Belek is a small resort town in southwestern Turkey , located 40 km east of the center of Antalya and 30 km from the international airport. Its population is slightly more than 7,700 people. This is a fairly young resort that has already established itself as one of the most elite in Turkey. It is famous for its large golf courses, luxurious luxury hotels, and recently the large Water Park The Land of Legends was built here by the Rixos hotel chain .
It is hard to imagine that even three decades ago, Belek was a wild area planted with eucalyptus and pine groves, where terrapins found their shelter. It is in this region that more than 100 of the 450 bird species present in Turkey live, and among them many exotic and rare birds. And although the resort itself is quite young, there are sights with a centuries-old history in its vicinity (Aspendos, Side and Perga).
When is the best time to go to Belek?
The tourist season in Belek lasts from the end of April to the middle of November. The most popular time at this resort is in the summer, when the air temperature reaches 40 degrees in some places, and the beach season is in full swing. During this period, tourists of various age categories with a high or average level of wealth rest here. With the onset of winter, Belek does not turn into a dead zone at all: of course, there are significantly fewer tourists, but there is a large amount of entertainment prepared for them. At this time, athletes, golf, basketball and tennis enthusiasts come here. “Quiet” time at the resort lasts from November to April.
Quite early – at the end of April – the resort welcomes the first beach holiday lovers. However, you won’t be able to swim in the sea at this time, but you can get a great tan in the sun, which warms the air in Belek to +23 degrees. As for the velvet season, it lasts until the last days of October, and sometimes the weather allows vacationers to enjoy the warm rays of the sun until mid-November. The resort has a special feature – the golf season, which lasts from October to the last days of May. This place is one of the most famous golf centers in the world.
Sights and entertainment in Belek
The sights of Belek are spread both in the city itself and in its surroundings. Among them you will find ancient monuments, natural corners, and entertainment facilities. And the following iconic places may be of particular interest to you:
Belek city center and mosque
When you arrive on vacation in Belek , the first thing you should do is get to know the city itself and take a walk through its central streets. Here you can see a miniature mosque built at the end of the 20th century and a clock tower located next to it. The city center is a well-kept area with flower beds, where numerous shops for every taste, as well as restaurants and cafes are spread. Since Belek is considered an elite place, prices here are slightly higher than in other resorts in Turkey.
Ancient Pamphylia: Perga and Aspendos near Belek
Many ancient monuments have been preserved in various resorts of Turkey, reminding of the former glory of great civilizations, and Belek was no exception. Only 30 km to the northwest of the object is the ancient city of Perga , and judging by the data of archaeological excavations, it was formed as early as 1000 BC. A large Roman amphitheater with a capacity of up to 15,000 spectators, Hellenistic gates, and the ruins of the city walls, the acropolis, and the Byzantine basilica spread out here. The famous Roman baths lined with marble slabs and decorated with ancient sculptures have also been preserved in Perga.
In high season, the attraction is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from October to April from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The entrance fee is $6.50
And 17.5 km northeast of Belek, you can find another trace of antiquity. Erected in the 10th century BC. e. after the end of the Trojan War , the city of Aspendos was in the hands of the Greeks and in the possession of the Romans, experienced an incredible rise and a tragic collapse. Its main attraction was a huge amphitheater built in the era of Marcus Aurelius , which holds more than 15 thousand people. It is noteworthy that the theater is active, in the high season dance performances and the Festival of Opera and Ballet are held here.
- The monument is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from October to April and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from April to October.
- The entrance fee is $6.50
The ancient city of Side near Belek
Another interesting sight was the ancient city-museum of Side, located 44 km southeast of Belek . Some buildings are at least 2 thousand years old. In Side, the ruins of the temple of Apollo have been preserved , but even these ruins look quite majestic against the background of the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In the city, you can also visit a large Roman amphitheater, port baths, the ruins of a basilica and an archaeological museum. On the territory of the historical complex there are many restaurants and shops, yacht tours and parachute flights are offered.
