Beyond the Beach: Why Belek is More Than Just a Sunshine Escape

[AD] Going to Turkey is all the rage amongst British holiday-goers, and for very good reason too. The Turkish coast is a hidden gem of the Mediterranean, often overshadowed by the sheer popularity of nearby Italy and Greece. For you, though, Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is the next great adventure – and far more than the sunshine escape for which most of us settle when going to more populist climes. 

To explore this, we’ll be looking at one of the most underrated holiday destinations on Turkey’s southern coast: Belek, a small resort town with a great deal more than the sunshine going for it. Let’s find out what awaits, shall we? 

1) A Golfer’s Paradise on the Mediterranean 

Not everyone is a golfing fan, but for the few of you reading this that are partial to a round or two: Belek has slowly, quietly built a reputation as a major golfing destination for amateurs and pros alike. Numerous world-class courses sit right there on the coast, and nestle themselves in the verdantsurrounds of the coast. Not only are there worse climates in which to play golf, there are few better golf courses to improve yourself on! 

Photo by Encal Media on Unsplash

2) Dive into History and Culture 

Belek is more than its golfing links, of course. Indeed, it’s far more, thanks to a rich history that stretches back beyond the Romans. Belek is within marching distance of ancient Roman ruins, including the theatre at Aspendos, the Roman city of Perge and the old town of nearby city Antalya. Belek’s quiet majesty as a beach resort belies its connections to much deeper cultural roots, which you would need more than one holiday to explore. 

3) Family-Friendly Adventure & Theme Park Fun 

For a holiday experience that meets the criteria of all the family, you needn’t look much further than a resort stay in Belek. There are water parks, all-inclusive kid-friendly resorts, and, close-by, there is the Land of Legends Turkey theme park with its cartoony characters and thrill-seeking adventure play. 

This is all before we acknowledge the essential delight of a day at the beach, all sandcastles, pits, paddling and bathing. You and the other adults can indulge in some Turkish hospitality on the beach while the kids splash around, rediscovering the basic joys of our natural world. 

Photo by zeynep elif ozdemir on Unsplash

4) Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Shore 

Speaking of the beach, Turkey’s shores are the ideal jumping-off point for explorations beyond shoreline. Water sporting is hugely popular off Turkey’s southern coast, whether snorkelling or boating. Inland, there’s even more to discover; biking tours give you the opportunity to see more of those incredible green mountains that back up so much of the Turquoise Coast, and likewise the Köprüçay river that snakes up into the forest behind beautiful Belek.

Is Belek somewhere you would like to visit? Let me know!