Belek is a great place to start exploring Turkey's amazing sites. It offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. Here’s a simple guide for the best day trips from Belek, aimed at your interests, whether you like old ruins, clean beaches, or lively local markets. Discover the hidden treasures and popular spots that make this area a must-see.
1. Demre, Myra, and Kekova
Take an exciting trip about 150 km away, which is roughly a 2.5-hour drive. This adventure offers lots of interesting historical and natural sights. Start in the small town of Demre, known for the Church of St. Nicholas. This place is important historically and religiously because it's linked to the story of Santa Claus. As you look around, you'll feel the history all around you.
Next, visit the ancient city of Myra, full of amazing old things to see. Myra is famous for its rock-cut tombs, showing ancient burial methods and beliefs. Also, the well-kept Roman theater shows the impressive building skills of the past and gives you a peek into how people entertained themselves and gathered for events. Myra was once a key city in the Lycian Federation, and its history is clear as you walk through its ruins.
End your trip with a beautiful boat ride to Kekova, a stunning place where history and nature meet. The sunken city of Kekova has old structures submerged in clear waters, making you think about time's passage. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the amazing turquoise bays, surrounded by the calm beauty of the Mediterranean.
Start your day early to ensure you have enough time to enjoy each place. Bring swimwear for the boat ride, as the water is perfect for a refreshing swim. Also, wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun while exploring outdoor sites. With good planning, this trip will not only teach you about history but also give you peaceful and wonderful moments.
2. Antalya Aquarium
The Antalya Aquarium is about 35 kilometers away, a 40-minute drive. It's one of the largest in the world and features a 131-meter-long tunnel for an exciting experience. Families and marine life fans will enjoy it. Apart from the aquarium, there are other attractions like Snow World for a snowy adventure, a Tropical Reptile House with exotic reptiles, and a Wild Park for more wildlife fun. This destination offers more than just sea creatures; it's a place for diverse attractions. After visiting, you can walk along Konyaaltı Beach nearby to enjoy the coast. Or, visit the Antalya Museum to learn about the region's history for an educational and fun trip.
3. Termessos
Termessos is about 75 km away, or a 1.5-hour drive, and is a fascinating place in the Taurus Mountains. It is one of Turkey's best-kept ancient cities, giving visitors a look into the past in a beautiful setting. The site is famous for its impressive theater with amazing views. Besides the theater, Termessos has old tombs and long city walls that tell stories from the past. Getting there is an adventure too, as it involves a tough hike, making the trip as rewarding as the visit. The mix of natural beauty, historical importance, and the fun of exploring makes Termessos a memorable place for history fans and nature lovers.
4. Perge and Side
Just 30 to 45 kilometers away, which is about a 30 to 45-minute drive, is the ancient city of Perge. This amazing place is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, letting visitors see the greatness of ancient times. In Perge, you'll find a large theater where many performances and gatherings took place, and a stadium that was the center of sports events. The streets lined with columns show Roman architecture and are great for exploring.
After enjoying Perge's history, head to the coastal town of Side. Here, you’ll see historical treasures like the grand Temple of Apollo, showing the town's ancient past. There’s also a big Roman theater that gives insight into the entertainment back then. Don't forget to walk along Side's beautiful harbor, where the sea breeze and views let you reflect on the rich history of this coastal spot.
5. Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi) and Düden Waterfalls
Just a 35 km trip, about a 40-minute drive from the city center, there is a lot to explore. One of the most charming places here is Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town. Walking through the narrow, stone streets takes you back in time, with ancient Roman ruins and well-kept Ottoman houses all around. The buildings share stories from the past, and the streets are filled with cute little shops and cozy cafes for you to enjoy a relaxing walk and the atmosphere.
Beyond the history in Kaleiçi, nature calls with the beautiful Düden Waterfalls. These falls are a short drive from the old town and are split into two parts: Upper and Lower Düden. The Upper Düden is a peaceful place where you can enjoy nature surrounded by green trees. The Lower Düden is more dramatic, with the waterfall dropping into the sea. For adventure lovers, a boat ride near the Lower Düden offers a special view and a memorable experience.
To learn more about the area's history, visit the Antalya Museum. This museum provides a detailed look at the region's history with many artifacts from different times. Together, these activities offer a perfect mix of culture and natural beauty, giving travelers a better understanding of the area's attractions.
6. Suluada (The Turkish Maldives)
Suluada is about 100 kilometers from where you start. It's a magical place with an unforgettable trip. First, there's a 1.5-hour drive to the coastal village of Adrasan, then a 30 to 45-minute boat ride on clear blue waters. Suluada is called the "Turkish Maldives" because of its clean white beaches and clear water. It’s perfect for a relaxing day and exploring nature. The boat trip usually stops at beautiful bays and hidden coves, great for swimming and snorkeling. Book the Suluada Island boat trip early, as they fill up fast, especially in the busy season. Don’t forget sunscreen, as there's limited shade on the island. Visiting Suluada is an amazing adventure, showing the beauty of nature.
7. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is around 530 kilometers from Antalya and is famous for its unique rock formations and rich history. Driving there takes 7-8 hours, so it's not usually a quick day trip, but you can go on a tour or take an early morning flight. Visitors love the fairy chimneys, cave homes, and hot air balloon rides. The Göreme Open-Air Museum is a major attraction with rock churches decorated with beautiful paintings. A sunrise hot air balloon ride offers stunning views of the landscape. While it might seem far for a day trip, there are tours with flights from Antalya, making it easy to visit. You could also stay overnight to fully enjoy the area's beauty and experiences.
8.Olympos and Chimera
About 100 kilometers away, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, there is a place full of history and natural beauty. Start by visiting the ancient ruins of Olympos, a city from the Lycian civilization, in a beautiful valley near the coast. The ruins of this old city show how culture and nature once came together. After learning about the history of Olympos, go to the nearby Chimera, a natural wonder with eternal flames that come out of the ground. These flames are caused by methane gas and have amazed visitors for centuries, even inspiring legends like the myth of the fire-breathing Chimera. This rare natural phenomenon is a must-see for anyone interested in the mix of myth and geology. Together, Olympos and Chimera offer a day of exploration that combines the charm of ancient history with the mystery of nature, providing an unforgettable experience.
The day trips from Belek, like those to Termessos and Olympos with Chimera, offer a great experience that mixes history, culture, and nature. Each place tells a story that takes visitors back to ancient times and shows off Turkey's beautiful landscapes. Whether you're hiking to see ancient ruins or watching the mysterious flames of Chimera, these trips help you connect more with the area's rich history. Focusing on adventure and discovery, these trips are ideal for anyone wanting to make lasting memories in a place where nature and history come together.