Kalkan is an old fishing town, and the only safe harbour between Kaş and Fethiye; it is known for its white-washed houses, descending to the sea, and its brightly coloured bougainvilleas.

The word "Kalkan" in Turkish either means shield or turbot referring to the town's fishing status.

[5] They left in 1923 during the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey after the Greco-Turkish War and emigrated mainly to Attica, where they founded the new town of Kalamaki.

Although part of the Antalya province administratively, Kalkan is connected more closely to Fethiye economically and for transportation.

The paper recommended Kalkan, especially for those seeking a romantic holiday and who do not want to travel far from their home country in Europe.