Upon arriving at Gocek and after you have settled into your new chartered yacht, its time to explore the town and enjoy the first day of Turkish delight. This beautiful Mediterranean seaside resort is resplendent with its 6 marinas, and hundreds of yachts dotting the harbor and horizon. As you soak in your first impressions, take a trip to Gocek and enjoy your first day before you set sail. Since your personal chef prepares you personalized meals, it would be a great time to check up if any special ingredients are needed. You can also enjoy your first day for exploring and shopping in the Gocek market and stores.
Between Boynuz BUku and Tasyaka is the bay of Kille Buku. This is considered to be a great picnic stop for travelers visiting from Gocek, since it is heavily shaded by the trees.
Bedri Rahmi Bay is named after the famous Turkish author Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, he used to come fishing in the bay, which was previously known as Dark Bay since Lycian times. During one of his fishing trips in 1973, he drew a fish on a rock at the entrance of the bay, giving the rock a new title “Fish Rock”, this is now the name for the entire area. This bay is well sheltered, so winds do not prevail, and the colors are distinct, with the clear azure waters contrasting with the green pines, olive trees and oleanders that populate the hillside. The overall effect is exaggerated by a clear cyan sky.
Yachtsmen love Sarsala Bay since it is a natural bay providing great swimming opportunities as well as a good place for overnight anchoring. The bay includes a pontoon that leads to a restaurant, and the inland scenery is delightful. There is a valley that leads inland through a dense forest of trees. The beach itself is stony, so come prepared.
Manastir Bay (Cleopatra's Bath) is a volcanic area but everything is now dormant. There are many bays in the Gulf, formed many years ago and it is hard to imagine that the area was never anything than as peaceful as it is today. It is a hilly region covered in the pine forest and there is an interesting crater lake as well. An ancient wall runs parallel to the northeast coast. The Lycian remains are impressive and there are several opportunities for taking a trail to generally explore. Lydia Network Port is along one of those trails and the bay is a place where blue cruises and all passing yachts are likely to stop for a period; it is too tempting not to do so. Several restaurants with wooden pergolas hug the shore and find custom from the passing yachts. It is not a place for restocking but if you have plenty of supplies onboard, you may decide to stay overnight, such is the tranquil beauty of the place.
Just off the Domuz Bay lies Gobun Bay. The entrance to Domuz is extremely narrow, which adds to the excitement and mystery. Once inside the bay you find tombs cut into the rock side and the whole area is covered with olive and pine trees.
Yavansu, or Sea Gull bay is a popular tourist spot for both foreign and local visitors. The bay has fig trees and small streams running down from the mountains. However, the fresh water is only for animal use, not human. The name Se Gull comes from the mosaics found in the bay and is linked to the ancient town of Arymaxa found at the top of the hill. Aymaxa is home to four Roman mausoleums and a Hellenistic tomb, as well as a Byzantine cistern, all proof of this locations long inhabited history.
Although this island is now called Prince Island, it was originally known as Domuz Island, which means Port Island, named after the abundance of wild pigs that flourished there. Today, Prince Island boasts no pigs, but does have a tranquil splendor.
The biggest island in the Gulf of Fthiye is Tersane Island, known also as Shipyard Island. This bay has a 100 meter deep channel that was used by the Ottoman navy, hence the name shipyard island. The bay area has a lot of coves and towards the east lies the Summer harbor. The west side of the bay is not used much due to the strong winds that prevail most of the year. There is an ancient ruined town nearby called Telandria, and if you want to stretch your legs, this is a great place to do so.
In the Gulf of Fethiye lie the Yasica islands, these are uninhabited islands that are perfect for swimming, visiting and just sailing around. Most of these islands have secluded beaches that provide a private relaxation environment, and you can while away the hours swimming and enjoying the quiet. Apart from relaxing, you can also enjoy a lot of water sports here, especially child safe water sports that provide a great daytime activity for your kids. The beaches and sea shores are stony, so you should come prepared with proper sea footwear. Some of the islands are so close to each other, that you can swim from one to the other, which provides a lot of exhilaration, as well as competitiveness. The nearest port is located at Gocek, and that is also where most of the day trippers come from. Try to stay for sunset, this is when the cameras come out and some of the most romantic and breathtaking shots can be taken during these hours of the late day.
Near Göcek is Boynuzbükü bay. This bay hides 12 uninhabited islands called the Adalar. A lot of visitors come to enjoy the waters and scenery of this area. It is very close to Fethuye, so day travelers are found in abundance. The island itself has a small restaurant offering local cuisine and freshly caught seafood platters. The bay area is covered with fruit trees that provide a fragrant shade.
You arrive at Gocek at the end of your voyage, after taking in all the wonders of the Mediterranean, possibly also the Aegean and Adriatic. When you berth in Gocek, take some time off before you leave to the airport. Enjoy the wonders of this beautiful town and take one last taste of all that Turkey has to offer. Walking the promenade and enjoying the sunset. Maybe that carpet you saw when you arrived is still waiting for you to buy it and place it at home, providing extra warm, memories of an ancient coastline and land filled with warm wonders and experiences.
8 Guests
3 Crew
