Kalkan→Beldibi

This is a journey between two very different holiday moods. Kalkan is a whitewashed hillside town of stone lanes, bougainvillea and candlelit rooftop terraces, set in the Kaş district on the Lycian shore. Beldibi is a pine-backed pebble-beach resort in the Kemer district, on the Gulf of Antalya, where the mountains drop almost to the water and the hotels line the coast road. Between the two lie 113 km of the D400 coast highway and a drive of about 119 minutes without long stops.

A private car makes the move simple. The driver collects you at your Kalkan hotel or villa and takes you to the door of your Beldibi hotel. You do not change vehicles. You do not wait at a bus station. You do not carry cases across a car park in the midday heat. The vehicle is yours for the whole trip, so you set the pace, ask for a coffee stop, and let the children sleep if they want to.

This page walks you through the road, the arrival, the area you are heading to, and the practical questions that come up on a coastal transfer: when to leave, what to do with small children, how to plan a late arrival, and how to organise the trip back to the airport at the end of your stay.

The route follows the Lycian coast eastward. It is one of the best-known scenic roads in southern Turkey, and the view changes every few minutes. Sit on the sea side if you can, because the best outlooks are on that side.

Kalkan is built on a steep slope above its bay. Many hotels and villas sit on narrow lanes high above the harbour, and some are reached by one-way streets or short private roads. Your driver brings the car as close to the entrance as the road allows. If your villa sits on a very narrow lane, the driver may ask you to walk the last short stretch to a point where the car can stop safely. Give your exact address and the name of the property when you book, so that the driver arrives at the correct gate on the first try.

From the town the road climbs back to the main coast highway and turns east. Within a few minutes you are high above the sea, with the water on your right, and the hillside cut by terraces of olive trees and small greenhouses.

The first major town on the way is Kaş, a small harbour town with colourful old houses, a lively waterfront and a reputation among divers. On a clear day you can see the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis in Turkish) lying just off the coast. Kaş is a good place for a short stop if you want a coffee, a cold drink or a stretch of the legs. The harbour front has plenty of cafes, and the walk from the car park to the water takes only a few minutes.

If you would like a stop here, tell the driver when you book or at pickup. A short break adds a little to the total journey time, so mention it before the start rather than halfway.

After Kaş the road moves away from the sea for some stretches and passes through the plains and valleys of the Lycian region. You pass the area of Demre, known for the church of St Nicholas, and then Finike, a small harbour town. Next comes Kumluca. This part of the coast is known for citrus orchards and long lines of greenhouses, and in the warm months the plains glow with oranges, lemons and tomatoes. The road is wide in places and busy with local lorries and tractors, so the pace can vary. Your driver passes slower vehicles only where it is safe.

This is a working agricultural coast, and the views are of fields and hills rather than resort life. It is also the quietest part of the journey for sleeping.

As you approach the Kemer district the road goes back toward the sea, and the scenery becomes dramatic again. The Beydağları range stands on your right and pine forest covers the slopes down to the shore. The road curves above small coves and then runs along the front of the resort strip. Kemer itself is a large resort town, with a marina, a promenade and hotels set among pines.

Beldibi lies at the far eastern end of the Kemer district, next to Göynük, on the Antalya side. This means you travel through the whole Kemer area before you arrive. The last part of the drive feels very different from the quiet agricultural plains: more hotels, more traffic lights, more tour buses and more people.

The given journey time of about 119 minutes is the guide for a normal drive with no long stops. Several things change it in practice.

• Early morning and late evening. The road is quiet, the lorries are fewer, and the driver keeps a steady speed. These are the best times to travel if you want the shortest journey.
• Midday in July and August. Traffic builds near Kemer and on the approach to Beldibi, with buses taking guests to excursions and cars heading to the beaches. Add some extra time.
• Photo and coffee stops. Every stop adds time. A short stop of fifteen minutes is easy to absorb. A long lunch at the harbour in Kaş is a different plan, and you should tell us about it in advance.

If you have a fixed time that matters, such as a check-in slot, a dinner reservation or a boat departure, leave earlier than you think necessary. A comfortable margin makes the trip more relaxing for everyone in the car.

Kalkan has several areas, and each one has a different pickup style.

• Old Town and the harbour. The lanes here are narrow and steep, and the centre has limited vehicle access. The driver may meet you at the nearest point where the car can stop. If your luggage is heavy, ask your hotel reception to help you carry it to the pickup point.
• Hillside villa complexes. Many holiday villas stand above the town on private roads. Give the villa name, the complex name and, if possible, a map pin. Villa signs are often small and the roads are not always on every map.
• Hotels in the centre. Kalkan hotels such as The Rhapsody Hotel, Kalamar Hotel, Kelebek Hotel and Meldi Hotel are known to our drivers, and the driver will know the entrance and the best stopping point.

