TURKEY
Belek

Belek

Belek is one of the most touristic destinations on the sunny Turkish Riviera. The city has especially made a name for itself in the field of golf tourism. But the tourism industry, which focuses more on the middle class, is also continuing to develop.

Belek Sunset_{Photo :Senol Demir (CC BY 2.0) no changes made}

Location

Belek is located right on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The town is part of the province of Antalya and is located halfway between the city of Antalya and Side. About ten kilometers away is the city of Serik with about a hundred thousand inhabitants. A lot of seasonal workers come from here in the summer. Antalya Airport is located 35 kilometers from the city.

Weather

Like all cities on the Turkish Riviera, Belek also has a Mediterranean climate. In summer it is warm and dry and in winter it is wet. The tourist season runs from April to the end of October with the absolute peak months of June to August. In these months it quickly gets well into thirty degrees. Moreover, there is hardly any to no precipitation and the sea warms up to a pleasant temperature of the mid-twenties.

History

Belek's history dates back to four centuries before the beginning of the era. Over the centuries, the city was part of the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine empires. The Seljuks have also been in power for a period. Particularly from the period under the influence of the Romans, a lot can still be seen in the city. For a complete overview of the history of Turkey see the history page of Landenweb.

Sights

Aspendos Theater at Belek_{Photo: Saffron Blaze CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

The Aspendos Theater is one of Belek's main attractions. The theater was designed in the second century by the architect Zenon. Today Aspendos is still used for concerts and performances. This makes her the best preserved of her kind. Around twenty thousand people fit in the theater. Besides the ancient theater, Belek offers many more historical sights. The old city walls and the Hadrianus gate are definitely worth a visit. The same goes for the extensive archaeological museum.

Belek is not only a historical attraction, but also a city for golf enthusiasts. In 2012 the city hosted the World Golf Final with Tiger Woods as the participant. With eight golf courses currently (constantly being expanded), there is a golf course for every wish and level. Practically every hotel offers excursions for golf enthusiasts.

Tips

A jeep safari through the nearby mountains is an unforgettable experience. As a nature lover you can immediately experience the waterfalls of Manavgat. Another recommendation: the Koprulu Canyon National Park is one of the coolest parks in the region. Bears, wolves, mountain goats and deer live here.

Pamukkele_{Photo: Antoine Taveneaux CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

If you are looking for more tranquility, the Pamukkale thermal baths are a great destination. Another great option is scuba diving or an afternoon of rafting. If you are more into land sports, then a ride on a horse is recommended.