Gocek - Kekova

1. Day :
Set at the head of the Gulf of Fethiye amidst beautiful pine-clad mountains and only 30 minutes from the international airport at Dalaman, Gocek must be one of the Mediterranean’s best situated embarkation/disembarkation ports. Originally a small fishing village, it has grown into a sophisticated center for yachting and combines a wonderful traditional ambiance with a modern marina, excellent restaurants and bars and good shopping.

2. Day :
Before arriving at Cold water Bay, we anchor for lunch off Gemiler Island, where there are the ruins of what must have been a size-able Byzantine community. An exploration of the island is well worth the effort and the ruins include those of several churches, a covered walkway and many houses, shops, water cisterns etc. A short sail then takes us to Cold water Bay. So-named because of the cold fresh water springs entering the sea here. You will also find there a delightful rustic restaurant ashore and the opportunity to take a very enjoyable hike (45 min) to the old Greek village of Kaya, deserted since the 1920’s when the population exchange took place.

3. Day :
Greek until 1922, Kas was resettled by Turks from Anatolia. Its harbor is always bustling and scuba diving can be organized here. There is a beautiful Hellenistic amphitheater just outside the town in a spectacular setting and Lycian rock tombs are carved into the surrounding mountainside, impressively lit at night. There is an abundance of night-life in Kas with plenty of restaurants and bars.

4. Day :
A beautiful area protected from the sea by Kekova Island and abundant in the ruins of a Lycian civilization, some of which are now under water as the result of a devastating earthquake. The battlements of a magnificent Crusader fortress stand dramatically over the village and the views from the castle is magnificent. Within the castle there is a small theater and the surrounding slopes are dotted with sarcophagi. A true perspective of the sunken city can be perceived from this perfect vantage point.

5. Day :
A magnificently remote anchorage amongst a multitude of islands and inlets with a variety of ancient ruins and a small restaurant ashore. A perfect setting for water sports of all kinds.

6. Day :
This delightful Greek Island a short distance from the Turkish coast is an absolute ‘must’ to visit. After lunching and spending the afternoon in the gorgeous anchorage with gin-clear water, we moor stern-to the quay in the typically Greek village, where one can visit the local museum and dine at the various waterside restaurants. A walk up the path to the top of the precipitous mountain behind the village rewards one with spectacular vistas of the surrounding islands and the Turkish mainland. Before leaving the island, we sail down its eastern coast and visit the beautiful Blue Grotto (said to be better than the one on Capri), which we enter by dinghy, leaving the yacht outside.

7. Day :
Another village along this coast affected by the population exchange of 1922, Kalkan nestles in the crease of a hill at the foot of which is the attractive harbor. It is a scuba diving center and the ideal port from which to visit the ancient cities of Xanthos and Patara. Flowers spill from the balconies in Kalkan and there are numerous restaurants and bars to choose from.

8. Day :
A stunning bay overlooked by an excellent restaurant providing superb meals in a memorable setting. From here a local boat and guide can be hired in order to travel up the Dalyan delta (where the ‘African Queen’ was filmed) and visit the ancient city of the river trip one should catch sight of some of the many turtles, herons and kingfishers that abound in this area.

9. Day :
A beautiful, usually deserted anchorage, great for water sports and providing some rewarding walking in wonderful surroundings. A longish hike takes one through the pine forests to the ruins of an ancient settlement, or a short walk brings one to a small farming community who also weave traditional carpets.

10. Day :
A delightful reef-fringed bay with an off-lying island on which include a church and several crypts, one of which contains a remarkably well-preserved fresco of St. Christopher. The crystal clear waters and islets provide excellent snorkeling and spear-fishing and there is a very popular restaurant ashore.

11. Day :
A large, picturesque bay surrounded by pine forests, in which lies the remains of a wreck of an old trading vessel. An excellent spot for all water sports from water-skiing to windsurfing. Ashore, there is a good hike up through the pine forests to a lake and an old village in the mountains.

12. Day :
This used to be the principal port of Lycia and today is a resort and working town overlooked by some very large rock tombs and the ruins of a medieval fort. A large amphitheater is being unearthed close to the town quay area and other ancient sites can be visited from Fethiye by road. The town has excellent shopping and a large selection of restaurants, bars and clubs and from here scuba diving, para-sailing, white-water rafting, microlight flying and para-gliding can be organized. The tandem para-gliding takes place with qualified pilot from the summit of Baba Dag (just under 7.000ft), landing on the famous beach of Olu Deniz. The experience is unforgettable and very popular! At Fethiye, a group can split up, taking part in these various activities and meeting up on the yacht afterwards. In these situations, we normally pick up divers at their last dive site.

13. Day :
A wonderfully enclosed bay in a glorious setting and absolutely ideal for water sports. Good walking a dinghy ride away and a remarkable rustic restaurant ashore. Over the years this bay has become a favorite with many of our guests.

14. Day :
Disembarkation in Gocek.