You’re standing on the soft, golden sands of Belek, the turquoise Mediterranean sparkling before you, the majestic Taurus Mountains rising behind – and you’re wondering: what’s there to discover when I fancy leaving the hotel? Good news: absolutely loads! Belek is far more than just a beach resort with dreamy shores. Between ancient ruins, water adventures, and shopping havens, there’s a vibrant mix waiting here to satisfy every type of holidaymaker.
I’ll introduce you to the best sights and activities in Belek and the surrounding area, all close enough that you won’t need to travel far and can enjoy your holiday stress-free.
Table of contents
Belek’s Dream Beaches
Belek Main Beach
Let’s start with the obvious: Belek Main Beach is an absolute dream. Stretching for miles with fine sand and gently sloping into crystal-clear water – perfect for families, but equally wonderful for anyone wanting to simply unwind. The water is beautifully clear, and you can wade far out without losing your footing.
Along many stretches you’ll find beach clubs and water sports providers ready to bring some action to your day. More on water sports coming up in the next section.
Boğazkent Beach
Boğazkent Beach offers a quieter, more natural atmosphere. It’s less busy and wonderfully relaxed – ideal if you want to escape the crowds and simply gaze out at the sea. Pack a good book, find your spot in the sand, and soak up the tranquillity.
My tip: Head there early in the morning when the sun’s just rising. The light is absolutely magical! ?
Water Sports in Belek: Pure Action
In Belek, you can try practically every water sport imaginable.
Here’s a quick selection:
- Parasailing (£30-40) – you’ll float above the sea with stunning views of the coastline
- Jet ski (around £30 for 15 min.) – full throttle across the water
- Banana boat (around £6) – guaranteed fun, especially in a group
- Ringo rides (£13) – whizzing through the water on an inflatable ring
- Windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding – for the experienced and those who’d like to be
- Sea bike – relaxed pedalling on the water
- Canoe – peaceful exploration at its finest
You don’t need to be a pro – most providers give you a quick briefing and then off you go. Your hotel will very likely have its own water sports station. Which brings us nicely to the next topic:
Where to stay in Belek?
The choice in Belek is vast and luxurious. Make sure your hotel has its own private beach section. I’d like to introduce you to two hotels – one for adults, the other for families.
TUI BLUE Belek – Adults-Only Luxury
All guests over 16 seeking pure relaxation will find their perfect match at TUI BLUE Belek on Boğazkent Beach. This 5-star adults-only hotel offers over 3,000 m² of pool space and an enormous 2,000 m² wellness area complete with hamam, Finnish sauna, diverse massage treatments, and a comprehensive sports programme.
The culinary highlight: three restaurants, including the elegant à la carte “Culinarium”, plus regular themed evenings such as gala dinners and seafood specials. In the evenings you can enjoy live music, dance performances, and relaxed hours at the Sunset Beach Bar with sea views.
The rooms are stylishly modern, many with private balconies and sea or pool views – some even boasting a private Jacuzzi. Perfect for couples or adults seeking peace, luxury, and sophisticated entertainment without the hustle and bustle.
TUI BLUE Maviss – Deluxe Family Holidays
Travelling with family? TUI BLUE Maviss is your destination for relaxed luxury with children. This 5-star hotel combines contemporary design with Mediterranean ease, offering three à la carte restaurants with a special children’s buffet.
For the kids: Multiple pools with water slides, a heated children’s pool, German-speaking Miniclub (ages 3-6) and Maxiclub (ages 7-12), plus evening kids’ discos. While the little ones are happily entertained, parents can unwind in the spa with hamam and Ayurveda treatments or join fitness classes.
What makes it special: Spacious rooms, some even with a private swim-up pool on the terrace – perfect for families who love space and privacy. The gently shelving sandy beach with its own private section is ideal for young swimmers.
The Land of Legends: Theme Park Paradise
If you’re after a genuine highlight, The Land of Legends is unmissable. This enormous theme park is a blend of water park, amusement park, and shopping avenue – and honestly, it’s a bit like Disney, only in Turkey.
The Theme Park
Over 55 water slides are waiting to be tested by you. From gentle family slides to absolute adrenaline-pumping monsters, there’s something for everyone. Add spectacular rides and even romantic gondola trips through artificial canals.
Pro tip: Arrive early, pack plenty of suncream, and plan for a full day – there’s genuinely so much to see!
The Land of Legends Shopping Avenue
In the evening, the complex transforms into a shopping paradise. Over 100 shops invite you to browse, and from 5pm onwards, entry to the Shopping Avenue is even free. The absolute highlight? The evening light and fountain show, guaranteed to leave you mesmerised. Music, water, light – it’s pure magic! ✨
Shopping in Belek: More than souvenirs
Shopping Street in Kadriye
The covered shopping street in Kadriye is perfect for relaxed browsing. Across 600 metres in total (split into a 400m and 200m section), you’ll find everything from clothing and jewellery to Turkish specialities.
My tip: Haggling is part of the experience! Start at about half the asking price and work your way up. A smile usually gets you further. ?
