Q: Is the Dalaman CIP lounge worth it?

That would depend on how much you are paying and how high your expectations are 🙃 Its an airline lounge with comfy seats, buffet food and drinks. Its a nice space to spend an hour or 2 (maximum is 3h), away from the crowds and the very expensive prices downstairs. Keeping in mind that a sandwiches in the regular hall start around £15 and go up and simple beers not much less than that, many find good value in paying for the lounge. You can reserve it directly for approximately £40 at the airport website. (https://www.dalamanairport.aero/en/service/73a730a0-b899-11e7-9efb-bf153864d3cb) Thats a silly price, you should avoid that, you can buy it from Holiday Extras (https://www.holidayextras.com/)for a bit under £25 per person. You can get in for around £20 if you have purchased or have been granted Lounge Pass (https://www.loungepass.com/) Its completely free for members of Priority Pass (https://www.prioritypass.com/)& Dragon Pass (https://dragonpassgo.com/)which you can buy or receive thru your credit cards. I know Amex gives you Priority Pass. A few others give you Dragon Pass but if you travel a lot, you may just buy these directly. Lots of Kalkan visitors have Revolut and depending on your level, you can get various access via their partnership wtih DragonPass, details here (https://www.revolut.com/legal/dragonpass-lounges/) Once you're in there, you get unlimited soft drinks, unlimited food and 1 adult beverage. Extra beverages at much more reasonable prices than downstairs. And for some people a very important perk : Free WiFi ! Anything to add ? / Is it worth it ? : If you have comments / suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Q: Mobile Boarding Passes - are they accepted

Dalaman is fully digital. If you are not checking in anything, do your online checkin, get your electronic boarding pass on your phone to sail straight thru to the gate without visiting the desk. If you are checking in bags, do your online checkin, get your electronic boarding pass on your phone but you will still need to visit the desk and they will print one out for you at that time. Going to airside, you can use the printed one or the electronic one - both will work. Caution : double check with your airline for their rules. We've heard of a few people getting charged $$$$ for not printing boarding passes in 2024. Have not heard this so far in 2025, hopefully its a thing of the past. Anything to add ? If you have comments / suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 1

Free water fountain / dispenser at Dalaman airport

Accepted Answer

Yes, contrary to what others may have told you, there is indeed free water available at Dalaman airport.   If you bring along a water bottle, you can fill it up at no cost.

If you do not have a water bottle, you can buy water at most places for €2.50 -  but if you wish to get the cheapest water, you need to head to the golden arches.    Yes, McDonalds has the cheapest water in Dalaman.  As of this writing, the cost was ₺119 which equates to €2.22

Once you have a bottle, you can refill it at the freely provided water fountain.   Its quite easy to find, just head to gate 42, after finishing with passport control and you'll see it.

Pictures are included to help guide you.

Anything to add ?  :

If you have suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 2

Free WiFi available in Dalaman

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Free Wifi is available at multiple locations at Dalaman airport.  The serivice is provided by DorukNet WiSpotter Dalaman.

The free service lasts 30mins and after that you have the option of purchasing more with a credit card.  
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_6fc36c793ca646ec97e8217fe67813a2~mv2.png

There are 2 locations where free Wifi codes can be obtained at Dalaman Airport.

1) International Arrivals : WiFi kiosk is located near the information desk, next to the baggage carousels.

2)  Departures : WiFi kiosk is next to the change office, near the "meeting point", close to desk #60.

Those 2 are the only spots for the free kiosks -  there are no WiFi kiosks airside

How it works : Swipe your passport (the right way around) on the machine and you will be given a 4 digit code.  This code is needed after you connect to the WiFi hotspot and will last 30 mins.  You can use the same code on several different devices.

There are other places where you may find free WiFi :: namely the CIP lounge and a couple of the sit down restaurants also have them.

