Long, sun-drenched days. Balmy evenings that drift into star-flecked skies, still warm enough for moonlit gulet cruises. July is when Kalkan hits its stride—villas filling with guests of all ages, gulets gliding across shimmering sapphire bays, and the town’s cobbled streets alive with the buzz of peak summer.
This is the season when life slows to the rhythm of the Mediterranean: long days basking at beach clubs catching the breeze, sunset shopping before pre-dinner drinks, and leisurely suppers waterside or rooftop, tasting the finest Turkish cuisine. All wrapped in the warm embrace of Kalkan’s generous hospitality.
Whether you’re counting down the days until you arrive, already here soaking up the sunshine, or yet to book your escape, these are the experiences everyone is talking about this month.
Private Villa Experiences
July has seen a growing trend for private luxury living in Kalkan’s hillside villas, where days unfold entirely on your own terms. After all, when you’ve chosen such a beautiful space, why would you ever feel the need to leave?
This summer, Kalkan Catering is redefining private villa catering in Kalkan with Pinchos A’La Turka, a favourite for relaxed, late-night grazing. Picture fresh, beautifully prepared sharing plates served poolside—perfect with a chilled glass of wine as the children play under the stars.
Korsan Kalkan’s indulgent villa breakfast delivery is proving equally irresistible. Because you haven’t come on holiday to cook—what could be more restorative than a leisurely breakfast feast arriving at your door, the ideal start to a day spent entirely at your own pace?
To make arrival effortless, our home delivery shopping service ensures the fridge is fully stocked before you walk through the door—so no one has to think about groceries. Many guests also opt to arrange an in-villa chef in Kalkan, creating bespoke Anatolian tasting menus by candlelight, with every detail taken care of.
And for those wishing to keep up their holiday training regime, morning yoga sessions beside your pool offer a tranquil, grounding way to greet the day, with sweeping views over Kalkan Bay.
If you’re dreaming of a holiday where private dining in your Kalkan villa and thoughtful touches come as standard, a villa stay is the ultimate summer indulgence. Read more about what’s possible with in-villa dining.
Boutique Shopping & Artisanal Finds
From hand-loomed textiles to contemporary jewellery, Kalkan’s boutiques are brimming with treasures that feel every bit as special as your time here.
The Thursday market is at its vibrant best in summer, with colourful stalls piled high with fresh produce, fragrant spices, and delicious local specialities. Look for jars of Izgara Zeytin—beautifully grilled olives that can be packed up to take home—and bottles of rich extra virgin olive oil, perfect for dressing summer salads and keeping the taste of Turkey alive long after you leave. Discover more about the Thursday market here.
Along the cobbled streets of the Old Town, small independent shops stay open late so you can browse under the stars. You’ll find elegant linen trousers, breezy dresses, and pestemals, the lightweight cotton towels that make thoughtful gifts or ideal gym companions once you’re home.
Keep an eye out for lightweight canvas clutch bags sold in boutiques or brought in by the little boat shops that visit gulets moored in the bay—wonderful stocking fillers or the perfect summer clutch.
You’ll also discover artisanal jewellery from local makers like Just Silver, each piece a beautifully crafted memento of your time in Kalkan.
Whether you’re searching for a keepsake to remember your stay or unique gifts to share, shopping in Kalkan is as much about the experience as the finds themselves.
Private Gulet Charters: The Ultimate Turkey Bucket List Experience
Nothing captures the spirit of Kalkan quite like a full day at sea aboard your own private gulet. This is the ultimate Turkey bucket list experience—a day designed entirely around you and your favourite people.
Set sail from the harbour and drift along the coast, meandering between hidden coves and impossibly beautiful bays. Swim in crystalline shallows, dry off in the sun, and repeat as often as you please. As midday arrives, the crew serves a lunch that feels almost too generous for the table: the freshest seasonal salads, vibrant mezze, platters of sea bass and marinated chicken, Turkish rice, saltwater chips, and warm, freshly baked bread.
