Where is Belek in Turkey? A Guide to this Paradise on the Turkish Riviera

Belek is a popular resort town located on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, known for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, world-class golf courses, and ancient ruins. But where exactly is Belek? And what makes it such a desirable vacation destination? This article provides a guide to locating Belek and discovering why so many tourists flock to this Turkish paradise each year.

Location of Belek

Belek is situated in the Antalya province in southern Turkey, about 30 km east of the city of Antalya It is part of the Serik district, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains More specifically, Belek is located at the coordinates 36°51′N 31°03′E.

To reach Belek, most international travelers fly into Antalya Airport which is one of the busiest airports in Turkey. From there Belek is just a 30-45 minute drive away. It is also accessible by public bus from Antalya’s main otogar (bus station).

Why Visit Belek?

Once a small fishing village, Belek has transformed into a luxurious beach resort town filled with 5-star all-inclusive hotels. It has the second highest concentration of luxury hotels in Turkey after Istanbul. These world-class hotels line the white sand beaches with everything you could need for a relaxing holiday – pools, spas, restaurants, and bars.

But Belek is known for more than just luxury. Here are some of the main attractions luring tourists:

• Beaches – Belek’s most famous feature is its 5 miles of beautiful blue flag beaches. The water is calm and clear, ideal for swimming and watersports. The best beaches are at luxury resorts like Calista and Rixos. Public beaches include Hasyurt and Beldibi.

• Golf – Belek has become a golfing paradise with over 15 high standard courses. Many are attached to 5-star hotels like the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Course. With sunny weather nearly year-round, Belek caters perfectly to golf enthusiasts.

• Spas & Wellness – Most luxury resorts in Belek have world-class spas for ultimate relaxation. Thermal mineral waters, massage, Turkish baths, and beauty treatments help rejuvenate the body and mind.

• History & Culture – Nearby ancient Roman sites like Aspendos Theatre and Perge provide a dose of history and culture. The Manavgat Waterfalls and Koprulu Canyon are also popular day trips.

• Marina & Nightlife – Belek has a modern marina surrounded by cocktail bars, nightclubs, and fine dining for evening entertainment.

With luxurious amenities, activities for all interests, and natural beauty both inland and on the coast, it’s easy to see why Belek is a beloved vacation hotspot. The town has received numerous awards including Best Golf Destination in Europe (2008) and Best Spa Destination in Europe (2013).

Belek’s Neighborhoods & Surroundings

Belek itself is quite small, centered around a mosque and shopping area. But the greater Belek region encompasses different neighborhoods and tourist sites:

• Belek Town Center – As mentioned, this is the quaint center with a mosque, statue fountain, and tree-lined shopping boulevards.

• Belek Beach Neighborhood – Stretching about 5 miles east and west along the coast are the main beach resorts and hotels of Belek.

• Kadriye – About 5 km west of Belek is this upscale beach town with fewer big hotels.

• Bogazkent – An inland village in the mountains known for its apple orchards. A great area for outdoor activities.

• Aspendos – 13 km east lies the iconic ancient Roman theatre of Aspendos, still used for concerts and events.

• Koprulu Canyon – Just 10 km north of Belek is Turkey’s largest canyon, famous for whitewater rafting.

• Side – An hour east of Belek is the former Greek settlement of Side, full of ancient ruins.

So while Belek itself is compact, it provides easy access to a diverse range of attractions – from ancient sites to dramatic canyons to modern marinas. Something for every interest and taste!

Best Time to Visit Belek

One of Belek’s assets is its very favorable climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild with some rain. The high tourist season is May to October when average temperatures reach the 80s F/27+ C. But even during the “cooler” months from November to April, it rarely dips below 50 F/10 C.

The best times to visit Belek are arguably spring (mid-March to May) and fall (September to November). In spring, the days are getting warmer while the sea remains cool and wildflowers bloom. September-October still has summer-like weather combined with fewer crowds. Plus this is harvest time for fruits like apples in the region.

For beach lovers and sun seekers, July and August are ideal, though these peak summer months bring more tourists and higher prices. Golfers will enjoy cooler weather in the “low” season from December to February. The only months to possibly avoid are January-February when it can occasionally rain for days on end.

No matter when you visit, the Antalya region rewards visitors with sunny skies and moderate temperatures almost every month. The weather here is hard to beat!

Getting Around Belek

The small size of Belek town makes it very walkable. You can reach the mosque, shopping areas, and restaurants on foot without any problem. To access the beaches that stretch for miles, you can easily take taxis or hotel shuttles. Rental cars and scooters are also popular for going between hotels, beaches, golf courses, and other nearby attractions.

Public buses provide an affordable option to get to neighboring towns like Antalya, Side, and Alanya without a car. Dolmus shared taxis are also available for short trips in the region. Tour companies offer organized group transportation to popular day trip destinations that are farther like Pamukkale and Cappadocia.

The Antalya airport has taxis and havaş shuttle buses going to/from Belek for around $30-40 each way. For ultimate convenience, many hotels include airport transfers with their packages.

Thanks to its manageable size and transportation options, it’s easy to navigate in and around Belek. You can relax on the beach all day, then head out to try local restaurants for dinner, without hassle.

In the heart of the Turkish Riviera, Belek offers a Mediterranean paradise with luxury resorts, golf courses, spas, beaches, and ancient ruins. It is conveniently located just 30 km from Antalya Airport on Turkey’s southern coast, surrounded by natural beauty. This idyllic vacation spot enjoys nearly year-round sunny skies and warm weather, tempting travelers to play golf, relax at the beach, and indulge in 5-star hospitality. From Antalya day trips to whitewater rafting adventures, Belek provides easy access to remarkable activities and sights. With convenient transportation options, mild weather, and world-class amenities, it’s no wonder Belek remains a beloved destination for travelers seeking a touch of paradise.