Islamlar is a delightful, unspoilt small village, situated 450 metres up Mount Beydaglari in the foothills of the beautiful Taurus mountains. It is backed by one of the largest cedar forests in the world and the sea facing views look out toward Kalkan or Patara, an easy 15 or 25 minute drive away respectively. Islamlar suits guests who want to experience a truly authentic village lifestyle.
Formerly the Greek village of Bodamya before 1923, village life here continues very much today as it did then with the village men enjoying the village tea house, small family restaurants serving delicious organic meals, the village vineyards making their lovely wines and the village spring pumping out the most refreshing mountain spring water you will ever taste. Islamlar is unique. A gorgeous destination that welcomes you in and provides total and utter relaxation.
Islamlar provides a good choice of 8 village restaurants, serving village breakfasts, lazy shady lunches and relaxing informal dinners. The restaurants feature locally grown, organic ingredients throughout their menus.
The local specialties are many and varied so there are choices for all tastes. The home grown salads are fresh and a world away from the supermarket offering you are used to at home. The homemade mezzes include the famous local fried cheese, helim - similar to halloumi, and dips that are mopped up by warm fresh home baked breads. Mains feature fresh trout, slow cooked lamb or a selection of kebabs. This is all washed down with local and Turkish wines and rounded off with Turkish tea or coffee and a small square of sweet pastry like Baklava. Heavenly….
For those who like home cooking or BBQ's on the terrace at the villa there are three village shops selling a decent range of items and a greengrocer. The restaurants will sell you fish to BBQ at home. If you want a change of scene for lunch or an evening out then Kalkan provides a wider selection from local homemade buffets to international standard, harbourside or rooftop dining with fine cuisine and sea views.
Islamlar is a good base to explore the region with Kalkan nearby and the main coastal highway making it easy to visit sites of all types along the coast. Kalkan is the nearest coastal town 15 minutes away. It has its own shingle beach and 6 beach clubs, most of which are accessible by boat taxis from Kalkan harbour. No membership is required, just hire your sunbed, towel and umbrella for the day and relax. They all have bars, restaurants and steps down into the sea from the rocks – perfect for snorkelling, swimming and for those who don't like sand in their toes !
Patara is 25 minutes away. The ancient capital of Lycia is still highly protected today. The ruins of ancient Patara nestle behind the beach and before the modern village, very evocative. Patara beach is about 5 miles long and an unspoilt stretch of glorious, golden sand. As a contrast, Kapitas beach between Kalkan and Kas is a stunning beach, down steps at the foot of a gorge. It is one of the most dramatic beaches in Turkey with the most amazing turquoise water. A must go beach!
Natural wonders continue at Saklikent canyon nearby – the longest gorge in Turkey. Walk up alongside the deep waters , then wade across the shallower areas before walking and later scrambling onward and upward until you reach your limit – a great adventure, made better for those who then float or raft back down the end of the gorge. Saklikent is available for all ages and abilities, you do not need to have any canyoning experience.
For those who like walking over history there are many ancient cities within an easy day trip of Islamlar. Tlos, Pinara, Arykanda, and many more are easily accessible on private tours or organised trips. All day trip details can be obtained from our local agent in Kalkan who will visit you in Islamlar to help you.
