Why There Is So Much to See Around Belek
Belek sits approximately 40 kilometres east of Antalya city centre and is internationally famous as Europe's golf capital. Yet the region is far more than a destination for golfers. Within a one-hour drive of Belek you will find Roman amphitheatres that are still used for concerts, ancient cities that have stood for more than two thousand years, spectacular natural canyons, turquoise lagoons and some of the finest beaches on the Mediterranean coast.
The key to making the most of all these attractions is freedom of movement. Public transport links between Belek and most of the sites listed below are either infrequent or non-existent. Hiring a car from our fleet and setting your own daily itinerary is the single most effective way to experience everything this corner of Turkey has to offer. The 15 destinations below are listed with up-to-date 2026 visitor information to help you plan each outing.
1. Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Built in the 2nd century AD and considered one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, Aspendos sits just 15 kilometres from Belek — roughly a 20-minute drive. The theatre once held 15,000 spectators and its acoustics are legendary: a whisper on the stage can be heard clearly from the upper tiers.
Every summer, usually in June and July, Aspendos hosts an international opera and ballet festival that draws audiences from across Europe. For a visit without the crowds, arrive before 9 AM. The 2026 entry fee is approximately 700 TRY for foreign visitors. Bring water and a hat — the open site offers little shade at midday.
2. Side Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo
About 35 kilometres east of Belek, the peninsula town of Side is one of Turkey's most photogenic destinations. The Temple of Apollo — just two rows of standing columns overlooking the sea — is perhaps the most photographed monument in the entire Antalya region, especially at sunset when the stone glows pink against the Mediterranean horizon. Aim to arrive 30 to 40 minutes before sunset to secure a good position.
While you are in Side, the ancient theatre, the Side Museum and the atmospheric main bazaar street are all worth visiting. The museum houses Roman sculptures, mosaics and inscriptions in a beautifully converted bath complex. Entry is around 300 TRY in 2026.
3. Manavgat Waterfall
Directly beside Side on the Manavgat River, this waterfall is one of the region's most popular natural landmarks. It is not tall, but it is impressively wide and fast-flowing, and the sound of rushing water set against riverside greenery makes it genuinely refreshing on a hot summer day. Riverside restaurants serve fresh fish and local dishes; picnic areas are available free of charge.
The drive from Belek takes around 40 minutes. Arriving before 10 AM keeps the crowds manageable. Entry to the waterfall itself is free, though the car park charges a small fee.
4. Köprülü Canyon National Park
Turkey's most celebrated white-water rafting destination lies roughly 70 kilometres from Belek. The Köprüçay River carves through dramatic limestone cliffs, and the canyon's floor is dotted with Roman-era stone bridges — a remarkable combination of nature and history. Rafting tours run from April to October and cater to all skill levels, from gentle family floats to adrenaline-heavy rapids.
The final stretch of road into the canyon is steep and winding; an SUV or high-clearance vehicle makes the journey noticeably more comfortable. While you are in the area, the ancient city of Selge and the arched Oluk Bridge are both worth adding to the same day's itinerary.
5. Perge Ancient City
Inhabited since around 1000 BC, Perge is located about 17 kilometres east of Antalya city centre and 30 kilometres from Belek. The site features monumental Roman gates, a colonnaded main street, a well-preserved theatre and one of the largest Roman stadiums in the region, with a capacity of 12,000 spectators.
To avoid the worst of the heat, visit between 8 AM and 11 AM. The site has limited shade, so sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential. Entry is around 400 TRY in 2026.
6. Antalya Kaleiçi (Old Quarter)
A 45-minute drive west of Belek brings you to Kaleiçi, Antalya's ancient harbour district. Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture stand side by side in a labyrinth of narrow streets, flowering courtyards and beautifully restored timber mansions. Hadrian's Gate — built in 130 AD to welcome the Emperor Hadrian — is the district's most iconic landmark.
The best times to explore Kaleiçi are early morning, before the tour groups arrive, or early evening when the heat subsides and the restaurants light up. Boutique hotels, craft workshops and the atmospheric bazaar make it a destination you could easily spend an entire day in.
7. Antalya Museum
One of Turkey's largest and richest archaeological museums, the Antalya Museum is approximately 50 kilometres from Belek. It houses monumental sculptures, sarcophagi and mosaics brought from Perge, Aspendos and other nearby sites, as well as exceptional finds from the Lycian and Pamphylian regions. Allow a full day and consider joining a guided tour to get the most from the collection. Entry is around 500 TRY; the museum is closed on Mondays.
