Take a look at a selection of our top 5 star luxury hotels in Turkey

Belek Holidays – All-inclusive luxury and plenty to do

An upmarket, purpose-built resort developed in the 1980’s, Belek is a great choice for families, golfers and anyone looking to unwind in style. The resort consists almost exclusively of large 4 and 5-star all-inclusive hotels that cater for the luxury holiday market. With 10 championship golf courses nearby, it’s no surprise that the resort is very much geared up for the golf holidays also. There is virtually no local infrastructure to the town; visitors come here to relax at leisure in the opulent surroundings of their large hotel complexes.

The resort looks over a large, 16km sandy beach fringed by pine trees where there are a range of watersports to try. While the resort itself is unashamedly modern and lacks the history of nearby Antalya or Alanya, this is actually a good base for culture vultures also – the historic Roman ruins of Perge and ancient Amphitheatre at Aspendos are easily accessible from here. Combine this with jeep safaris, boat trips, scuba diving, horse-riding, a waterpark, zoo, and trips to natural beauty spots such as the Kursunlu Waterfall and Pamukkale thermal baths, and you’ve got more than enough to keep the whole family occupied for weeks!

When to go

Holidays to Belek are most popular during the peak summer months of June-August. These months are also the hottest and most crowded however, so those who find high temperatures uncomfortable or crowds frustrating may prefer to visit in the cooler spring and autumn months. Spring (April-May) and autumn (late September-October) also see lower prices – plus the cooler climate makes outdoor activities such as cycling and walking far more manageable.

In May, the Turkish International Salsa Festival is held at the nearby TAT Golf Belek International Golf Club with graceful dancers showing off their moves and the chance to learn a few yourself! There’s also beach parties, after-parties, sports competitions and free golf lessons. Those visiting in June should make the 30 minute drive to nearby Aspendos, where the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival and Aspendos Jazz Festivals are held.

The weather in Belek 

Belek enjoys a warm climate for the majority of the year. The spring months of April-May see temperatures rise from an average of 21C to 26C, with daily hours of sunshine between 8-10 hours. June-August become very hot indeed, with average of between 30-34C and highs well above this, often in the 40’s. September remains hot at around 31C, before cooling for the autumn period of late September-October to around 27-31C. The ‘winter’ period of November to March sees average temperatures of 15-21C, with an increased chance of rainfall – winter sun holidays are still more than possible here though as most days will remain dry.

Getting the best deal

Most people are likely to book all-inclusive holidays to Belek. The resort is primarily geared towards all-inclusive visitors, with large resort complexes offering everything you need for a convenient holiday in one place. Booking all-inclusive has the benefit of ensuring the majority of your holiday spending is accounted for upfront.

If you are after less expensive accommodation, the village of Kadriye is close by and offers smaller hotels for cheaper rates.

To get the cheapest deals, you should try and book as early as possible. The most popular hotels always sell out fast, especially in the peak season. Avoid visiting during notoriously expensive periods such as the Easter and summer school holidays. Find the best prices we have to offer by looking at the deals below or alternatively by visiting our late deals offers here.

Airport and transport need to know

Visitors to Belek will fly into the large, modern Antalya International Airport (AYT). This airport has three terminals; T1 and T2 for international flights, and T3 for domestic flights. You’ll find cash points at T1 and currency exchange facilities at both international terminals. Please note that the exchange rate is notoriously bad at this airport however. A varied selection of duty free shops and restaurants service the Arrivals, Departures and lounge areas.

Holidaymakers can fly from a number of UK airports to Antalya, including London Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds Bradford and smaller hubs such as East Midlands and Newcastle. It takes just over 4 hours to reach here from London; allow half an hour more for airports further north or west.

It takes approximately 35 minutes to get from the airport to Belek. Taxis wait outside the Arrivals hall of the international terminals. As a rule, taxis in Turkey are metered but from the airport you can be expected to pay a flat fixed-rate fare. If you wish to just jump in a taxi when you arrive, there is a signboard at the taxi rank telling you how much you will have to pay. Alternatively, you can pre-book a taxi from companies such as HolidayTaxis.com. You should expect to pay around £50-60 for the journey.

There is also the opportunity to take a shared shuttle taxi – typically a minivan. This option is cheaper at around £15 per person, but takes around double the journey time, as other guests may have to be dropped off at different resorts along the way.HolidayTaxis.com can also arrange this type of transport.

Finally, it is possible to catch a public bus to Belek. This is by far the cheapest (but also the most time-consuming) option, at around £4 for the journey. You’ll have to catch the number 600, Terminal-Otogar bus, leaving from the domestic terminal. This bus will drop you at the main bus depot in Antalya city, where you can pick up a connecting bus to Belek. The whole journey may take up to 2 hours, however.

The best beaches in Belek 

Belek is located in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, or Turquoise Coast as it is also known. The Turkish Riviera stretches for nearly 1000 miles along Turkey’s southern and western coastline, and consists primarily of small, sandy coves backed by fragrant pine forests. This is the best area in Turkey for a beach holiday; the water here is warmer than on the Black Sea Coast and there is an abundance of beach resorts here.

Belek beach

Belek beach is truly impressive – a white expanse of soft white sand, surrounded by pine forests that afford welcome respite from the sun and a lovely shady area for a picnic. This Blue Flag beach has toilets, showers, a nearby car park, and lifeguards. Families will love this beach, with its nearby waterpark and petting zoo. Watersports including jet skis, banana boast and parasailing call all be enjoyed here.

Lara beach

Around 30 minutes by car, or 45 minutes by dolmus is the large, sandy Lara Beach – rated the best stretch of coast near to Antalya city. Another Blue Flag awarded beach, Lara has sun loungers, parasols, pedaloes, public toilets and showers as well as an abundance of beach bars. June-September sees an annual sand sculpture exhibition held here. If you tire of relaxing in the sun, the bustling city of Antalya is just 12km west, with its attractive historic old town and harbour.

Phaselis beach

For a great day out – providing you don’t mind the drive – Phaselis beach will make an unforgettable experience on your Turkish holiday. Around 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive from Belek, south-west of Antalya, the secluded location of Phaselis is one of the Turquoise Coasts hidden gems. Here you'll find 3 small, tranquil beaches, accessible after walking through a dappled pine forest. The western beach is long and sandy, the eastern beach smaller and pebbly, and the third is arguably the best – situated between the other two, it’s a gently curving cove that used be an harbour thousands of years ago. Also at Phaselis you’ll find the ruins of an ancient town, dating from the 7th Century BC, which is open to the public between 8am -5.30pm for a small fee of £3.60. Culture, peace and tranquillity combined.

USEFUL LINKS:

http://www.taxfreetravel.com/Antalya%20Airport
http://www.flightmapping.com/europe/turkey/antalya