GOCEK
Gocek is hugely influenced by sailing and has evolved from a very simple town to one of the more sophisticated marinas on the Turkish Coast. A wide range of yachtsmen visit Gocek yearly whose boats range from simple sailboats to extravagant motor yachts.
Over the years tourists from different parts of the world have come to visit Gocek, appreciating its wonderful location and beautiful nature.
The beautiful bay and its region has become one of the most popular holiday regions.
Gocek itself is an interesting mixture of relatively sophisticated restaurants and bars situated at the beautiful marinas.
Visitors will find a wide range of stores on the main road leading through the center of town, ranging from jewelry shops, hand made carpets and crafts typical of this region, to sports wear, clothing stores, boat shops and food markets. In the side streets and behind this main road, the pulse of a small Turkish village still prevails.
Gocek is situated at one end of the Gulf of Fethiye where the scattered deserted islands, known as the Twelve Islands, surround the Bay of Gocek. Gocek does not have its own beach, although guests may take a dolmus (local minibus) or taxi for the five-minute journey to the beautiful forest reserve beaches at Inlice, or to the lovely Gunluklu, which is ten minutes away.
The evening is when Gocek is at her best - enjoy the setting sun at one of the picturesque harborside cafes, bars or restaurants, or spend relaxed evenings watching the tourists strolling by. The new marina is a ten minute stroll from the town and provides a further selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Gocek is a pleasant seaside resort located at the head of a narrow bay in the Gulf of Fethiye on the Mediterranean shore of Turkey. This pretty little town is situated at the foot of pine-clad mountains and overlooks the 12 Islands in the bay. Gocek has a genteel air about it, and with a large natural harbor Gocek has grown up to cater to the needs of yachtsmen. 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. Local life revolves around the market square, which is lined with little shops selling antiques and crafts as well as the more usual carpets.
In recent years new hotels and smaller "pansiyons" have been built in Gocek so you may stay in this pleasant area.
In the daytime it is possible to swim at the small town beach, but you will probably prefer to take a trip to one of the beaches in the local nature preserves or a boat to one of the lovely islands in the bay. Although 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 of the islands you will find a simple restaurant, on others fragments of classical or Byzantine ruins, on yet others nothing but glorious peace and quiet.
Gocek is well sited for a visit of other parts of the coast too. 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. You may also visit the ancient sites of Letoon, Patara and Xanthos, or the spectacular gorge at Saklikent. An overnight trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale is also possible.
The possibilities for leisurely cruising among the many small islands, as well as snorkeling, diving and fishing, are limitless. Gocek has four marinas, including the recently built 500-berth Port Gocek Marina, and an active yacht club, which organizes regattas and social events.
In addition to a local clinic, the town is within 30 minutes drive of a modern private hospital in nearby Fethiye. The international airport at Dalaman is conveniently situated under half-an-hour's drive away.
