Belek Travel Guide

Belek is a sprawling holiday resort town specifically developed for tourism, and over the last two decades, it has expanded to include the neighbouring village of Kadriye. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as great golf courses.

Many Belek hotels have their own private beaches, and some holiday visitors may never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation. Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and offers several exciting activities.

The ruins of the Roman town of Perge are an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheatre at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time, and it still hosts occasional concerts.

From Belek, jeep safaris into the mountains are a popular holiday outing, as are boat trips, water sports and visits to the nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white-water rafting, horse riding and more are also available for holidaymakers. The town of Belek itself is compact, with a small shopping centre, souvenir shops and cafes to enjoy during stays.

Kadriye offers more in terms of street markets and nightlife, but day trips to busier towns such as Alanya or Antalya are also available. Belek is the perfect holiday resort for golfers and those seeking lazy days lounging on a beach or by a swimming pool.

Shopping

Most of the large Belek hotels have shops selling curios and holiday souvenirs, and the town has some lively street markets that are perfect for sampling freshly cooked food and doing a bit of gift shopping. There's also a large bazaar every Saturday where shoppers can haggle to their heart's content. For more extensive shopping, holidaymakers can head to the old town of Antalya.

Restaurants

While Belek has a limited choice of restaurants, with most visitors eating in their hotels, the nearby village of Kadriye is just two miles (4 km) away and easily accessible by dolmus. Kadriye has a selection of shops, bars and restaurants. The nearby city of Antalya, 22 miles (35 km) away, offers many restaurants serving some of the best local Turkish food.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Belek is mostly limited to the large hotels, many of which feature their own nightclubs, bars and entertainment. However, there are a couple of popular independent clubs.

Holiday activities

Belek has become a premier golf destination in Turkey, boasting over eight championship golf courses that cater to all levels of players. Along with golfing, Belek offers a wide range of adventure sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, rafting and mountain climbing. The calm waters of Belek's beaches also make it an ideal spot for families with small children.

The neighbouring beach resort of Side is also worth a visit, with its 2nd-century theatre and Roman baths. Further afield, Antalya offers museums, a beautifully preserved old town and a variety of dining options for foodies.

Any negatives?

One downside to Belek is that many shopkeepers may try to attract visitors into their stores. Those who are not interested should give a polite but firm 'no'.