Help me decide between Kas and Kalkan!
Jan 21st, 2013, 07:37 AM
#1
Help me decide between Kas and Kalkan!
HI,
I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide if we should stay 4 nights in Kas at the Peninsula Gardens or Kalkan at Likya Residence & Spa. Can you shed any light on which town and surroundings is more picturesque and interesting? I'm not interested in just lying on a sun lounger at the resort the whole time....want to eat at good restaurants and browse handicraft boutiques, go for a day cruise on a gulet to hidden coves....but want a beautiful sea view from our room. We won't be renting a car....although maybe for just one day if needed, This is our first trip to Turkey and will visit Cappadocia beforehand and Istanbul afterwards. Thanks for any insight you can offer.
I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide if we should stay 4 nights in Kas at the Peninsula Gardens or Kalkan at Likya Residence & Spa. Can you shed any light on which town and surroundings is more picturesque and interesting? I'm not interested in just lying on a sun lounger at the resort the whole time....want to eat at good restaurants and browse handicraft boutiques, go for a day cruise on a gulet to hidden coves....but want a beautiful sea view from our room. We won't be renting a car....although maybe for just one day if needed, This is our first trip to Turkey and will visit Cappadocia beforehand and Istanbul afterwards. Thanks for any insight you can offer.
Jan 21st, 2013, 09:46 AM
#2
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Contessa! (our litle joke)
Happy you've chosen Turkey..as for your OP question, I preferred Kas(h) over Kalkan...more authencity for a small Turkish town on the Turquoise Coast. (see the colorful harbor pics below)
Barefoot, the Istanbul pix and the Scenes of Turkey pix should give you a feel for the city and countryside. We covered a large portion of mid and western Turkey's real estate, driving all the way, except for Istanbul and a flight to Cappadocia. Yes, drive the Turquoise Coast...outstanding scenes. If you have other questions, I'll be most pleased to help wherever I can. I've been twice, once when working with the Turkish Air Force in the 80's.
OtherCelebi is the resident expert..he reluctantly approved my pix with his tough, gruff but semi-sweet. He seems to
follow me everywhere on this board. He'll be here in a minute!
Stu Tower
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...nesOfIstanbul#
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/ScenesOfTurkey#
Happy you've chosen Turkey..as for your OP question, I preferred Kas(h) over Kalkan...more authencity for a small Turkish town on the Turquoise Coast. (see the colorful harbor pics below)
Barefoot, the Istanbul pix and the Scenes of Turkey pix should give you a feel for the city and countryside. We covered a large portion of mid and western Turkey's real estate, driving all the way, except for Istanbul and a flight to Cappadocia. Yes, drive the Turquoise Coast...outstanding scenes. If you have other questions, I'll be most pleased to help wherever I can. I've been twice, once when working with the Turkish Air Force in the 80's.
OtherCelebi is the resident expert..he reluctantly approved my pix with his tough, gruff but semi-sweet. He seems to
follow me everywhere on this board. He'll be here in a minute!
Stu Tower
https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...nesOfIstanbul#
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/ScenesOfTurkey#
Jan 21st, 2013, 01:00 PM
#3
Hi Stu,
I loved bringing the guide book's words to life through your photos...especially enjoyed the scene from Cafe Pierre Loti as I didn't realize what a "stu"pendous view from up there! Thanks for sharing these and weighing in on Kas.
I loved bringing the guide book's words to life through your photos...especially enjoyed the scene from Cafe Pierre Loti as I didn't realize what a "stu"pendous view from up there! Thanks for sharing these and weighing in on Kas.
Jan 21st, 2013, 01:25 PM
#4
For once, possibly twice or thrice, I agree with Stu. Kas is greener, has more islands, views and small bays as well as much more interesting day cruises and kayaking over to or at Kekova. The town is also more local than the very British Kalkan, with many artists and bohemian types.
Either way, a rental car for Myra. Patara , Saklikent canyon + Tlos not at all far will be quite useful.
Stu, if you stop being paranoid, I and the others may actually stop stalking you.
Either way, a rental car for Myra. Patara , Saklikent canyon + Tlos not at all far will be quite useful.
Stu, if you stop being paranoid, I and the others may actually stop stalking you.
Jan 21st, 2013, 02:03 PM
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Barefoot Contessa:
Thank you for your nice words.
I first came across reference to Pierre Loti in Lonely Planet just before a trip to Turkey in '93. I researched the man and found his extraordinary life story to be fascinating. A French seaman, he fell in love with Turkey and finally ended up living in Istanbul. I've been recommending to this forum that when one decides to go to the cafe, it must be just before the 5:00 pm call to prayer..the resonance of dozens of the city's mosque's, slightly out of sync, while calling the faithful to prayer, is unforgettable. Remember, get there before 5 and get an outside table if you can. Be prepared to fall in love with Turkey, your Ladyship.
