The Gocek Area

On the curve of the Mediterranean coastline runs from Dalaman to Kalkan lies Gocek, a sublime confluence of rural tranquillity and contemporary comfort.  It is only 20 minutes from the airport – though completely off the flight paths! – So you can relax into your holiday almost immediately after arriving in Turkey.

Within Gocek there are pleasant, well-kept seafront bars and restaurants, smart boutiques, well stock little shops and a clean and pretty market square. A walk along the seafront, with the coastal hills rising all around you , is a delight.

Gocek still remains unspoilt.  There are no large touristy hotels, only exclusive yachts, whose residents wander ashore to take their pick of the delicious fresh seafood served along the tree-line promenade, or to stock up with fresh produce for the next stage of their maritime journey.

With its long seafaring tradition, first as a fishing port and now as a smart marina, Gocek is a fabulous place from which to take a trip aboard a gullet around the twelve picturesque islands.   Many have sandy beaches, some with delightful restaurants, and some are historically significant.  You could visit Cleopatra’s Island, said to have been a gift to the Egyptian beauty from Mark Anthony.   The ruins of her ‘Hamam’ – (Turkish bath) – are still to be found there and indeed bathed in.

Gocek is well served as a base from which to explore many of Turkey’s most popular places – The Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz, the Greek Ghost town of Kaya, the fabulous bay of Katranci and, of course, Dalyan, with its rock caves, healthy mud baths and turtles.  The ancient capital Xanthos, dating from 1,200BC is within striking distance.