Calis Beach Holidays

Beach life and Turkish culture

When a scene near the beginning of the 2012 movie Skyfall was filmed here, Calis Beach’s island-dotted bay joined the ranks of idyllic James Bond locations. But for those of us not undercover, Calis Beach holidays offer the perfect seaside location, just 5 kilometres up the coast from one of Mediterranean Turkey’s liveliest harbour cities, Fethiye. With its Lycian ruins, 6,000-seat Roman theatre, 15th-century castle and archaeological museum, Fethiye is a typical Turkish historical treasure trove.

The small city’s contemporary life is very much in charge, however, from its two marinas to the shaded pedestrian lanes of the old town, Paspatur. Calis Beach, meanwhile, is out of the hustle and bustle but still has lots of international restaurants and tourist services to ensure an enjoyable holiday. Its long beach is just a hop, skip and a ‘dolmuş’ minibus ride from Fethiye’s many attractions – giving holidays to Calis Beach in Turkey all the appeal of a relaxed getaway that’s close to the action.

Explore our map of Calis Beach

Your Calis Beach questions, answered

How do I get around?

Public dolmuş minibuses run up and down the coast every few minutes in summer, from Calis Beach to Fethiye and around town, and cost a few Turkish lira.

Can I find Bond’s bar?

Unfortunately, it was demolished. But for another literary adventure, seek out the ruined village of Kayaköy, which inspired ‘Birds Without Wings’ by Louis de Bernières (of ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ fame).

Must I learn Turkish?

The multilingual Turks generally speak good English, as well as German and smatterings of other European languages. An adaptable Turkish phrase that goes a long way is ‘çok güzel’ (very beautiful).

Best things to do

Go exploring
Hop on a boat to see the 12 islands of Fethiye bay or secluded Butterfly Valley beach. Overland trip options include riverside Dalyan, Lake Köycegiz, Saklikent Gorge and Lycian ruins at Tlos.
Visit the fish market
It doesn’t get more atmospheric than Fethiye’s hall of fishmongers and restaurants. Buy your fish and calamari from the fridges before handing them to a waiter to serve on a plate, accompanied by meze.
Wander in Paspatur
Buy a carpet, drink a frosty beer on 45 Sokak (aka Bar Street), try Turkish dishes in a ‘lokanta’ buffet-lunch restaurant or just stroll the old town’s bazaar-style streets.