
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 characterful,
but hardly tranquil, town of Fethiye. However, in recent years
a small amount of 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.
With
a large natural harbour 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. 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.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.
If you are tired of exploring the immediate area Gocek is well
sited for 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 spectacular gorge at Saklikent. An
overnight trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale is also possible.