Belek Holidays

Belek is a relatively new kid on the block. About 30 years ago, this small spot on the Turkish Riviera got the builders in, and now what you’ve got is a custom-made resort chock-full of luxury hotels, traditional eateries and golf courses.

The ace up Belek’s sleeve is its super-sized Blue Flag beach. This stretch is a real crowd-pleaser, with an impressive 16 kilometres of sand and shingle to go round. And the place comes with all sorts of extras, too, like showers and changing rooms.

Belek is like one enormous links course – it’s where golfers can tee off while they tan. From the resort itself and spreading out into the Antalya region, the place is packed with courses designed by the likes of Nick Faldo. And when it’s game over, you can retire to one of the smart clubhouses for lunch.

It’s not all sun, sand and sport, though. Within daytripping, distance you’ve got the ancient city of Perge – the old stomping ground of Antony and Cleopatra – and pretty Side, with its must-see Roman baths and Temple of Apollo. Also close by is Antalya town, where you get spice-filled bazaars and old Ottoman architecture.