By Mehmet Kurtkaya
Founder of Twarp.com, exploring Turkey since 1995
Last updated: May 18, 2026

Belek Travel Guide

Turkey's Golfing Capital — Luxury Hotels & Golden Beaches

About 35 km along the Antalya-Alanya highway, you turn north and continue 8 km until Silyon is reached. It was settled in the 4th century B.C. and lived not only through the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, but was also used by the Seljuks who added buildings and increased its wealth.

A large selection of Belek hotels, mostly 5 stars, attract millions of travelers from Europe, Russia and the Gulf States. Most hotels in Belek are recently built or new, so the properties are better than many European hotels in similar resort towns. Belek has become a major holiday destination for a beach vacation. In recent years many new golf courses up to international standards have been built in Belek, making it the golfing capital of Turkey.

Belek with its long golden beaches, modern foundations, and wonders of nature and forests is a magnificent touristic site for unforgettable holidays. There is a facility for horse riding lovers as well. You can reach Belek by bus or use a private Antalya Airport Transfer.

The region is very rich in historic sights, among them two are very impressive: the city of Perge and the Theater of Aspendos. Nearby Kurşunlu Waterfalls are not big or impressive but beautiful. See Antalya Tours for more info on daily tours around Belek and Antalya.

📍 Development Note: Belek has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 1990s. What was once a forested coastal area with few facilities is now Turkey's premier golf destination, with over 15 championship courses designed by world-famous architects. The region attracts golfers from across Europe, particularly during winter months when Northern European courses are closed. The all-inclusive resort model dominates here, with most hotels offering extensive grounds, multiple pools, water slides, and evening entertainment.

Golf in Belek

Belek is widely recognized as Turkey's golfing capital, with courses that rival those in Spain and Portugal. Key features include:

Golf Packages: Many hotels offer golf packages including green fees, transfers, and accommodation. Non-guests can also book tee times at most courses.

Major Attractions

🏛️ Aspendos Theater

One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, dating to the 2nd century AD. The theater seats up to 15,000 people and still hosts performances today. The acoustics are remarkable — a whisper from the stage can be heard in the top rows. Located about 15 km from Belek.

🏛️ Perge Ancient City

One of the most important Greek and Roman towns in the region, located about 30 minutes from Belek. Highlights include the well-preserved theater, Hellenistic and Roman Gates, and a long colonnaded street with columns.

🏛️ Silyon Ancient City

About 8 km inland from the Antalya-Alanya highway, Silyon was settled in the 4th century B.C. It lived through Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk periods. Less visited than Aspendos or Perge, offering a more tranquil ruin experience.

💦 Kurşunlu Waterfall

A beautiful but modest waterfall located within a small nature park. While not large or dramatically high, the setting is peaceful with walking paths, picnic areas, and wildlife. A pleasant half-day trip from Belek.

🌿 Belek Beach

Long, golden sandy beach stretching along the coast. Most sections are owned by hotels but are accessible to the public in some areas. Clean, well-maintained, and backed by pine forests. The sea is shallow and safe for swimming.

🏇 Horse Riding

Belek has facilities for horse riding enthusiasts, with trails through the pine forests and along the beach. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Belek Hotels & Accommodation

Belek is famous for its high-quality hotels, mostly 5-star and 4-star luxury resorts. Key features include:

Who Stays Here: Belek attracts primarily European tourists (Germans, British, Russians, Dutch, Scandinavians), as well as visitors from the Gulf States. The region is particularly popular for winter golf holidays and summer beach vacations.

Practical Information

Getting there: Belek is located 35 km east of Antalya city center (about 35-45 minutes drive). Antalya Airport (AYT) is the closest airport, approximately 30 km away (30-40 minutes). Private airport transfers are popular and economical for groups. Public buses (coaches) run from Antalya's main bus terminal to Belek, but may require a change in Serik. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) connect Belek to nearby towns and the main highway.

Getting around: Belek is spread out. Most visitors stay within their resort, but taxis and dolmuş are available for trips to Aspendos, Perge, or Side. Renting a car gives flexibility for sightseeing.

Best time to visit: For golfers: October-May (avoid July-August heat). For beach vacations: May-June and September-October offer perfect weather (25-30°C). July-August are very hot (35-40°C) but ideal for pool and sea lovers. Winter (November-March) is mild (15-20°C) but some hotel facilities may be reduced.

Nightlife: Belek has a more relaxed nightlife compared to Antalya or Side. Most evening entertainment happens within the hotels (shows, live music, bars). For more lively options, visit Side (20 minutes) or Antalya.

🕐 Pro Tip: If you are visiting primarily for golf, book well in advance for peak winter season (November-March). Many courses offer stay-and-play packages. If you are on a beach vacation, September-October is ideal — still warm, less crowded than July-August, and hotel rates are lower. For history lovers, combine Belek with day trips to Aspendos, Perge, and Side. The Silyon ruins are worth a short detour if you have time and want to avoid crowds.

What's Nearby

About the Author

Mehmet Kurtkaya is the founder of Twarp.com, one of the web's longest-running Turkey travel resources (est. 1995). His research into Anatolia's ancient civilizations is featured in a chapter of Who Built Göbeklitepe and in selected sections of Echoes of the Ice: How Migrations Made Civilizations, which explores the last 50,000 years of human history through archaeogenetics.