- You can visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo for free at any time
- Entrance to the museum and amphitheater is $5, in the high season these attractions are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from October to April – from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Duden waterfalls near Belek
One of the most beautiful natural sights that you can see during your vacation in Turkey in Belek is the Duden Falls, located in Antalya. The Nizhny Duden waterfall is located 10 km to the east of the center of the province and is a turbulent stream falling into the sea from a height of 40 meters. And in the northern part of Antalya, Verkhnyi Duden is located, consisting of several waterfalls surrounded by an emerald park.
Manavgat waterfall in the vicinity of Belek
If you are confused by the question of what to see in Belek , we advise you to go 46 km to the east of the city, where there is another picturesque sight – the Manavgat waterfall. The stormy flow of mountain river water, which is dumped from a steep rapid, forms a waterfall of unique beauty with a width of 40 meters and a height of 2 meters. From here there are wonderful views of the pristine nature of Turkey. Near the rapid river there is a verdant park with several restaurants and shops.
Water park and dolphinarium “Troy” (Troy Aquapark) in Belek
The water park, stylized as ancient Troy, is located in the southeastern part of Belek on the territory of the Rixos Premium Belek hotel and occupies an area of more than 12 thousand square meters. m. Here in the middle of the mountains rises a wooden statue of the Trojan horse about 25 meters high. Troy has 15 attractions for adults, an area with slides and a pool for small children.
Throughout the day, a show is held in the water park, fun music plays, and interesting contests are organized. On the territory there is an excellent cafe with a varied menu. And next to the water park there is also a dolphinarium, where twice a day there is a performance with the participation of dolphins, walruses and white whales.
- The water park is open daily from May to October from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
- The price of an entrance ticket for an adult is $15, for children from 7 to 12 years old $9
- Entrance to the dolphinarium is paid separately and is $10
The Land of Legends Aquapark in Belek
In 2016, another water park appeared in Belek . Initially, the owners of the Rixos hotel chain planned to open Disneyland , but due to pressure from France, the only owner of the famous amusement park in Europe, they reformatted the project into a hotel and water park. The huge entertainment complex accommodates more than 40 water attractions with 72 slides. The park is divided into thematic zones, each of which is designed in the style of a certain fairy tale.
Here you will find a variety of restaurants, an avenue with boutiques, a 5D cinema, bars, spas and even an artificial volcano. The first five-star children’s hotel in Turkey was built on the ” Land of Legends” . In the water park, you can take an underwater walk in a spacesuit, swim with dolphins and go surfing in a special pool.
- The water park is open daily from May to October from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
- The entrance ticket for an adult costs $40, for children – $30
Golf in Belek
Looking through photos of Belek , you will undoubtedly come across pictures of golf courses: after all, the resort has long been the center of this sport. There are 8 golf clubs here, the most famous of which is the National Golf Club , which is designed more for professionals than for beginners. Here, the price for a six-hour class is $250 per person. The TAT Golf Belek International Golf Club is more suitable for beginners to master this game , where instructors offer express training, the cost of which starts at $70 per person. The golf season in Turkey starts in September and lasts all winter and spring until the heat sets in.
Other entertainment in Belek
Of course, being one of the most modern resorts in Turkey, Belek offers a huge range of entertainment options.
The variety of offers is impressive, and the most popular places are:
- Turkish bar “Pinar” , similar to a village house. Special delicacies of this place are the local raki with ice and phenomenal Turkish coffee;
- Kariya Golf Club, the first Turkish golf club, surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees. It has an 18-hole course and is equipped with a night lighting system;
- Night club “SOHO” , which is divided into 2 halls. In the first, modern music sounds and young people hang out, and in the 2nd, concerts are held with live sound, both classical and pop music.
Belek is attractive, modern and quite expensive. However, those who like to enjoy the full program can confidently choose it: all their whims will be satisfied here.
