Holidays in Belek - what you need to know about the elite resort in Turkey. Sights and entertainment in Belek, Türkiye Where to go excursions to Belek nearby
On the territory of this protected area there are more than 600 different species of plants, and about 30 of them are endemic and grow only in this area. The canyon got its name from the river from which it was formed. This water route with numerous rapids and waterfalls is a favorite place for launching special rafts and attracts fans of extreme sports. For lovers of heights and active recreation, the opportunity to practice mountaineering and horseback riding is offered.
After swimming and walking to your heart's content, you should pay attention to the Oluk Bridge and the ruins of the once famous city of Selge. These buildings are architectural monuments - the hardworking Romans erected them back in the second century AD. And the most compelling argument in favor of visiting this area is that the air in the national park has a high concentration of ozone, is clean and very good for health.
Perge and Aspendos
the ancient city of Perge and the Aspendos Theater - every tourist vacationing in Turkey should visit here, feel the atmosphere of the ancient era, touch history.
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Ancient theater
The ancient theater is one of the main attractions of the architectural and historical complex of Perge, located near the settlement of Belek. This theater, designed to seat twelve thousand spectators, was built by the Romans on the site of a similar Hellenic building in the second century BC.
The ancient theater is considered one of the best preserved theaters in Asia Minor. The height of the theater stage, decorated with bas-reliefs, is 25 meters. The bowl of the amphitheater contains 42 rows of seats - 19 at the bottom and 23 at the top. Some of the decorations of the theater are still in place, but some were transported to the Antalya Historical Museum for greater safety.
Thirty kilometers from Antalya are the ruins of the ancient city of Aspindos. The main attraction of this open-air museum is the theater-palace of Zeno, dating back to 167 AD. This is the largest building of its kind - the theater's capacity was 20 thousand spectators.
The ancient theater-palace is considered the best preserved theater in Asia Minor. According to legend, it was in this theater that the curtain was first used. An innovation in the architecture of that period was the addition of walls, rather than the use of natural relief. This theater was the first to be built in this way. The preservation of the building is so satisfactory that it is still used every year to host the Opera and Ballet Festival.
Waterpark "Troy"
Original thematic stylization “reminiscent of deep antiquity”. There are many attractions only for tourists, without local ones. There are practically no queues, exciting and new slides for everyone - scary, for children, for couples and much more! The ticket includes the cost of lunch.
Ruins of the city of Hattusha
Not far from the modern Turkish city of Bogazkoy was the ancient capital of the Hittites - the city of Hattusha. The ruins of this ancient city are among the sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
During the Hittite Kingdom of Hattusha, up to 50,000 people lived. The city was destroyed along with the Hittite kingdom around 1200 BC. BC. The capital of the once powerful Hittite Empire appeared to the eyes of our contemporaries only thanks to the work of archaeologists. Almost all that remains of the huge empire are the ruins of a great city and mysterious writings that have not yet been fully deciphered by scientists.
On the excavation site, you can walk along the once crowded streets and squares of the legendary Hattusha, examine the remains of palaces, religious and residential buildings, and admire the cuneiform writings of ancient bas-reliefs that capture the history of a long-vanished civilization. It has its own museum where you can get closer to the history of the ancient settlement and archaeological finds.
The most popular attractions in Belek with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Belek on our website.
This is the youngest resort town in the country, which was built taking into account all the requirements of the modern tourism industry within seven years. During construction, the emphasis was placed on wealthy tourists of different ages and marital status.
The area of the Belek resort is 170 km2, which stretches across picturesque places: between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. The name of the city comes from the old name from the Byzantine Empire - Belokeme.
What makes this resort attractive for nature lovers is the fact that it is located on the territory of a National Nature Reserve. The symbol of the city is the barn owl bird.
Story
Belek is located in an area that was first inhabited in the 4th century BC. by the Greeks. In 133 BC. the lands were transferred to the Romans, during this period most of the grandiose structures were erected here; the scale of construction of that period can be judged by the ruins. Later, houses were built on this land and the wealth of the Seljuk Turks, to whom the territory passed, was increased.
