Beaches and restaurants near Villa Lavaya

Kalkan is small enough to feel relaxed, with a choice of beaches and some of the best restaurants on the Turquoise Coast. Here are our favourite places close to Villa Lavaya.

Our favourite beach clubs

Kalkan’s beach clubs have sun loungers, parasols and ladders straight into clear, deep water, most with a restaurant or bar. These are the ones we recommend:

• Zest – relaxed and laid-back, with a saltwater pool as well as sea access. Reach it by water taxi from the harbour or a walk along the coastal path. Sunbeds can be reserved in the morning.
• Palm Beach Club – across from the harbour, with free water taxis during the day and complimentary pick-up and return from your accommodation in Kalkan. Expect cushioned loungers, showers, table tennis and watersports, plus occasional BBQ evenings. A lovely spot for watching the sun set behind the mountains.
• Indigo – close to the old town, just past the harbour wall. A restaurant on the upper terrace and sunbeds on the lower terrace with direct access to the sea.

Kalkan town beach

A small pebble beach in the centre of town with beautifully clear water. It’s close to the harbour cafés, but busy in July and August.

Kaputaş Beach

One of Turkey’s most photographed beaches: a sandy cove at the foot of a steep gorge, around 10–15 minutes’ drive towards Kaş. There’s a long flight of steps down from the road and limited facilities, so take water and snacks. The sea can be lively on windy days.

Patara Beach

Around 20 minutes’ drive away, Patara is one of the longest sandy beaches in Turkey at over 12 km. It’s backed by dunes and the ruins of ancient Patara, and is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles – great for families, with plenty of space even in high season.

Boat trips

Day trips leave from Kalkan harbour, stopping at secluded bays and Mouse Island, which you can see from the villa’s terraces. It’s one of the best days out in Kalkan.

Where to eat

Kalkan is famous for its rooftop restaurants with views over the harbour and bay, mostly in the old town – a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride from the villa. Our favourites:

• Sade – an intimate rooftop known for its outstanding steaks
• Ara – some of the best food in town
• Luna – a lively rooftop, great for groups
• Seaport – right on the harbour, known for its seafood
• Chameleon – stylish rooftop dining
• Baharat – a rooftop favourite, great for a big night out

Book ahead in July and August – the best tables go quickly. Prefer to stay in? Fire up the stone BBQ on the terrace, or ask us about a private chef.