OC, I don't mind the stalking...I'm used to it. Paparazzi here in L.A. are everywhere I turn. But don't take photos of my sensitive little children (ages 58, 56 and 52)or grandchildren (32,31,30,25,22,17)...you're giving them nightmares.
stu
Thank you for your nice words.
I first came across reference to Pierre Loti in Lonely Planet just before a trip to Turkey in '93. I researched the man and found his extraordinary life story to be fascinating. A French seaman, he fell in love with Turkey and finally ended up living in Istanbul. I've been recommending to this forum that when one decides to go to the cafe, it must be just before the 5:00 pm call to prayer..the resonance of dozens of the city's mosque's, slightly out of sync, while calling the faithful to prayer, is unforgettable. Remember, get there before 5 and get an outside table if you can. Be prepared to fall in love with Turkey, your Ladyship.
OC, I don't mind the stalking...I'm used to it. Paparazzi here in L.A. are everywhere I turn. But don't take photos of my sensitive little children (ages 58, 56 and 52)or grandchildren (32,31,30,25,22,17)...you're giving them nightmares.
stu
Jan 21st, 2013, 02:38 PM
#6
otherchelebi, I'm so glad you stalk Stu because now I know about you and I can see you're a fount of wisdom about Turkey! It's going to take me a long time to read through your prior posts.
Stu, thanks again for the good advice and i"ll be sure to get there before 5p....didn't know that!
However, I was leaning toward Kalkan because I could walk to the town and the beach club without taking a shuttle but now you've pointed me the other way.
Aren't there any Kalkan fans out there?
Stu, thanks again for the good advice and i"ll be sure to get there before 5p....didn't know that!
However, I was leaning toward Kalkan because I could walk to the town and the beach club without taking a shuttle but now you've pointed me the other way.
Aren't there any Kalkan fans out there?
Jan 21st, 2013, 03:28 PM
#7
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>otherchelebi, I'm so glad you stalk Stu because now I know about you and I can see you're a fount of wisdom about Turkey! It's going to take me a long time to read through your prior posts.</i>
Barefoot....don't get over-excited about Celebi's "knowledge"...the man is an inveterate armchair traveler, living in terminal boredom in Bakersfield, CA...I don't think he's ever been south of San Diego, or perhaps Tijuana before the drug lords knew he was in town. His only knowledge of turkey begins and ends at the Thanksgiving dinner table. He at one-time doubled for a famous sinister film-noir actor. Peter Lorre was his sidekick. <i>Caveat emptor</i>!
stu
Barefoot....don't get over-excited about Celebi's "knowledge"...the man is an inveterate armchair traveler, living in terminal boredom in Bakersfield, CA...I don't think he's ever been south of San Diego, or perhaps Tijuana before the drug lords knew he was in town. His only knowledge of turkey begins and ends at the Thanksgiving dinner table. He at one-time doubled for a famous sinister film-noir actor. Peter Lorre was his sidekick. <i>Caveat emptor</i>!
stu
Jan 21st, 2013, 06:27 PM
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Barefoot...the sense of humor between Sir Celebi and yours truly, tends to be unreparably warped...you'll get used to it. The Kal Kan bit is a rather weird thought though. Factually, Celebi is a noted insurance expert, primarly Risk stuff..lives in Istanbul, has a charming wife (Eser)who barely puts up with him..has kids in Chi-town. The Celebis hosted Aduchamp and his wife when they visited Istanbul last year, and then broke bread with them in NYC en route to Chicago...(the opposite of "laugh" is "cry"...I'll take laugh every time!)
stu
stu
Jan 21st, 2013, 06:35 PM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Barefoot: should be "irreparably"...(my tyrannical editor would be all over me on that one!)
Whistler...I don't know if Pamukkale is once again "wet"...I've been there twice, one in the 1980's and in 1995. I'm not at all sure if the travertines were off limits at any time. It's one helluva sight to see and play with.
stu
Whistler...I don't know if Pamukkale is once again "wet"...I've been there twice, one in the 1980's and in 1995. I'm not at all sure if the travertines were off limits at any time. It's one helluva sight to see and play with.
stu
Jan 21st, 2013, 09:44 PM
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
> Pamukkale ... I thought people are not allowed in the pools anymore
I believe that most sections are closed for restoration and protection, but I believe they make sure that one (varying) section of the travertines is open for people to walk. That's what I read before my trip last May/June, and that's what I encountered when I was there.
You'll need to take your shoes and socks off, so bring something in which you can carry them, along with something you can use to dry your feet once you're done. Once you are there, you'll see which section is open for people to walk.