The name Belek was first mentioned during the time of Sultan Abdul Aziz, and the translation from Turkish means “memory”. By order of Abdul-Aziz, pine trees and eucalyptus trees were first planted on the territory, which today adorn the area as marvelous plantings. The modern history of the resort town began in 1984, when the Turkish Ministry of Tourism decided to develop the city into a rich tourist center.
Map
How to get to Belek
Antalya International Airport is located 33 km from Belek. Direct flights from several airlines regularly fly here from the European part of Russia. The journey will only take a couple of hours. Those wishing to fly from more remote regions of our country may need to make a transfer in Istanbul.
From Antalya International Airport to the resort you can take a taxi or an intercity bus that goes from the bus station. A bus ride is much cheaper and the journey takes no more than 40 minutes.
When is the best time to go?
The tourist season in Belek lasts from late April to mid-November. The most popular time at this resort is in the summer, when the air temperature sometimes reaches 40 degrees, and the beach season is in full swing. During this period, tourists of different age categories with high or average income levels relax here. With the onset of winter, Belek does not turn into a dead zone at all: there are, of course, significantly fewer tourists, but there is a large amount of entertainment prepared for them. At this time, athletes, golf, basketball and tennis fans come here. The “quiet” time at the resort lasts from November to April.
Quite early - at the end of April - the resort welcomes its first beach 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.
Weather in Belek
The climate at the resort is very comfortable. Already in early spring, the air temperature here warms up to +20 degrees, and in April the thermometer reaches +23 degrees. By the end of spring, precipitation becomes less and less, and in May real summer weather already reigns here. Summer in Belek is characterized by fairly high temperatures: the hottest month is July and August, when the temperature even in the shade reaches +34 degrees, while in the sun the air warms up to +40 degrees.
Autumn is a more comfortable time: vacationers are still actively swimming in the sea, and the air temperature, having dropped a couple of degrees, becomes more comfortable. The first short-term rains in Belek appear in October, and in November the air cools down to +21-23 degrees. Winter is a good time to visit the resort if you are not interested in a beach holiday. At this time, there are significantly fewer tourists, prices drop significantly, and a wide range of entertainment is available for vacationers: excursions, sports, shopping.
Attractions
Belek is a young city that does not have any architectural or historical attractions as such.
The resort is famous for its nature, sea and beaches. But it is surrounded by ancient cities, visiting which you can see many interesting sights.
- Water park "Troy" is one of the most interesting water parks in Turkey, located in Belek. It is decorated in a Trojan style, and its main composition is the famous life-size Trojan horse;
- Koprulu Canyon is a protected area in which more than 600 different plant species grow, 30 of which are endemic, i.e. They only grow here. The name of the canyon sounds in honor of the river that formed this natural object;
- The ancient theater is one of the main attractions of the architectural and historical complex of Perge, which is located near the settlement of Belek. This is one of the best preserved theaters in Asia Minor. The theater stage is decorated with bas-reliefs and its height is 25 meters;
- The sculptural group “Turtles” are two sculptures of sea turtles, which are located in the resort village of Kadriye, northwest of the resort town. Turtles are one of the symbols of the resort town. These animals are protected and honored here;
- Gloria Aspendos Arena is the world's famous open-air ancient theater arena. It is located 30 km east of Antalya and has an area of 13 thousand m2. Here, foreign guests of Belek can see performances of foreign and local dance groups;
- The Oluk Bridge was built in the second century AD and is located in the Kaprulu Canyon National Park. This is a stone bridge that connects the banks of the canyon at its narrowing. It is one of the symbols of the region;
- Of course, the main attractions of the resort town of Belek are the golf clubs. Here are places to play the classic English game brought to perfection.
Excursions, entertainment in Belek
In the city itself, due to its short history, there are no historically or architecturally significant objects, so tourists who come here and want to get acquainted with the history of the country often go on sightseeing tours of the Antalya region. As part of such walks, vacationers, under the guidance of guides, get acquainted with the history and culture of the local people, take a walk through the old city, visit famous waterfalls and an ancient fortress.