Anything to add ?  :
If you have suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 3

Duty Free : Allowances & Prices

Accepted Answer

When coming to Visit Kalkan: 
Alcohol is taxed at very high rates in Türkiye and your favourite brand of tobacco may not be readily available here.   The sinful consumables are limited & restricted at the border if you decide to bring some in when you Visit Kalkan.

You can buy some before you depart your country of origin, you can buy some during your flight from  your airline (if they offer it) and you can also buy some when you land : Dalaman, Antalya or transiting via Istanbul (make sure they stick it in special bags)

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_a6d3cda8edd54e5fbd9a6ade9ef4d3fc~mv2.jpg
Current Limits:
• Cigarettes: 3 cartons
• Liquors: 1 lt of spirits 
• Liquors: 2 lt of wines or < 22%
• Perfume: 600 ml
• Make Up & Skin Care: 5 pieces
• Chocolate & Candies: 2 kg
• Coffee: 1 kg
• Tea: 1 kg

Try your best not to get caught if you decide to exceed these limits.  Xray machines are regularly used,  some customs staff are nice and some can be not so nice  🇹🇷

When Leaving Kalkan : 
Every country have their own variation on rules regarding what you can bring back.  As UK citizens make up the bulk of Kalkan returnees,  here is what you can bring back to the UK.(https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain)

The one to pay attention to is this one : wine - 18 litres 😇
Many of the best wines of Turkey cannot be found in Duty Free.  When they are at the Duty Free, they cost 2-3x the price that  you would pay locally.

If you wish to take some wine back home, very reasonably priced high quality ones, drop a Whatsapp to the team at Andifli and they will send you a full list of tempting tipples and also make some excellent suggestions   : +90 535 620 93 83 (wa.me/905356209383)

To Buy or Not To Buy:

Spirits : The prices of sprits are comparable to other European destinations.  Some are more & some are less.  If you see something you like, get it.

Wines : Local wines should be avoided.  Duty free prices are much higher than what you can buy them for in town.   Your limit is 18 litres, get some nice stuff before you leave Kalkan

Tobacco : Are priced keenly.  If you are a smoker, look for deals.

Confectionery, electronics and trinkets : Similar to any other airport, these will not be a good deal, better to buy them in town but if you are stuck and must get something or just bored, then choose carefully.  🕺

Anything to add ?  :
If you have suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 4

Eat and drink inexpensively

Accepted Answer

Dalaman is expensive, eye wateringly expensive.   Sandwiches for £15-£20
Ordinary beers for £12, cocktails that will bring tears to your eyes, but there are a few hacks to get away without dropping large sums.

Plan ahead and bring your own : There are many outlets in town that will make a care package for you.   3 spots around town have advertised delicious take away eats.

The links lead to Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)facebook group - please join the group to see the details. 
1. Keske Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/3132549856911298/)
2. Lime Garden (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/3135738863259064/)
3. Mavera (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/3228260064006943)

Another choice, not the greatest TBH, on your way out of town the Migros on the hill has some sandwiches.

Leave a bit  earlier and eat along the way : There are many options between Kalkan and Dalaman with restaurants along the route and in Fethiye or Göcek, but there is a favourite amongst travellers as it serves some lovely eats  that is good & fast and cheap 🥳  DAC Cafe(https://maps.app.goo.gl/M27Tfx885nd1MCnj8), staffed by local prison inmates.    And also Organik Bahçe(https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nk2Qd3nsLPPTvwLH8) serving village fare, at the last D400 Opet.

Cheap Eats, at Dalaman : It is indeed possible to eat inexpensively at the airport but you must do it at landside, before you go thru immigration and security.   
When you enter the airport, turn right and head towards domestic departures.  When you get to the end, you will see Simit Sarayı an inexpensive place full of sandwiches, rolls and various goodies at reasonable prices.    There is one more airside, but that one is more than double the prices of this landside one.   Eat and drink before you go thru security and your wallet will be much happier.

