GÖCEK has long been a desirable destination for both Turkish and foreign yachtsmen, as well as a favorite stopover for jet-setters and celebrities alike. This paradisical village of two-thousand inhabitants is only 20 minutes by car from Dalaman International Airport, which can be reached in under 1 hour from Istanbul.

It is not just world-class yachting that makes Göcek a special place; it is the way the culture and natural surroundings blend in such a serene way. Strict development laws ensure that this very unique setting is protected; and since there is no oversupply of hotels, it is never crowded; majority of visitors are usually sophisticated travellers like yourself.

Set at the north-west end of the Gulf of Fethiye, Gocek is blessed with magnificent scenery. Backed by majestic mountains and substantial pine forests it looks out over the Twelve Islands, which provide shelter for Gocek's almost circular bay that has made the village such a perfect, natural harbour. Lured by such perfection, the yachting community has long made Gocek a favorite, and it is also a popular stop for gullet cruises.

Perhaps this explains Gocek's impressive range of facilities for a place that remains so blissfully unspoiled there are only a handful of small hotels and pensions, yet all along the wide, landscaped promenade that fringes the quayside, there are plenty of eateries, from simple cafes to excellent restaurants specializing in delicious fresh fish.In the back streets and around the old village square by the mosque, there is a surprising array of interesting craft shops.