Car & Van Hire - Belek

Belek is a laid-back resort town. During daylight hours, it truly lives up to its serene reputation, but after the sun sets, the Turkish Riviera transforms into a lively, brightly-lit marvel. Locals and tourists in-the-know spend their evenings in upmarket pubs where live bands share their magic. Dali and Kerven Pubs are both known for their exceptional talent. You needn’t limit yourself to one location, though. Most of the township bistros are clustered to the west of Cornelia De Luxe Resort, so put on your walking shoes and follow the sound of guitars.

During the daylight hours, Gloria Golf Club absorbs much of the local tourism. As Turkey’s sole 45-hole golf club, it gives you a chance to experience international golfing standards to the sounds of crashing waves. There’s even a waterpark in the resort, so you can safely enjoy a day of sporting without getting waylaid by parenting duties.

The Land of Legends Theme Park is another hot spot for younger adrenaline junkies. This legendary destination has a 5D cinema and a 115 km/h rollercoaster for the brave. If water slides aren’t your idea of a fun time, reserve an umbrella and enjoy the sun while your littlest family members enjoy the rides.

The theme park is a short walk from the coast. Belek’s public beach has earned blue-flag status and offers 200 metres of unspoiled coastline. If it’s wide sands that you’re seeking, Bogazkent Beach is a luxurious option that’s lined by a rustic village.

Aspendos Theatre is a treasured destination among history buffs who love nothing more than roaming around archaeological sites. This Roman ruin has been partially restored from quarries in the region. Enjoy it the way its architects intended by attending an opera or ballet performance. Don’t forget to explore the basilica’s remains while you’re in the area. You’ll even see sections of a Roman aqueduct along the way.

When you’re not roaming the ruins or para-sailing over the ocean, you’ll want to spend some time absorbing Belek from above. The cable car serves up impressive vistas on its way to Duden Park’s waterfalls. They can also be reached by boat if you have half a day to spare for the journey. You’ll get to swim in indigo waters along Turkey’s breathtaking cliffs. If you prefer a land-based journey, consider a guided Jeep safari tour through the Taurus Mountains. You’ll learn about rural lifestyles one dusty village at a time.

The Belek region is bordered by the Montgomerie Golf Club in the south and the Aksucay River in the west. You can cross the water at Kopru Basi Cd. You’ll need to enter the region at its western border, but if you prefer a scenic route, you can divert into the Ataturk CD, which will take you through the centre of the township. Turizm Cd covers the southern border via the Kopru Basi ring road.

The golf course separates the township from its coastal regions, but the Turizm Cd provides an easy route from the west. The neighbourhood roads are haphazard in places, so be sure to rent a GPS if you’re travelling independently with a van rental in Belek.

Locals spend an average of half an hour travelling to and from work. While public transport infrastructure is reasonably good, bus routes are time-consuming. This mode of travel will knock a full 30 minutes out of your day, so a Car rental in Belek is the fastest option.

Belek’s crime levels are low, so you needn’t use covered parking lots. There are several commercial lots throughout the district. Belediye Otoparki is its highest-rated option, with the Serik/Antalya lot following swiftly behind. The former is an open-air space on Vatan Cd on the northern border of the golf club. It’s perfectly situated halfway between town and the beach, so you can take a pleasant walk across the course on your way to the water.

Road conditions are world-class, but local drivers have a reputation for driving carelessly. You’ll adapt easily if you employ your defensive driving techniques and engage your patience. Don’t be tempted to adopt eccentric habits, though – the police perform regular road stops. Fortunately, traffic congestion is rare here, so you needn’t plan your trip around rush hour. Simply hop onto the road and enjoy the ride.

Drivers must be at least 17 years old, but you’ll need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle. Turkey accepts foreign driving licenses from certain countries during the first six months of your stay. You’ll need to carry an International Driving Permit if you’re a British tourist. It’s best to carry your motor insurance certificate and V5 registration document as well since roadblocks are common in tourist hotspots.