Belek
Belek – a small but dynamically developing resort town on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. This beautiful corner, known for its beautiful pine, cedar and eucalyptus groves and beautiful sandy beaches, was opened to tourists only in the mid-80s. By now it has become the most respectable and, as a consequence, expensive Turkish resort with developed infrastructure.
Save on your trip to Antalya!
Highlights
Being a young city Belek can not boast the presence of historical sites on its territory, but its geographical position allows you to make tours throughout the Antalya province.
Belek is one of the most famous golf centers in the world. It is home to the National Golf Club, and you can try your hand at this aristocratic game on numerous courses of the highest quality.
Rest in Belek is designed for the wealthy public, can afford to stay in a five-star hotel, so that the noisy young people are practically not found here. In general, the resort, which meets the highest international standards, is best suited for family holidays.
Climate
Belek belongs to the Mediterranean zone with a subtropical climate characterized by dry and hot summer and mild but rainy winter. The sun warms up the local beaches 300 days a year. Eucalyptus groves and pine forests protect Belek from the cold air currents, so the climate is much milder than in Antalya, located just 25 kilometers.
Beach season, and therefore the best time to visit the resort begins in April and May and lasts until October, and with particularly favorable weather in Belek in the autumn months can last until November inclusive.
Attractions
Belek itself is too young and, in fact, is a grand project of the tourism industry, so directly on its territory as such attractions are not. However, it is located in an area with a rich history, and just 20-30 minutes from the resort are the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos with its grand amphitheater, and the ancient Side.
The ruins of Perge allow you to get in touch with the heritage of ancient Rome. According to the chronicles, this city was founded shortly after the fall of Troy. Even the remnants of its former greatness are still breathtaking. Tourists are especially attracted by the Hellenistic Monumental Gates, the Agora, the amphitheater, the well-preserved stadium and the Roman baths.
The dense forests of the National Park “Canyon Keppülü” are situated 60 km from Belek. On 500 hectares of land about 600 species of plants grows. The forest is dominated by eucalyptus, cypress and pistachio trees There are many birds, belonging to 109 species, including the symbol of Belek – Siberian Jay. You can also watch the giant carriage turtles that lay their eggs here. At the point where the canyon narrows slightly, the steep cliffs are connected by the stone bridge Oluk Kopru, built by the Romans in the II century AD. Those who want to get closer to the local nature can go on a day trip on inflatable boats down the river Kepryuchai.
The most famous water park in Belek “Troy” is located in the hotel Rixos Premium Belek. From the name it is clear that it was created based on a well-known myth, that is why its main decoration was the statue of the Trojan horse 24 meters high. There is a mass of attractions for visitors of all ages. The highlight is the slide, where you don’t go down, but up. There are only two such slides in the world. On the territory of the water park there is a dolphinarium, as well as many bars and cafes.
Beaches
Luxurious sandy coast of Belek stretches for 20 kilometers. All beaches are flat, clean, with a gentle approach to the water, modern equipped, where feel equally comfortable for both adults and children. In addition, Belek is considered the number one resort by the number of Blue Flags on its coast throughout the suburbs of Antalya. The jewels of the coast are its pine and eucalyptus forests, coming almost right up to the shore.
History
Modern Belek, a small resort town, designed specifically for tourists, rich historical heritage can not boast, surrounded by the real monuments of antiquity and the majestic ancient polis.
Belek is located on land which was first inhabited by the Greeks in the IV century BC. Attalos II in 133 BC handed these lands to the Romans. In that era of Belek’s history, when it was under the sway of the great empire, most of the grand buildings were erected, the ruins of which we can judge the scale of construction, once unfolded Roman viceroys. Later the land went to the Seljuk Turks, who also built houses here and increased the wealth of the province.
The first mention of the name “Belek”, which is translated from Turkish as “memory”, refers to the time of Sultan Abdul Aziz, on whose orders on these lands were planted eucalyptus and stone pines, grown into beautiful groves, which adorn the area to this day.
The modern history of Belek began in 1984. With the help of the Ministry of Tourism of Turkey and the Association of Tourist Investors the town grew into a rich tourist center.
Sports and recreation
Belek has all conditions for practicing almost all water sports, including windsurfing, paralayzing, water-skiing, etc. The waters bordering the resort, is inhabited by a variety of marine life: sea turtles, octopuses, jellyfish, groupers, crayfish, wrasse, squid, seals, dolphins Mysterious caves and mysterious shipwrecks, literally attract travelers, eager to the mysterious and unexplored. Not surprisingly, the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is a great success among diving enthusiasts. To rent the necessary equipment and to hire a Russian-speaking instructor is possible in the local diving centers. Instruction will take only an hour, after which you can begin your first dive.
The Kepryuchai River, flowing at the bottom of Keprylyu Canyon, is ideal for rafting, especially if you are a beginner in this business. The route, which is 12 kilometers long, includes from 1 to 3 degrees of complexity. There are at least 15 agencies organising these exciting rubber boat trips. Tourists receive helmets, life jackets and a delicious lunch. The boats can accommodate 8-10 passengers each, and the more adventurous can sail in a two-man boat. This reserve is also very popular with rock climbing enthusiasts.
Belek is known for its eucalypt forests, which are perfect for light jogging and cycling. In addition, these shady groves are the scene of paintball battles.
Along the coast the Taurus mountain range is 4,000 meters high and 2,000 kilometers long. To get acquainted with the local fauna and flora, the life of the inhabitants of mountainous areas, and take a few pictures of the stunning scenery you can during a trip on quad bikes.
A special pride of Belek are the world famous golf clubs and impeccable courses for this sport. The National Golf Club offers the best service and the most extensive facilities, with courses suitable for beginners and advanced players alike.
