Gokova

Aegean, Turkey 1 tours visit here

Gökova is a deep gulf and the coastline around it in Muğla Province, on Turkey's southwest Aegean shore between the Bodrum and Datça peninsulas, with Marmaris a short drive over the hills to the south. The whole bay is a designated Special Environmental Protection Area, and its character comes from pine forest running down to sheltered turquoise water, broken by small inlets. Most people see Gökova from the water. It is one of the classic Blue Cruise grounds, with gulets sailing from Bodrum and Marmaris to anchor in bays such as English Harbour, Çökertme, Karacasöğüt and the cluster known as the Seven Islands. Sedir Island, near the head of the gulf, holds the ruins of ancient Kedrai and a beach of unusual grain-like sand that is strictly protected: swimming is allowed, sunbathing on the sand and carrying it away are not. At the eastern end, Akyaka stands where the cold, spring-fed Azmak stream meets the sea, usually explored by small boat through its reed-lined channel. The valley funnels a dependable afternoon wind onto the bay, making Akyaka a well-known kitesurfing spot. The season runs from late spring into October, with the strongest Aegean meltemi wind at midsummer.