One of the youngest Mediterranean resorts in Turkey, Belek appeared in tourist guides not so long ago - in the late 80s of the last century. Today it is very popular with golf fans and other wealthy tourists.
The infrastructure of the resort includes not only expensive hotels, but also golf courses, which were designed by world-class specialists. They have turned the once wild Mediterranean coast into the center of the game for wealthy businessmen.
However, the Turkish resort is famous not only for luxury hotels and Blue flags on the beaches. If you are used to spending an active and eventful vacation, there is something to see on the Mediterranean Turkish Riviera. In and around Belek you will find ruins of ancient cities, interesting natural attractions, entertainment centers and many opportunities for water sports.
Top 10 attractions of Belek
Perge
The ancient city of Perge, 30 km from modern Belek, was founded by the Achaeans. After the fall of Troy, they had to flee and look for a new place to build a colony. The choice was more than fortunate, and Perge quickly became the trade center of Pamphylia and gained economic independence. In the IV century. BC. the troops of Alexander the Great took Perge without a fight. Its inhabitants themselves decided to join Macedonia, and in 188 BC. NS. the city became part of the Roman Empire.
The ruins of ancient Perge impress not only archaeologists, but also ordinary history buffs. The complex is well preserved:
- Roman amphitheater dating from the 2nd-1st centuries. BC. According to the fastest estimates, the building could accommodate up to 15 thousand spectators.
- The largest ancient stadium in Asia Minor. The dimensions of the building are 234x34 m. At least 12 thousand people could be in the stands at the same time.
- Roman agora and basilica of the Byzantine era.
- The gate of the Hellenistic era, built in the 3rd century. BC.
- Colonnade of the central street with city walls and a triumphal fountain.
- Ruins of an acropolis and an ancient cemetery.
The sculptures of the ancient gods and rulers of the Roman Empire that adorn the amphitheater and gates are exhibited at the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Baths of Perge
As in any city that belonged to the Roman Empire, there were baths in Perge, where it was customary not only to take ablutions, but also to discuss political and economic problems, meet with business partners and spend all their free time. The baths were for the Romans something of harm to the club of interests, and since that era, great importance was attached to their construction, equipment and decoration.
The Baths of Perge are considered the largest in Pamphylia. The bath complex appeared in the II century. BC e., and it could well be called a demonstration of the luxury and influence of those who gathered in it. The architectural features of the baths that have survived to this day make it possible to understand that even in the baths, the hierarchy was observed, and the most noble persons enjoyed special privileges and stood out. In the baths of Ancient Rome, the rule "In the bath, everyone is equal" did not work.
The complex is well preserved, and tourists can see the marble cladding of the premises, the pebble floors, the drainage system and the remains of the bas-reliefs.
Hellenistic gate
Getting into the city through the Roman gate of the II century. n. BC, tourists at first do not suspect that this ancient structure in Perge is called the "new gate". The old ones are dated to the 3rd century. BC NS. They belong to the Hellenistic era and today look like rounded towers, partially destroyed, but still allowing to determine their purpose.
Five hundred years after its construction, the Hellenistic gate has undergone restoration. It was initiated by Plantation Magna. She was a priestess of Artemis and came from a very noble family, and therefore occupied a high place in the urban hierarchy.
The restoration of the Hellenistic Gate has breathed new life into it. The priestess Planzia Magna ordered the installation of statues of gods and noble members of their kind in the niches. Sculptural images of emperors also appeared at the gate. Today, when sightseeing, you will see only pedestals, and the most valuable archaeological treasures themselves are exhibited in the Antalya Museum.
Aspendos
You can see another ancient city near Belek during an excursion to Aspendos. From the center of the resort to its ancient ruins about 20 km. The city appeared in the II century. BC. and at the same time the Aspendos amphitheater was built - a famous landmark of the resort area of Belek.
One of the largest ancient theaters accommodated about 15 thousand spectators. Its acoustics are perfect even today, and thanks to it, concerts of contemporary performers of classical music are held in the amphitheater and the Opera and Ballet Festival is held.
Art critics who study the history of theaters believe that it was in Aspendos that the curtain was invented 2,000 years ago, allowing you to change the scenery and costumes.
Another attraction of the ancient city is the hippodrome, where people spent their time on the run. The benches and galleries for spectators, closed by arches from the scorching sun, have been perfectly preserved, and it is quite possible to imagine how the chariot competitions took place here.
