Another Eden : a retreat from the everyday

As a retreat from the rigours of modern life, Kalkan is little short of idyllic! Nestled round a sheltered natural harbour at the foot of the majestic Taurus Mountains, this unspoilt historic town overlooks a bay of breathtaking beauty: clear azure sea punctuated here and there by verdant islands; a picturesque scattering of boats ruffling its calm surface.

What to Expect from Eden: leisure activities within an Ottoman setting

Inland, a jumble of age-old whitewashed villas with tiny shuttered windows, their balconies garlanded with baskets of tumbling bougainvillea, line the narrow streets that twist down to the harbour; a dazzling reminder of Kalkan's Ottoman heritage. In this historic heart of the old town, specialist shops jostle alongside bars and eateries in a colourful cultural mosaic. Here, good dining is a way of life and as the sun goes down, the town's many rooftop and harbourside restaurants serve up a mouthwatering selection of fresh Turkish and international dishes in what has become a relaxed - and lingering - nightly ritual.

Retail Therapy: from traditional kilims patterns to modern jewelry designs

By day, Kalkan is the perfect place to indulge in a leisurely spot of hassle-free shopping. More sophisticated than many of its neighbouring towns and villages, Kalkan has cosmopolitan appeal and boasts many top-notch, yet affordable boutiques, offering carpets, kilims (traditional turkish rugs), jewellery, glass, ceramics, leather goods and clothing. Don't miss Thursday's market - a riot of sensory stimulation and a great place for hunting down bargains. Retail therapy, the Kalkan way!