Cheap Booze at the airport : You are walking thru the duty free shop, surrounded by inexpensive adult beverages but unfortunately, it is against the rules to buy and consume those big bottles.   But the small bottles are fair game 😅   Just before you get to the cashiers of the duty free shop, on the right hand side, there is a fridge full of wine and mixed drinks at very reasonable prices.   Take a good look at the selection and see if any of it appeals to your sensibilities.

Water / Beer / Soft drinks : There seems to be 2 different types of fridges scattered around the airport.   One is priced high and the other much higher.   Look at the fridge next to Haribo or the one beside Gloria and you will find some overpriced drinks.   There are others that are much higher, so if you must have some, choose from these.

Sorry, no cheap beers & soft drinks but do look at the other FAQ entries for free water and free drinks at the lounge.

Anything to add ?  :
If you have suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 5

Is the Dalaman CIP lounge worth it?

Accepted Answer

That would depend on how much you are paying and how high your expectations are 🙃

Its an airline lounge with comfy seats, buffet food and drinks.  Its a nice space to spend an hour or 2 (maximum is 3h), away from the crowds and the very expensive prices downstairs.

Keeping in mind that a sandwiches in the regular hall start around £15 and go up and simple beers not much less than that, many find good value in paying for the lounge.

You can reserve it directly for approximately £40 at the airport website. (https://www.dalamanairport.aero/en/service/73a730a0-b899-11e7-9efb-bf153864d3cb) 
Thats a silly price, you should avoid that, you can buy it from Holiday Extras (https://www.holidayextras.com/)for a bit under £25 per person.

You can get in for around £20 if you have purchased or have been granted Lounge Pass (https://www.loungepass.com/)

Its completely free for members of Priority Pass (https://www.prioritypass.com/)& Dragon Pass (https://dragonpassgo.com/)which you can buy or receive thru your credit cards.  I know Amex gives you Priority Pass.   A few others give you Dragon Pass but if you travel a lot, you may just buy these directly.

Lots of Kalkan visitors have Revolut and depending on your level, you can get various access via their partnership wtih DragonPass, details here (https://www.revolut.com/legal/dragonpass-lounges/)

Once you're in there, you get unlimited soft drinks, unlimited food and 1 adult beverage.  Extra beverages at much more reasonable prices than downstairs.   And for some people a very important perk : Free WiFi !

Anything to add ?  / Is it worth it ? :

If you have comments /  suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 6

Have you heard of this Airline?  What is it like?

Accepted Answer

Dalaman & Antalya, the 2 airports that bring in visitors to Kalkan play host to many airlines.   Here is a summary, reviews and links to videos of them.   The links all go to Visit Kalkan Facebook Group,(https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk) please take a moment to see the reviews as well as much more friendly and informative content.

SunExpress :  A joint venture between Turkish Airlines & Lufthansa with a 35 year track record in the leisure industry.    Check out this post for the details  (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/2949116858587933/)

RyanAir : Ireland based, rated one of the worst but with a ton of fans.  Ryanair has been serving the cheap flight community since 1984.   Check out this post for some details (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/2950056401827312/)and impressions.

WizzAir : Hungarian airline, always rated near the bottom of the reviews.  They've been in business since 2003 and are now doing more flights to our area.  See this post for impressions.(https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/2950056401827312/)

Corendon  is a Turkish leisure airline headquartered in Antalya and based at Antalya Airport.  In the air since 2005, they have been expanding all over Europe and Asia providing low cost services into the Turkish leisure market.  Look at this post for some details and comments.(https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/2950043118495307/)

Pegasus :  is a Turkish low cost airline headquartered in Istanbul with bases at several Turkish airports.  In operation for nearly 35 years, they serve 150 destinations in 50+ countries across Europe, Asia and North Africa to bring passengers to our region.  See this post for more information. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk/posts/2950052801827672/)
.
British Airways : To Be Written
EasyJet : To Be Written
AerLingus : To Be Written 
AJet : To Be Written
Turkish Airlines : To Be Written

Anything to add ?  / Is your favourite missing ? : 
If you have comments /  suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 7

How is the Drive from Dalaman to Kalkan?

