About Turkey
Belek
Situated 30 kilometers away from the Antalya province and
midway between Antalya and Side, Belek makes a quaint holiday destination. The
ancient and the modern co-exist here to give Belek a unique flavor. A blend of
historical sites, sun kissed beaches and world-class golf courses together with
a salubrious climate make Belek attractive to the young and the old alike. Added
to this is a wide range of luxury hotels to make the stay exciting and
comfortable. Furthermore, a host of friendly Turkish people makes Belek
undoubtedly warm and charming.
Belek has been developed as a holiday destination for tourists of varied
interests. With its natural beauty of the sea and the mountains, its carefully
planned golf courses and its rich history, it has something for everybody. So
pack your bags and head for this exotic place where the past and the present
have amalgamated to give you a dream holiday.
Belek enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with sunshine almost throughout the year. A light woolen may be required in the winter evenings when it gets cooler.
History of Belek
The history of Belek dates back to 4th Century B.C. Over the ages, it has come under Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine as well as Seljuk influence, which has impacted the sculptural and architectural dimensions of the place. When King Attalos II handed the territory over to the Romans in 133BC, the Roman influence became predominant and found expression in the architecture of large buildings, stadium, gymnasium, turrets, mosques and many theatres that were built during this period.
Main Attractions in Belek
If you are a globetrotter with a thirst for history and
archeology, the Aspendos Theatre would perhaps be the chief attraction in Belek.
Built by the architect Zenon in the 2nd Century, it is the best-preserved
ancient theatre till date. With a seating capacity of 20000 it remains a fine
example of skills in engineering and architecture that existed even then. The
galleries, stage decorations and acoustics make it an architectural marvel worth
visiting. So well preserved that even today concerts and recitals are held at
the Aspendos Theatre during the summer months.
While in Belek you can also visit the City Walls and the Hadrian Gate, which are
historical remnants of the rich Roman style. The Antalya museum is a famous
archeological museum, which should also be of interest to every visitor. Apart
from this, there are the numerous mosques and minarets dotting Antalya, some
belonging to the Byzantine era and others having been built by the Seljuks.
One of the main attractions of Belek is its six superb golf courses. Belek has
been particularly developed as an attractive golfing holiday destination. It is
one of Turkey`s premier golf centers with a world-class 18-hole golf course
where both the novice and the expert can hone their skills. The golf clubs are
paired into two groups within ten minutes driving distance of each other. Most
of the hotels and golfing resorts are located in between adding to the tourists`
convenience.
Besides golfing, Belek also provides you the opportunity for a wide range of
adventure sports like wind surfing, water skiing, sailing, rafting, mountain
climbing, and hunting. So if you are a sports enthusiast Belek is just the place
for you in Turkey.
If you have a lazy relaxed vacation in mind then head for the seemingly endless
white beaches in Belek. The numerous beach resorts with its view of the pine
forests in the background, the river flowing into the fields from the Taurus
Mountains is balm for the weary mind and body. The water is calm, so children
can play safely while you spend the day sunbathing or swimming.
One main advantage of a visit to Belek is that it is ideally located to make
short trips to other places of interest in Antalya while staying here.
From Belek, one can visit Perge, which is 18 kilometers from Antalya. St. Paul
is said to have preached some of his first sermons here. Once again the
architecture, gymnasium, the public baths form the main attraction. You may also
sample some typical Turkish cuisine and enjoy an open-air disco in the evening.
The Koprulu National Park is a day`s trip from Belek. The breathtaking scenic
beauty on the winding mountain route takes you by surprise at every turn. Some
other places worth visiting are the Manavgat Falls where milky white foaming
water rushes over the rocks, and Burdur, the Roman city of Termossa that was
founded by Alexander high up in the mountains.
Antalya
The Antalya region of Turkey could well be the most deserving choice for your
summer vacation travel plans. Treat yourself with a vacation in the lands of
unparalleled beauty, historical charm and cultural richness.
Antalya offers you a typically Mediterranean flavor in its climate, landscape
and over all atmosphere. You can experience the best of both Mediterranean
beauty and Turkish diversity in your vacation to Antalya. The place is justly
called the Turkish Riviera due to its natural and archeological wealth.
Antalya is a comprehensive tourist destination. With its versatile attractions
it can surely be a memorable summer travel option. It is well connected to the
rest of Turkey and can be reached by sea via ferryboat services. Antalya also
has an international airport with flights to several major cities.
History of Antalya History of Antalya
The Antalya region has been a cause of attraction to different civilizations
from the ancient past. It has been famed as the "Heaven on earth" from as long
back as the 1st century BC. This naturally elegant place was only bettered by
consecutive arrivals of different races. The natural wealth of Antalya was
augmented by rich cultural and historical attributes. It covered Pamphylia or "the
land of all tribes".
The multifaceted history of Antalya begins with the advent of the Pergamum King
Attalus, who reached the place in search of an earthly paradise. The Romans who
lent their own touch to the city followed him. The Byzantines, Seljuk Turks and
Ottomans all flourished in this ancient city and enriched it.
Main Attractions in Antalya
The biggest attraction of Antalya is its exquisite natural beauty. Antalya
gives you the best of Mediterranean climate with long summers, pleasant winters
and lots of sunshine. So enjoy your summer travel to the fullest at this perfect
holiday destination. The natural elegance of Antalya is well complemented by its
plenteous historic past.
The City Walls and the Hadrian Gate are historical remnants of the rich Roman
style. These structures are hot favorites of tourists. Kaleici is the heart of
Antalya and has been the nerve centre of the city from its historic past.
Consequently, it`s a showcase of its vibrant archeological wealth. The spot has
also been restored recently to fit in modern hotels, malls, restaurants and
entertainment joints. The renovations bagged the biggest prize in tourism. So
why not spend that vacation in the best destination.
The Antalya Museum is one of the most renowned archeological museums of the
world. Other spots of interest are the Kesik Minaret of the Byzantine era, the
Yivli Minaret of the Seljuks, the Karatay Medresesi, Hidirilk Tower, Ahi Yusuf
Mescidi, Iskele Mosque, Murat Pasa Mosque, Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque and Balibey
Mosque. There are many Hans or inns in the typical Seljuk and Ottoman fashion.
Antalya also forms a pivotal junction for your travel to other spots of interest
in Turkey. The popular options are the historically rich locations of Termessos,
Perge, Sillyon, Aspendos, Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
