Hidden Turkey: Why you should skip a trip to Bodrum and discover Göcek instead

Escape the crowds of glitzy Bodrum, and chill at the mellow little resort of Göcek around the coast

Göcek is known for its pristine turquoise waters, remote beaches and historical ruins.

When Bodrum and I first met, 30 years ago, my main thought was that it was a long way from anywhere. In summer 1994, when I worked as a holiday rep, there were no international flights to Bodrum’s small airport and only a few holidaymakers made the four-hour trek from Dalaman airport.

Famous for its picturebook Crusader castle and waterfront lined with gulets (wooden sailing boats), Bodrum was back then a working town that just happened to have supermodel looks.