Gocek & Fethiye

Gocek and Fethiye occupy a stretch of Turkey's south-western coast where the Lycian mountains drop to a series of bays, islands, and inlets that create one of the Mediterranean's most naturally sheltered cruising grounds. Gocek, a small town at the head of a bay containing twelve islands, is the charter departure point; Fethiye, larger and more commercial, sits in an adjacent gulf with the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face above the harbour. The twelve islands of Gocek Bay are the core itinerary. Distances are short — the furthest island is under five nautical miles from the marina — and the anchorages are sheltered from all but the most unusual weather. Tersane Island has a ruined boatyard and a restaurant in the cove. Yassica Islands form a chain of four, with shallow water between them suitable for swimming. Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the Turkish artist who painted a fish on a rock in the 1970s, is one of the most photographed anchorages on the coast. Beyond the bay, the Lycian coast extends south-east toward Kas and Kalkan. The passage from Gocek to Kas, roughly 40 nautical miles, passes Gemiler Island — a Byzantine pilgrimage site with ruined churches above the anchorage — and the blue lagoon at Oludeniz, visible from the sea though landing is restricted. Kas itself is a small, attractive town with a Greek amphitheatre, a handful of good restaurants, and a Lycian sarcophagus sitting matter-of-factly on the main street. The wind pattern is benign. A north-westerly thermal builds through the day, rarely exceeding 15 knots in the bay. At night, katabatic gusts can roll down from the mountains, producing brief, strong puffs — uncomfortable at anchor for the unprepared but not dangerous. The sheltered geography and reliable conditions make this area a strong choice for first-time charterers. Gulet charters dominate the market, and the 'blue cruise' — a week aboard a crewed gulet moving between anchorages — is the format that made Turkey's south-west coast famous. Bareboat is well-established too, with modern fleets at several marinas in Gocek and Fethiye. Provisioning in Gocek is adequate; Fethiye's market and supermarkets are better for a full week's supplies. Turkish provisions are inexpensive and excellent — fresh bread, vegetables, fish, and the local Balik Ekmek (fish sandwich) are charter staples.