Göcek

Open your eyes to a picturesque scenery in a bay cuddled by numerous islands, feel the bliss of syncing with the peaceful harmony of different hues of blue and green, plunge into crystal turquoise waters, swim over inspirational historical remains, dine and wine in the magnificent sunset with your beloved ones. Do all of these and more in Gocek, the unspoilt first-class holiday resort of a country neither East nor West - but wholly its own, Turkey.

Gocek, is a beautiful sailing port situated in S.W.Turkey, 22kms east of Dalaman International Airport, and 25kms West of the main town of Fethiye.

There are 6 marinas capable of holding over 2000-5000 yachts. The bars and restaurants along side the marinas serve superb sea food, traditional mezes, washed down with a cold beer or the traditional drink - 'raki.' Göcek is a popular destination with holiday makers, nature lovers, yachtsmen as well as the Turkish and European glitterati.

Spectacular sunrises over the mountains and turquoise waters around the bays make the area a paradise for lovers of peace and tranquility and the fact that Göcek's unique natural environment is strictly protected are additional attractions that are encouraging people to purchase a holiday home or to live here permanently.

Göcek is a beautiful marina town located on the mediterranean coast in south west Turkey. Direct flights operate from many UK airports and most major European cities to Dalaman International Airport, just 15 mins drive from Göcek. Dalaman also has several daily flights from Istanbul as well as new direct routes to cities such as Beirut and Amman in the Middle East.

It was named “Kalimche” in ancient times and according to legend, it is in Göcek that Icarus landed in the sea after his famous flight trying to escape from the tower where he was imprisoned. Göcek was used as a harbour for ships loading chrome ore collected from the mines under nearby mountains during the Ottoman period.

Today, Göcek hosts six significant marinas with over 5,000 moorings. It has become an irresistable yachting destination given its unique natural beauty of lush pine forests and idyllic bays and islands. Göcek has all the necessary infrastructure, capacity and amenities expected in a tourism centre, yet it is renowned as a much more peaceful and quiet settlement than some other tourism areas.

Inlice Beach is a 10-minute drive from Gocek and is run by the municipality of Göcek. Gocek Island beach is reachable by a 15 min water taxi from the harbour. Other beaches are easily accessible by car including the protected beach of Iztuzu in the Dalyan Delta. In the opposite direction, the famous beach at Ölüdeniz is only 40 minutes drive away.

Bays & Isles

The gulf of Fethiye has much too offer. History in abundance - in Manastir bay, underwater ruins, the sunken bath dedicated to Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. Nature at its best, an area which has inspired artists to paint the surrounding areas. One example is Taşyaka Bay, where Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, a poet and an artist, created his famous fish painting.

The History

Daidalos was the original name given to Göcek and the surrounding area in ancient times. Legends claim that the name is derived from the architect Daidalos who was the creator of Icarus, the first man to fly. It is also believed that Daidalos or Göcek served as the main port town of Lycia in the times of Strabo and Herodotus. In the village of Inlice, 5 km to the south of Göcek, there is a temple-type rock tomb at the entrance of the village. This gives us an idea of the boundaries of the ancient city. Time has moved on but the peace, tranquility and spectacular beauty of Göcek and its surrounding areas is still very much alive and relatively untouched

Göcek 12 Islands Boat Tour

Take a boat trip around the stunning bays and islands of Gocek. You can take a daily tour or hire a private traditional turkish gulet for a daily/overnight cruise. There are many tour boats in Gocek ready to take you. Boats normally depart between 9:30-10:30 every morning and return around 17:30 - 18:30. Lunch is included on the daily tours. You have the chance to see the dolphins, flying fish, and even sea turtles. You can explore Dockyard Island, the biggest of the 12 islands. This sheltered island was used as a dockyard for ships during the Ottoman period. Ruins of houses and a shipyard can be still seen on the island. This is a great place for swimming and snorkelling. Enjoy Cleopatra's Bay, famous for its ancient ruins in the sea. According to the myth, during one of Cleopatra's visits she requested a Roman bath to be built here. The water, rich in elements and minerals, very good for the skin, is said to have contributed to her beauty. Try it yourself - swim around the ruins and become as beautiful as Cleopatra! Visit Yassica Islands with a salty lake on the largest island surrounded by clear, dark blue, deep waters. There's a passing from the biggest to the smallest island, which you can walk (1.5m depth). On the shore you can buy fresh pancakes and pastries. Water skiing, banana boat and paraglidingare available here. Experience the calm, crystal blue waters of Gobun Bay or spend time lounging on nearby Gocek Island. Swim in Boynuzbuku Bay and see the sweet gum trees. Explore Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the poet Rahmi Eyupoglu who famously painted a fish on a rock behind a fountain. Behind the painting is a hidden Lycian rock tomb. Go kayaking in Sarsala Bay or take it easy with a sunset cocktail on Red Island. So many wonderful places to visit. We can arrange either a daily charter tour or private cruise for you.

Dalyan Boat Tour & Mud Baths

Dalyan is a place of outstanding natural beauty. Take a boat trip along the banks of the Dalyan river and view the stunning Lycian rock tombs, the resting places of the kings of Caunos, carved out of the local cliffs over 2,500 years ago. At the mouth of the river delta you will arriveat Iztuzu beach, 4 km of white, sandy beaches and untouched coastline. The entire delta is a protected national conservation areaand home to over 100 species of birds and one of the last nesting grounds of the endangered loggerhead turtle. The best time to see them is at dawn from May to September. A must do activity in Dalyan is to visit the mud baths on the banks of the river. The mud supposedly contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are beneficial for the skin and overall health. A full day trip is advised.

