10 Best Things to Do in Belek

Nestled on Turkey’s stunning southern Mediterranean coast, Belek is a luxurious resort town renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and thermal spas. Known as the “Gateway to the Turkish Riviera,” this alluring destination offers far more than just sun-drenched relaxation. Belek serves as a perfect base for exploring magnificent ancient ruins, embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures, and immersing yourself in a rich local culture where the past and present beautifully converge.

Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled trip, Belek provides a diverse array of activities to satisfy every traveler. From the fantasy world of a colossal theme park to the serene waters of a canyon cruise, this guide explores the top 10 must-do experiences that will make your visit to Belek truly unforgettable.

The Land of Legends Theme Park

Just a short distance from the coast lies The Land of Legends, a massive entertainment center so grand it’s often called the “Disneyland of Antalya”. A true paradise for children and adults alike, this park has been the number one activity chosen by tourists since its opening. The sprawling complex features a gigantic water park with 55 water slides and an adventure park filled with exhilarating rides. The fairy-tale concept is woven throughout the entire resort, with gondola rides on a scenic canal, charming food stands, and beloved characters at every turn.

Beyond the daytime thrills, the park hosts a spectacular show every evening with dazzling lights and lasers. The resort also includes an amazing shopping mall with over 100 shops and a wide variety of restaurants, making it a complete entertainment destination. A visit here guarantees a fun-filled day for the entire family.

Explore Ancient History at Aspendos and Perge

Belek’s prime location offers easy access to some of Turkey’s most significant archaeological sites. A trip to the ancient cities of Aspendos and Perge is a must for any history enthusiast.

Aspendos Theatre: Located about 40 kilometers from Belek, Aspendos is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, dating back to the 2nd century AD. With a capacity for 15,000-20,000 spectators, its incredible structure and acoustics are so superb that it is still used today for major cultural events. Attending a performance here, such as the renowned Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival or the famous “Fire of Anatolia” dance show, is an unforgettable experience.

Ancient City of Perge: Just a 20-minute drive from Belek, Perge was an important city during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Its impressive ruins include a vast stadium, an amphitheater, a Roman theater, and the magnificent Hellenistic Gate that once served as the city’s main entrance. Exploring these well-preserved ruins offers a fascinating journey back in time.

Tee Off on World-Class Golf Courses

Belek is widely considered a golfer’s paradise and one of the largest golf destinations in Turkey. With over 320 days of sunshine a year, the region provides the perfect conditions for the sport. The resort town boasts more than 20 modern, international-standard golf facilities, giving it the widest selection of courses on the Mediterranean coast.

Many of Belek’s luxurious 5-star resorts have their own professionally designed courses. Among the most remarkable are the par-72 Montgomerie Golf Complex, which features eight lakes within its 104-hectare grounds, and the Carya Golf Club, which offers a unique experience with its fully lit course for nighttime golf. Other challenging options include the Nick Faldo-designed Cornelia Golf Course and the Kaya Palazzo Golf Club with its fast greens.

Unwind on Belek’s Stunning Beaches

A trip to Belek would be incomplete without spending time on its beautiful beaches, which stretch for 16 kilometers along the vibrant Turquoise Coast. The shoreline has something for everyone, from busy resort fronts to quiet, natural coves.

The Belek public beach is highly accessible and Blue Flag-awarded, offering over 200 meters of golden sand. To the west, Kadriye Beach is a heavily developed coast shared by luxury resorts and features a water park and shopping malls. For a more natural landscape, Bogazkent Beach to the east has stunning dunes and wide sands. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea, or partake in water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing, Belek’s beaches provide the perfect setting.

Experience Adventure in Köprülü Canyon

For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, a trip to Köprülü Canyon National Park is an absolute must. Located about 62 kilometers from Belek, this 366-square-kilometer canyon is Turkey’s largest rafting center, offering rapids of all difficulty levels. White-water rafting is the most popular activity, allowing you to navigate 12 kilometers of ice-cold spring water while passing under ancient Roman bridges and surrounded by magnificent cypress forests.

The adventure doesn’t stop with rafting; the area also offers ziplining, canyoning, and off-road jeep safari tours for a full day of excitement. Nearby, Tazı Canyon, also known as Eagles Canyon, rewards hikers with a fantastic view from its 300-meter-high cliffs, making it a popular motif for photographers.

