ROSE RESTAURANT

shopping and stuffing your face, there are lots to do, from relaxing in the Turkish baths to braving jeep safaris, paragliding, quad biking, river canoeing and rafting. Kalkan also has a nice white pebble beach and there’s several beach clubs dotted around the bay on rocky platforms, which offer sunbeds in return for the purchase of drink or food.

But a must-visit is nearby Patara, often cited as one of the world’s top beaches thanks to its 18km of golden, unspoilt sand.

It’s a 15-minute drive away and we opted for a private day trip to Patara, Xanthos and Saklikent, arranged by Volume Travel Agency for £30 per person. Xanthos, ancient capital of Lycia, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We were free to explore its ancient tombs with mosaic floors, and the wonderfully preserved amphitheatre. Next, we visited Salikent Gorge, which rises to 600m. During high season, when the river cutting through it runs at a calmer pace, you can walk along the gorge. We ended the day with a walk along Patara’s seemingly endless stretch of golden sands, as the waves crashed along its pristine shores.

I’ll say it again, absolute bliss!

SMALL HOUSE

Enjoy a mezze platter of Turkish starters while reading all the lovely customer comments written on the walls of this intimate, family-run restaurant.

HUNKAR OCAKBASI

Dealing in traditional Turkish food at very reasonable prices, Hunkar’s popularity with the locals proves it’s a winner. The pides (Turkish pizza) are brilliant.

KAYA

Kaya is always buzzing and has a great atmosphere. It’s owned by brothers Kadir, Erol and Alper who chat and perform the occasional magic trick at your table.

SALONIKA 1881

Offering indoor and outdoor dining on Süleyman Yılmaz, a pretty street in the old town fast becoming Kalkan’s hippest hangout.

CORIANDER

There’s no menu, instead, you wander into the kitchen and choose from a range of delicious dishes made that day. Perfect for a cheap lunch.

SADE RESTAURANT

Sade is another old town favourite that gets rave reviews for its food, particularly the steak and various seafood dishes.

KALAMAKI

One of Kalkan’s most popular rooftop restaurants, Kalamaki has a great choice of delicious dishes, including ‘fusion’ and Ottoman inspired food.

ISOS’S KITCHEN

This quaint bougainvillea-covered restaurant is really popular, especially for its rooftop terrace and authentic Turkish dishes.

Located up the hill from old town, Rose offers fabulous, homecooked and inexpensive food.