Great Things to Do Near Loft
Canoeing on the Xanthos river
Enjoy a fun day river canoeing on the Xanthos river. You can travel across ancient Lycian lands of lush and tranquil nature. The ride is downstream, so it's not hard going. The journey ends at Patara beach with time for a swim.
Explore the backstreets of Kalkan
Wonderful atmospheric narrow streets that house a mixture of shops, coffee bars, restaurants with traditional overhanging wooden balconies above. Enjoy having a wander around.
Ride horses through the sand dunes of Patara
There are stables within the Patara National Park that cater for riders and non-riders of all ages and ability. Due to the strict conservation laws there is not a building to be seen, which is what makes this beach so special - endless golden sands, surrounded by nature, so it's perfect for an early morning ride enjoying the beautiful scenery!
Explore Kas
Enjoy wandering around the narrow cobbled streets of the historic town centre. They are lined with small shops selling local products. Look up at the overhanging balconies with their bright and colourful bougainvillaea spilling over. The main square is the focal point where tables are laid out inviting one and all to enjoy a refreshing drink or delicious meal of fresh, local produce.
Enjoy fresh trout in the famous Islamlar restaurants
Islamlar is famous for its traditional trout fishing industry so make sure you sample the local produce, right on your doorstep.
Visit the Lycian sites
at Myra, where you will be able to explore the spectacular Lycian, Greek and Roman ruins of this ancient city, including one of the best preserved amphitheatres and spectacular rock tombs. Entrance to St Nicholas Church is available, but as an optional cost.
Drive down to the stunning beach of Patara
It's part of a huge national park, it is a key biodiversity area, rich in birdlife and the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle (caretta caretta). Only about a 15 minute stroll from some of the major ruins, even in the height of the summer it is never crowded. The absence of development and no water sports means that it is always peaceful.
Explore the Saklikent gorge
It's the second-largest (20 km long) gorge in Europe, with spectacular scenery and 4 kms of the gorge is walkable. Outside the gorge, restaurants have wooden platforms suspended just above rushing spring waters - great places to relax on Turkish rugs and cushions with a beer. You have to cross the water - beware, it's knee deep and fast flowing. Wear swim shoes - these can be hired if you don't have any.
Mountain trekking
Beautiful scenery is to be found whilst trekking in the Taurus range just around 40 minutes north of Islamlar. Below the tree line and winter snow are the yayla (highland plateaus). Trek through canyons, gorges and passes - many of these gorges were important trade routes, some still in use, some completely forgotten, though all at one time jealously guarded.
A ‘must see’ is the ancient site of Xanthos
It was one of the six principal cities of Lycia and it is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Turkey and has been registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Of note are the pillar tombs (unique to Lycia) and the Harpy column tomb with frieze. The 'Harpy Tomb' is so called as it was believed that the winged women figures in the frieze were harpies - monsters from Greek mythology with the head of a woman and the body of a bird.
Sticky delights
Try one of the rich, gooey Turkish pastries, rich in honey, raisins, nuts and cinnamon and layered in Filo pastry - along with a Turkish coffee to clear the palate. Kalkan's harbour front is the best place to enjoy this indulgence!
For the biggest market on the Lycian coast
take the journey up to Fethiye and experience an authentic Turkish market. Produce is brought from all over the region - vegetables, spices and, of course, the 'genuine fake' designer goods. In the centre of Fethiye is the fish market, where fresh fish can be chosen from the stalls and cooked at one of the restaurants in the surrounding square - a great place for lunch. Tuesday is the main market day for Fethiye.