Take a Day Trip to the Bustling City of Antalya

Just 32 kilometers from Belek, the vibrant city of Antalya offers a perfect day trip to escape the beach-hotel routine. Start your exploration in Kaleiçi, the city’s historic old town. Wander its narrow, cobbled streets to discover charming historic houses, Hadrian’s Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, and the ancient marina.

No visit to Antalya is complete without seeing the spectacular Düden Waterfalls. The Upper Düden Waterfall is a tranquil spot nestled in a park, while the Lower Düden Waterfall offers the breathtaking sight of water plunging directly into the Mediterranean Sea. For families, the Antalya Aquarium is a top attraction, housing around 5,000 underwater creatures and the world’s largest tunnel aquarium, a 131-meter-long passage that makes you feel as if you are swimming with sharks.

Indulge in a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam)

For a truly authentic and rejuvenating cultural experience, treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath, or Hammam. This is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing or adventure. A typical 90-minute session includes relaxing in a steam room, a full-body scrub with a special exfoliating glove, a foam massage, and skincare treatments. Notable venues like the Belek Osmanli Hamam offer packages that leave your body feeling refreshed and revitalized, often complete with a choice of Turkish teas.

Shop and Haggle at a Local Bazaar

Visiting a local market is an excellent way to soak up the local culture and find unique souvenirs. Every Saturday, a bustling bazaar rolls into Belek’s town center, with scores of stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to fragrant spices and handmade crafts.

For an even larger market experience, take a trip to the nearby town of Manavgat. The Manavgat Bazaar is one of the biggest in the region and is held every Monday and Thursday in addition to the daily covered bazaar. Here, you can find hand-woven carpets, jewelry, famous label imitation products, and a section where local farmers sell fresh regional fruits and vegetables.

Embark on a Scenic Boat Cruise

Discover the stunning natural beauty of the region from the water with a relaxing boat trip. Two of the most popular excursions are the Green Canyon Cruise and the Manavgat River Cruise.

The Green Canyon Boat Trip takes you on a cruise through one of the few canyons in Turkey that allows boat tours. You will sail across the emerald-green lake of the Olymapınar Dam, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Taurus Mountains. The tour includes stops where you can jump into the crystal-clear water for a refreshing swim.

The Manavgat River Cruise offers a peaceful 3- to 4-hour journey along one of the most important rivers in the Mediterranean region. The boat passes by citrus orchards and lush riverbanks before reaching the impressive Manavgat Waterfall, where water plunges from 5-meter-high cliffs.

Witness the Dazzling “Fire of Anatolia” Show

For a spectacular evening of entertainment, don’t miss the “Fire of Anatolia” dance show. This world-renowned Turkish dance group, composed of 130-140 dancers, presents a stunning performance that brings thousands of years of Anatolian culture and mythology to life. The show is a vibrant mix of historical folk dance from different regions of Turkey, modern dance, and ballet. The group holds two Guinness World Records, including one for the fastest dance performance at 242 steps per minute. This elegant and rhythmic spectacle is often performed at the magnificent Gloria Aspendos Arena or within the ancient Aspendos Theatre itself.

FAQs

1. What is Belek famous for?

Belek is a luxurious resort town on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, renowned for its stunning beaches, thermal spas, and world-class golf courses. It is considered one of Turkey’s biggest golf destinations and is known as the “Gateway to the Turkish Riviera”. The town also serves as a convenient base for exploring significant ancient Roman ruins like Perge and Aspendos.

2. What are the top attractions to visit in Belek?

The top attractions include The Land of Legends Theme Park, often called the “Disneyland of Antalya,” which is the most popular activity for tourists. Other must-see sites are the ancient Roman ruins of Perge and the remarkably well-preserved Aspendos Theatre. Additionally, Köprülü Canyon is a major center for adventure sports like white-water rafting.

3. When is the best time to visit Belek?

The ideal times to visit are during the spring months from April to June and in the autumn from September to November. During these periods, the weather is cooler and the area is less crowded, providing more pleasant conditions for exploring. The region enjoys over 320 days of sunshine a year, making it a great destination for most of the year.

4. What are the best activities for families in Belek?

For families, The Land of Legends Theme Park is a top choice, offering a massive water park with 55 slides and numerous rides. A visit to the Antalya Aquarium, which features the world’s largest tunnel aquarium, is another excellent option. Boat trips, such as the pirate boat tour, and visiting the Düden Waterfalls are also highly recommended for a fun family day out.

5. Where is Belek located?

Belek is a large resort town located on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast in the Antalya province. It is situated about 30 kilometers east of the city of Antalya and is part of what is known as the Turkish Riviera.