Hotels
Almost all hotels are of 4-5* category. Most have a large area and are located on the beachfront. For the most part these are prestigious and luxurious hotels and clubs with original architecture, equipped with the latest hotel technology. Almost each has its own golf course and everything you need for horseback riding.
The best hotels in Belek are de luxe five star hotels: Xanadu, piquant Adam & Eve, Gloria Golf Resort, Rixsos Premium, Gloria Verde Resort & SPA, Cornelia De luxe, Su Se Si De Luxe, Ela Quallity, IC Santai. The Pine Beach Resort and Club Pine Beach HV-1, Kaya and Kaya Selest, Tatbeach Golf are also 5-starred, but slightly more budget-friendly.
Due to the fact that Belek is one of the first resorts in Turkey, many hotels here have celebrated more than a decade. Despite the fact that they still have a lot of stars, their room stock may look outdated, and the range of entertainment – stingy. But the cost of living in them is lower than in the newly built resort complexes.
Besides that there are quality hotels of the Papillon chain in Belek – a small Papillon Ayscha, Papillon Belvil & Holiday Village, Papillon Zeugma and a brand new Papillon Golf Resort Belluna. “There are very few 3 star hotels in the resort and they are located on the second or third line from the sea.
Shopping
There is a market in Belek between Alicentikaya Street and Ataturk Street. Aspendos Jewelry Center, Kucukbelkis Koyu, on the road from Antalya to Aspend, has a great selection of silver and gold jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones.
Transportation
Although Belek is not large, tourists who do not want to get around on foot can use a convenient and inexpensive means of getting around Belek – dolmushas, as they call shuttle buses. They are marked D in the city and can be stopped anywhere outside the city. By dolmusha you can reach any city or tourist attraction of Antalya province. The fare depends on the route.
The cab will take you to any part of the resort or nearby cities. The cost per kilometer may vary from $0.5 to $1.5. At night (00:00 to 06:00) the fares are doubled. Because not all yellow cars in the provinces have meters, you must negotiate the amount in advance.
There is a bus service between the cities. Seats must be booked in advance. The cost of travel is $2 – $5 for 100 kilometers.
How to get there
The nearest international airport to Belek is located in Antalya (33 kilometers). From cities in the European part of Russia you can get here by direct scheduled flights of Turkish Airlines, Air Berlin, S7, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines or Lufthansa, as well as by charter in just a couple of hours. Travelers from more distant regions of the country will have to make a connection in Moscow and Istanbul.
The transfer from Antalya Airport to Belek can be done by cab or intercity bus departing from Kazim Ozalp Cad Bus Station. The trip will not take more than 30-40 minutes. The fare by cab will be $25 – $40, and by bus – less than $2.
Belek is the most expensive resort in Turkey: what do tourists pay for?
Belek – the most respectable and expensive resort of the Turkish Mediterranean and one of the world’s golf centers. What are tourists willing to pay, choosing Belek instead of more accessible Antalya, read in our article.
Editor Viassan
Content
Features of the resort
Even 30 years ago the place of modern Belek was a completely wild coast, and now it is a favorite place of those who prefer an elite and respectable vacation. The founders of the resort have managed to create a developed infrastructure, while maintaining the unique nature of these places. The luxurious four and five-star all-inclusive and ultra all-inclusive hotels sit beside extensive fields and forests. Surrounded by extensive golf courses and pristine beaches, surrounded by pine, cedar, and eucalyptus groves.
 |
Want to relax in Belek? Just leave a request! |
Who is suitable for Belek
- wealthy tourists with children and couples
- Golf, horseback riding and water sports lovers
- Those who appreciate a relaxing, tranquil holiday and unspoiled nature
Pros and cons of Belek
The advantages of the resort include an elaborate infrastructure, a wide range of luxury hotels “all inclusive”, wonderful nature and a wide range of opportunities for recreation and excursions.
Among the disadvantages of Belek – prices, which are significantly higher than in other resorts of the Turkish Riviera. If in Alanya for two adults with a child in July 2022 can rest for 42,418 rubles, in Belek such a variant will cost from 57,331 rubles.
However, many tourists are willing to pay for greater comfort and luxury rest. If you really pick on, then to the disadvantages of the resort can be attributed the lack of nightlife, but it is quite natural – people come to Belek just to be in silence in the lap of nature, so noisy companies and parties (such as in Bodrum or Marmaris) are not in vogue here.
What to do in Belek
Beach recreation
The sun warms up Belek for about 300 days a year, and the bathing season lasts from April to the end of October. The climate here is softer than in Antalya (although the latter is only 25 km) due to the abundance of pine and eucalyptus groves, which come close to the shore and do not let the cold currents of air.
The Belek beach is about 20 km long. Almost all beaches here belong to five-star hotels. They are well equipped, have a gentle way into the water, and the sand on them every evening cleared and leveled by special machines. Water in the area is also very clean – Belek is considered a leader among other Turkish resorts by the number of Blue Flags. Guests of all-inclusive hotels can relax on the beaches and use all services (awnings, umbrellas, towels, deck chairs, showers, toilets, meals in cafes and mini-bars) completely free of charge.
For those vacationing in four-star hotels on the second line, there are two public beaches. You can get to them by dolmushas, which run every half hour, or by free shuttles provided by the hotels. These beaches are also of exemplary cleanliness, have all the conveniences and are inferior to the beaches of five-star hotels. The main difference is the following: for the use of umbrellas, sun beds, towels and for food and drinks need to pay separately. But there is everything for outdoor activities: soccer and volleyball courts, tracks for karting, kite rental, aquabike, “banana” and “bagels”.