Belek beach
The coast in Belek , approved by the Blue Flag, stretches for a distance of more than 16 km, and its territory is divided between local hotels. However, the resort also has a public Kadri beach , where everyone can relax absolutely free of charge. The coastline here is covered with soft golden sand, both large and fine. The area is characterized by shallow water, the descent into the sea in Belek is gentle, the depth begins only after a few meters. In some places, non-sharp small stones may fall to the bottom. It is a completely safe place to relax with children.
The public beach in Belek , Turkey has deck chairs and umbrellas that can be rented. Numerous restaurants and coastal cafes stretched along the entire coast. For an additional fee, beachgoers can enjoy water sports, jet skiing and paragliding. There is a beach volleyball court on the territory, and there is a lifeguard service. Nearby is a verdant park with children’s and sports grounds and picnic areas.
Hotels on the coast of Belek
Today , Belek in Turkey, whose hotels are often included in the top of the country’s best hotels, offers tourists a developed infrastructure with a large number of shops, cafes and restaurants, night clubs and water parks, thereby providing the best conditions for a comfortable vacation. It will be interesting for both passive tourists who are used to a leisurely beach vacation and active travelers who are fond of sports and excursions. And the close location of the resort to Antalya only expands the list of possibilities for tourists who came here.
Belek is the kingdom of five-star hotels, and some of them have the status of the best in all of Turkey. Here is a huge selection of 5 * hotels located on the first coastline and having their own beach. There are very few 4 * and 3 * hotels in the city, and they are located far from the sea, which can make rest very difficult. In the high season, the cost of accommodation in a double room in hotels of different categories starts from:
- In a 3 * hotel – from $50 per day
- In a 4 * hotel – from $60 per night
- In a 5 * hotel – from $100 per day
Let’s consider three quite popular hotels, where price and quality are best combined.
Robinson Club Nobilis
The cost of accommodation in the high season in a room for two is $300 per day. The price includes two breakfasts, lunch and dinner under the “Full board” system.
The hotel is located approximately 500 meters from the beach and has its own golf course. On the territory there is a large spa center, several outdoor pools with slides. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with all the necessary equipment, including air conditioning, TV, mini bar, hair dryer, etc.
Large and well-kept territory
Pluses
- Large and well-kept territory
- Close to the beach
- A variety of meals, themed dinners with costumes are arranged
- Polite attitude of the staff
- Interesting evening shows
Cons
- All drinks are paid
- The wooden decking on the beach needs updating
- The hotel is aimed at German tourists
Crystal Tat Beach Golf
The price of accommodation in a double room in the high season starts from $200 per night. The price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The hotel is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has a golf course located 3 km from the hotel. The rooms are equipped with a TV, air conditioning and a jacuzzi. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a sauna and a fitness center.
Pluses
- Large and clean rooms
- Well-kept territory and beach
- Plenty of dishes on offer
- A good hotel for family vacations
Cons
- Unfriendly staff
- Internet works with failures
- There is a lack of sunbeds on the beach and in the pool
Sentido Zeynep
The cost of staying in a room for two in the summer months is from $190. Food is included in the price.
The hotel has three outdoor pools, a spa, several restaurants and its own sandy beach. On the territory there is a tennis court, a golf course and a gym. The rooms are furnished with the necessary equipment, air conditioning, TV and minibar are provided.
Pluses
- Polite employees
- Clean sea and beach, convenient pier
- Excellent conditions for sports
- A variety of cuisine
Cons
- Room cleaning suffers, bed linen is not always changed
- Noise during a disco from a nearby hotel
Weather and climate of Belek
Belek is characterized by a hot Mediterranean climate with long warm summers and short rainy winters. The bathing season at the resort starts in May, when the water temperature warms up to 21-22 ° C, and the air temperature reaches 26-27 ° C. The warmest and sunniest months here are July, August and September. During this period, the thermometer does not fall below 31 ° C, and the water in the sea pleases with a mark of 28-29 ° C.
