Ready for a Belek Holiday?
Ready for a Belek Holiday?
Belek, with its long sea season, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, golden fine sands, and beaches surrounded by pine forests, is a true paradise. While enjoying quality time with your loved ones, you can try surfing, experience diving, or discover the coves by boat. Located about 40 kilometers from Antalya city center, this postcard-like destination is ready to amaze you. But before you start exploring, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions:
What to eat in Belek?
You should definitely taste local dishes such as hülüklü çorba (meatball soup), cive (vegetable stew), Gökçesu pilavı (pilaf with greens), şilofta (traditional dessert), Antalya-style tahini piyaz, artichoke Cretan kebab, fresh Mediterranean fish varieties, pumpkin dessert, wheat milk soup, and mushroom pastry.
When is the Belek market day?
The famous Belek market, where you can find products for every taste and budget, is set up on Saturdays and attracts visitors from Antalya and nearby districts.
How far is Belek from Antalya?
The distance between Belek and Antalya is about 34 kilometers, which takes approximately half an hour by car.
Places to Visit in and Around Belek
1. Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park
Declared a protected nature park in 1991, Kurşunlu Waterfall lies within a 2-km-long canyon connecting seven small ponds through small waterfalls. The mesmerizing water cascading down from 18 meters creates a truly breathtaking view. The park also shelters over 100 different bird species. You can enjoy long walks in nature, sip your coffee at the on-site restaurant, or have a lovely picnic with food you bring along.
2. Belek Clock Tower
Located right in the heart of Belek, the clock tower is one of the first landmarks you’ll see upon arrival. Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shopping stores, and walking paths, the area is especially vibrant in the evening. You’ll also find entertainment venues suitable for all budgets and lifestyles around the tower.
3. Digiverse Digital Experience Center
Digiverse offers the world’s first and only 360° immersive digital experience, taking you on an incredible multimedia journey. With its experience rooms like the Neon Forest, Mirror Labyrinth, Evil Eye, Flower Corridor, Time Tunnel Pyramid, and many more, Digiverse bridges the gap between the real world and the metaverse.
4. Kadriye Beach Picnic Area
Kadriye Beach, with its fine sand and calm, clear waters, is a favorite for families with children and those who cannot swim confidently. You can enjoy a picnic under the shade of pine trees after swimming in the sea all day. There is also an option to rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a reasonable price.
5. Aspendos Aqueduct
Next to the famous Aspendos ancient theater, you’ll find the magnificent Aspendos Aqueduct. This 15-km-long waterway features arches reaching 30 meters high and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Roman water systems still standing today.
6. Historic Aspendos Bridge
Built over the Köprüçay River, this historic bridge — also known as Belkıs Bridge among locals — originally dates back to the Roman era. It was rebuilt by the Seljuks after earthquakes destroyed it and underwent its final restoration in 2004.
7. Aspendos Ancient Theater
Built in the 2nd century BC, this spectacular Roman theater is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. It is world-famous for its incredible acoustics and is included in UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List since 2015. Every year, it hosts thousands of art lovers.
8. Aspendos Ancient City
Aspendos, whose history dates back to the 10th century BC, is believed to have been founded by the Achaeans. Throughout its history, it fell under the rule of Persians, Alexander the Great, and later the Roman Empire, which built its famous theater and aqueducts. Today, it still hosts many cultural events.
9. Zeytintaşı Cave
Discovered by chance in 1997 and declared a natural monument in 2013, this karstic cave is thought to have formed over about one million years. Divided into many rooms and halls with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, the cave offers a guided tour experience you should not miss.
10. Garden of Tolerance
Opened in 2004, the Garden of Tolerance is a unique complex including a mosque, church, and synagogue around a shared courtyard. The pool in the middle symbolizes purity, while the three peacocks around it represent the peaceful coexistence of different faiths. It’s a powerful symbol of respect and togetherness for visitors of all religions.