We picked this villa because the photographs showed that it was a place that was loved, with real thought given to the indoor and outdoor furnishings. Extras such as the outdoor cushion seats in the shade of the pine tree, two balconies that have comfortable wicker seating as well as two areas for relaxing either side of the pool. It faces south but shade can always be found, either on the terrace or by the pool. The house nestles in an attractive garden with plenty of foilage and flowering plants.

Inside there is everything that you could want with a very well equpped kitchen and a comfortable dining area and lounge with local guide books and maps and a good sound system. Upstairs to a lovely master bedroom with ensuite and a balcony with distant bay views perfect for an aperitif before strolling down into Gocek for dinner.
The only downside to the property was that the traffic from the main coast road could be heard in the distance but this wasn't a problem. It is in a very private location being at the top of the site and at one end of the access road with trees behind and to one side. The whole property was very clean and well cared for.

We had hired a car so that we could explore the area but on an evening we walked into Gocek for dinner which takes just over 20 minutes and is flat apart from the short climb uphill on the way back. On the last night we took a taxi from the centre which cost us 10TL.
We were met by Mehmet, the local agent who was very friendly and gave us information on the local area.

Gocek itself is lovely with a long promenade with a plentiful supply of restaurants and bars backed by a pedestrian street with a mixture of small supermarkets, marine suppliers and interesting gift shops. It is more upmarket than some other seaside resorts in Turkey , no doubt to cater for the yachting crowd that are attracted to the the area. We were pleased to see that the prices in the supermarkets and in the restaurants were not that much dearer than elsewhere although in some restaurants you have to look out for extras being automatically provided which you end up paying for. Eg. bottle of water and/or plate of olives. It isn't that we didn't want them but we were not asked first.
Our favorite restaurant was Limone, on the front. It was always full, had good food but above all very friendly service. Further along the front, to the north, there is a cafe/restaurant that has a small pier which has a wonderful atmosphere, wicker and canvas seating and you can dine on the pier. The menu doesn't reflect the range of food available. Just ask. I can't remember the name of it but it is past the Japenese restaurant and as far as I know is the only one in Gocek with its own pier.

This was our first visit to Turkey and we found the Turks to be very friendly and they really appreciate it if you learn a little Turkish. At the local garage there was a man with a small open truck selling a limited range of fruit and vegetables. He couldn't speak English and I had limited Turkish but it was a pleasure to buy our melons, lemons, tomatoes and garlic from him as he was very friendly and I felt the connection to a small local grower.

There is plenty to do in the local area which is very pretty with plenty of bays and wooded hills dropping down to the sea. We are already planning to return to Turkey another year.