8. Düden Waterfalls
Antalya has two separate Düden waterfalls. Upper Düden lies 12 kilometres north of the city in a pleasant park with picnic areas and walking trails. Lower Düden is unique in that it tumbles directly over sea cliffs into the Mediterranean — it can be admired from the Lara coastline or from the water on a boat trip. Both are around 50 minutes from Belek. Upper Düden is especially beautiful in summer when the surrounding greenery is at its lushest.
9. Saklıkent Gorge
Near Fethiye, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Belek, Saklıkent is one of Turkey's longest and deepest canyons. Ice-cold mountain water rushes through the gorge year-round — even in August the temperature inside can be 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, making it a genuinely cool escape from coastal heat. Visitors walk along a wooden walkway at the entrance before wading through knee-deep water further inside. Water shoes or sandals are essential. Entry is around 200 TRY.
10. Alanya Castle and Inner Fortress
About 120 kilometres east of Belek, Alanya is dominated by a magnificent Seljuk castle perched on a rocky headland above the sea. The inner citadel commands panoramic views of the coast and surrounding mountains — one of the most dramatic vistas in the entire region. Plan two to three hours for a proper visit.
Alanya also offers Damlataş Cave, the famous Cleopatra Beach and the tranquil Dim River for swimming and boat trips. Leave early from Belek and you can comfortably combine the castle with a beach afternoon.
11. Göynük Canyon
Around 60 kilometres west of Belek near the resort town of Kemer, Göynük Canyon offers a superb half-day nature walk along a crystal-clear stream. Upper sections of the trail reveal sweeping views of the Taurus Mountains. Canoeing and swimming activities are available in calmer pools along the route. Entry is approximately 250 TRY; guided tours are available. Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry at least two litres of water.
12. Termessos Ancient City
Perched at 1,050 metres above sea level on a mountain 34 kilometres north of Antalya, Termessos is one of the most dramatically situated ancient cities in the world. Even Alexander the Great could not conquer it. The site lies within a national park; drive to the car park and then walk around 30 minutes uphill to reach the ruins. The view from the theatre — ancient stone seats looking out across layers of mountain ridges — is arguably the finest perspective from any ancient site in Turkey. Entry is around 400 TRY.
13. Olympos and Chimaera (Yanartaş)
About 90 kilometres west of Belek, Olympos combines an ancient ruined city with a legendary natural phenomenon. The Chimaera — a hillside vent where natural methane gas seeps through rock cracks and has been burning continuously for thousands of years — creates an otherworldly spectacle at night. The flames are visible in daylight but truly magical after dark. The walk up the hillside is short but steep; bring a torch and wear closed shoes. Olympos itself was associated with the fire-breathing Chimaera of Greek mythology.
14. Kaş and Kekova (Sunken City)
Around 180 kilometres west of Belek, Kaş is a boutique coastal town with a vibrant café and restaurant scene. A short boat trip from Kaş takes you to the island of Kekova, where the submerged ruins of a Lycian city lie just beneath the water's surface — visible through the clear turquoise water from a glass-bottomed boat or while snorkelling. This is a genuinely rare sight anywhere in the world. The winding coastal road to Kaş is spectacular but requires careful, unhurried driving; allow extra time and enjoy the scenery.
15. Belek Golf Courses and Resort Area
Belek holds more than 25 internationally certified golf courses — a concentration unmatched anywhere in Europe. Even if you do not play golf, the resort landscape of manicured fairways, pine forests and luxury hotel grounds is impressive. The area also boasts world-class spa facilities, a large waterpark, upscale shopping and fine dining. Everything that makes Belek one of Europe's premium resort destinations is within a few kilometres of your accommodation, easily reached with a short drive.
Distance and Drive-Time Reference Table
| Destination | Distance from Belek | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Aspendos | 15 km | 20 minutes |
| Side / Manavgat | 35 km | 40 minutes |
| Perge | 30 km | 35 minutes |
| Antalya Kaleiçi | 45 km | 50 minutes |
| Köprülü Canyon | 70 km | 80 minutes |
| Termessos | 80 km | 90 minutes |
| Alanya | 120 km | 100 minutes |
| Saklıkent Gorge | 160 km | 2.5 hours |
| Kaş / Kekova | 180 km | 2.5 hours |
| Ölüdeniz | 200 km | 3 hours |
All the destinations above are reachable in a single day — or you can combine two or three nearby sites into one comfortable outing. To reach all of them on your own schedule and without waiting for tour buses, browse our fleet and reserve your car today. For personalised route recommendations or any questions, contact us and our local team will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Land of Legends and Aspendos Ancient Theatre are the most visited.
Public beaches are free.
Approximately 40 km away.