A Roman aqueduct is also available for inspection, supplying the city with water and delivering it from the mountains located 40 km from Aspendos. In the market square, you will find the sanctuary of the nymphs, the basilica and the ruins of the curia.
Köprülü canyon
Going on an excursion to Aspendos, you will not pass the picturesque canyon of the Kopruchay River, in the valley of which the city is located. The river originates in the mountains, and therefore its waters are unusually cold. Even on a hot summer day, the thermometer in them does not rise above + 7 ° C.
Rafting instructors await you in the Köprülü canyon. Rafting on a mountain river is a popular entertainment for active tourists who have come to a beach holiday in Belek.
If such extreme pleasures are not your forte, go on an excursion to the Köprülü Canyon National Park anyway. It is home to about 600 plant species, many of which are endemic. You will enjoy the air of cypress groves and walk through the eucalyptus forest, see the difference between red and black cedars and dine at a restaurant on the banks of the river. The menu includes dishes from trout caught in the waters of Kopruchay.
At the narrowest point, the banks of the canyon are connected by the Oluk Bridge, built in the era of the Roman Empire. Its height is 27 m.
Cave Zeytin Tash
A walk through the underground world of the Zeytin Tash cave will appeal not only to fans of speleology, but also to lovers of unique natural formations. The length of the cave gallery is only 200 m, but this is enough to admire the thinnest stalactites and stalagmites growing from the ground and souring from the ceiling of the underground vaults. Reaching half a meter in length, they do not exceed a few millimeters in diameter. Almost transparent formations resemble a fringe and are considered the thinnest in the world among their own kind.
The name of the cave is translated from Turkish as "Olive stone". The grotto is illuminated from the inside and the atmosphere is quite impressive.
Ticket price: $ 2.
National Golf Club
Belek is often referred to as the Turkish golf capital. Its emerald fields compete with the best fields in both hemispheres, because leading experts in this field were responsible for their design and construction.
The most famous Belek golf club opened in 1994. Today, the National Golf Club is very popular with athletes and amateurs from all over the world, and even professionals are often seen on its fields. In the National Golf Club, you can not only fight with worthy opponents, but also take lessons. The instructors will be happy to teach the beginner how to hold the golf club, show you how to hit the ball, and explain why you only need one glove to play golf.
The club has two courses - 9 and 18 holes. They host international tournaments, and the National Golf Club is ranked in the top five best in the world.
The season in the fields of Belek starts in September and lasts until summer. The cost of services is consistent with the status of the institution.
Aquapark "Troy"
If you come on a beach vacation with children and want to make your vacation memorable, head to the water park. In Belek, it is called "Troy" and is located on the territory of the Rixos Premium Belek hotel.
The designers and builders of the complex were clearly fascinated by the history of the Ancient World, because the water park looks like a city that descended from the pages of a textbook. It has a Trojan horse, fortress walls, and high towers, and the staff is dressed like real ancient Greek warriors.
In the arsenal of the water park there are many water slides of varying difficulty and height and attractions for the little ones, teenagers and their parents. Here you will find waterfalls and wave pools, pipes and bends, jacuzzis and mountain rivers.
There is a show in the water park, the participants of which are dolphins and sea lions. Performances are held twice a day. If you have long wanted to swim with dolphins or take a photo with the smartest marine life, Troy will gladly help you make your dream come true.
Bellis Zoo
Do your children adore our smaller brothers and the zoo is a favorite place for them to go with the whole family? In Belek, you can get a chance to see some of the wildlife if you visit the Bellis Deluxe Hotel. There is a small zoo on its territory, where the inhabitants of tropical forests, savannahs, and even distant Australia feel great.
At Bellis Zoo, you will see kangaroos and zebras, donkeys and flamingos, pelicans and monkeys. Toddlers will love the pony ride, while the older kids will love watching the ostriches feed.
Free admission.
Kadriye market
The village of Kadriye, adjacent to Belek, is famous for its market, where you can buy the best souvenirs, fruits, oriental sweets and delicacies that are pleasant to bring as a souvenir of your vacation. The Kadriye market is a real oriental bazaar. The main condition for a successful purchase here is the ability to bargain. Walking along the colorful shopping arcade, do not rush to immediately shell out money for the product you like. Sellers will certainly give in and sell the vending trinket much cheaper if you politely and persistently knock down the price.
