Goçek

Goceke

With a large natural harbour Gocek has grown up to cater to the needs of yachtmen. One of the pleasures of a visit here is a stroll around the Marina to admire the array of boats of all shapes and sizes moored here. The waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants. Inland life revolves around the pretty market square which is lined with little shops selling antiques and crafts as well as the more usual carpets.

Where is it?

The Gulf of Fethiye is thought by many sailors to be second only to the Indian Ocean in terms of the beautiful seascapes it offers. Until a few years ago the only land based option for those wanting to enjoy this magical corner of the world was the town of Fethiye. However, in recent years accommodation has become available in the pretty village of Gocek. Set at the deepest point of the gulf of Fethiye, Gocek nestles at the foot of the pine clad mountains looking out over the '12 islands' of the bay.

What to do and see:

In the daytime it is possible to swim from the small town beach, but you will probably prefer to take a trip to one of the beaches in the local nature reserves or a boat to one of the lovely islands in the bay. Thought this area is called the 12 islands there are, in fact, far more than that and you could easily explore a different one each day of your holiday. On some you will find a simple restaurant, on others fragments of classical or Byzantine ruins, on others nothing but glorious peace and quiet.

Gocek is well positioned for excursions to other parts of the coast. The bustling port of Fethiye, or the pretty town of Dalyan with its mud baths and the Carian city of Caunos can both be reached in under an hour. A little further afield you could visit the ancient sites of Letoon, Patara and Xanthos, or the spectaculargoge at Saklikent. An overnight trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale is also possible.