Why Go
Belek is one of the most luxurious and exclusive resort-cities in Turkey and the perfect oasis to relax and unwind. It is difficult to find a hotel with fewer than four stars, and for those who really appreciate luxury, there is even a hotel with seven stars! The reason that so many travelers make pilgrimages here is the phenomenal weather: beach season here lasts about eight months out of the year. Sandy beaches stretch for miles, while sparkling seawater invites sun-worshippers and adventurers alike to take a dip and relax. In Belek, it's about more than just the idyllic environment as a haven for people, as there are plenty of rare species of animals and birds making Belek their home. For the past few million years, sea turtles have been stopping in from time to time to lay their eggs. The whole area is very green, surrounded by eucalyptus, pine, and cedar forests. When a breeze drifts in and it's possible to get a deep breath of eucalyptus, it's then that a true sense of relaxation tends to sink in. And there's no better getaway to explore with that special someone, especially if both of you are in need of some relaxation and recharging.
Insider Tips
- It’s easy to get around Belek by either bus or taxi. For short distances in and around Belek, there are small trams, too. A ticket for one person will cost about $1. There are shuttle buses you can take to nearby cities. For example, a ticket on a bus to Antalya (round-trip) costs $6 per person. Note that taxi drivers do not have fixed prices, so be sure to agree on a price before you get into one. Another thing to remember is that some shopping centers and spa-salons are willing to pay for your taxi ride to them and back.
- The national currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (1 U.S. dollar equals approximately 4 Turkish liras; 1 Euro is about 6 YTL). There is often no need to exchange currency, since many places accept U.S. dollars and Euros. We paid for items in dollars in the markets, shops, and even a pharmacy.
- Fixed prices are well established in supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. Elsewhere, vendors often overstate the prices of goods, making it possible to bargain. So make sure to bargain! If the seller does not want to drop the price, turn around and leave. Why pay more? We did this several times and every time were asked us to return to continue bargaining.
- Belek is a great city for shopping. Leather bags of very good quality can be bought for incredibly low prices.
- Prices for jewelry in Belek shops are typically 15-20% or more less than retail prices at hotel shops. For even better deals, go to Antalya. If you or your friends have a sweet tooth, Turkish Delight and jars of honey and nuts make good souvenirs.
- Tips are appreciated, but need not be as high as what you tip in the USA; a 5-8% tip should be sufficient in most cases.
- Tailor-made as a resort based on its beaches and shopping, Belek is a relatively new addition to Turkey. But to see the sights of the country, check out the nearby cities and nature reserves: Side, Aspendos, Antalya, Manavgat and Köprülü Canyon National Park are all worth a trip. For the truly adventurous, you can even get away to another country; for example, a trip to Israel would cost about $250.
- Remember that Turkey is a Muslim country, so it's important to respect the local traditions. Dress should be modest, and when visiting a mosque, women should wear a long skirt, long sleeved blouse, and cover their head with a scarf. Take off your shoes before entering religious areas, too. Magnificent fountains and bowls of water near the mosque used for washing the feet.
- 10 years ago, the Turkish National Golf Club began. Today, Belek attracts golfers from around the world. In October of this year, it hosted an international golf championship. Belek offers many opportunities for sports enthusiasts: rafting, scuba diving, horseback riding, skiing, parasailing, and many more.
Where to Stay
Make relaxing even easier by opting for a luxurious and all-inclusive experience at one of Belek's most sought-out resorts. Gloria Serenity Resort delivers what its name promises: a true sense of overwhelming calm. Contemporary design and fine attention to detail means guests can expect all facilities to be modern, spotless, and with a touch of sophistication. Unwind in the resort's very own spa, or take a dip in one of multiple pools. Even travelers who are sometimes hesitant to embrace the all-inclusive concept might want to reconsider, especially once sprawled out in their very own beachfront huts or drifting off to sleep lulled into slumber by the warm sea breezes and smell of eucalyptus.
