Gocek - low houses surrounded by gardens, azure sea, this picturesque coves, majestic mountains with pine forests, soothing quiet and the same time it is an international yachting center with five first-class marinas.
So where is Gocek in Turkey located? Gocek in ancient times was called Kalimce and is located between Fethiye and Dalyan. Ancient ruins of Kalimce can be seen under the water in nearby bays. According to legend the Icarus made his famous flight in Gocek Turkey. The distance from Gocek to Fethiye is 27 km. From Fethiye to Gocek town you can get by car, minibus or boat.
So what are the things to do in Gocek Turkey? Gocek is a real pearl of the Mediterranean situated in a quiet Gocek bay surrounded by trees and forests. The region has the status of National Park and is under government’s protection. Gocek could remain a sleepy fishing village if a group of exiles Bodrum poets and artists did not come here. Under the leadership of Cevat Shakira (Fisherman of Halicarnassus) they made a sail cruise along the Turkish coast and described their impressions of the route called the Blue Cruise. After this, the most beautiful places around Gocek Turkey became famous among yachtsmen.
Known throughout the region for yacht tourism; Gocek's six marinas, beautiful bay, and spectacular scenery make it a popular choice with yachtsmen and visitors alike. Gocek, known as "Kalimche" in the past is located between Dalaman and Fethiye, just 20 minutes' drive from the international airport at Dalaman.
Gocek sits in a large bay, in which islands and coves create a very beautiful environment in which to spend time, on and off the water. It was declared an area of special protection in 1988. As a result, no multi-story buildings are allowed which contributes to the upmarket feel of the resort. There are a wide variety of accommodation options.
The location
It’s so close! Gocek is set on the south-eastern coast of Turkey, less than 25 minutes from Dalaman airport.
That means with just a four-hour flight and 22-minute taxi transfer, you can be in a place so radically different from your everyday life that you will feel instantly transported.
You know how it usually takes a few days to feel like you’re actually ‘on holiday’? Not here.
The climate
Dalaman is known as the sunshine coast, and for good reason. July has 13 hours of sunshine per day and an average daily temperature of 26c. Ahead of my mid-summer trips I had feared the weather would be too hot, but Gocek and indeed all of the Dalaman coast enjoys a pleasant warmth with a light sea breeze that takes the heat out of the air.
Well into October, the Dalaman coast works for late sun too, with daytime highs still up to 28c and plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect school half term destination.
November begins to cool down – highs of 21 – but you could still have a more than pleasant week at the close of summer and way into autumn.
What to See Göcek
Letoon Ancient Theatre
Letoon is located between Kaş and Fethiye, about 4 km south of Xanthos and was an important religious centre of the Lycian region. Letoon was dedicated to the three national deities of Lycia – Leto, Apollo and Artemis. During archaeological studies remains of churches have been found belonging to the early Christian era.
Tlos
Tlos, near Fethiye, was one of the most important religious centres of the Lycian region. According to myth, the hero Bellerophon and his winged horse Pegasus lived here. Tlos dates back to before 2000 B.C. The necropolis (the ancient site of sarcophagi and tombs) is situated on the rocky outcrops of the city acropolis. It contains some of the most elaborate house-type tombs of Lycia. The king-type tomb in the necropolis is dedicated to Bellerophon.
Kayaköy
Kayaköy consists of abandoned Greek-style houses and churches which cover a small mountainside. It dates from the 1700s. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic a population exchange agreement was signed in 1923 between Greece and Türkiye which led to most Greek Christians leaving Kayaköy, also known as Levissi, and being resettled in Greece.
Xanthos Ancient Theatre
The ancient city of Xanthos is located in the hills above the Eşen Ovası, southeast of Fethiye. It is the site of more than 900 rock tombs and monolithic house tombs.
5 Things to do in Göçek
Go on the 12 Island Boat Trip
The boat tours that take you around all 12 islands are an experience like no other. They give you the opportunity to spend the entire day surrounded by natural beauty. Surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, you can visit quaint little villages nestled in the area's lush forests. As the boat makes its way around the islands, you won't just come face-to-face with history, but you'll see the incredible emerald tones of the surrounding forests as they contrast with the deep turquoise waters of the sea.
Go Shopping
Göcek is a small town with a rich variety of restaurants and shops. Many famous people like to spend their holidays in Göcek. Local markets are ideal places to enjoy some shopping especially on Sundays where you will find handmade local goods and a variety of fresh vegetables.
Visit the Secret Beach of Göcek
You can take the water taxi to Göcek island and have a great time on a secluded beach. This area has a café and changing rooms. Be aware, however, that the last boat heads out at around 6 pm in the evening.
Have Dinner at the Seaside Restaurants
In Göcek, you’ll find many restaurants to suit any budget both in the town and in the hotels along the shoreline!
So, it’s possible to eat delicious fish and seafood, vegetables or meat dishes with the sound of the lapping waves next to you!
Raise Your Adrenaline Levels with a Paragliding Trip
“Babadağ” Mount, located in nearby Ölüdeniz close to Fethiye, is the most popular paragliding spot of Türkiye.
Driving from Göcek to Babadağ takes just one hour. Don’t leave this small and lovely holiday town without experiencing paragliding between the verdant mountains and turquoise sea!