The month of June is also very comfortable for recreation, with an average daytime temperature of 31 ° C and fresh evening air at 22 ° C. The beaches of Belek will delight tourists with their warm sea in October, when the water and air temperatures are within 25-26 ° C. But in this period is likely to be rainy, which can last no more than 3 days.
Features of recreation with children in Belek
Most often, wealthy people rest in Belek – businessmen or families who are looking for a quiet, comfortable vacation without fuss. The infrastructure of some hotels is so well thought out that guests are happy to spend all their time in the hotel.
However, if you wish, you can diversify your vacation in Belek with children with a trip to the ancient ruins of ancient cities (Aspendos, Perga) or a visit to the Troya water park, a walk in the park under the pines and eucalyptus trees that grow in this region . It is also interesting for children to visit a dolphinarium or a zoo.
Many family hotels offer a children’s menu, usually European cuisine, fresh pastries, milk, fruits and juices. For the parents of the youngest travelers, special corners equipped with a sterilizer, a microwave oven and a blender are organized. In this case, you can take baby formula and porridge with you.
It’s no secret that Turkey is an ideal country for family vacations, especially Belek hotels are ideal for vacations with children, and with children of any age. In most hotels, you will find everything you need for a comfortable vacation with children, and the staff is so friendly to children that parents themselves are sometimes surprised by their patience and readiness to always occupy restless little ones. But there are also hotels where children will be especially comfortable and have fun – family hotels in Belek .
Ela Quality Resort Belek 5 *
Ela Quality Resort Belek 5 * is a hotel with a large, well-kept area, focused on family vacations. Here, everything is thought out to the smallest detail for the pleasure of small guests. Children of all ages will not be bored while spending time in children’s clubs: Babies Club (1-2 years old), Mini Club (3-7 years old), Junior Club (8-12 years old), Teen Club (13-17 years old ). 4 children’s pools, one of which is indoor, water park, playgrounds, children’s menu in the restaurant, chairs, strollers free of charge upon prior request, babysitting services for an additional fee.
The beach is sandy.
Maritim Pine Beach 5 *
Maritim Pine Beach 5 * is a good hotel for active family vacations. There is everything for children here – slides, 3 playgrounds, a mini club (4-12 years old), a junior club (13-17 years old), swimming pools, one heated and one with sea water, a trampoline and even a mini zoo. Even families with babies are comfortable here – a bathtub, bathing accessories and a potty are provided upon request. In addition to the children’s menu in the hotel restaurant, you can always use a blender and heat the mixture. Children’s bank meals are also provided. Strollers are available for a deposit, and babysitting services are available for an additional fee.
The beach is sandy.
Titanic Deluxe Belek 5 *
Titanic Deluxe Belek 5 * is a luxury hotel for elite family vacations. The hotel has villas for a measured vacation of large families. On the huge and green territory of the hotel there are 3 children’s pools, water slides, a playground, mini-clubs for children from 4 years old. The restaurants have a children’s menu and children’s chairs, and there is a special children’s restaurant. Fun animation and mini-disco every day for small guests.
The beach is sandy.
Alva Donna Exclusive Hotel & Spa 5 *
Alva Donna Exclusive Hotel & Spa 5* is a hotel for a fun family vacation. Even the most demanding guests will be satisfied here. Excellent restaurants with a children’s menu, a buffet and high chairs. A separate zone with white sand, canopies, a swimming pool with sea water and entertainment is allocated on the beach for families with children. In addition, there are 3 children’s pools, playgrounds and water slides on the territory. Stroller and babysitting services are available for an additional fee.
The beach is sandy and pebble.
TUI Magic Life Waterworld 5 *
TUI Magic Life Waterworld 5 * – a hotel with a huge territory and a whole complex of entertainment for children is located on a sandy beach with a length of almost 700 meters! Water park, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, children’s playground and mini club for children from 3 years old are always at guests’ service. The restaurant has a children’s menu and high chairs. Children’s animation is conducted in different languages, and discos are arranged for children in the evenings.
