Belek travel guide: resorts, beaches and golf
Belek is the Turkish Riviera’s purpose-built resort coast: 15 km of sandy beach, pine forest, some of the largest five-star hotels in the Mediterranean and twelve championship golf courses, all 30 to 40 minutes from Antalya Airport.
Where to stay in Belek
Belek is not a village with hotels around it but a strip of resorts along the shore, each with its own beach. The three parts differ mainly in distance from the airport and how busy they are.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kadriye | Western end of Belek, closest to the airport; big resorts and The Land of Legends theme park | Long sandy beach | Families, shortest transfer | 30 min |
| Belek centre & İleribaşı | The original resort strip with most of the golf courses and a small town centre with shops | Wide sandy beaches backed by pines | Golf, upmarket all-inclusive | 35 min |
| Boğazkent | Eastern end near the Köprüçay river mouth; newer, quieter resorts | Sand and fine shingle, wilder feel | Peace and quiet, nature | – |
Beaches and sea turtles
All of Belek’s beaches are sandy and slope gently, which makes them good for children. They are also a protected nesting area for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Between May and October, hotels clear sunbeds from the sand in the evening, lights facing the beach are dimmed and night access is limited. If you see a marked nest, keep your distance; hotels and local volunteers often run early-morning hatchling releases in late summer.
Golf
Belek has more championship golf in a small area than anywhere else in the Mediterranean, including courses that have hosted the European Tour. See our Belek golf guide for all 12 courses, green fees and the best months.
Things to do
The Land of Legends in Kadriye is a large theme park and water park with an evening light and fountain show, the main attraction for families. Aspendos, the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, is about 25 minutes east; Perge and the city of Antalya are 30 to 45 minutes west. Köprülü Canyon rafting is about an hour inland. More in our day trips guide.
Belek town itself is small: a few streets of shops, cafés and a weekly market. Hotels run shuttles; taxis wait outside every resort.
Getting there
From Antalya Airport it is a straight 35 km run east on the D400. Times and prices are in our Antalya Airport to Belek transfer guide. For the best time to go, see the weather and sea temperature guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belek good for families?
Yes. Belek is almost entirely large all-inclusive resorts with pools, kids’ clubs and long sandy beaches. Kadriye has The Land of Legends theme park and water park, and the airport transfer is only 30 to 40 minutes.
Is there anything to do in Belek outside the hotels?
Less than in Side or Alanya: Belek was built as a resort area rather than a town. The small centre has shops and cafés, and Aspendos, Perge and Antalya city are all within 30 to 45 minutes. Most visitors combine resort days with a few day trips.
Why are some Belek beaches closed at night?
Belek is one of the most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean for loggerhead sea turtles. From May to October, sunbeds are cleared in the evening and beach access at night is restricted so that turtles can lay eggs and hatchlings can reach the sea.
How far is Belek from Antalya Airport?
About 35 km, 30 to 40 minutes by car depending on the hotel. See our Antalya Airport to Belek transfer guide for prices.