Kalkan (Greek: Kalamaki) is on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and averages over 300 days of sunshine a year. The area includes many historical sites and many fine beaches. The word Kalkan is Turkish for 'shield'. Kalkan is an old fishing town, and the only safe harbour between Kaş and Fethiye; famous for its white-washed houses, descending to the sea, and its brightly colored bougainvilleas. Until the early 1920s the majority of its inhabitants were Greeks. They were forced to leave the town in 1923 because of the Exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey after the Greco-Turkish War. They emigrated mainly to Attica, where they founded the new town of Kalamaki.

With much of the surrounding land still undeveloped and with many nearby remains of ancient civilizations, Kalkan is the ideal resort for those who want calm and relaxation, enjoy the natural beauty of the cleanest seashores, of rough mountains covered with pine forests, and also for those who want to explore the remains of the ancient Lycian cities in the neighborhood. Lycia, "The Land of Light", which is the first known federation in history, included the many city states between modern day Fethiye and Antalya, and its capital was Xanthos (Arna in Lycian language), which is Kinik today, 17 km from Kalkan. Kalkan was an important harbor town until 1970's as the only sea port for the environs. It declined after construction of Fethiye road but revived after the emergence of the tourism industry in the region.

Kalkan was once a very important location as it was the only safe harbour between Kas and Fethiye. Cargo ships were loaded in the harbour to sail for destinations in the Ottoman Empire carrying various goods such as charcoal, silk from the Mulberry trees, olive oil which is still produced today, wine, cotton, grain, sesame seed, flour, grapes, acorns used for dye purposes, and lumber from the cedar and pine forests. By the 20th century Kalkan had its own custom's house, as well as restaurants, a goldsmith, a shoemaker and a couple of tailors. In 1928 Kalkan had its first local elections and in 1937 the elementry school, which is still used today, was established. Sailors stayed here in different pensions and enjoyed cold drinks in the numerous pubs. Although part of the Antalya province administratively, Kalkan is connected more closely to Fethiye economically and for transportation.