Sorry for the thread hijack, barefootbeach.
(And hi, Stu and other!)
I believe that most sections are closed for restoration and protection, but I believe they make sure that one (varying) section of the travertines is open for people to walk. That's what I read before my trip last May/June, and that's what I encountered when I was there.
You'll need to take your shoes and socks off, so bring something in which you can carry them, along with something you can use to dry your feet once you're done. Once you are there, you'll see which section is open for people to walk.
Sorry for the thread hijack, barefootbeach.
(And hi, Stu and other!)
Jan 21st, 2013, 11:49 PM
#14
Stu is a serious novelist. I am an inveterate philosopher-clown, a character from a Commedia Del Arte play. Using my real name, I write reviews on Amazon, try to sell a book of wisdom and tweet more wisdom, but cannot compete with Stu on any subject. I have asked him over for a jousting match at the hippodrome in Istanbul but he says he is in training.
Hi, kja ! Some people I know should be required to not remove their socks anywhere, including the travertines of Pamukkale. -
Ahmet C.
Hi, kja ! Some people I know should be required to not remove their socks anywhere, including the travertines of Pamukkale. -
Ahmet C.
May 20th, 2013, 11:39 AM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi barefootbeach!
I was wondering which of these two towns did you end up choosing and why.
We have the same dilemma for an upcoming trip to Turkey, and we also have 4 nights to spend in either.
Thanks.
I was wondering which of these two towns did you end up choosing and why.
We have the same dilemma for an upcoming trip to Turkey, and we also have 4 nights to spend in either.
Thanks.
May 21st, 2013, 12:51 AM
#17
JoyC, we chose Kas because it's supposed to be more authentic and the tour guide we had here in Capadoccia also said Kas is better...we're going to be staying in Peninsula Gardens.
We're flying there today...Capadoccia has been remarkable...I'd stay here also if you could...we love Esbelli Evi cave hotel in Urgup (don't stay in Goreme unless you like touristy areas) and had a magnificent balloon ride with Royal Balloon...see my posting in regards to HappyTrvls's post about the tragic balloon crash here yesterday that we witnessed from our balloon from afar. We had a great tour guide, Alkan, from Travel Atelier, booked through our hotel,Esbelli Evi, for one day. Also, if you like to hike, the Rose Valley was incredibly beautiful but difficult for me on the steep descents. Gotta go....transfer is waiting!
We're flying there today...Capadoccia has been remarkable...I'd stay here also if you could...we love Esbelli Evi cave hotel in Urgup (don't stay in Goreme unless you like touristy areas) and had a magnificent balloon ride with Royal Balloon...see my posting in regards to HappyTrvls's post about the tragic balloon crash here yesterday that we witnessed from our balloon from afar. We had a great tour guide, Alkan, from Travel Atelier, booked through our hotel,Esbelli Evi, for one day. Also, if you like to hike, the Rose Valley was incredibly beautiful but difficult for me on the steep descents. Gotta go....transfer is waiting!
May 21st, 2013, 01:11 AM
#18
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kas is STUNNING & one of my favourite places in Turkey. Although Kalkan is also very pretty, Kas is a much smaller version. More quaint. Cobblestone streets, beautiful old Ottomon houses covered in colourful bougainvillea's. Also for the really hot days, there are some natural cold waters springs running through the waters in Kas, which makes a swim a little more refreshing!
May 26th, 2013, 06:08 AM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your reply barefoot...and to you too nextholiday.
Kas it is then!!
Yes, we are also going to Cappadocia plus other areas in Turkey. We were thinking of staying at Esbelli Evi but isn't Urgup larger than Goreme? I don't particularly like huge towns which is the reason why we haven't firmed up our decision regarding staying at Esbelli. Anyway thanks again, and I have indeed read your post about Royal Balloons. (Do you happen to know the names of the other balloon company you mentioned in that post?)
Kas it is then!!
Yes, we are also going to Cappadocia plus other areas in Turkey. We were thinking of staying at Esbelli Evi but isn't Urgup larger than Goreme? I don't particularly like huge towns which is the reason why we haven't firmed up our decision regarding staying at Esbelli. Anyway thanks again, and I have indeed read your post about Royal Balloons. (Do you happen to know the names of the other balloon company you mentioned in that post?)
May 26th, 2013, 06:54 AM
#20
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From memory Urgup is small. Goreme is also very small. Yes more people as its the more popular spot in Cappadocia, but its a tiny little place & easy to get around.
For the hot air balloons - check out: http://www.hotairballooncappadocia.com/
Enjoy Kas - hard not too!
For the hot air balloons - check out: http://www.hotairballooncappadocia.com/
Enjoy Kas - hard not too!
