Location

The village of Gökçeovacık is in the Taurus Mountains just above the Turquoise Coast of the Mediterranean in southwest Turkey. The coast here is renowned for its clear blue water, giant sea turtles, ancient sunken harbours, breath-taking scenery and clean, sparsely populated beaches.

Away from major tourist centres, this area has retained much of its original charm. There are no multi-storey hotels or apartment blocks, no noisy nightclubs or discos. Yet because of its popularity among the international yachting community, the local town of Göcek is very cosmopolitan. The shops, restaurants and bars cater for European tastes whilst retaining their Turkish character.

You can take a boat trip around beautiful Göcek Bay – the 12 Island Cruise – and eat in one of the delightful restaurants en route, swim in one of the many secluded island coves, see the Lycean tombs, ancient ruins and stunning vistas.

Fethiye is 27 km from Göcek. There you will find wide range of shops, banks and supermarkets. The modern town is built around a beautiful bay and close by are the remains of the ancient city of Telmessos. There are impressive tombs dating from c450 BC.

From Fethiye it is a short drive to Kaya – the inspiration for Louis de Berniẽre’s acclaimed novel ‘Birds Without Wings’. This ancient mountain village has been deserted for over 80 years. It is well worth a visit even if you haven’t read the book.

Dalyan is 40 minutes drive from Göcek. This is a seaside resort that includes the protected Iztuzu Beach, where the endangered Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. A short boat ride through the river reed beds takes you to the c9th BC fortress of Kaunos and to the impressive Lycean tombs built into the mountainside.

Istanbul is only an hour’s flight from Dalaman Airport. There are five flights daily. It is a magical city, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. The Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Topkapi Palace, a boat trip on the Bospherus…

Did you know that there are more Greek and Roman remains in Turkey than in either Greece or Italy?

But most people come to Gökçeovacık to unwind and relax, enjoy the magnificent scenery, the eating and drinking and walking. The surrounding mountains are studded with Lycean tombs, unseen from the roads but easily accessible by foot through the pine forests, and the local people are charming, friendly and very hospitable.

How to get here