Accepted Answer

One simple word : Easy

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_fad926e76721464593237d7c22a68b8d~mv2.png

Welcome to Türkiye / Türkiye’ye Hoş Geldiniz

Once you've landed and picked up your luggage, passed thru duty free, followed by customs, you'll be looking for your transfer car.  Alternatively, if you've decided to hire a car and drive yourself, you need to find your agent and your car.

The journey is approximately 125km and if you drive normally & leisurely, should take around  two hours.   It is quite normal to have a few speed traps along the way as well as police checks.   Ensure your id's and driving licences are in order to ensure smooth transit.

There is only a single exit from the airport and the dual carriageway that exit is called D555.

Drive along on the D555 and carry straight thru the big Dalaman roundabout.  You will pass a couple of Petrol stations, another light and you will eventually end up at a large intersection and lights.   This is the D400

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_18ff3ac58323476d97f90a3fcae0581a~mv2.png

This is the place to turn right heading towards Fethiye and beyond...
You will stay on the D400 all the way to Kalkan.  EasyPeasy.

Along the way you will pass many petrol stations and various towns and restaurants. and 2 important  distractions

As you are leaving Dalaman behind and approaching Göcek, you have the option of taking the mountain road (free) or paying a small toll to go thru the tunnel.   If this is your first time, I would suggest the tunnel to keep things simple, cost is minimal and they do take credit cards for the toll.

Continuing on, you will pass Göcek & Fethiye to come to the second distraction, the D400 right hand turn.   This will be a major junction, lights and clearly signposted.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_e5ea9c2130c84d3f982006852364e934~mv2.png

Continue to follow the D400 by turning right, heading to Kaş, Finike and beyond.   In about 30 mins you'll pass Kınık, Ova and finally Yeşilköy before heading up the final hill, the top, before descending into Kalkan.

There is only one set of lights in Kalkan and one petrol station at those set of lights.   The town and  many villas are towards the right side of the D400 : Old town, OrtaAlan, Kömürlük, Kalamar & Kışla and many more villas to the left side : Kızıltaş, Akbel, Üzümlü, Kördere and more.

Welcome to Kalkan

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3b8826_aee9c4fac07d47d2bed3ec1bcf355bc4~mv2.jpg

Anything to add ?

If you have comments /  suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 8

Recommend Airport Hotel

Accepted Answer

If you have a very early flight or you arrive very late, you may not wish to face the prospect of a multi hour journey in a car.  When you are faced with one of those occasions, a hotel near the airport will provide you with a clean and warm bed to recharge the batteries.

Here are a few recommendations for your consideration.

Near Dalaman Airport:
1) Burç Hotel Dalaman (https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHA2FpM2bGfpFyDcA): the closest hotel to Dalaman airport.  Its nothing special but its clean, quiet and comfortable.  Perfect choice for a quick rest before moving onto the beauty of Kalkan.

2) Lykia Thermal & Spa Hotel (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FcKAEfVY49rByCnR7): very close to the airport with a decent pool and spa area.  Clean & comfortable and a good choice for rest.

There are dozens more hotels 10-20 mins away in Sarıgerme, Dalyan & Göcek.  Some very inexpensive and some, very expensive & luxurious.   Stay overnight or a few days before coming to Visit Kalkan.

Near Antalya Airport : 
1) IC Hotels Airport (https://maps.app.goo.gl/LtBQU2gUs2XctbvT6): as the name implies, its very close to the airport and the choice for many wary travelers.   Its a big hotel with nearly 200 rooms, a nice pool, spa and facilities for you to relax before your onwards journey.   As its very close to the airport, there isnt much else near it.

2) ISNova Hotel (https://maps.app.goo.gl/qc1GnKdjAhda1Tz7A): is another hotel just 5km from the airport.   It is usually 1/2 the price of the IC hotel and has the advantage of being just a 5 min walk from a major shopping mall.    A lot of people prefer this hotel due to its price & proximity to shops and restaurants.