The beach is sandy.
Kaya Belek 5 *
Kaya Belek 5 * is a hotel with a family atmosphere and well-thought-out infrastructure. There are mountains, playgrounds, and a mini club for children from 4 years old with animation in different languages. Teenagers from 13 to 16 will not have to be bored either – in July and August, a maxi club is open for them. The main restaurant has a children’s buffet and high chairs.
The beach is sandy.
How to get to Belek from Antalya Airport
If you are fascinated by the photos of the beaches of Belek in Turkey, and you decide to go to the resort yourself, it is important to find out in advance how to get there. There are no direct buses from Antalya airport to the city, so you can get there either by taxi, pre-ordered transfer, or public transport.
On the Internet, you can find many companies that provide transfers in all directions in Turkey. Yes, the price of a trip from the airport to Belek in an economy class car starts at $25. Of course, there are taxis in the airport itself, which will gladly take you in the right direction, but the price tag in this case can be higher and average $35-40.
If you don’t want to spend money on the road, you can use public transport, but it will take you more time. Before you get to Belek , you need to go to the main bus station of Antalya, which can be reached from the airport by bus #600 for $1.50. The bus comes twice an hour. Arriving at the bus station, you can easily buy a ticket for the dolmus to Belek , which departs from Antalya every 20 minutes. The cost of such a trip will be no more than $4, and the travel time will take about 50 minutes. This probably ends the ways to get to the resort of Belek , Turkey.
Where to eat in Belek
It is customary to call a restaurant of national cuisine in Belek “lokant”, it is in such establishments that guests will be offered to taste traditional dishes of Turkish cuisine in their classic version. It is customary to start the meal with light snacks, which are served on large, colorfully decorated dishes. Even a great connoisseur of Turkish cuisine can get confused by the variety of mezeler snacks. Small pieces of deep-fried liver are very popular, and vegetarians can order cucumbers with a signature sauce made from delicate yogurt with spicy herbs. Among other snacks that every gourmet should definitely appreciate are chicken pate with prunes and nuts, eggplant caviar, signature bean salad and chickpea puree. Lovers of “hotter” dishes will like spicy tomato paste and cheese bagels, which are also flavored with spicy spices.
In Belek restaurants , guests will be offered a wide selection of soups, including the most popular lentil soup, rice soup with mint, ears and tripe soup. Meat delicacies take pride of place among the main dishes, the wonderful aroma of which is simply impossible to resist. Local chefs prepare mutton, beef and poultry in a variety of ways. They can be made into kebabs, grilled or skewered, stewed with vegetables or boiled in milk. In each national restaurant, visitors will be offered several types of kebab, shish kebab and goulash.
Seafood dishes are a little less common on the menu, but there are also real delicacies among them. Local chefs are especially successful with swordfish, which is most often grilled, and stuffed sea bass. Fans of the exotic will like squid and shrimp salads, lobsters and red bream. It is customary to serve vegetables as a side dish to fish and meat dishes. It can be all kinds of salads and cuts, as well as hot vegetable stews. A common side dish is stewed rice, to which vegetable mixtures, nuts and dried fruits can also be added. Desserts should also be mentioned separately. At any time of the year, restaurant visitors will be offered to order fruit salads and cocktails, aromatic puff pastry with various fillings, as well as traditional sherbet, baklava and Turkish delight. Among drinks, local residents prefer coffee, and the choice of alcoholic beverages is huge. Among the strong drinks, the most unusual is grape vodka “Raki”, which is usually drunk diluted.
If you want to taste the dishes prepared by a simple Turkish chef in accordance with the best traditions, go to the village of Kadri , which is in the old part of Belek . A small regular bus will take you to this village, where you will find several good restaurants.