Weekly Market in Belek
Every Thursday, Belek hosts a traditional weekly market. Here you’ll find authentic Turkish life: fresh fruit and veg, spices, olives, cheese, and handmade souvenirs. The atmosphere is colourful, lively, and wonderfully vibrant. Take your time and simply wander through the stalls.
Forsa Mall
For air-conditioned shopping comfort, there’s Forsa Mall. Modern shops, cafés, and restaurants make it the ideal destination on scorching afternoons.
Golf in Belek: A Golfer’s Paradise
Right, in a nutshell: Belek is the golf destination in Turkey. Over 20 world-class golf courses are spread across the area, many designed by international champions. Particularly worth mentioning are the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Course and the Cornelia Golf Club. Even if you’re not a dedicated golfer, a taster lesson is worthwhile – the backdrop of palms and mountains is simply unbeatable. ⛳
Ancient sites around Belek
Within less than an hour’s drive from Belek, you can reach some of Turkey’s most impressive ancient sites. There are many more further afield in Side or near Antalya, but these should keep you busy for starters 😉
Aspendos: The Theatre of Superlatives
The Aspendos Antik Tiyatrosu is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it’s still in such magnificent condition that concerts and opera festivals are held here to this day!
Sitting in the tiers looking down at the stage, you can almost imagine theatrical performances taking place here nearly 2,000 years ago. The acoustics are phenomenal – give it a try and whisper something from the stage. ?
Perge: Sunken splendour
The ancient city of Perge was once one of the region’s most important settlements. Today you can wander through impressive colonnaded streets, marvel at the beautifully preserved Roman stadium (which seated 12,000 spectators!), and explore the remains of the Apollo Temple.
Especially brilliant: The ancient theatre is enormous, and you can climb about and imagine what life must have been like back then. The colonnaded streets are Instagram gold – so bring your camera! ?
Sillyon: The hidden gem
Few people know about Sillyon – and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing! This forgotten ancient city perches atop a hill with spectacular views across the plain. It’s far quieter than Aspendos or Perge, meaning you often have the ruins almost to yourself.
The climb is worth it: at the top you’ll find temple remains, city walls, and a theatre. And that panoramic view! If you’re after adventure and tranquillity, Sillyon is your spot.
Kurşunlu Waterfall: Natural paradise in the pine forest
About 30 minutes from Belek lies Kurşunlu Waterfall – a true natural gem. Deep within the fragrant pine forest, water cascades over moss-covered rocks into crystal-clear pools.
The path to the waterfall takes you along shaded woodland trails, past little ponds full of turtles and fish. In summer it’s pleasantly cool here – perfect for a brief escape from the beach. Wear sturdy shoes as some paths can be slippery. And don’t forget your camera – the photo opportunities are glorious! ??
My tip: Try to visit in the morning before the tour groups arrive. You’ll have the best chance of peaceful moments in nature.
More things to do and see around Belek
I’ve deliberately left out more distant attractions because you simply won’t have time to visit everything during one holiday. After all, you want to relax in Belek and enjoy your lovely hotel, don’t you? Particularly worthwhile are trips to Antalya, Alanya, and Side, as well as natural wonders like the Green Canyon. You’ll find all excursions on Musement.
Culinary Highlights in Belek
Sure, Belek revolves largely around all-inclusive, but you absolutely must treat yourself to the local cuisine too! Freshly grilled fish, meze (a glorious spread of small dishes), pide (Turkish flatbread boats), and naturally baklava for pudding – Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses.
Stroll along the beachfront restaurants in the evening, let the aroma of grilled fish tempt you, and finish with a Turkish coffee. In many establishments, fresh fish is sold by weight – you can choose your favourite directly. ☕️?
Belek in a nutshell: Luxury, relaxation and entertainment
From ancient theatres to water fun and relaxed beach days – the attractions in Belek truly cover every interest. Whether you’re seeking action, cultural experiences, or simply lounging on the sand: here you’ll find everything in one place, paired with luxury.
Book your dream holiday in Belek now
Questions and answers about Belek
When is the best time to visit Belek?
The best time to visit is from May to October. Particularly pleasant are the months of May, June, September, and October with temperatures around 25-30°C. High summer (July/August) can get quite hot at over 34°C – ideal for water babies, but less so for cultural excursions.
How do I get from Antalya to Belek?
Antalya Airport is just 25-30 km from Belek. The journey takes 30-40 minutes. Package holidays usually include transfers. Alternatively, there are taxis, private transfers, or dolmuş (shared minibuses).
Hi can you please tell me how far is it from hotel Mavis’s to center of Belem
And also are there any shops bars restaurants walking distance around hotel Mavis’s
Thanks Martin
Hi Martin,
there is a shopping center within walking distance of the hotel and also supermarkets, a few restaurants and a pharmacy. To the center of Belek it’s a 15 minute taxi ride. There is a bus stop near the hotel with a bus going every 20 minutes to Belek.
Hope to welcome you as a guest there soon!
Cheers
Miri