Last winter, the cobbled streets of Kalkan's Old Town were completely restored in keeping with the resort's original fishing harbour character.
Meanwhile, the transfer time from Dalaman Airport to Kalkan, located on Turkey's pretty Turquoise Coast, has halved to 90 minutes from three hours thanks to a new road. The other option is to fly to Antalya, three hours away.
‘These improvements just cement the popularity of one of Turkey's most sought after resorts,’ said Julian Walker, director at Spot Blue International Property.
‘British buyers are attracted by Kalkan's authentic charm, which the council has been careful about preserving by implementing strict planning regulations. These include a limit on the height of any new buildings, preservation orders on buildings within the Old Town and restricting the density of development on seafront land,’ he explained.
Kalkan's growing status as an international resort is for good reason, according to the firm. It points out that Kalkan is set in a bay overlooked by the Taurus Mountains and life revolves around its old fishing harbour.
Also attractive is the cobbled streets of the Old Town, which meander up the hillside. It's hard not to have a sea view there, and the higher up you go in Kalkan, the more spectacular the vistas become.
Kalkan is forging a reputation as Turkey's capital of gastronomy. Despite its comparatively small size, it has more than 200 restaurants, many of them within the Old Town and offering rooftop dining with views across the bay. Proving its passion for food, this year the resort hosted its first ever Lycian Food Festival.
Kalkan has a small Blue Flag beach next to its harbour, but a short dolmus ride takes you to two of Turkey's most spectacular beaches. Ten minutes eastwards towards Kas is picture postcard Kaputas Beach, formed where a gorge meets the sea. Meanwhile, 20 minutes westwards from the resort is the long sweeping beach at Patara, which is part of a national park and protected from development.
Offering discreet access by boat, bundles of charm and a selection of world class restaurants means Kalkan has become a favourite with celebrities. Mylene Klass, England football manager Roy Hodgson, Princess Beatrice, football club owner Roman Abramovich, comedian and actress Miranda Hart, footballer Craig Bellamy and singer David Soul are just a few of the well-known faces to have been spotted about town.
According to Walker Kalkan has an established following with the international market, especially British people. Many visitors, including holiday home owners, return year after year. Kalkan is also a resort that can be enjoyed without a car, especially when staying in or around the Old Town.
Property for sale that would work for second home owners include three bedroom apartments, each with a private pool and views, on a brand new development in the Ortaalan area of the resort.
There is a choice of single floor or duplex apartments, including those with rooftop pools. They are located in a quiet area surrounded by olive groves but still with easy access to amenities. These properties would make a desirable holiday home with good letting potential, according to the firm.
