Kalkan

Kalkan is an archetypal Mediterranean harbour town with cobbled alleyways rising up from a picture-postcard seafront. The name means shield in Turkish, after the large four-sided bay at its heart, complete with inky-blue waters fed by mountain springs which keep the sea fresh and crystal-clear.

Strict conservation laws have ensured only sympathetic, low-rise development has taken place on the boundaries of Kalkan and the old village itself remains entirely untouched, with the entire region retaining a low-key charm. Surrounding villas and boutique hotels are sensitively built into the natural terrain – sometimes in quite a feat of nature – and blend with the overarching backdrop of pine forest meets turquoise sea.