- Excursions to Perga and Aspendos: routes passing through these ancient monuments are popular among tourists in Belek. Both cities were founded in the 12th-15th centuries BC. and have survived to this day surprisingly well;
- Pamukkale is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey. This is an extraordinary place with an exotic landscape and unique nature. The thermal springs of these places are believed to have healing and rejuvenating properties;
- The organizers of the resort have not forgotten about active recreation: Belek has all the conditions for practicing almost all types of water sports (water skiing, windsurfing, paralyzing). Diving, which reveals the unknown depths of the sea, is very popular. During such a voyage, you can see not only amazing wildlife, but also shipwrecks and mysterious caves;
- Belek is one of the world's most famous golf centers. The playing fields here are equipped with the highest quality, and instructors will help fans master this classic English game.
Beaches
The beaches of Belek are a series of sandy beaches stretching for many kilometers, awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and well-groomed conditions. The entrance to the water is everywhere without cliffs, this is an ideal place for a family holiday with children. Some are closed at night and have warning signs: this is due to the fact that sea turtles go to their nests at night.
Eucalyptus and pine forests come close to the shore - a real decoration of the coast. The most popular beach of the resort is Belek Beach Park. This municipal beach was opened to holidaymakers in 2006. There is everything you need for a comfortable stay: from sun loungers to cafes and bars. The beach is open all year round: in winter, when the beach season is no longer relevant, Turkish artists perform here.
What else to see, where to go in Belek
The resort offers a wide variety of entertainment: if you are not a fan of extreme recreation, you can enjoy horseback riding, cycling, or light jogging. The ideal place for this is the wonderful eucalyptus forests of the area.
You can get acquainted with the flora and fauna of Belek during a quad bike ride. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to take photos against the stunning backdrop of the local landscape. At the resort you will also have the opportunity to learn rafting - the Kepryuchay River is ideal for beginners in this activity. Numerous agencies will help organize this entertainment. You will be able to try boats that accommodate 8-10 passengers, and daredevils will be able to use a double board.
Where to live
Since Belek is a resort for high-income citizens, the hotels here correspond to this brand: these are fashionable establishments, most of which belong to the 4 or 5 star category, they are equipped to all modern high standards. Preference should be given to hotels that opened their doors relatively recently, because... In other establishments, the number of rooms is already somewhat outdated. Luxurious hotels in Belek are located on the first line of the beach; more budget options with three stars are, of course, located further from the shore.
There are no cheap guesthouses and hotels here, which forces more and more tourists to prefer renting apartments. But it is worth remembering that residential buildings are mainly located on the third line.
How to get around Belek
The small size of the resort town makes it possible to move around on foot without any discomfort. For those who do not want to waste time walking around Belek, there is a convenient and inexpensive means of transportation - dolmushi - a minibus. It operates over the dominant area of Turkey. Minibus taxi stops in the city are marked with the letter D, and outside the village you can stop anywhere. The fare for this transport depends on the route.
A regular taxi will also take you to any point in Belek or nearby cities. A kilometer of travel will cost from 0.5 to 1.5 dollars. Double rates apply at night. It is better to agree on payment in advance, because... Not all cars are equipped with meters. You can also travel to other cities by buses, seats on which must be booked in advance.
Where to eat
National cuisine restaurants in Belek are called “lokant”: this is where guests can try traditional Turkish cuisine. Restaurant "Adana Ocakbaşı" is one of the most popular places in the city among similar establishments. A large number of meat dishes and a wide selection of wines are presented on the menu for restaurant guests. High level of service leaves only pleasant impressions. Local bread and hot snacks will be served before your meal.
If you want to taste dishes prepared by a simple Turkish chef in accordance with the best traditions, go to the village of Kadriye, in the old part of Belek. A small regular bus will take you to this village, where you will find several good restaurants.
