A Day at the Beach (Club): Yali Beach Club

"A Day at the Beach (Club)" will be a regular feature on Turquoise Collected, highlighting  beach clubs in the Kalkan area.

Are there two better sounds than French music from the 1940's and the waves of the Mediterranean crashing against the coast?  If not, then the Yali Beach Club should be right up your alley.  And the comfy (free!) sunbeds and food and drinks served seaside probably won't be a bother either.

Located on the Harbour Road, the Yali Beach Club feels as like has been carved out of the rocky hillside.  Platforms set at varying heights boast sunbeds with views across Kalkan Bay and steps leading right down into the Mediterranean.

And I fully intend to make much use of those steps - just as soon as the water gets a wee bit warmer.  I've heard it described as "Invigorating!"  "Refreshing!"  "A great way to cool off on a hot day!"  Me?  I call it cold.  But, each time I've visited Yali Beach, there have been many people in the water, so I'm thinking it might just be my delicate (read: wimpy) American senses.  The swimming area itself is extensive and provides great views - of the beach club itself, of the towns located around Kalkan Bay, and of the sea floor.  I've seen a few people with snorkeling masks, but if you don't want to get your hair wet, you're in luck!  The alternately blue and green water is so strikingly clear, you can see straight to the bottom of the sea from above.

When the strenuous work of sunbathing has left you famished, climb a few steps to the Yali Beach Restaurant, serving beach club fare (burgers, salads, sandwiches) alongside traditional Turkish dishes (hot and cold mezes, lamb, borek).  

For more information on the restaurant, check out this post about the new chef and his new menu.  For now, some gratuitous food pictures.

And here are some people you might recognize when you're at Yali Beach, who oh so nicely agreed to a picture:

Esra, the manager, on the right and Serden, the barman, on the left

Making a day of it at the Yali Beach Club?  Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. You may want to bring your own beach towels as Yali does not provide them.
2. The beach club gets full, unobstructed sun for the better part of the day - pack your suncream and remember to hydrate.
3. That being said, Yali does not allow outside food or drink.  When you enter the club, make for the bar where you can pick up a numbered card that acts as your tab for the day.  As you leave, take your card to the bar where they will tally up your bill.
4. Need a break from the sun?  There are two shaded areas to choose from - if you're looking at the beach club with the Mediterranean at your back, there is the restaurant to the left of the bar and an area with ottoman-style seating to the right of the bar.
5. You came for lunch, but have enjoyed your time at the beach club so much that you've stayed until dinnertime and now you're hungry?  Have no fear, the Yali Beach Restaurant serves both lunch and dinner.

Hope you enjoy the day at the beach (club)!