Be ready at the agreed time with your luggage near the door. A prompt start protects your schedule on the long coastal road.

Beldibi is built along the coast road and along the slope above the sea. Most hotels in the area are large resort complexes with a clear entrance, a reception area and staff who help with luggage. The driver takes you straight to the main entrance and, if you wish, helps you to the reception desk.

A few simple tips make arrival easier.

• Check-in time. Resort hotels usually have a standard afternoon check-in. If you arrive early, the reception can often store your bags, and you can use the pool or the beach while the room is prepared. Ask your hotel in advance what its policy is.
• Hotel name and address. Several hotels in the Beldibi and Göynük area have similar names. Write the full hotel name in your booking, and keep the reservation confirmation on your phone.

If you stay in a smaller hotel or apartment set away from the main road, tell us in advance. We can then plan the final approach so that you are not dropped on the highway.

Beldibi is a compact resort village, and its character is clear. It is a family and beach-holiday destination, with a pebble shore, a wall of pine forest behind it and the Taurus mountains in the distance. It is less crowded than the centre of Kemer and calmer than many of the larger resort towns, though it still has all the services a holiday needs.

Hotels along the shore are the most popular choice. They give you direct access to the beach, usually through a gate or a short path from the grounds. They suit families and anyone who wants to spend the day moving between the pool, the sea and the restaurant. Pebble beaches are firm underfoot, and water shoes make entering the sea more comfortable.

Properties set higher up on the slope offer cooler air in the evenings, and sometimes better views of the gulf. They suit travellers who prefer a quieter evening, and who do not mind a short walk or a hotel shuttle to the beach. The pine forest begins just above the coast road, so the area has shade in places where the sun is strong.

The beach. Beldibi's main beach is a long stretch of pebbles and coarse sand. The water drops off quickly in places, and the sea can be cool at the start of the season. Sun beds and umbrellas are available at many hotels. In the high season the beach has more visitors in the afternoon, and the morning is the quietest time for a walk.

Beldibi Cave. The area is known for the Beldibi rock shelter, one of the early prehistoric sites on the Turkish coast, where ancient paintings and finds were discovered. If you enjoy history, ask your hotel reception about visiting arrangements and the current state of access, as conditions can change.

The pine forest and the viewpoints. A short walk or drive up the slope brings views over the bay and the Taurus mountains. The air is fresh, the smell of pine is strong, and the light in the early evening is good for photographs.

Göynük Canyon. Close to Beldibi, this canyon is a popular short outing. It is cooler than the coast in summer and gives a different view of the landscape.

In Beldibi, most guests eat at their hotel, especially in all-inclusive properties. If you want a change, the area offers several options.

• Local grill restaurants. You can find grilled fish, meat dishes and simple Turkish starters, often served with fresh bread and salad.
• Beachfront cafes. These suit a late breakfast, a cold drink or a light lunch after the sea.
• Kemer for a bigger evening. The marina and the promenade offer more bars, restaurants and live music. A short taxi ride takes you there and back.

After the long drive from Kalkan, many travellers prefer a simple first evening: a walk along the shore, a meal near the hotel and an early night. If you have just left Kalkan's rooftop restaurants, you will notice the change from small, quiet and intimate to larger, busier and family-oriented. Both have their charm.

The drive is long for young children, so a few simple plans help.

• Child seats. Child seats are available on request. Tell us the age and weight of each child when you book, so the correct seat is in the car at pickup.
• Timing. Start the journey after breakfast and after your children have used the toilet. If your children sleep well in the car, an early start or a start around their usual nap time can make the trip much easier.
• Snacks and water. Keep water, fruit and light snacks within reach. Shops are not found everywhere along the quiet agricultural sections.
• Stops. Kaş is a convenient place for a toilet and a short walk. The driver can also stop at a safe place if a child feels unwell. Winding roads can upset some children's stomachs, so tell the driver if this is a concern, and sit them in the middle or front-facing seats where appropriate.
• Luggage. Families often travel with strollers, buggies and large cases. Tell us in advance how many bags and what size of vehicle you need, so that everyone and everything fits comfortably.

Beldibi is a good base for children. The hotels have pools, kids' clubs and shallow areas, and the beach is easy to reach. The pebble shore is firm, but young children may like water shoes. The forest and the canyon give older children a chance for a short adventure.

A journey of this length needs careful planning if it connects with a flight.

Late arrival at the hotel. If you leave Kalkan late in the afternoon, you may reach Beldibi in the evening or after dark. The coast road is lit around the resorts, but the quiet agricultural sections can be dark. Hotels are used to late arrivals, but tell reception in advance and keep your booking details on your phone. Ask whether the restaurant is still open.