What to bring from Belek
The luxury of shopping arcades is one of the features of an upscale resort. The city's main bazaar features a wide selection of hand-painted pottery. A piece of the leisurely east is a Turkish hookah, which will be a good souvenir or just a thing to remember this place. From Belek you can bring an amulet - the “Eye of Fatima”, which protects against troubles and damage.
A separate list of souvenirs can be made from culinary masterpieces. Local delicacies are very popular among tourists as gifts. These are usually Turkish sweets, the national alcoholic drink is Turkish vodka and raki. Luxurious carpets are also of interest to holidaymakers.
Photos
In July 2016, not far from the Turkish resort of Belek, the grandiose theme park "The Land of Legends Theme Park" was inaugurated. “Land of Legends” is not only the largest recreation and entertainment park in Turkey, located on an area of 63 thousand hectares, but also the first five-star hotel designed specifically for children.
The park was designed for the Rixos premium hotel chain by Emaar Properties PJSC, and the world-famous director of the Cirque du Soleil show, Franco Dragone, took part in the project.
The Land of Legends invites guests to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a magical fantasy world, take part in a colorful theatrical performance, visit the water world with its numerous slides (72 slides and 43 water attractions), a high-tech surf pool, a water area with sea waves, an underwater safari, 5D cinema, cafes, restaurants, bars, SPA centers, a boulevard with shops of world famous brands and accommodation in comfortable standard and luxury rooms.
LAND OF LEGENDS
The Land of Legends Theme Park is open to both hotel guests and the general public. The park is divided into themed areas designed based on fairy tales.
Here everyone will find something to their liking: a huge number of water attractions, slides, swimming pools for adults and children, a unique pool that imitates sea waves more than 2 m high, a giant man-made volcano.
The bravest ones will be offered to ride the waves on a surfboard or ride one of the most extreme water slides.
You can take a trip on a ship, go underwater and get acquainted with the rich underwater world, meet a variety of sea animals and fish in a huge aquarium - a pool with sea water.
You can now take a unique underwater walk in a See Treck underwater suit in Turkey! This is a new popular entertainment for those who want to look at the inhabitants of the underwater world.
In the animal park you can watch or even personally meet dolphins, penguins and tigers, see how they swim, play or perform in front of the public. And you can swim with dolphins, accompanied by an experienced instructor.
Beach lovers can relax in the atmosphere of a tropical island on a beach with white sand and palm trees.
WATER WORLD - Legend of Aqua
Visit the water world of The Land of Legends theme park with its breathtaking slides that reach 43 meters in height and allow you to slide down at speeds of up to 86 km per hour!
Rafting Rapids
Water attraction with a unique geometric shape
Space Rocket
Aqua slide with a special rocket-shaped entrance.
Tower Falls
Sea Voyager
The “traditional” kamikaze slide for every water park.
Aqua Tower
A set of slides - "water tower".
My Dive
Aqua Play
Water slides are just the beginning of the adventure. Ahead of you is a visit to the Tower of Legends and the musical world of The Land of Legends Theme Park.
PLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW
Every evening you can see a show created by the characters who entertained guests all day long. The fairytale castle, main gate, fountains and water canal, designed by Franco Dragone, become the center of a colorful show program. The carnival boat show involves unusual fairy-tale characters, whose images are inspired by the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch. Fountains act as a backdrop for the performance, bringing to life works of art made of water, light and sound. This is a great show that you can't miss!
Hotel RIXOS WORLD THE LAND OF LEGENDS 5*
The Land of Legends Theme Park will remain one of the most vivid impressions in your memory!
You can get to the amusement park while staying in hotels of the network RIXOS HOTELS located in the resorts of Belek and Kemer on the Antalya coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests of Rixos hotels in the 2016 season receive a free ticket and transfer to the park.
RIXOS PREMIUM BELEK 5* (Belek) - spread over a gigantic territory and has a varied number of rooms. You can relax at the hotel all year round. Fine restaurants, branded drinks, indoor pools, there is even a small indoor water park and bowling alley. Inside the hotel building there is a French street with bars and boutiques, with simulated rain and thunderstorms.
