Belek is a moderately small municipal region in the district of Serik, which is also the fifth-largest city of Antalya, located within Antalya Province in
Turkey. It is a beautiful city located along the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, operating today as a vibrant tourism destination. Home to numerous high-end hotels and accommodation facilities, Belek has gradually developed into Turkey's hot spot for tourists from all walks of life.
Belek is renowned for its sprawling white sandy beaches crowned with magical turquoise blue waters. Along its beaches, there are numerous five-star and four-star hotels, as well as multiple entertainment spots for visitors. Belek also prides itself on its numerous thermal spas and natural mineral water springs.
Owing to its tourist-oriented nature, Belek is slowly developing into a vibrant golf center. It is home to numerous golf courses, set amid natural parks and beautifully-manicured fields. Its location was vital in the 2012 and 2013 Turkish Airlines World Golf Final and the Turkish Airlines Open games, respectively.
Some of the main tourist attraction spots around Belek include the scenic Kursunlu Waterfall, where the public takes to view over one hundred bird species that are a signature to the area. Behind the waterfall lies a magnificent cave, somewhat hidden, where visitors throng to in the search for spectacular views.
The iconic Aspendos Amphitheatre, an ancient structure that dates back to two thousand years ago, remains to stand and one of the most famous archaeological spots in the city. Nearby, the great ancient city of Perge remains a well-preserved archaeological spot in Belek, too.
Belek enjoys a warm temperate climate, which is classified as Csa under the Köppen climatic classification. The weather is generally characterized by mild but rainy winters and hot, moderately dry summers. Spring is a pleasant time in the city as the beauty of the blossoms is experienced all over, resulting in sweet scents and fresh air in the fields. Autumn is one of the best times in the city as the fall foliage falls over the entire area leaving the town in a stunning golden-brown illumination. Photography, picnicking, and sight-seeing are significant activities in these seasons. Both spring and autumn are short and mostly act as transitional seasons.
Summer remains warm to hot on most days, with highs of 32.3°C (90.1°F) on average, amid ample sunshine. Averagely, summer receives not more than 7mm (0.3") of rainfall.
Winter is mild and pleasant but receives the majority of the year's rainfall, up to 188mm (7.4") in
January, the rainiest month of the year. The temperature remains in the highs of 15.5°C (59.9°F), and the days receive up to four and a half sunshine hours.
Belek is lovely to visit at any time during the year. The peak of the travel season is during summer, specifically between
July and
August. This period has the warmest, sunniest, and driest days to allow for as much as possible outdoor fun and numerous water activities and sports. This is a modern beach time in Belek, and it is also the most popular golf period, attracting players and spectators from across the world. Accommodation spots around Belek tend to be somewhat crowded and fully-booked in the weeks before and after this period.
Between August and
September, Belek holds the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. There are notable performances from significant companies, orchestras from renowned artists, and colorful costume parties and feasting throughout the festival.