What to Eat
Chances are you’ll be staying at an all-inclusive resort in Belek, so you’ll take your meals there. While that's delicious and convenient, be sure to venture beyond the Western and international fare to try Turkish specialties, such as dolma (meat-stuffed grape leaves), grilled fish, borek (delicious, savory pastries where the philo dough is packed with everything from lamb to ricotta), kofte (meatballs), and, of course, baklava (a delightful honey and nuts pastry and an essential Turkish dessert).
A great place to sample all of the best Turkish treats is Develi Restaurant, which serves up all the regular dishes, with mains accompanied by smaller pides (Turkish pizzas with cheese and herbs), a mixed salad, and even some bread for good measure! You can also forgo the main dish and just order mezze, a variety of different sides, which is often the best way to do things, as it allows for the sampling of multiple dishes. The restaurant is often packed with travelers and locals, too, so consider calling ahead to make a reservation during the busiest times of the year.
We saw the Fishbone Restaurant when at the Troy Water Park in Belek. This lovely restaurant is located at the Rixos Premium Hotel. Despite the fact that we had fully paid for excellent food at the hotel, we very much wanted to visit this restaurant! The restaurant is set up as wooden villas perched over the water, surrounded by lush greenery. Entrance to the restaurant served a wooden bridge, and lamps and candles only add to the romantic overall feel. Portions were large and tastefully decorated, and this is an excellent place to try true Mediterranean seafood. Reservations are required.
What to See and Do
In addition to endless sunbathing and swimming, Belek offers plenty of activities for sports lovers. Rafting costs $45-50 per person (full day, meals included), riding on a banana boat is $20-30 dollars for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs $80 for about 10 minutes. Travelers can also check with their resort of choice to see what other delightful aquatic and land-based activities can be arranged. Those with the proper abilities can also rent a boat, though it may be easier to have the hotel concierge or tour desk arrange for something a bit less hands-on!
The Water Park at the Rixos Premium is not very big, but it can be a fun retreat when the mercury is rising. To ride as an adult, you can climb the stairs of the park's central Trojan horse and choose any hill. There are both open-air and enclosed slide options, as well as “kamikaze” waterslides, where you can accelerate to a speed of 60 kilometers per hour. Those who want something calming might just opt for a dip in the wave pool or a lazy and delightful float on an inner tube on the underground river. You can also just relax on sun loungers, though that sounds like an activity better suited for one's resort of choice! The Dolphinarium is another fun activity nearby. Here, there are dolphins, a beluga whale, and also a walrus. Travelers can choose to explore at their leisure, or to actually sit down and watch a dolphin show, complete with the chance to be photographed at the end petting a dolphin. If that sounds appealing, then there's no better place to have that experience in Belek.
The ancient city of Aspendos, near to Belek, is more than 200 years old, but the real appeal of making the journey is the chance to see the various different olive groves, which are a true delight and provide travelers the chance to feel as though they have been swept into a different time. Make sure to also visit the amphitheater, which is 800 years old and can accommodate about 20,000 spectators for concerts and festivals. After exploring what Aspendos has to offer, travelers might want to also head to Perge, especially if they have a bit of a hankering for the historic. Built after the victory of the Greeks in the Trojan War, this is a truly ancient city, and one that's alive with culture from years past. Here, you can wander in the ancient trade center (Agora), stroll around the amphitheater, and see the stadium, Roman baths, monumental gates, and other epic buildings.
For nature and city lovers alike, Manavgat is a nice day trip, too. The name of a city, river and waterfall, you can find a bit of everything here. In the city, there are bustling markets, cool cafes, and excellent traditional restaurants. The river is very cold and home to many fish, which you might be able to spot while riding on a boat that goes to the sea by way of numerous different waterfalls.
For more old-world delights, Side is an ancient city with very beautiful buildings that were also erected during the Roman Empire. Here you can see the agora, the ancient theater, which previously held the battle of gladiators. It's also worth setting aside some time to explore the ruins of a Byzantine basilica, the city's Roman baths, and the remains of the spring. The town’s museum preserves some of the finer artifacts, so romantics who also enjoy a walk through a museum are encouraged to give it a visit before returning to the idyllic bliss of Belek.
Photo credit: Senol Demir, gsz, Suleyman, Allie_Caulfield, sbunting108, jochen.weiland, xfp, Tom – Switzerland