On the third day of the journey, Turkey revealed itself from a new angle—not as a noisy bazaar or an ancient amphitheatre, but in Göcek, where the soft breath of the sea was heard, inviting you to dive in headfirst. The town lived at a leisurely, measured pace: white yachts in quiet bays, promenades scented with coffee, sand, and olive groves.
Göcek: The Trace of Icarus and Yachts
Known as Callimachus in ancient times, local legend claims that Icarus fell into these waters after his daring flight. History remains silent about his fate thereafter, but the myth feels surprisingly fitting: sky, sea, and wind—the main characters of this place.
Göcek Marina
Today, Göcek has transformed into a mecca of yachting tourism: six modern marinas, including D-Marin and Skopea Marina, bursting with sails, flags, and gleaming hulls. Hundreds of boats at anchor, including the 55-metre beauty Halo, owned by Roman Abramovich.
Journey to 12 Islands
Göcek is not just a resort but a true club for those who love the elements and comfort. We set out to sea on one of the yachts. Our course: 12 islands, with ancient ruins, whimsical cliffs, secluded shores, and passing sandy beaches of Sarıgerme, İztuzu, and Dalyan…
Babadağ and the Mayor in the Sky
Mayor of Fethiye, Alim Karaca
But Göcek was not the only hero of the day. We returned to paragliding, and this time it was no one less than the mayor of Fethiye himself—Alim Karaca—who took to the sky. Mei Fen Zhou, counsellor at the Chinese embassy, followed his example.
Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mei Fen Zhou
“We continue to promote Fethiye. We have already introduced guests to local cuisine, showed them the city, and told them about projects. And now we tried paragliding, launching from Babadağ mountain—I joined them too!” explained Alim Karaca, describing the purpose of the flight.
Avrupa newspaper
The paraglider soared from Babadağ, a mountain long considered the region’s hallmark. Local media did not miss the moment—the mayor’s photo in flight graced the front page of the Avrupa newspaper.
Sunset at Sea Me Beach
Sea Me Beach
The day ended at Sea Me Beach—on a secluded, elegant beach in Boncuklu Bay. Sea Me Beach is not just a place to swim; it is an aesthetic, a style, a modern format, and a premium atmosphere. Soft loungers, lounge music, a glass of chilled white wine, and the slowly setting sun over the calm sea. We stayed until the very sunset.
It was here in October 2021 that Bill Gates celebrated his 66th birthday. Among his guests was Jeff Bezos, who was flown in by helicopter directly from his yacht. The entire beach was closed to the public that day, and the staff were without phones to maintain confidentiality. The party unfolded in a private yet impeccably organised atmosphere. Just like everything that happens at Sea Me Beach.
Photo by Rina Ilina
Tomorrow brings a new path, a change of direction, but still Turkey—with its stories, legends, and moments that remain in the journal.
