A GENERAL INFORMATION
Here you will find information on weather, safe sunbathing, mosquitoes, directions from Dalaman to the villa, etc.
Weather
The weather in Kalkan is typical of the Mediterranean climate, namely hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters. The intense heat of July and August is slightly lessened by the 'meltem', an afternoon breeze. The water temperature rarely drops below 16C, so bathers can enjoy the sea 8-9 months of the year. Many Kalkan tourists prefer May, June and October for their holidays, as the weather is hot and sunny but not so hot as July, August and September, which means you can sightsee all day long. Spring is also a wonderful time to see the wonderful kaleidoscope of flowers, although the fabulous paper-like Bougainvillea blooms all summer long.
Average Maximum Monthly Temperatures & Hours of Sunshine
- March 19C 8 hours
- April 21C 9 hours
- May 26C 11 hours
- June 30C 12 hours
- July 34C 13 hours
- August 35C 12 hours
- September 32C 11 hours
- October 28C 9 hours
- November 23C 8 hours
- December 17C 8 hours
- January 13C 8 hours
- February 15C 8 hours
For an up to date forecast for Antalya (which is a couple of 100km further north, so Kalkan could be even warmer), follow this link: Antalya outlook
Driving Instructions
You can download a set of comprehensive instructions for driving from Dalaman Airport to our villa here: Directions
Water
It is strongly advisable to drink only sealed, bottled mineral water. Some people even avoid salads and fruit but we eat everything and have never suffered from any problems.
Tipping
It is customary to tip people who have done you some service, eg. taxi drivers, porters, delivery people, etc. 10% is a normal gratuity in restaurants, unless service is included.
Flora and Fauna
Even during the hottest, driest months, Kalkan is awash with the splendid bougainvillea, draping on every surface. Olive and banana trees are also plentiful.
Dogs and cats roam free in Kalkan, only some of which are ownerless. Feeding is not recommended as you will then have a permanent attachment which will be difficult to be rid of. Dolphins can be seen quite close to the bay during early summer. Tortoises meander around unperturbed by anything. Terrapins inhabit many rivers and the sea turtles are quite famous on some beaches.
Unfortunately, Kalkan does have mosquitos, which is why we have repellent devices, insect screens and mosquito nets in the villa. Always carry repellent with you. The council has recently started periodic spraying, which has reduced the numbers considerably.
Safe Sunbathing
It's tempting to soak up loads of sun in a place like Kalkan but it would be wise to take it easy, particularly in the summer months. Start slowly to begin with and always wear a hat and decent sunglasses, as well as using a decent sun cream. You don't want to age prematurely or get cataracts.
The Evil Eye
The Evil Eye or Nazar Bonjuk is like a good-luck charm in Turkey. Many cultures believe in the power of one person to cast a spell over another, ie, to give them the 'evil eye'. By wearing one of these glass eyes, it lets those wishing to do you harm know that you are watching them and that you are protected. If you look at the ground, you will often find large glass eyes embedded near a house or shop to ward off evil. Few people nowadays really believe in the power of the Evil Eye but wear one prominently on your clothing and you are bound to get smiles from the Turkish people, as they know you appreciate their culture. They are available in all sizes and are incorporated into many artefacts, jewellery, etc.