Belek: a natural paradise
With a prime location on the sunny southern coast, Belek is a winning choice with or without your clubs in tow.
A key destination for golf tourism, hosting events including the G20 Leader Summit and the Antalya Open, it houses 15 different golf courses created by world-renowned designers, many sitting within the scenic grounds of luxury hotels packed with incredible facilities from private beaches to on-site spas and water parks.
Also known as “the Paradise on Earth”, due to its wonderful climate (with an average temperature of 24°C and almost year-round sunny days), Belek is the perfect choice for a golf-break.
Yet this is also a location with myriad appeals, from beautiful sandy shores, to picturesque landscapes fascinating historic sites to enjoy.
The Belek coastline features breathtaking beaches, beautiful coves and pine-clad hills that call out to be explored. For a peaceful trip with friends or family, be sure to visit the Kurşunlu Waterfall, a lush natural paradise within a 2km canyon just half an hour’s drive from the town centre.
Or for a more adventurous excursion, enjoy everything from hiking trails to river rafting in the breathtaking surrounds of Köprülü Canyon National Park.
While beyond the beautiful natural wonders the ancient historic sites around this region are another must-see, from the port at Patara to the theatre at Aspendos, and the city at Perge – all beautifully preserved and offering a portal to a bygone existence.
İzmir: for golfers and gourmets
Despite the game’s sedate appearance, golf can be thirsty work. In the İzmir Province, you can reward yourself after a hard round with some of the best up-and-coming wines in the country, available at the various independent vineyards along the Urla Bağ Yolu – or Urla Wine Route.
There are seven vineyards officially on the route, many of which you can eat at, all serving excellent wines in a friendly setting. If fine dining is a high priority, explore the top quality restaurants of Alaçatı.
Here you can sample local delicacies include küşneme (a delicious lamb dish), muska börek (a pastry stuffed with cheese, meat or spinach) and kumru, a special special sesame topped sandwich with sucuk sausage, tomatoes and tulum cheese.
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