Gulf of Gokova
The Ceramic Gulf or Gulf of Gökova is the stretch of the South Aegean Sea that lies between the Bodrum Peninsula in the north and Datça Peninsula in the south. At the entrance lies the Greek Island of Kos, not much more than a stones throw away from the Turkish mainland. The gulf took its name from the ancient city of Ceramus which was situated halfway along the northern shore at the modern settlement of Ören.
Sailing and boating have always been the favoured way to explore the wild and unspoiled coastline until the ‘orak’ sickle cut back the scrub to reopen the old coastal footpaths.
The Carian Trail routes along the shore from Cape Crio and the ruins of Knidos all the way to Akyaka (see Datça Peninsula) and the northern shore from Akyaka to Bodrum. The trail ascends the Kıran Mountains along forest tracks to village settlements in fertile valleys’. From up high, magical views look down over the Ceramic Gulf to the peaks and troughs of the Datça Peninsula. Some of the trail descends on old caravan ways with multitudes of hairpin bends taking the steepness out of the climb/descent. Arriving at the shore, secluded coves and deserted beaches invite tired legs to jump in the sea!
The contrast between coast and highland give the traveller a precious insight to the relation between sea and land.
