Things To Do
in Belek
Belek is a small coastal resort town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, known for its long sandy beaches, luxury resorts and world-class golf courses. The town sits within a landscape of pine forests and dunes and serves as a gateway to nearby ancient ruins like Aspendos and the lively Antalya region. Belek is family-friendly by day with beach and pool-centered activities and transforms into a relaxed, resort-driven nightlife scene after dark.
It is particularly popular with European tourists and golfers seeking warm weather, excellent resort facilities and easy access to cultural day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient city of Perge, located just a short drive from Belek. Wander through the impressive ruins, exploring the Roman theatre and the stunning colonnaded streets that echo tales of the past. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery surrounding the site, filled with lush greenery and historical remnants.
After a morning steeped in history, enjoy lunch at a nearby café that serves traditional Turkish cuisine, such as gözleme and kebabs. Once re-energized, head to the Perge Archaeological Museum to delve deeper into the artifacts found in the area. This museum beautifully preserves the history of Perge, showcasing exquisite mosaics and statues.
As the sun begins to set, return to Belek for a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the local shops and cafés while you sip on a refreshing Turkish tea. End your evening with a delightful dinner at a seaside restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood while listening to the gentle waves.
Kick off your day at one of Belek's pristine beaches, where you can soak up the sun on soft golden sands. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax with a good book under the shade of an umbrella. For the adventurous, consider trying out some water sports like paddleboarding or jet skiing.
After enjoying the morning at the beach, grab a light lunch at a beachside café, sampling local dishes like mezze and fresh salads. Post-lunch, indulge in some beach volleyball or join a group for a fun banana boat ride, ensuring you make the most of the sunny afternoon. If you're looking to relax further, consider booking a beachside massage to unwind.
As the day winds down, take a scenic walk along the beach while watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Choose a beachfront restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy a mix of international and Turkish cuisine while listening to live music. Cap off your evening with a moonlit stroll, feeling the cool ocean breeze against your skin.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar or restaurant) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class golf courses and excellent resort infrastructure
- Long sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean waters
- Good base for day trips to historic sites like Aspendos, Perge and Side
- Family-friendly resorts with many activity options
- Resort-focused town can feel artificial or commercialized to some travelers
- Very busy and more expensive in peak summer season
- Limited independent nightlife compared with nearby larger cities
- Less authentic local small-town atmosphere than older towns in the region
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim / Teşekkürler" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "İyi akşamlar" - Good evening
- "Yardım lütfen" - Help please
Places to Visit in Belek
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy shoreline with pine backdrops—great for sunrise/sunset seascapes and capturing resort life and nesting turtle signs (from a respectful distance).
A stunning Roman theatre with impressive stone architecture—ideal for dramatic wide-angle shots and close-up textures.
Lush greens framed by pine trees and manicured fairways; excellent for tranquil landscape and detail shots, especially early morning.
A photogenic waterfall and riverside scenes—good for long-exposure water shots and market life nearby.
From the water you can photograph cliffs, hidden coves and swimmers; offers different perspectives of the coastline and sunset reflections.
Food in Belek
Belek Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Assortment of small plates (hummus, ezme, cacık, muhammara) ideal for sharing; available at most restaurants and seaside taverns.
Must-Try!
Commonly served whole or filleted with lemon and salad at fish restaurants along the coast.
A regional bean salad often served alongside grilled meats and kebabs; hearty and refreshing in warm weather.
Thin, stuffed Turkish flatbread—cheese, spinach or potato fillings—sold at markets, small cafés and breakfast spots.
Sweet pastries for dessert; künefe is a warm cheese pastry popular in the region and served in many restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, nuts and local honey—great for picnic supplies and souvenirs.
A larger market in nearby Manavgat with clothing, household goods and local food stalls; good for bargaining and tasting street snacks.
Simple stalls offering gözleme, roasted corn and fresh fruit; look for busy spots for the best turnover and freshness.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) and a smile go a long way. Handshakes are common; men may wait for women to offer their hand first in conservative contexts.
When visiting mosques or conservative villages cover shoulders and legs; women may be asked to cover their hair with a scarf and remove shoes before entering.
Hospitality is important—accepting tea or a small invite is polite. Avoid loud criticism, and use discretion with public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Bargaining is expected at local markets but not in shops with fixed prices; be polite during negotiations and know your price limits.
Safety
Tipping in Belek
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, a few TL or rounding up for taxi drivers, and small tips for hotel porters/housekeeping (a few TL per service). Many guides and drivers appreciate gratuities for good service.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; carry some Turkish lira (TRY) for markets, small cafés and tips. ATMs are readily available and currency exchange bureaus operate in tourist areas—notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry from June to August with frequent temperatures above 30°C (86°F); beaches and resorts are busiest and prices peak. Bring sun protection, hydrate and book activities and transfers in advance.
April–May and September–October are ideal: warm days, cooler evenings, fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for golf, hiking and cultural excursions. Many businesses remain open but with slightly reduced hours outside peak season.
November–March are mild and wetter with cooler temperatures (around 10–16°C / 50–61°F); some resorts close or run reduced services but it’s a quiet time for lower prices and visiting archaeological sites. Expect occasional heavy rain; swimming is less common unless you prefer heated pools.
Belek at Night
Hiking in Belek
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About an hour’s drive inland—offers river canyon hiking, scenic viewpoints and rafting launch spots; trails vary from short walks to full-day treks.
Mountain trails north of Belek provide rugged hiking, panoramic views over the Mediterranean and cooler temperatures in summer—best with a guide for multi-day routes.
Popular for climbing and shorter hikes; limestone crags and nearby trails suitable for experienced hikers seeking quieter landscapes.
Further afield but reachable for a day trip—gorges and river walks offer dramatic scenery and cooler microclimates, especially refreshing in hot months.
Airports
How to reach Belek by plane.
Major international airport approximately 30–45 minutes from Belek by car; frequent shuttle services, private transfers and rental cars make it the main gateway for visitors.
Smaller airport east of Belek (about 1.5–2 hours drive); useful for some charter flights and regional connections but with fewer international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Turks who work in tourism, agriculture and service industries; many families run shops, restaurants and lodging businesses.
Visitors from Germany, Russia, the UK, the Netherlands and other European countries make up a large portion of tourists, especially during summer.
Seasonal hospitality staff and some long-term expatriates who live and work in the resort sector or retire in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The defining sport of Belek, with multiple championship courses attracting international tournaments and golf tourism.
Popular throughout Turkey; local clubs and amateur leagues are active and many tourists follow matches on TV in bars.
Jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling and diving are commonly offered along the coast and through resort activity centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Belek.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available—ask for vegetable meze, gözleme with cheese/spinach, lentil soup and salads. Many restaurants will adapt dishes; communicate clearly (vejetaryen) and point to ingredients when in markets.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited; focus on meze plates like ezme, haydari without yogurt, grilled vegetables, beans and salads. Bring snacks for excursions and ask staff about cooking oils and dairy in recipes.
Seafood, grilled meats and many salads are naturally gluten-free, but bread, börek and some sauces contain gluten—confirm with staff and avoid cross-contamination in small kitchens.
Most meat in Turkey is halal; pork is rare in local restaurants but present in some tourist venues—ask if halal meat is required.