Forty kilometres east of Antalya, Belek is Turkey's most polished resort town — a purpose-built strip of five-star hotels, championship golf courses and Blue Flag beaches backed by fragrant pine forest. It's where the Turkish Riviera goes upmarket, and it's a favourite with golfers, families and anyone who wants ultra all-inclusive luxury without the crowds of Side or the city buzz of Antalya.
Here's everything you need to plan a Belek holiday — the best things to do, the beaches, the golf, day trips, and the practical details of getting there.
Why visit Belek?
Belek was developed from the ground up as a luxury destination, which gives it a very particular feel: clean, green, calm and resort-focused. You won't find a tangle of old streets here — you'll find sweeping hotel grounds, spas, and one of Europe's densest clusters of top golf courses. If your idea of a holiday is a sun lounger, a spa afternoon and a round of golf, Belek delivers it better than almost anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Best things to do in Belek
Play world-class golf
Belek is the golf capital of Turkey, with more than a dozen championship courses designed by names like Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. Many resorts include golf packages, and the season runs comfortably from spring through late autumn.
The Land of Legends
This enormous theme park and water park is the region's headline family attraction, with rollercoasters, a dolphin show, a shopping avenue and an evening light-and-water parade. It's an easy half- or full-day out.
Relax on Blue Flag beaches
Belek's long, sandy Blue Flag beaches are the heart of most holidays here. Many are tied to resorts, but there are public stretches too, all backed by the pine forest that gives the area its distinctive scent.
Step back in time at Aspendos
Just inland sits Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world — still used for performances today. Pair it with the Köprülü Canyon, where you can raft the Köprüçay river or eat trout by the water.
Day trip to Side and Antalya
The ancient seaside town of Side, with its temple of Apollo and Roman ruins, is a short drive east. To the west, the city of Antalya offers the old town of Kaleiçi, a historic marina and excellent shopping — an easy day out by car or transfer.
Getting to Belek from Antalya Airport
Belek sits about 35 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT) — roughly a 40-minute drive. There's no convenient direct public bus, so most visitors pre-book a door-to-door ride. A private Antalya to Belek transfer drops you straight at your hotel, which matters when you're arriving with golf clubs and a family in tow. You can arrange a Belek airport transfer in advance so a driver is waiting the moment you land. If you're combining Belek with a few nights elsewhere on the coast, it's also easy to book an Antalya transfer for the wider region.
For a full breakdown of routes and times across the coast, see our Antalya airport transfer guide.
When to go
- May–June: warm, green and quieter — ideal for golf.
- July–August: peak heat and peak prices; best for guaranteed sun and family water parks.
- September–October: the sweet spot — sea still warm, golf weather perfect, prices easing.
Where to stay
Belek is wall-to-wall five-star, so the choice is more about which resort than which area. Browse our guide to Antalya hotels and resorts for the best of the region, and if you're chasing the very top end, our Antalya VIP and luxury travel guide covers premium stays and experiences.
Want to fill your days with more than the beach? See our Türkiye tours for guided excursions to Aspendos, Side and the canyons.
Frequently asked questions
Is there much to do in Belek?
Yes — beyond the five-star resorts, Belek has championship golf courses, the huge Land of Legends theme park, Blue Flag beaches, the ancient theatre at Aspendos, the Köprülü Canyon for rafting, and easy day trips to Side and Antalya's old town. It suits both do-nothing beach holidays and active families.
Is Belek or Antalya better?
They suit different trips. Belek is a purpose-built resort town — manicured, quiet and ideal for golf, spa and all-inclusive luxury. Antalya is a real city with an old town (Kaleiçi), marina, museums and nightlife. Many visitors stay in Belek for the resorts and take a day trip into Antalya for culture and shopping.
Why is Belek so expensive?
Belek was developed specifically as a high-end golf and resort destination, so it's dominated by five-star and ultra all-inclusive hotels with extensive facilities. There's little budget accommodation, which pushes the average price up. Booking early and travelling in shoulder season (May or October) brings costs down significantly.
How do I get from Antalya Airport to Belek?
Belek is about 35 km east of Antalya Airport, roughly a 40-minute drive. The easiest way is a pre-booked private transfer straight to your hotel; taxis are also available but cost more, and there's no convenient direct public bus, so most visitors arrange a transfer in advance.
Is Belek nicer than Side?
Belek is more polished and golf-focused, with newer luxury resorts and quieter surroundings. Side has more character — ancient ruins right in town, a lively old quarter and a wider range of prices. If you want manicured five-star calm, choose Belek; if you want history and atmosphere, Side wins.
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