Gocek History
Gocek is north west to Fatihye, at the end of Fatihye. This beautiful
village is about 30k' from Fatihye, and about 20 minutes from Dalaman
airport. Until few years ago, Gocek was a small fishermen's village, but
after the construction of a modern harbor, the place start a fast growing
process. In the past it was know by the name Kalimce. It was located
between Telmessos (modern Fatihye) and Kaunas (modern Dalyan). A legend
tells us that this is the place where Daedalus, the son of Icarus, fell
into the water, when both of them escape jail. Gocek has ruins from many
cultures. One of these places is called Batık Hamam (submerged Hamam).
This Hamam is also called Cleopatra's Hamam. A group of artists and
writers, like Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, and fishermen from Halikarnas, went on
a “Blue Cruise”, and exposed Gocek to the world.
In the Ottoman times,
this place was used by the merchant ships as loading and shipping of
chromium ore. The washing basin and dock are a touristy areas. One of the
biggest banks in Turkey invested a lot of money in the Gocek harbor. The
marina has services for yachts people and yachts, with nature's
preservation. There are very strict building regulations, so the place
will not get over crowded by construction. The Gocek marina was open in
1999. the builders used floating rafts, so there is a free water
circulation. If you want to travel from the marina to town, it takes about
5 minutes , more or less.
Gocek is surrounded by
pine trees, and it over looks the bay with 12 islands. These islands are
neutral water break. Thanks to these islands, Gocek is a perfect docking
place. There are just few hotels and motels. However, the town has many
fish restaurants and cafe shops. On the side streets and around it, the
old mosque and hand made shops, can be found.
How to get to Gocek
One way to get to Gocek is by plane. The closest airport is the one in
Dalaman. It takes about 20 minutes to get there. You can use the old
mountains road, with its view, or use the new tunnel. If it is by cruise
you come to Gocek, then upon coming into the town's sight, you will see a
breath taking view. If you choose this way, then remember to get your
passport stamped with the port authorities. Another way is from Antalya,
which is 230k' from Gocek.
Gocek Internet services
You can go to one of the Internet cafe shops in town. It cost anywhere
between 1.5- 3 ytl. Some of the hotels and motels offer Internet services.
So you can stay “online” even when you are away.
Gocek Money Change
In
town there are few money change offices and banks that give the best
exchange rate. The hotels usually give lower rates, so ask and compare
before you change. You can also take money from the money machines around
town.
Things to do around Gocek
You can tour the area around Gocek, walk around the forest, take a day
boat tour around to the 12 islands, dive, and see some of the towns and
sites around.
Dalyan
Dalyan has some ruins in it, mud baths and more. The ruins are from the
Romans times in a site named Kaunas. If you go along the river, you will
see the curved graves on the hill's slops. It is also where the tortures
preservation is, at Istuzu beach. It is about one hour from Gocek.
Fatihye
About an hour from Gocek. You can visit the different parts of town, see
the curved graves above town, take a cruise around its bays. Have a
swimming break. Sit in one of the restaurants in town, and see the old
traditional house, as well, and more.
Kaya
This “ghost” village, is a deserted Greek village, about half hour from
Gocek. It is also known as Levıssi. There are still few families living
here, with there livestock. Some of the house were renovated, and are used
for tourism. You can walk, go on a horse ride if you want. Go to the cafe
house along the way to Gemılar.
Uzumlu
This is a traditional Turkish village with its on life style. The women do
traditional works, such as hand made things. After you see them work, you
can buy any of the things on display. You can also visit the mosque.
Tilos and
Saklikent Gorge
This is a beautiful Canion with cold water, even in the summer time, from
the snow in the mountains. There are also Roman and Greek ruins such as,
gymnasium, theater, baths and more, from the 2 century b.c, and from the
Ottoman times.
Gocek Jeep Safari
This tour takes you around the place, in a group. You will visit some of
the houses around. Some of these tours go Saklikent gorge, with a swim in
the water. Lunch is usually part of the tour and nature and beauty all
around you.
Gocek Culture and
entertainment
Every May the week long
Regatta festival, takes place in Gocek.
This is a very prestigious event, that bring yachts people from all over
the world. At the end of every touristy year, the Gocek marina, throughout
a banquette for yachts people and their gusts.
Dinning out
Along the sea shore, there are many
restaurants and cafe shops, that are worthwhile to go to. There are many
types of cocking, so you will find what you like there. In the street
behind the harbor, you can see more restaurants and cafe shops, with a
bigger verity for you. Everyone can find something suitable for his/ her
pock.
Movies in
Gocek
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
evening, Cafe Port shows on a big screen, movies, in French and English,
with subtitles. You can go to Fatihye movie theaters Sinema Hayal and
Doruk, for more movies.
Gocek
Sea and Sun
Some of the islands are only excisable from
sea, but most of them are excisable from land and sea. You can go with a
taxi boat, or with one of the daily tours, or even a privet charter.
Oludeniz
One of the best places to visit is
Oludeniz, at a distance of 50k' from Gocek. This is one of the most
beautiful places in the world. Where ever you go, remember a camera. It is
a most!!!