Ölüdeniz Beach & Butterfly Valley

Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz) is a natural nature reserve surrounded by pine forests and stunning long, white sandy beaches. Oludeniz Beach remains one of the most photographed beaches in the mediterranean and is a must visit place. The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for a day's swimming and relaxation. Oludeniz's main beach is bordered by an attractive promenade lined with small shops, cafes and restaurants. You can also take a boat from Oludeniz town to the stunning Butterfly Valley (only reachable by boat) - a stunning beachwith untouched nature. There is a small restaurant there and simple beach huts.

Göcek 12 Islands

Spend time sailing around the stunning 12 islands and bays of Gocek. Yassıca Island, Hamam Bay, Kurşunlu Bay, Yavansu, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Tersane Island, Göbün Bay, Boynuzbükü, Göcek Island, Domuz Island, Zeytin Island, Kızıl Island can be reached via daily boat tours from Fethiye and Göcek.

Blue Lagoon Beach (Ölüdeniz)

Referred to as “the eden bestowed by god to the world.” Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz) is a natural nature reserve surrounded by pine forests and stunning long, white sandy beaches. Paragliders sore down from the peaks of the 1975m Babadağı mountain viewing one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the world.

Saklıkent

This hidden city is 50 km from Fethiye within the territories of Kayadibi Village. High in the mountains above rushing torrents cut a narrow canyon through the mountains creating Saklikent gorge. 18km long and 600m in height, it is a unique tourism centre for mountaineering, trekking and swimming.

Gemiler Beach & St. Nicholas Island

Follow the road leading from Kaya Köyü and descend to the beautiful Gemiler beach, surrounded by pine and olive trees. Gemiler bay faces St Nicholas Island where the Byzantine ruins of a monastery lie tucked among the olive groves, once the residence of St Nicholas.

Araxa

Founded on the Antic Xanthos stream in Ören Village, 40 km from Fethiye, this extraordinary water spring is subject to mythological stories. Ancient ruins, turkish baths and aqueducts of the Bizantium period are remaining from the old city.

Caunus

The city is situated on the land across the Dalyan strait at Ortaca. According to the poet Ovidius, Miletos had twins - Caunus and Byblis. During adolescence, Byblis felt an enormous love for her twin and grew most possessive. Though well aware of the unnatural aspect of her love, Byblis sent a letter of declaration to Caunus whereupon the mythological king was both enraged and disgusted. To avoid meeting her, he escaped from Miletos, to the Carian and Lycian border where he founded the city of Caunus.

Cezayirli Mosque

Cezayirli mosque was constructed by Cezayirli Hasan Pahsa in 1791. Hasan Pahsa also acquired various works of art such as Kemer Köprüsü (Arc Bridge).

Fethiye Castle

It is thought that the castle, ascending at the south of the city, belonged to the knights of Saint John. There are two small rocky tombs on the eastern face of the hill with an indefinite history and a few writings carved on the walls.

Likya Rock Tombs

The Likya rock tombs date back to the 4th century B.C. These beautiful and magnificent tombs, excavated from natural rocks, became the symbol of the ancient city Amintas. At the middle part of the left column, "Herparnias’s son, Amintas” is written in 4th century B.C. alphabet. There are lots of tombs in the province. The most important ones are those belonging to the Lycian period.

Katrancı Bay

Katranci bay, 17 km away from Fethiye, is covered with dense pine trees extending to the sea, an ideal camping place with showers and WC facilities.

Çalış Beach

An ideal place to watch the sun go down, Calis beach has 4 km of pebbled beach lined with many hotels, bars and restaurants.

Hisarönü & Ovacık

These two towns are the nearest places to stay to Ölüdeniz beach (Blue Lagoon). There are many shops, bars, restaurants and hotels catering mainly to European tourists.

Üzümlü

On looms found in most homes, a local pure cotton material (known as’Dastar’) is woven by the village women. Table clothes & curtains are among the finished products available.

Kayaköy

Kayakoy, 8km south of Fethiye, is a Greek settlement founded in the 14th century. It was where Greek christians lived until approximately 1923. The town is now preserved as a museum village, consisting of many Greek-style houses and churches. According to a “population exchange” agreement signed between Turkish and Greek goverments in 1922, Greek population of Kayaköy was exchanged with Turkish population residing in Western Thrace.

Tlos

Located 28 km from Fethiye, Tlos is one of the oldest residential areas of Lycia and one of the few cities that continued its existence up to the 19th Century. Tlos was known as “the sports centre” of the Lycian Federation and was the home of the mythological winged horse, Pegasus, and his hero Bellorophonte. An Acropolis, the temple type tomb of Bellorophonte, the Stadium, the Roman Bath complex (with its great views) and amphitheatre are some of the structures that remain quite well preserved. The nearby trout farms are an oasis on a hot summers day, serving delicious lunches.

Oenanda

A recently excavated city, Oenanda is located near İncealiler Village, about 88 km from Fethiye. British and Turkish archaeologists discovered about 300 scribed tablets by the Lycian Epicurean Philosopher, Dioghenes.

Letoon

Letoon was a holy city, dedicated to the Goddess Leto. Located at Kumluova Village and 4 km from Xanthos, it is known that all holy ceremonies were performed here by the priests of the temples of Leto, Artemis and Apollon.

Pınara

The Lycians “Beauty Center”, Pınara is on the way to Minare village and can be reached by a short road branching off from the Fethiye – Kaş highway. Numerous Pigeon Hole type simple tombs carved into the cliff faces, a hearth planned Aphrodite Temple with fine friezes and a well preserved amphitheatre are probably the most interesting remains of Pınara.

Cadianda

The ancient city of Cadianda is located near Üzümlü village, about 20 km from Fethiye. Fine examples of Cyclops Walls, a sport complex, theatre and Heroon like temple tombs are all worth seening, as are the magnificient views over Fethiye.