Belek Things to Do Beyond Golf: Beaches, Aspendos and More

Belek is a resort area on the coast east of Antalya, in the Serik district. It was developed mainly as a holiday zone, so instead of an old town you find large resorts set among pine woods behind a long, open beach. The coast runs from Kadriye in the west through Belek itself to Boğazkent in the east, and the whole stretch is flat, green and spacious.

From Antalya Airport the drive is short: Kadriye ≈ 29 km (≈ 33 min), Belek ≈ 35 km (≈ 40 min) and Boğazkent ≈ 43 km (≈ 46 min). That makes Belek one of the easiest places to reach after a long flight, and a good base for day trips both towards Antalya and further east. Route details are on our Antalya Airport to Belek page.

The main reason to come to Belek without golf clubs is the beach. The shoreline is long and sandy, and because the resorts are spread out, it rarely feels as crowded as a town beach. Long walks along the waterline at sunrise or sunset are one of the simple pleasures here.

This coast is also a known nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). In summer, nests may be marked off on the sand and you will see information signs. A few rules everyone should follow:

• Keep away from marked nests and never dig or place umbrellas next to them.
• Avoid shining torches or phone lights on the beach at night.
• Take your rubbish with you and fill in sandcastle holes before you leave.
• Follow the signs and any instructions from your hotel or local staff.

Seeing a turtle is never guaranteed, but respecting the beach helps them come back every year.

A short drive inland from Belek, near the town of Serik, stands Aspendos, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere. It was built in the 2nd century AD and its stage building still stands to full height, which gives a rare idea of how an ancient theatre really looked. Nearby you can also see remains of the old aqueduct that supplied the city.

Aspendos is an easy half-day outing, and it is also used as a stage for performances in summer. If you want to combine it with something else, the ancient city of Perge lies between Belek and Antalya. Read more in our Aspendos theatre guide and Perge guide.

North of Serik, in the Taurus Mountains, lies Köprülü Canyon National Park. The Köprüçay river runs through a forested gorge here, and the area is best known for rafting, which many visitors from Belek book as a full-day activity. Even without rafting, the mountain scenery is a striking contrast to the flat coast.

The drive goes inland on mountain roads, so plan a whole day rather than a quick stop. If you go rafting, the activity is run by local operators; ask them about age limits, what to wear and what is included. A private car gives you flexibility to leave when you like and to stop on the way back. Our day trips by private car guide has more ideas.

At the western end of the Belek coast, in Kadriye, is The Land of Legends, a large theme park with a water park, rides, evening shows and a shopping avenue. For families staying in Belek it is one of the most popular outings, and it is close enough to go for an afternoon and stay for the evening show.

Because Kadriye is only a few minutes from most Belek hotels, it is easy to reach by private transfer, and the ride back after a late show is far more comfortable than waiting for other transport with tired children. See our Land of Legends guide for tips on planning the day.

Serik is the district town a little inland from the coast. It is an ordinary working Turkish town rather than a resort, which is exactly why some visitors enjoy a short look around: everyday shops, tea gardens and local life.

Along the coast, each part of the stretch has its own feel. Kadriye is the closest to Antalya and to The Land of Legends. Belek is the centre of the resort area, with a small town centre and the golf courses nearby. Boğazkent, further east, feels quieter and more spread out. All three share the same long beach and are easy to reach from the airport.

Belek suits families who want space, a flat sandy beach and short transfers with children, and couples looking for a calm resort holiday with a few cultural trips. It is less suited to travellers who want an old town, bars and evening walks from the hotel door; for that, Antalya's Kaleiçi or Side are better choices. If you are still deciding, compare it in Lara or Belek: which to choose.

For getting around, a private transfer is the simplest option: one fixed price per vehicle, not per person, agreed before the trip, with free child seats on request. A Minivan carries up to 6 people, a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito up to 7 and a Mercedes Sprinter 8 to 16, so a family or a group of friends can travel together.