Early departure from Beldibi. If you have a morning flight from Antalya, you will leave Beldibi in the dark or at first light. Book the pickup time with a safety margin. Check that your hotel can prepare an early breakfast box or a late check-out arrangement if needed.

Beldibi lies on the Antalya side of the Kemer district, so Antalya Airport is the natural gateway for guests staying here. The drive from Beldibi to the airport is much shorter than the journey you made from Kalkan, and in normal traffic it takes well under an hour. Even so, it is best to leave with plenty of margin.

Here is a simple way to plan your departure.

1. Check your flight time. For an international flight, plan to be at the airport well before departure, as check-in, bag drop and security take time, especially in the summer peak.
2. Add the drive. Take the journey from Beldibi to the airport, then add extra time for traffic around Antalya, particularly in July and August.
3. Add the hotel factors. Allow time for breakfast, checkout and loading the luggage.
4. Confirm the pickup time with us. We help you set a pickup time that fits your flight, and the driver arrives at the hotel entrance at the agreed time.

If you are going back to the Kalkan area for a villa stay or a flight from Dalaman, remember that the route is the same 113 km coast road in the opposite direction. Plan the full journey time of about 119 minutes plus a margin, and decide whether you want to travel the day before your flight. For an early flight from Dalaman, many travellers prefer to travel the previous day and sleep near the airport. Ask us if you want help organising this.

Kalkan and Beldibi are served by different airports. Dalaman Airport is the usual gateway for Kalkan, while Antalya Airport is the usual gateway for Beldibi. This is why the Kalkan to Beldibi transfer is mostly a land journey between two stays, rather than an airport run.

• Staying in Kalkan first, then moving to Beldibi. Fly into Dalaman, take a transfer to Kalkan, enjoy your first week, then take this transfer to Beldibi. For the flight home, depart from Antalya.
• Staying in Beldibi first, then Kalkan. Fly into Antalya, transfer to Beldibi, and then continue on this route in the opposite direction. For the flight home, depart from Dalaman.

A private transfer fits well into this kind of two-stop holiday, because the car and the driver can match the exact check-out and check-in times of your hotels.

Once you arrive in Beldibi, the surrounding area gives you many excursions. Most are short trips that return the same day.

• Phaselis. The ruins of this ancient harbour city lie among pines by the sea, south of Kemer. Three small bays and the old aqueduct make it a popular half-day visit.
• Olympos and Çıralı. A longer trip takes you to the ancient city of Olympos in a forested valley, the beach at Çıralı and the Chimaera flames, where natural gas burns from the rock. Evening visits are popular.
• Tahtalı Mountain. A cable car near Kemer rises to the summit of the mountain, with wide views across the coast and the Taurus range.
• Antalya and Kaleiçi. The old quarter of Antalya has narrow lanes, Ottoman houses, a Roman harbour and the Hadrian's Gate. It is an easy day trip from Beldibi and a good contrast to the resort beach.
• Göynük Canyon. A walk or a short boat ride in the canyon, with cool air and green water, is easy to combine with a swim.

Ask your hotel reception about guided tours, or ask us for a private driver if you prefer to set your own schedule.

Spring and early summer (April to June). The countryside is green, the air is mild and the roads are quiet, although the sea is still cool in April and May. Days are warm and long in June, and the stops in Kaş are pleasant.

High summer (July and August). Heat and traffic are at their highest. Air conditioning in the car makes a large difference on a two-hour drive. Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours, and keep water in the car. Expect more traffic near Kemer.

Autumn (September to October). The sea is still warm from the summer, the crowds thin out, and the light on the coast is soft. For many travellers this is the best time of year for a two-stop holiday.

Winter (November to March). Many seaside restaurants and hotels reduce their services, and the sea is cold. The mountains can be wet, and rain may slow the traffic on the coast road. Beldibi is much quieter, so confirm with your hotel that it is open and agree your check-in arrangements before you travel.

Plan on about 119 minutes for the 113 km along the D400 coast road. In the summer peak, near Kemer, or if you stop for photos and coffee, the journey takes longer.

The fare is for the entire private vehicle, up to its seat capacity, and not per person. Choose the vehicle size that fits your group and luggage.

Yes. Tell us in advance and the driver will include a short stop in Kaş or Kemer. It is one of the most scenic stretches of the Turkish coast, so a pause is worthwhile.

Beldibi is on the Antalya side of the Kemer district, so Antalya Airport is the natural airport for the end of your stay. The drive is much shorter than the journey from Kalkan.

The road from Kalkan to Beldibi takes you past the harbour town of Kaş, the citrus plains around Finike and Kumluca and the pine coast of Kemer. It ends at a family-friendly pebble beach on the Gulf of Antalya. With a private car you see all of it from a comfortable seat while the driver handles the road.