Belek Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Belek, Turkey.


Belek is a stunning coastal town located in the Antalya province, South Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Known for its sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking scenery, Belek offers an unforgettable vacation experience. This travel guide to Belek will provide you with a detailed overview of the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Belek

Belek is a popular destination for tourists visiting Turkey, thanks to its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and luxurious resorts. This hidden gem is home to pristine beaches, lush forests, and mountain ranges. Belek is an ideal location for visitors who want to explore archaeological sites, hike through beautiful natural landscapes or just spend a vacation relaxing on the beach.

List of Places to Visit in Belek

Belek offers a wide range of attractions and landmarks for visitors to explore. Here is a list of some of the most popular places to visit in Belek:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Aspendos Theatre: This ancient Roman theatre is located around 10 km away from Belek and offers a glimpse of Turkey’s architectural heritage.
  • Perge: This ancient city boasts of well-preserved ruins that date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
  • Antalya Museum: This museum offers visitors the chance to explore Turkey’s rich history and culture.
  • Side Museum: Located in the heart of the ancient city of Side, this museum contains artifacts and exhibits that date back to the Roman period.

Natural Attractions of Belek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kursunlu Waterfall: This natural wonder is situated within a beautiful pine forest and offers visitors a cool respite from the heat.
  • Düden Waterfalls: There are two cascading waterfalls in Duden - the Upper Duden and the Lower Duden Falls, both of which offer a breathtaking view.
  • Taurus Mountains: Offering a stunning view of the Mediterranean, the Taurus Mountains are perfect for hiking and walking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Belek

Belek offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular trails include:

  • The Lycian Way: This 540 km trail runs through the Taurus Mountains and boasts of beautiful views.
  • Düden Waterfall to Antalya Old Town: This 15-km cycling trail offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
  • Korkuteli to Elmali: This trail is ideal for experienced hikers and is known to offer beautiful vistas of the mountains.

Best Things to Do in Belek: Activities and Tours

Belek offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Belek:

  • Boat Tours: Take a boat trip to explore the stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
  • Water Sports: Belek is renowned for its water sports, including parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
  • Golf: Belek is known for its world-class golf courses, designed by famous golfers.
  • Turkish Bath: Relaxing in a traditional Turkish bath is an experience like no other.

Week-Long Itinerary for Belek

Here is a week-long itinerary that will help you explore the best of Belek:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Aspendos Theatre and explore the ancient city of Perge
Day 2 Visit the Antalya Museum, explore the old city center, and go shopping in Kaleiçi
Day 3 Spend the day on the beach and enjoy water sports
Day 4 Take a boat trip to explore the coastline
Day 5 Spend the day playing golf
Day 6 Take a trip to the Taurus Mountains and explore the beautiful landscape
Day 7 Relax in a traditional Turkish bath and enjoy a luxurious spa experience

Food and Drink Scene of Belek

Belek offers a wide range of culinary delights, using fresh ingredients and authentic Turkish flavors. Here is a list of must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pide: A delicious Turkish flatbread filled with meat or cheese.
  • Gözleme: A savory pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, or potatoes.
  • Kofte: Meatballs made from minced beef or lamb, served with rice or salad.
  • Iskender Kebab: A grilled lamb kebab served with yogurt, tomato sauce, and crispy bread.

Local Beverages

  • Raki: An anise-flavored alcoholic beverage served with water, traditionally consumed during meals.
  • Turkish Tea: A strong black tea served in small glasses.
  • Ayran: A refreshing yogurt-based drink.

Where to Stay in Belek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Belek offers a broad range of accommodations that cater to every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Belek:

  • Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort: A luxurious five-star resort that offers world-class amenities.
  • Maritim Pine Beach Resort: A family-friendly resort that offers a range of activities and facilities.
  • Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa: A beachfront resort that offers luxurious amenities and services.

What to Buy in Belek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Belek offers a wide range of souvenirs and local products that make for excellent gifts or mementos for your trip. Some popular items include:

  • Turkish Delight: A sweet confectionery made from sugar and starch, with various flavors.
  • Hand-Woven Carpets and Rugs: Turkey is famous for its hand-woven carpets and rugs, which make for beautiful souvenirs.
  • Pottery: Turkey is known for its beautiful pottery, with intricate designs and patterns.

Local Culture and Customs of Belek

Turkey has a rich cultural heritage and traditions, some key aspects of which visitors should keep in mind. The culture of Belek is strongly influenced by its Ottoman past, and locals are generally welcoming and hospitable towards visitors. However, visitors should keep in mind local customs and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting sacred sites.

Best Time to Visit Belek

Belek enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The peak season for tourism is during the summer months, between June and September. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Belek

Do:

  • Be respectful towards local traditions and customs.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
  • Learn some basic Turkish words and phrases.
  • Try local food and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.
  • Go topless on the beach.
  • Wear revealing clothing in public places.
  • Ignore the local dress code when visiting religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Belek

Belek is an extremely safe destination. However, visitors should exercise caution and follow basic safety practices like being aware of your surroundings and not carrying valuables around.

Health in Belek

Belek has a high standard of healthcare facilities, with private and public hospitals and clinics. Visitors should ensure they have adequate medical insurance before arriving. It is also a good idea to take necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Belek: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Belek

Antalya International Airport is the nearest airport to Belek, located around 20 km away. Visitors can take a taxi, shuttle or hire a car to get to Belek from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Belek

Buses run regularly from Antalya to Belek, and visitors can catch a bus from the main bus station in Antalya.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car to get around Belek and explore the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Belek

Visitors can easily get around Belek by taking taxis, renting a car or a scooter, or by using public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Belek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Belek is surrounded by beautiful destinations that are perfect for day trips, including:

  • Side: An ancient Roman city located around 30 km from Belek.
  • Kemer: A beautiful resort town located around 50 km from Belek.
  • Olympos: A beautiful beach town located around 70 km from Belek.

Conclusion

Belek is an amazing destination that offers visitors an unforgettable vacation experience. With its stunning natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Belek is the perfect place to explore the beauty of Turkey. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the most of their trip to Belek and experience all that this beautiful destination has to offer.