There’s no rush—just hours spent dipping in and out of the sea, sipping chilled Lal, a Turkish rosé that seems made for days like this.
When you book with the Discerning Collection, we’ll take care of every detail—private transport to the gulet, soft towels, and any dietary requirements arranged in advance—so the only thing you have to think about is making the most of it.
After all, some days are destined to stay with you forever.
Dining Experiences You Simply Can’t Miss
Golden hour in Kalkan is simply unforgettable, and you can’t leave without experiencing dinner at one of the town’s rooftop restaurants at least once. As the sky begins to blush and lanterns flicker to life, these breezy terraces become the most coveted tables in town. From elegant candlelit dinners to relaxed gatherings overlooking the bay, there are too many to name, but these are proving especially popular with guests this season.
- Eski Evi
- Korsan Fish Terrace
- Kalamaki
Tip: Tables fill quickly after 7.30pm—secure a reservation for the best sunset views.
For something a little different, live acoustic guitar evenings at Likya Pavilion on Wednesdays are proving especially popular this season. Just a five-minute stroll along a flat coastal path from Kalkan Harbour, this elegant setting pairs exquisite Turkish and Mediterranean à la carte dining with some of the most mesmerising sea views in town and a warm, understated hospitality that feels instantly welcoming and relaxed.
If you prefer your dining a little more rustic, charter a speedboat from Aristos and head across the bay to the Fish Shack—an authentic fisherman’s feast of the day’s catch, homemade meze and crisp salads served at tables surveying the entire bay.
And for a sweet finish, it’s hard to beat an evening at the Lighthouse Bistro, where you can linger over ice cream, waffles or pancakes while watching the boats bob in the harbour below—a simple pleasure and a favourite after-dinner ritual.
Early Morning & Night-time Adventures
With midday heat climbing past 32°C, many travellers are adjusting their schedules to make the most of Kalkan’s cooler hours. Whether you prefer sunrise calm or twilight escapades, these experiences are perfect for escaping the heat:
Sunrise strolls around the ancient ruins of Patara, followed by a barefoot dash through the waves on the vast, golden sands of Patara Beach—a peaceful start before the day warms up.
Cooling off with a walk through Saklikent Gorge, where icy mountain water rushes over smooth stone and the air feels refreshingly crisp even at the height of summer.
A sunset cruise along the coast, drifting past quiet bays as the sky shifts from coral to deep indigo, with a glass of chilled wine in hand.
Early evening suppers in the breeze up in Islamlar, where trout restaurants tucked into the hills serve simple, delicious dishes as cicadas sing in the olive trees.
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, these are the moments that make Kalkan feel unforgettable.
Chic Beach Clubs & Summer Soundtracks
Kalkan’s beach clubs are in their element this month, each offering its own blend of seaside serenity and effortless style. The bay is lined with a host of inviting spots, and every guest seems to have a personal favourite.
For those who enjoy relaxed ethno beats drifting over the water, several clubs host occasional live sets—perfect for a long afternoon that drifts into dusk. It’s worth enquiring locally to see what’s on during your stay.
A few to have on your radar:
Zest Beach Club – Stylish, contemporary and popular for laid-back cocktails.
Palm Beach Club – Loved for its calm vibe and beautiful views across the bay.
Lures – A chic retreat with excellent food and a tranquil atmosphere.
Essential: Pre-book your sunbeds to avoid disappointment, and be sure to arrive by the appointed hour—reservations are released if you’re late.
Thinking of visiting? Whether you’re looking forward to lazy days by the sea or evenings exploring cobbled streets under a velvet sky, July in Kalkan is a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unearthed.
If you’ve already booked and would like help arranging reservations or simply want to find out more before you arrive, we’re here to help. And if you’re yet to secure your summer holiday – we still have some peak season availability.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 01784 817720