With the children finally back at school and summer uniforms folded away until next year, October half term will be here before you know it. So why not dust off the suitcase for one last burst of vitamin sea? At home the evenings are drawing in and the skies fading to a melancholy grey, but on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast the light remains honeyed, the sea deliciously warm, and the air just cool enough to make exploration a pleasure rather than a chore.
Kalkan in October is a glorious prospect for families, couples and sporting enthusiasts alike. You’ll still need the suncream for the children, but you’re no longer chasing them round with the bottle every half hour. Instead, you can linger over meze at lunchtime, Lal rosé kept perfectly chilled, the children happily occupied in the sea. After all our years in this industry, this is one of our favourite times to visit; so much so, the entire Discerning Collection team will be heading over en masse towards the latter half of the month.
October days fall into an easy rhythm: mornings exploring ruins or kayaking over Kekova, afternoons by the pool or at the beach. With the heat dialled down, families have energy for adventure — mountain biking becomes a joy rather than an endurance test, and long walks are rewarded with cooler breezes and quieter paths.
And then there are the surprises: turtle hatchlings making their way to the waves, or Republic Day on 29 October, when Turkey celebrates the founding of the Republic in 1923. In Kalkan, the harbour comes alive with fireworks, processions, and the kind of music and colour that spill through the streets and up into the rooftops – an unforgettable window into local life.
Half term here really is the grand finale of the summer season in Kalkan.
Where to Stay in Kalkan This October
Accommodation is part of the pleasure in Kalkan, especially in October when space and flexibility matter most. And while private pools remain non-negotiable, the choice is wide. Here are a few of our favourites for half term:
Family-Friendly Townhouse: Korsan Minik
A characterful townhouse tucked away in the winding old streets of Kalkan. Excellent value and just footsteps from the public beach, you can quite literally roll out of bed and into the sea each morning. Two bedrooms, sleeps up to four — ideal for a small family. Peruse the Korsan Minik details.
Best Boutique Hotel for Half Term: Asfiya Sea View Hotel
A boutique hotel with connecting rooms, a pool children love, and easy walking distance to Kalkan’s harbour. Perfect for families who like to dip into the buzz while still having a welcoming retreat to return to. The personable team here go above and beyond to make every stay memorable. Discover the Asfiya Sea View Hotel.
Luxury Villa for Large Families: Villa Anatolia 2
A striking five-bedroom villa with panoramic sea views, a gorgeous infinity pool, and plenty of space for entertaining. Inside, generous living areas and a games room with gym equipment keep everyone happy; outside, a large dining terrace sets the scene for long lunches and late swims. Designed with families in mind, it sleeps up to ten and makes the perfect base for easy day trips. Read more about Villa Anatolia 2.
Want to see more? Search our villas and hotels in Kalkan to find the perfect base for your October half term.
Things to Do in Kalkan This October
With milder climes, October is the perfect time for activity and adventure.
- Kayaking at Kekova- Paddle across the sunken city, then pause for a waterside lunch.
- Patara Beach & Ruins – Wander through the ancient Lycian city before building sandcastles and splashing in the waves on one of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches.
- Cookery School with Huseyin – Join a family-friendly class at GP Cookery School: shop for fresh ingredients, prepare local dishes, and savour the results together.
- Scuba Diving – At Kalkan Dive Centre in Kalamar Bay, husband-and-wife team Altan and Vicky Kusat offer everything from PADI courses to “try dives” and fun fish-feeding sessions for little ones.
- Beach Clubs & Public Beach – Let the children play in the shallows while you enjoy a long, lazy seaside lunch.
- A Lazy Day at Sea – Charter a traditional gulet for snorkelling, swimming, turtle-spotting and a long, delicious lunch on deck.
Republic Day in Turkey
29th October is Turkish Republic Day Cumhuriyet Bayrami), a national holiday commemorating the proclamation of the Republic in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It’s celebrated across the country with parades, concerts, fireworks and patriotic displays. In Kalkan, expect processions winding through the streets, Turkish flags fluttering from balconies, and fireworks lighting up the harbour – a vivid glimpse of modern Turkey’s pride and spirit.
Why Visit Kalkan in October Half Term?
- A last burst of sunshine and vitamin sea before winter sets in.
- Outside of peak summer, often better value with more choice of villas and flights.
- Milder temperatures that make sightseeing, walking and activities far more enjoyable.
- Warm seas that are still perfect for swimming and water sports.
- A time for the whole family to enjoy long lunches, lazy afternoons, and adventures without the summer crowds.
Looking for more inspiration? Read our full guide to things to see and do in Kalkan and start planning your October escape.
