually have hotels i can sell in various countries other than turkey from as low as £1.00 a night per person all driven by the big two promising the local hotel owners mass tourism but it just so unfair on them, i know they sign the contracts too but they are forced into it with the promise of full hotels all season long
i just like the rest of us do not want this place spoiled like that it would be a massive shame
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Seasick,
Don't rise to it. We're all entitled to our opinion and for what it's worth I completely agree with you..............but others are entitled to their views.
But, do any of us want to see total commercialism get a grip in Kalkan? I think not! And that's what the big tour operators bring to any resort
PW
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We come to Kalkan twice a year because we love it as it is. We are comfortable with the the people we have rubbed shoulders with in holidays past. Also the lovely Turkish people, the quality of the restaurants, the laid back vibe and the fact that there is no loud music, and what music there is is not audible from where we stay.
We love it as it was on our last trip! If and when it changes overmuch, then we will, in all probability, sadly not come back
Chris and Allan.
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I have seen a huge change in Kalkan over the last 8 years we have been visiting and think this may be the last time for us this year which is a great shame. It has changed and not altogether for the better. Let's face it we are all there because it is a fantastic upmarket resort with super restaurants and none of that here we go atmosphere. Sadly it is changing and the garish pizza place at the Nur hotel is proof of that.
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We have a villa near the Mediteran and walk back at least once and usually twice each day, its a stiff uphill walk back but gets easier as the holiday goes on.
It saves on taxi fares but the real bonus is we go home after 2 weeks of enjoying Kalkan's restaurants to the full weighing the same as we arrived and feeling a lot fitter.
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well nothing much to report apart from roadworks this morning outside the place we moved too that being the custom house on harbour! up at 7.00am listening to diggers at work!
no day time reports as we have been very lazy (think we both needed it)
monday night went for drinks at kleos for sundown then onto rami's (found on our first visit in 2009) again rami seems to have changed food not up to scratch of first visit although for the price 80 lira (2 starters,2 mains,bottle of water and one beer) no real complaints
last night went to salt and pepper (our very first night out in kalkan in 2009
i still really like this place, great location, fantastic service, waiter had us is fits of laughter las night
again 2 starters,2 mains water and a beer £79 lira
susie had a swordfish fish cake starter will dill which she said was her best starter here so far this time and gave it 10/10 i had mushroom soup which i do adore!
from there specials i had chicken,aubergine,toms,cougette,peppers all baked after being pan fried first, susie had chicken wings done in a fantastic honey sauce which she also said was good would give this 8.5/10 but for value for money proably 9.5/10
back to trio for last night on thursday but tonight is the big choice (so many again that have been missed so a very hard choice indeed) anyone offer some suggestions?
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Yes, give Adem a ring and he will collect you and take you to his restaurant, the view and food is fantastic!
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I'll probably be in a minority of 1 on here, but I don't rate Adems. This due to my personal experience - happy to share if you pm me.
For your penultimate night I'd suggest Akin. Not only is the food fantastic (some of the best we had in April) but the view from the terrace gives you a different and refreshing perspective - in between roof top & harbour. One of my new favourites!
PW
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If you ring Adam's and make booking do they offer to pick you up or do you ask them to pick you up? I've heard of this before but have never taken advantage of it. I'm still trying to fathom out where our villa is located, I've got driving instructions and know it's not far from Emie Hotel and is in the Villa Lycian City complex but trying to find that on the KTLN street map is baffling me. My navigator will have to say, right, right, left fork.
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Hi, we rang to make a reservation and I spoke to his wife. I asked if it was possible for him to pick us up and she asked us where we were staying. When we confirmed that the address was in Kalkan, she said that this was fine and asked what time we would like our reservation for. She was extremely pleasant and accommodating, it was no hassle at all to book. Hope you find your villa location soon.
Seasick - it sounds as though you are having a great holiday and I've enjoyed reading your posts, I'm sure you will have a lovely night wherever you choose to eat. I'd go to mussaka or Doy Doy but maybe you've already eaten there?
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Pompeyalbie- the Lycian City complex is quite easy to find. When you drive into Kalkan, you will turn right at the petrol station. This will take you down the main road into Kalkan. You will soon reach the Yali supermarket complex which will be on your right. Immediately before the Yali complex, take a right turn. Follow the road up and past the Emir complex (they have a sign outside). Just after the Emir, take a right turn, and then a left and you will be at Lycian City. Sure you'll have a lovely time- you'll be able to walk in and out of Kalkan from there.
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I agree that Kalkan is changing and possibly a victim of its own success......I think we all knew this would happen some will embrace it...others dislike it...you have to remember the local businesses need bums on seats and care little about the type of bum !!!
BTW...my two pet hates on holiday are football shirts (even more so when it's the whole family) and unruly kids running amok in restaurants....these are normally brits... ;)
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I would like to be associated with the remarks of the previous speaker. :angel:
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I have to agree with Misty!
and I must admit I had never thought about the large companies booking hotels for so little....so maybe I don't want the large companies to move in after all....despite my friends getting a brilliant deal! :-\
But the charm of Kalkan is that despite the changes....whether you think it is progress or not....it is always possible to find your own slice of heaven, whatever that means for you....a quiet bar for a drink, a boat trip, an amazing restaurant that is not full of screaming kids (if that's not your thing) or just even a stunning view from your own balcony!
Whatever you are looking for hopefully you will continue to find it in this place we all love so much (or presumably we wouldn't be on here!)
Enjoy Kalkan!!.....as 'they' say :angel:
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last part!!
wednesday we went to coast on the harbour which was fab and 2nd only to trio!
amazing steak for me with fried onions! great service but restaurant empty which was such a shame for the great price and excellent food 9/10
thursday and last night, cocktails in (forgotton name) but bar opposite fenner with the big armchairs? which was fab at sunset!
another (3rd time) meal at trio had steak after the great showing the night before this time with red wine jus, oh god fab and with my fav starter of garlic mushrooms got a 10/10 all round......free after dinner drink and coffee for our loyal service to the restaurant this week!
one thing though again (im sure i will be hung for this) a tatooed lady breastfeeding in full view while i was eating!! and kalkan is not changing?? hmmmmm im still not sure but hope to be proved wrong!!!
home now but sunny here in hants, fisrt time in 10 days it seems, so timed it right
115 days until next holiday (sorry not kalkan as do not go anywhere twice in the same year ) but the italian lakes both como and garda!
hope everyone enjoys kalkan this year
paul and susie
alresford travel
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PS GO AND SEE IHAN AT TRIO AND MENTION PAUL AND SUSAN FOR A DISCOUNT THIS YEAR!!
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Tattoos...how awful
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Ghastly. :-[ :( :o