For lots of visitors to the Fethiye area – and for us, too – pretty Göcek is one of those places that tends to become a stop off en route to and from Dalaman Airport.
If we’re dropping friends off at the airport and their flight time is such that we could all be spending the day moping around, waiting for the inevitable, much better to enjoy a bit of those final few hours of their holiday time in Göcek or Dalyan.
But over the last couple of years, largely thanks to the annual Göcek Herb Festival, we’ve spent more time in this far west corner of the Fethiye area.
A place with its own distinct personality, the tiny town centre packs a real punch and we love the sharp contrasts.
Göcek Bays & Islands
For the seafarers, the peaceful Göcek bays are a real draw.
We’re right in the heart of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, here!
For better or worse, some of these beautiful bays have been developed into exclusive marinas – and this is perhaps what the small town is now most famous for.
There’s no shortage of marinas in Göcek!
The main not-very-long stretch of the harbour has four alone; one of which can host mega yachts.
Obviously, this makes the town a popular choice for the rich and famous.
But it’s also a popular choice for those holidaying on traditional gülets and smaller boat owners who love the shelter of the Göcek islands.
And for daytrippers on boats!
As you might expect, there are public daily boat trips from Göcek harbour that head out around these bays and islands so that you can swim and soak up the stunning Mediterranean scenery of this corner of the country.
But also, if you’re staying in Fethiye, two popular boat trips you can do are the daily 12 island trip and the weekly Göcek Market boat trip every Sunday.
Both of these trips take in the islands around Göcek.
This is an area where day trip boats rub boating shoulders with vessels from the size of small fishing boats to those aforementioned luxury yachts.
The seas don’t discriminate.
A ‘Special Place’
And, on dry land, it’s the same story. That’s what makes Göcek so charming and such a lovely place to while away some of your time.
Göcek is an area of special protection and a wander along the harbour as far as D Marin Göcek Marina will see you greeted with a framed poster created by the Akdeniz Koruma Derneği (Mediterranean Protection Society).
The poster reads: Did you know, you are in a special place! Fethiye-Göcek is one of Turkey’s 18 Special Environmental Protection Areas, valued for its unique nature, history and culture.
So, whilst Göcek is a popular choice for wealthy yacht owners, that doesn’t mean there’s a ‘glitz and glamour’ feel to the town.
Unlike Bodrum, further to the west, which has more than its fair share of nightlife and expensive marina shopping, Göcek is low key, low rise and a perfect place to chill out.
Along the side streets that lead from the main D400 road to the centre of Göcek, it has held on to its village feel.
As well as low rise residences, this is where you’ll also find small pensions and boutique hotels.
A compact, pretty port town that manages to cater for its full time residents, budget travellers and those who also want a more luxurious stay.
Shopping In Göcek
Behind the harbour is the main street for shopping.
We’re not big on shopping. But in Göcek, it’s a bite-sized experience that keeps even us – the most reluctant of shoppers – interested.
Easy pedestrianised streets filled with shops selling anything from the traditional Turkish souvenirs of the variety that won’t break the bank.
To boutiques and artisan stores selling handmade jewellery and the like.
And the practicalities of Göcek life: Fishing and boating supplies, mini markets, butchers, bank branches and just a couple of chain store branches.
And it all fits into just a few hundred square metres with Göcek market (which takes place every Sunday) sitting just on the opposite side of the main street; Atatürk Bulvarı.
Eating & Drinking In Göcek
Feeding and watering yourself is a similar experience.
If you’re someone looking for ‘Full English’ or ‘Sunday Roast,’ Göcek is not the place for you.
Göcek caters to locals, domestic tourists and international tourists.
What you will find is small side street cafes where you can grab snacks like börek and toasties and döner kebab.
And there are coffee shops, too, of course.
Along the harbour, there are cafes and restaurants serving up Turkish and international cuisine.
West Cafe (above), also with a branch in Akyaka, is a favourite for us and many others.
There’s always a buzz there and its tree-shaded tables and chairs are a perfect respite from summer heat.
Other restaurants offer views over the marina, where you will need to reserve a table on summer evenings.
Beach Life
What we have told you about in this article is the Göcek we know and love.
And we don’t associate the town with beaches.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not there.
Take a walk along the harbour and over the canal bridge that serves Portville.
You might as well stop here to take some photos, like everyone else does.
Arguably the most photographed spot in Göcek at the moment.
And then you can continue on your way towards D-Resort Göcek, passing a couple of pleasant bar restaurants and cafes en route.
Walk right up to the sea and you’ll see the imported sand (apparently from the Sahara Desert) along the shoreline – and the edge of the beach restaurant.
The entrance gates are just back the way you came and, from reviews we’ve read, should you want to use the beach, it’s going to cost you rather a lot!
Alternatively, an hourly water taxi leaves for Göcek Island Beach, in season.
Here, there’s a beach bar and changing facilities, as well as beds and parasols for rent.
And just a few minutes away, back towards Fethiye, is the public beach, Inlice Beach.
This will be popular with locals, especially at weekends, in the summer season. And, depending on the year, either has decent facilities or not.
But in Göcek, you are in a great location for taking a local dolmuş or driving to some of the best Fethiye beaches and beyond.
İyi gezmeler! Happy travels!
Göcek – Useful Information
- Göcek is part of the Fethiye area and is a 30 minute drive, northwest of Fethiye centre (see map below).
- There is also a regular local dolmuş between the two.
- If you want to explore more of the Muğla Province, you can pick up a passing dolmuş on the D400 to visit places like Dalyan, Köyceğiz and Marmaris.
- The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport which is a 30 minute drive. The Dalaman-Fethiye airport shuttle bus also stops on the main road at the entrance to the town centre.