Some other ideas of places to visit
Some other ideas of places to visit


Simply spending the day exploring the countryside behind Kalkan, going nowhere in particular, is a must. Here are just a few ideas for you to ponder upon.
Gömbe
Experience local culture and rural life. The Green Lake at Gömbe affords wonderful views of the valley below and the cool mountain air is a welcome break from the heat of the coast. Although the emerald green lake looks like a crater lake it is actually a ‘Poyle’. Water escapes from the holes on the south side of the bare hills surrounding the lake and cascades (in spring) several hundred meters to the lake below. The water is freezing even in August. Bezirgan
Although, only a 25 minute drive from Kalkan with all its tourist facilities, a trip to Bezirgan takes you back in time. The agricultural practices are those of a bygone age. An interesting place to while away a few hours.
Islamlar
Only 20 minutes from Kalkan, Islamlar is a simple village set in the mountains with spectacular views down to Kalkan and Patara in the distance. The village stretches up the verdant mountainside through thick forestation, the result of a plentiful supply of mountain water. Islamlar itself consists of a rambling collection of wonderful old houses, a mosque, a çay(tea) garden and a bakery-where flour is ground between stones using natural HEP- an amazing sight.
The area is renowned for its trout restaurants. These simple buildings have wonderful views down the valley. The menus are simple but the fare absolutely fresh. Salads, goats cheese, local mezze, delicious trout or chicken followed by fruit. The combination of magnificent scenery and the sound of running mountain streams cannot fail to leave a lasting impression. We can arrange trips either at lunchtime or in the evening.
Patara Waterway
Bridging a valley above Yeşilköy the waterway is a feat of ancient engineering. The aquaduct stands 10 meters high, built in typical Lycian masonry with large pentagonal stones. A closed ‘hose pipe’ waterway, formed by hand carved hollowed out blocks is supported by this structure. The system, called a siphon, crosses the valley, which avoided having to construct an enormous aquaduct raised to the same level. It is worth the trouble to climb to the top to see details like the vertical holes to reduce pressure, the precision fittings etc. A beautiful plunging view of the Mediterranean can be enjoyed from the top of the aquaduct.