Stepping down to Kaputas Beach
In an unspoilt, idyllic setting, Kaputas Beach, much smaller than Patara, is only accessed by 192 steps down - so make sure you can manage the climb back up at the end of the day!
From
£ 742
per week
Accommodation
- Ground floor: Open plan living/dining/kitchen (Sat TV, DVD, A/C, CD, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, water cooler) with doors to pool terrace. Shower room.
- First floor: Double bedroom (A/C) with en suite shower room and doors to shared covered terrace. Twin bedroom (A/C) with en suite shower room and doors to shared covered terrace.
- Second floor: Double bedroom (A/C) with en suite shower room and doors to shared terrace. Twin bedroom (A/C) with en suite shower room and doors to shared terrace.
- Outside: Barbecue. Open and shaded terraces. Private parking.
- Private swimming pool (8.5m x 4m) with infinity edge.
Mercan sits peacefully looking out across olive trees to gently sloping hills and the sea at Kalamar Bay (800m); a pleasingly restful location with the added convenience of a supermarket, bar and local restaurant within 300m.
Fresh, clean lines and a welcoming décor of whitewashed walls with cooling marble floors typify this thoughtfully appointed home.
All four bedrooms have lovely sea views and en suite facilities. A fifth shower room on the ground floor, WiFi, air conditioning and a water cooler keep comfort levels high.
Outside a barbecue, dining table, sun beds and three large sunshades fringe the inviting private pool. Kalkan Old Town (1.6km) is a pleasant stroll of about 20-25 minutes or there is a regular local bus that stops nearby.
Pricing & Availability
Location of Mercan
Locality
Great Things to Do Near Mercan
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 only 15 minutes away.
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.
Cross over to Greece
Take the opportunity to visit the closest Greek island to Turkey, Kastolorizo, just 3.5 nautical miles off the coast of Kas. After a short but scenic crossing explore the delights of this quaint Greek fishing village, including the local museum, church and mosque. Wander round the white washed back streets before enjoying a lunch on the harbour front. Don't forget your passport!
Explore the backstreets of Kalkan
Wonderful atmospheric narrow streets that house a mixture of shops, coffee bars, restaurants with traditional overhanging wooden balconies above and enjoy wandering around.
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.
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.
Mountain Trekking
Trekking in the mountains behind Kas is where you will find some of the most beautiful scenery in the Taurus range. 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.
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 extra.
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!
Nearby
Towns
| Islamlar | 15 mins | |
| Kalkan Old Town | 25 mins | |
| Xanthos | 25 mins | |
| Kas | 30 mins | |
| Fethiye | 90 mins |
Beaches
| Kaputas | 10 mins | |
| Kalamar Beach Club | 15 mins | |
| Patara | 20 mins | |
| Kalkan | 25 mins |
Airports
| Dalaman | 120 mins |