RIXOS PREMIUM TEKIROVA 5* (Kemer) – a large green area covered with palm trees and pine trees. For children, there is a wonderful mini-club on site and a swimming pool with water slides. The hotel has active and not intrusive animation, a high level of service and varied food.
RIXOS SUNGATE 5* (Kemer) - a bulk sandy beach, an artificial bay, a huge territory, even by Turkish standards, a large number of different types of rooms, many restaurants, a water park, animation and sports entertainment, excellent food and a large selection of drinks.
RIXOS BELDIBI 5* (Kemer) – a small well-groomed area, its own sand and pebble beach. As a pleasant addition, a free shuttle to Rixos Sungate runs daily from 10:00 to 24:00 for guests staying at the hotel. Guests can use the entire infrastructure of the Rixos Sungate hotel.
Vacationing in Belek and devoting all your time to the beach and sea is an unforgivable mistake. After all, there are so many interesting things around the city, and in it itself. And the Turkish Ministry of Tourism does not consider the resort as a place exclusively for a beach holiday. Belek, the attractions, excursions and entertainment of which will be described in our article, is a fairly young city. But there are plenty of antiquities nearby, including ancient ones. We will tell you what to see at the resort, where to have fun in the evening, what excursions are worth going on. If you went to Belek with a child, you will also be interested in our article. We will tell you about the water park, dolphinarium and resort attractions that children will surely enjoy. Belek is popular among tourists thanks to its wonderful beaches. In addition to these, there are no less wonderful natural beauties. We will begin our story with one of them - the Koprulu Canyon.
Kopruçay River Valley National Park
The word “Belek” itself is translated from Turkish as “memory”. How can a ruler ensure that his fame lives on for centuries? Someone wages wars and seizes other people's territories, but Sultan Abdul-Aziz decided to leave a memory of himself among the people by planting the entire vicinity of Belek with magnificent pine and cedar forests. Later, eucalyptus groves were added to these trees. It especially stands out for its beauty. Forty years have passed since it was declared a national treasure and the main attraction of Belek. It is located sixty kilometers north of the resort, in the Taurus Mountains.
The Kepryuchay River in its lower reaches has seven canyons, but Kepryulyu is the most beautiful. The area of the national park is more than 500 hectares. And this canyon is fourteen kilometers long. Tourists claim that you can go on an excursion here in the hottest heat - it’s cool near the mountain river. The canyon is especially striking with its high steep banks. Sometimes it becomes narrower - up to a hundred meters wide. And the height of the natural walls reaches 450 m. There are 600 plant species in the national park. Thirty of them are endemic, which can only be seen in the wild here. During the excursion, tourists can see waterfalls, cascades, and natural baths that the river forms on its way to the Mediterranean Sea. The Koprulu Canyon is popular among fans of extreme sports, as rafting on special rafts is carried out here.
Zeytin-Tash
This cave, whose name translates as “olive stone,” was discovered only twenty years ago. And immediately it was included in the list of attractions in Belek, as its underground world captivates visitors with its beauty. Of the 233 m of the entire length of the small cave, one hundred meters are reserved for guided tours. But even at such a short distance you can see a lot of interesting things. These include several underground lakes with crystal clear water, and a calcite lace of thin stalactites and stalagmites, reaching a meter in length. A special microclimate has developed in the cave over millions of years. It allows strange-shaped growths to develop. The excursion trail is illuminated in such a way that step by step visitors see new objects flickering in the darkness. The Zeytin-Tash cave is located north of the village of Serik.
History of Belek (Türkiye)
The resort's attractions are not limited to natural beauty alone. Before we begin to describe the historical monuments, we must devote a few words to the history of the city. Belek arose relatively recently - at the beginning of the fifteenth century, but the lands around it were inhabited for a long time. Archaeologists have found artifacts of Persian origin dating back to the fourth century BC. And in the second century BC, the Hellenic port of Riskopos arose not far from modern Belek. When these lands were captured by Rome, and especially when the city chose them as its residence, it reached its maximum prosperity in the ancient era.
