Belek is a purpose built, luxury resort surrounded by white sandy beaches and pine forests. But what it is really famous for is golf. During the last five years, Belek has been firmly put on the golfing map and stars such as Tiger Woods have added to the thousands of golfers who visit every year.
Hot spots
Belek has now firmly established itself as an affordable alternative to the golf destinations of Portugal and Spain. With 16 professional golf courses, Belek has set its sights on attracting golfers to top-class courses.
Sightseeing – there is plenty to do even if you aren’t a golf fan. Ancient cities are close by for exploring and Aspendos Theatre, located 15 km east of Belek, is the best preserved Roman Theatre in the ancient world. Behind the Aspendos Theatre, take a visit to the ancient Roman Aqueaducts of Aspendos. Just 25 KM west of Belek is the ancient city of Perge. Here you will find Roman Baths, marble streets and a Roman stadium.
Beaches – the long sandy beaches offer all types of water sports and beach activities, from sailing and windsurfing to water-skiing. For a small charge, the Belek Beach Park gives you access to sun-beds, restaurants, water sports, boat trips and changing rooms.
Shopping – Belek has an excellent range of shops selling a range of souvenirs, leather goods and jewellery together with every day essentials. Belek’s market is every Saturday if you want to have fun bartering.
Dining – there are many five-star hotels in Belek so you are never far from a great dining experience. The restaurant at the National Golf Club has a very good reputation and offers International and Turkish cuisine. In comparison to much of Europe, dining is very good value for money so visiting fine dining establishments is more affordable.
Partying – due to the high number of large hotels in Belek, most nightclubs, bars and entertainment tend to be within each resort. However, there are a few clubs including Club 29 on the waterfront.
Golf – Belek has 16 professional courses and can rival the major courses on the Algarve. It is less expensive to play here than in Spain or Portugal plus the warmer winters make Belek a year-round golf destination. The resort was named ‘Europe’s Best Golf Destination’ at the Golf Magazine Awards in 2013. All the courses boast well-equipped clubhouses, experienced pros and top-class amenities, including club hire.
Indulging: Voyage Belek Golf & Spa hotel features a 5,000 square metre Spa and Wellness Centre offering a range of therapies and beauty treatments. The Rixos Pemium Belek Royal SPA has a range of treatments including hydro massage for a deep relaxation treatment.
Need to know
- You will need a visa before entering Turkey. It’s very simple to do online and for a cost of $20 or equivalent currency you can get a 90 days multi entry visa. For more info visit https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
- Some of the courses can only be played on if you are staying in the sister hotel, so do check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
- Take a visit to the £4.4million Turkish Airways Open, on the Montgomerie Maxx course designed by former European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie or the pine-lined Cordelia course, which was designed by Ryder Cup captain, Sir Nick Faldo.
Getting there
Antalya Airport is about 33 km away from Belek and many airlines offer direct flights there.
Antalya
