A Villa Holiday in Kaş: From the Bezirgan Plateau to the Coves of Kalkan

Kaş sits at the western tip of Antalya, where the mountains come closest to the sea. That is exactly why it works so well for a villa holiday: drive fifteen minutes inland from the coast and you reach cool, quiet, green countryside. Below are the notes that will help you choose an area.

Where to stay

Bezirgan is a plateau at 800 metres, roughly 15 km north of Kalkan. In summer it stays 5-6 degrees cooler than the coast, and nights are comfortable without air conditioning. The view is not of the sea but of a plain covered in walnut and almond trees. It is the right address for anyone who wants a calm holiday away from the crowds.

Kalkan and its surroundings are known for terraces that look straight onto the water. Most villas are built on the slope, so nearly all of them have a sea view; in return you need to be comfortable with steep streets and steps. If you are travelling with small children or anyone with limited mobility, ask in advance how close a car can get to the villa.

Kaş town is better known for diving and boat trips. Day boats leave the harbour for Kekova, Üçağız and the sunken city.

When to go

The swimming season opens in late May and runs to mid-October. July and August are both the hottest and the busiest. Our suggestion is early June or the second half of September: the sea is warm, the days are still long, but prices and traffic ease noticeably.

Getting there

• The nearest airport is Dalaman (about 1 hour 45 minutes to Kalkan).
• Antalya Airport also works; the drive takes close to 3.5 hours.
• Public transport in the area is limited. On a villa holiday a hire car is close to essential for reaching shops, beaches and restaurants.

A three-day sample route

Day 1: Patara Beach and the ancient city. The 18-kilometre sand is worth staying on for sunset.
Day 2: A Kekova boat trip from Kaş harbour; the sunken city and Simena castle.
Day 3: Half a day at Kaputaş Cove, then dinner in Kalkan.

When choosing a villa, ask what hours the pool gets sun, how far the parking is from the door, and how many kilometres away the nearest shop is. Those three details shape the daily rhythm of the holiday more than anything else.