Under Byzantine rule, the entire area around Antalya suffered from frequent and destructive earthquakes. Many cities fell into decay, and some of them were completely abandoned. New life was breathed into this region by the Seljuks, who in the 13th century conquered these lands from Byzantium. And when the Ottoman Empire was established, in 1423 the small fishing village received its current name - Belek. For a long time, nets were dried and boats were repaired on wonderful beaches. But in 1984, the Turkish government decided to turn Belek into an international resort. By attracting funds from investors, beautiful hotels were built, golf courses were laid out, and a modern infrastructure of the city was developed. That is why the historical sights of Belek should be sought outside the resort.
Perge
This is a very ancient city. It was founded by the Hittites as Parha. But the city reached its greatest prosperity under the rule of the Romans. In the second century BC they built a theater in Perga (on the site of the old Greek one). This structure is the best preserved in Asia Minor. Also here you can see the ruins of watchtowers, fortress walls, baths, and the portico bordering the forum. Perge is on the “must see” list for all tourists visiting Belek. Photos of the sights of this ancient city, which the Apostle Paul and Barnabas visited, are truly mesmerizing.
Waterpark "Troy"
In the city of Belek itself, the attractions are of an entertaining nature. The resort has many parks and golf courses. The Troy water entertainment complex is especially popular among children and adults. The water park has two huge slides and a dozen smaller ones, waterfalls, cascades, jumps, pools with various attractions and even a diving spot. The Troy complex also includes a dolphinarium. In addition to bottlenose dolphins, spectators are entertained by walruses, seals and beluga whales.
Coast
But the main attractions of Belek are, of course, its twenty-kilometer beaches. A wide strip of sand allows everyone to enjoy their holiday. Many of Belek's beaches are awarded the Blue Flag year after year for their cleanliness and developed infrastructure.
Belek is the best resort city in Turkey. It has gained such significant popularity due to the huge number of sandy beaches located on its territory. The most important attraction of the city is the Kaprulu Canyon national steam park. Surprisingly, this park occupies 500 hectares of land. Here you can enjoy the magnificent eucalyptus and cypress forests, and you will certainly get acquainted with a completely different animal world, see truly “birds of paradise”, and only here you have the chance to see the huge Caretta Caretta turtles. The air in the forest is magnificent and has a very positive effect on the health of the body.
The city has a very developed infrastructure, in addition, there is a modern hotel zone. Thus, this particular city is a unique holiday destination that attracts a huge number of tourists. Every year the number of hotels, spa salons and other entertainment centers is growing.
Many tourists associate Belek exclusively with beaches and resort hotels; the choice of interesting attractions to visit here is also huge. In the immediate vicinity of the city there is a unique archaeological region of Perge, on the territory of which an ancient theater was discovered. Thanks to the efforts of modern researchers, this amphitheater was completely restored; at one time it could accommodate up to 12,000 spectators. During excavations in this area, many interesting artifacts were discovered, which are more than 2,000 years old; you can admire them at the Antalya History Museum. Copyright www.site
The beautiful Kadriye Market can also claim to be an outstanding city attraction. Tourists visit it not only to buy souvenirs and national treats, but also to get acquainted with the culture of the local residents. Only at the market, walking through the colorful rows, can you fully appreciate the versatility of the national culture and its uniqueness. This market sells wonderful spices, colorful hand-painted dishes, interesting crafts made of clay and wood, as well as very beautiful accessories and jewelry made of gems.
Fans of natural attractions should definitely sign up for a tour of the Zeytin Tash cave, which is also located in the immediate vicinity of the resort. This cave was discovered just a few years ago, and according to some sources, you can see the thinnest stalactites in the world. Now the cave is well equipped for visits; it has special wooden bridges that allow you to admire the underground landscapes without harming them.
One of the main symbols of Belek is the mosque; it is located in the very center of the city and is a true example of local religious architecture. Tourists will enjoy not only the mosque itself, against which you can take spectacular photographs, but also the landscaped garden surrounding it. There are several beautiful fountains with interesting stone compositions, and many ornamental plants are always planted next to the mosque.