There are 100s of other hotels in Antalya.  Lara, Konyaalti, Kaleiçi and many more areas to explore before heading to final destination.

Anything to add?
If you have suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 9

Mobile Boarding Passes - are they accepted

Accepted Answer

Dalaman is fully digital.

If you are not checking in anything, do your online checkin, get your electronic boarding pass on your phone to sail straight thru to the gate without visiting the desk.

If you are checking in bags, do your online checkin, get your electronic boarding pass on your phone but you will still need to visit the desk and they will print one out for you at that time. Going to airside, you can use the printed one or the electronic one - both will work.

Caution : double check with your airline for their rules. We've heard of a few people getting charged $$$$ for not printing boarding passes in 2024.  Have not heard this so far in 2025, hopefully its a thing of the past.

Anything to add ?  
If you have comments /  suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

Question 10

How long should we allow to get to the airport?

Accepted Answer

Kalkan Lights are precisely 120km from Dalaman airport using the tolls at the Göcek tunnel. For cheapskates, 125km if you decide to take the free mountain route.

A normal driver that stays within the speed limit, assuming no traffic will take 1h45m to get to the terminal building.   Add a little bit for a pee break & red lights, lets call it 2h.

I'm aware that some can do it in just 90m, some have done it in less - this is only possible if you are speeding and breaking the law regularly.

• Traffic is not common but then again, traffic is also not that unsual.  
 • The tunnel does get plugged up from time to time.  
 • Police decide to put up checkpoints from time to time.  
In general 2h is a safe assumption, allowing for a pee break.  If you're after a dinner break, add 1h.  If you want to stop in Fethiye or Göcek  for a bit of shopping & sightseeing, add more.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_2b414351a0544bdb893b09d0154636ea~mv2.jpg

At the airport, at the non busy times, you need to allow minimum of 90 mins to get to your gate.  
 • Everyone gets checked at the entrance.  
 • Everyone gets checked again going to the gates.   
 • Some countries (eg : UK) have a 3rd security check before boarding.   
 • Add the lineup at checkin desk
That 90 minutes goes very quickly.   Therefore, at best of times you should allow 2h to get to your gate.   If you are traveling during busy times, that may not be enough and you should allow 2.5-3h to get to your gate.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_b60535e00d6b45f2a7c69099acb2c6ea~mv2.png

In summary, If you leave the resort:
 • 2h before your scheduled departure, don't go - you're not going to make it.  Stay in Kalkan, enjoy the day and figure out a different way.  
 • 3h before, you could make it but you are guaranteed to sweat and worry because there is a good chance you may not.  Hope you like adrenaline and anxiety.  
 • 4h, you will most likely make it.  Vast majority leave around 4h before and make it but one thing goes wrong (traffic, police, tire,  engine, airport computer issue etc etc) and you are in trouble.  4h works when everything is "going just fine" and leaves very little room for other things.  
 • 5h, is much better and a lot more flexible.  You can stop for multiple pees, a sandwich and go nice and slow.   Arrive at the airport 2.5h ahead of time and even if its really busy, get to your gate without sweat.

All the times above assume you are leaving from Kalkan central and using booked transfers. 
Add more time if you have rental car, are high up in villages, leaving at airport busy times and similar.
  
Your experienced Kalkan based travel company will know all this - trust their judgement and have a stress free journey.

Hope you'll come back sooner than later and Visit Kalkan again and again.

PS: all the above figures assume Dalaman.  If you're heading to Antalya (215km via mountain), add 2h to all stated times.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/29252c_74ba04eb5e554253aa3e03a998dae3cb~mv2.jpg

Anything to add ?  :
If you have suggestions / corrections to this entry, or you'd like to find out more from fellow travellers, come and join Kalkan's friendliest and informative group : Visit Kalkan  (https://www.facebook.com/groups/visitkk)

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