Whilst enjoying Islamlar's rural mountain setting, guests at Papatya may also enjoy many day excursions around the dramatic coastline of South Western Turkey. The famous Patara Beach, the charming harbour towns of Kas and Kalkan, the crater lake at Gombe and the fascinating Saklikent Gorge are all less than an hours drive away. (Right: View from Papatya House)
Islamlar
The village of Islamlar, also known as Bodamya, is a rural gem located 6 km inland from the seaside town of Kalkan. Set in the Taurus mountains, Islamlar is some 3 - 4 hundred meters above sea level with the temperature noticeably cooler than that of Kalkan. A welcome asset in the scorching summer months. Locals here make their living mainly from grapes and olives, the area is lush with grape vines, olive groves and figs. During the harvest in September, the village roads are lined with baskets bursting with ripe grapes. Locals will gladly offer you a bunch. Several large natural springs are utilised as trout farms / restaurants offering great dining and stunning sea and valley views. Aside from excellent fresh trout, these restaurants also serve a delicious local cheese fried in chilly oil. The village centre is in keeping with villages across the whole of Turkey and comprises of a coffee house where men sit around discussing politics and football whilst sipping Turkish coffee or tea. There are a few basic grocery shops, an old mosque and an old water mill, still in use today.
Kalkan (15 Minutes Drive)
At its heart, Kalkan is a beautifully picturesque harbour town that exudes a lot of character. It is a joy to wander around the narrow back streets exploring the old Greek-Ottoman houses. Kalkan is a medley of wooden balconies, charismatic buildings, roof terrace restaurants, bars, quaint little shops and a delightful harbour. The town has a pebble beach, its clear waters refreshed by mountain springs. Kalkan also offers a good selection of beach clubs where visitors can enjoy the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean in slightly more refined settings. Our choice is the Kalamar Beach Club, the setting in a secluded bay is excellent, the cafeteria serves good snacks and there are several water sports on offer, all conducted with discretion so as not to disturb guests. Boat trips are also very popular. We can arrange a full day boat trip for you that explores local islands and idyllic bays with with plenty of swimming stops and lunch on board. Kalkan also boasts a large fruit and veg street market every Thursday.
Kas (35 Minutes Drive)
The attractive town of Kas is perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. The narrow streets of this old fishing village are lined with great restaurants, tea gardens, old greek and ottoman houses and ancient Lycian artifacts. If you are interested in Scuba Diving you need look no further than Kas, where you will find great dive sites and dive schools. The restaurants in Kas are possibly some of the best in the country, not only is the food first class but the panoramic views that many have to offer are second to none. Kas hosts a wonderful fruit and veg street market every Friday, even the Greeks from the neighboring island of Meis come over for their weekly groceries.
Patara Beach (25 Minutes Drive)
Patara is the setting for one of the most extraordinary beaches in Turkey. Some 18km long with an average width of 50 meters, the beach here boasts dramatic dunes formed from silky soft sand. To the rear there is a pine forest whist on the beach itself you can see Oleander trees. The remains of the ancient city engage in an ongoing battle with the sand but the theatre and original gateway to the city are still in good order. Patara is also the birthplace of St Nicolas, the 4th century bishop who became better known as Santa Claus. This is a great beach excursion, there are changing rooms and a small cafe on the beach serving snacks and drinks.
Kaputas Beach (20 Minutes Drive)
Kaputas is secluded sandy bay at the foot of a deep ravine. The beach is beautiful but access is via steep steps. Not for the faint hearted.
Saklikent Gorge (35 Minutes Drive)
With a length approaching 18 km, Saklikent Gorge is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey. At times so deep that the sun barely penetrates and the waters remain cool and refreshing even in the summer heat. The scenic approach to the gorge along rivers, mountains and through tiny rural villages is breathtaking and once there you can enjoy a tranquil lunch in one the numerous river side cafes. Take a trek through the magical gorge, enjoy a mud bath then wash it off under a cool waterfall. A highly recommended outing.
Kekova Island Boat Tour (1 Hour Drive)
The Kekova Island (Sunken City) boat excursion also takes in the picturesque village of Simena, St Nicholas' church in Demre and the impressive theatre and rock tombs at Myra. With plenty of stops for swimming and sunbathing this excursion takes you to some of the most breathtaking bays on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. |
