Based on flat coastal land, with a long, fairly narrow, arcing beach; faces town of Fethiye to the S across the bay. Green mountains rise in the distance.
A rather less characterful resort than some, with hotels in a straggling row along the seafront, a mainly pedestrianised boulevard with limited traffic access. Back from the seafront lies a patchwork of stony unpaved tracks and paved and concrete roads with further hotels, apartments and holiday homes interspersed with agricultural plots and sites awaiting development. On the outskirts lies an area of tall grassland and greenery. Overall, the resort has a low-key, laid-back atmosphere.
For those seeking a beach location and a compact, easily accessible resort. Best for families and quiet-loving couples. Some nightlife, but plentiful transport to nearby Fethiye town, which has a greater selection. Popular with British and German holidaymakers.
An ample number of smaller hotels (most open summer only) and apartments, mainly just below middlemarket category. A few larger, better equipped hotels, but most properties are friendly, family-run affairs with the bare essentials, spread along the beachfront and off the main roads around the resort.
A long, narrow arc of dark sand and shingle lined with sun loungers and shades extends round a broad bay with sheltered waters. Backed by an appealing, mainly pedestrianised boulevard with a grassy verge and small trees; lit for evening strolls. Safe to swim; some water sports offered. Turtles lay eggs in the sand at certain times of the year.
A small selection of shops with jewellery, clothes, shoes, beachwear and water-sports equipment. Many small, well-stocked minimarkets. Souvenirs and local handicrafts; plentiful spices, teas and Turkish delight. Fethiye town has abundant shops and a large covered market (Tuesdays).
Daytime: some water sports, including surfing. Horse riding. Turkish baths and massage. Aqua park with slides and fitness centre. Good selection of tours to nearby islands; fishing; shark fishing.
Night life is more low-key, with a good selection of bars, cafes and cocktail bars, many on the beachfront boulevard and with bay views. A couple of discos. Larger hotels offer seasonal evening entertainments with live music and often belly-dancing. More active nightlife can be had in nearby Fethiye town.
Restaurant choice is plentyful cafes and snack bars serving local and Turkish fare, seafood or Italian dishes. Pizza. English breakfasts for the homesick. Restaurants line the beachfront boulevard, offering airy dining with fine views of bay. Nearby Fethiye town offers more variety.
No need to hire a car if you want to get to Fethiye. All you have to do is get onto the Dolmus (small mini-bus) to Fethiye town, as well as a taxi-boat service along the river to Fethiye town (half-hourly during summer season). Car, bicycle and moped hire all available. Plentiful taxis from a couple of ranks and around resort.
You will have plenty to do whist being in Calis. Boat trips to nearby islands; fishing trips (including shark fishing); Dalyan turtle beach; Pamukkale (Cotton Castle); Saklikent Tlos Gorge; various truck safaris in mountains; Fethiye Market (Tuesdays); Marmaris; Olu Deniz.
