The Gocek area of Turkey, a natural harbour tucked away at the end of the Gulf of Fethiye, is a yachtsman's dream. For centuries, Gocek offered shelter to passing ships; the Ottomans even used it to export chrome and other goods. But these days, luxury marinas and pretty resort centres ensure it's an attractive stop to explore Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise coast.
Neighbouring bays, an array of hidden coves and the area's famed 12 islands serve up the best sailing along the Turkish coast. The town is also well-placed to climb the Greek islands, and Rhodes is the closest.
Twenty minutes' drive from Dalaman International Airport and 25 minutes from popular Fethiye, this small and sophisticated resort, backed by mountains, boasts first-class marinas, stunning scenery, luxury apartments, and sea view villas. If you have a healthy budget and are after a high-end home in one of Turkey's most sought-after locations, Gocek may be for you!
Guide to the Gocek Area of Turkey
Sailing Scenes and D-Resort Gocek
Sitting on the outskirts of Fethiye in south-west Turkey, this exclusive resort is home to several up-market marinas mooring hundreds of luxury yachts at any time. Get out on the water and explore! You don't have to own a yacht to make the most of local waters, because daily boat trips and 'blue cruises' regularly depart from the harbour side or via local agents. Opt for a cheap and cheerful day trip, stopping off in bays for a dip and some lunch, or splash the cash and hire a crewed boat or yacht for yourself, an excellent option for larger families and groups. Fethiye Marina also has several reputable yachting companies.
The natural harbour is a vital yachting destination on the Turkish Riviera, and indulges in traditional gulet cruises but with a premier twist. Leaving for three nights and four days' trips around the coastline, passengers have experts and sailors at their disposal. Looking for flexible, customised options? Go to the waterfront and find cruise boats that will take you for anything from half a day to a few weeks. Many yacht charters offer a wide range of services.
If you aren't a yacht owner, don't worry. Jump on board the popular 12-island boat trip. The boats leave in the morning and stop in numerous bays. During the stops, you have time to swim in the crystal blue water, sunbathe, and indulge in a delicious Turkish lunch. The tours usually leave between 10 and 10:30 am, returning before sunset.
It's no wonder that the central area is perfect for yachts needing a break from the water. Without the bustle of sunbathers, sailors quickly make it to shops to restock and enjoy an evening or two on land. Other residences never need a car since the central area is an easy 15-minute walk in all directions.
Enjoy Shopping
Most shops and restaurants sit around the main harbour-side, which is pedestrianised with a warren of little alleys leading back from the seafront, to find all manner of boutiques, jewellery shops, designer stores and trinket shops. Your standard array of little supermarkets sells basic supplies for those staying at a self-catering property.
Otherwise, enjoy the Sunday Market, which sells everything from fresh veggies to handmade Turkish goods. Find everything from genuine fake clothes, watches and handbags, herbs, spices and some great fresh seasonal produce. Practice your bartering skills or potter along and people-watch.
First-class Restaurants and Eating Out
This former fishing village features several, international and authentic restaurants, bars, shops, and supermarkets, with the marinas providing trendy cafe bars, the hippest restaurants, and waterside dining, catering to distinguished guests and residents who love to mingle. From fancy fusion food and swanky bistro classics, to traditional Turkish dishes or a simple street-side kebab, there's a restaurant or street vendor to suit. In addition, sit down, family friendly bars are ideal for a sundown cocktail or late-night beverage.
Using Public Transport
Gocek sits off Turkey’s 2000-kilometre D400 highway from the east to Datca on the western coast. Holidaymakers often hire a car to explore surrounding coastal resorts and tourist attractions. Getting here from Dalaman airport, 45 minutes away, is extremely easy, and an alternative for winter flights is Antalya, which is 3 hours away. Both have extensive flight schedules from various countries. Lastly, by catching a local bus to Fethiye centre, locals tap into Turkey’s extensive countrywide bus system, which is excellent value for money with regular and clean routes.
History and Urban Legends
Stray a mile away to find burial tombs dating back 2000 years. Gocek is also close to Fethiye (20 minutes' drive), a significant ancient Lycian city. Perhaps an interesting story is that of Icarus. If legend is to be believed, it was here that Icarus fell following his famous flight. In ancient times, Göcek was known as "Kalimche". Urban legends say Gocek pirates once lived here, and Ottoman chrome traders.
Things to Do
Daily tours are plentiful with regular boat cruises to local islands, sightseeing excursions to the Fethiye area, and trips to nearby Dalyan for a dip in therapeutic mud baths. Daring people head off on quad bike safaris, or try tandem paragliding from the summit of Babadag Mountain before landing at the famous Oludeniz beach. Another popular choice is exploring nearby ancient ruins like Tlos, Letoon, and Xanthos.
Discover Secret Beaches
Gocek is not a beach resort but has a central public beach in the centre. However, several private beach clubs like D-Marin (stunning!), or some great little stretches accessed via a water taxi, daily boat or within a short drive. All options are easily arranged locally. Do check out the island beach and Inlice Beach. Nearby Fethiye has excellent sandy beaches.
Affluent Lifestyles
Television presenter Michael Buerk once described Gocek as "a sailor’s paradise". As a keen yachtsman and regular visitor, he likened Gocek to Salcombe in an interview with the Telegraph and noted it as an upmarket destination developers hadn't yet destroyed. Demi Moore, Prince Charles, Bruce Willis, Tina Turner, and Rod Stewart are not strangers either.
In summer, the bay, centred around the harbour side, becomes filled with affluent Turks and foreigners who have purchased holiday homes. The pretty town is where stars stroll around, shop in designer boutiques or live it up in their luxury villa or on beautiful Venetian-style developments with moorings for their dinghies. But Gocek isn't only suited to the wealthy; it's a great place to spend a holiday, visit for the evening, or enjoy time away from neighbouring resorts. Celebrity spotting is popular, but this pretty resort offers far more.
Why Buy Property
For starters, it's easy to access from Dalaman Airport. The climate is also hard to beat, averaging over 280 sunny days yearly. The charming port is not your average sprawling tourist resort, and you won’t find high-rise hotels or skyscraper condos here. The town itself isn't large, in fact it's small with a few restaurants serving Turkish and international cuisine, some beautiful boutiques, a few coffee shops, and a weekly market. There is no main beach, but it offers fancy beach clubs and many bays and islands, all easily accessible by boat.
Suppose you are lucky enough to own a little bob-about. In that case, there are some wonderful villas with moorings for a dinghy; failing that, luxury apartments are within easy access to the marina, where visitors hire a private boat with a captain or jump onboard charter cruises.
Building land is limited, and the allowance is strictly regulated; property prices rise consistently. You may assume property prices would be way over the odds, but that's not necessarily true. Of course, luxury builds and high-end and high-spec properties have price tags from $400,000 to over $1 million. Still, whatever your budget, if you are seeking a great location and a fabulous investment, or simply fancy mixing with elite society, Gocek is worth considering. All properties are a short drive to the beach, and for more extensive shopping experiences, Fethiye is a 30-minute drive away.
Use Our Services
Browse Property: Our portfolio of apartments and villas perfectly introduces the real estate market, highlighting how prestigious this coastal destination is. Whether you want a waterfront home or an out-of-the-woods rural cottage, our portfolio will help you get your property search off to a good start. Use the contact details on each listing to receive more information via email or arrange viewings.
Speak to Our Agents: Alternatively, if you have more questions or would like to know more about the Gocek area of Turkey, our agents can help. With a wealth of local knowledge and years of experience in the Turkish housing market, they are well-versed in helping you become a homeowner in Turkey.
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