I know my parents sometimes ran out of ideas about what to do to keep me and my brothers entertained while on holiday. Belek, however, offers endless outdoor activities that are guaranteed to keep the whole family occupied. It offers the perfect balance between sightseeing and activities, with its historical town centre and beautiful beaches, its bustling shopping centres and many open-air markets.
There’s loads for you to do! Discover Turkey’s many hidden gems and make long-lasting memories with these unmissable day trip and outing ideas.
Explore Around Town
It’s sometimes hard to visit cities with little kids, but budding young adults’ curious minds will love Belek’s city centre. If you stroll through town, you can step back in time and discover the wonders left behind by the Byzantine, Seljuks and Roman eras. There are numerous mosques and minarets to explore, as well as the monumental Aspendos Theatre, the City Walls and the Hadrian Gate. Belek is a real treasure trove of historical architecture.
Take Them to a Turkish Bath
Hamam on the Beach is located in Belek at BogazkentMah. Akdeniz Cad. 119-1.
Turkey is world-famous for its spas and relaxation therapy. If you really want the full Turkish experience, you can’t give Hamam on the Beach a miss. It’s a great wellness centre that overlooks the sea. I’d recommend the traditional hammam, which lets you travel back to the mysterious Sultans era and relax in an exotic atmosphere filled with aromatic scents. They do offer spa and massage treatments too, though, as well as saunas and steam baths.
Treatments start at just €29.
Visit the Manavgat Market & Waterfall
If you’re looking for a day trip idea, visiting the Manavgat Market and Waterfall is always a shout. If you head down to the Selale Falls on the Manavgat River, you can see the awe-inspiring waterfall known as ‘Little Falls’.
Insider Tip: The gushing waters and brilliant ensuing crashing of the waves makes for some terrific photographs, so don’t forget your camera!
You can then head towards Manavgat city centre which hosts a huge outdoor market twice a week. They sell typical Turkish commodities, like Ali Baba-style shoes and woodcarvings, as well as authentic food and local delicacies.
Another Insider Tip: There are some great budget clothes on sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain!
Order a Sizzling Shish Kebab
It wouldn’t be a trip to Turkey without a tasty traditional grilled kebab. Belek is home to an array of restaurants which serve the traditional delicacy. I know that teenagers are often ‘starving’, so look out for a place which sells the mixed grill. They’ll adore the various marinated meats, including suckling chicken wings and (my personal favourite) gorgeous lamb chops. The whole feast comes with a side salad and rice.
Insider Tip: For the ultimate Turkish culinary experience, end the meal with a Turkish tea -all the locals do it!
Go on a Shopping Spree in Antalya
Nothing beats a day out splurging! Antalya is a great little spot for shopaholics. Its city centre has some charming little boutiques where you can buy souvenirs. Best of all though, is the gold centre, where you can find jewellery and other accessories made of genuine precious metal.
How to Get to Belek
The easiest way to access Belek is via Antalya airport on Turkey’s south coast. A few airlines run direct services from London to Antalya, including Thomas Cook Airlines. This is the shortest route, taking only four hours. However, the choices are limited, so you might want to consider taking a one-stopover flight. Pegasus and Turkish airlines offer flights with a stopover in Istanbul. If you choose this option, make sure you’ve got food for your ever-hungry teens and electronic devices to keep them entertained.
After a long journey, you don’t want the hassle offinding a cab or using public transport. Make your transition to Belek swift and easy with Shuttle Direct. You can pre-book your transfer online and they’ll get you there in just two-and-a-half hours.
Where to Stay
Gloria Serenity Resort: Just 6 minutes away from the beach, Gloria Serenity Resort combines luxury with relaxation. All rooms have private balconies with garden and sea views, as well as a private hot tub. There is also satellite television and free Wi-Fi access (a must when you have teens), as well as a games room and sports centre. In the evening, you can share a lovely family meal at one of the 6 restaurants.
Gloria Verde Resort: This is a great resort for teens, with freshwater swimming pools and a beach with amazing marine life. All rooms feature a private balcony or terrace as well as internet access and satellite TV. You can even enjoy Turkish food at the Mythos restaurant.
Xanadu Resort Hotel: This resort features a private beach with sun loungers – perfect for lazy teens who just want to chill. The hotel is all-inclusive, offering open buffet style restaurants or à la carte dishes from across the globe. It also boasts 3 pools, 3 slides and an array of outdoor activities, including windsurfing, volleyball, jet ski, basketball, tennis and parasailing.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is Europe and North Africa’s leading airport service, offering fast and cost-effective transfers. Visit the user-friendly website to organise all your travel arrangements in advance. You’ll be met outside the terminal and taken straight to your destination by a helpful driver.
