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BELEK
Described as the new “Algarve”, with a wonderful year long climate, the up and coming golfing resort of Belek is just 30kms from the international airport at Antalya and has been developed to cater for the needs of golfers with all of the many courses, now in excess of 10, constructed between the Toros mountains and the sea. Utilizing the natural terrain with the mountain backdrop, the pine forests, and the sea, the courses have stunning holes to test the best, but are also suitable for handicap golfers of all abilities. Elegant club houses greet you on completion with staff to look after you and your clubs to complete your golfing experience. Famous players such as Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie have designed the latest of the courses to open, which are receiving rave reviews from the golfing press.
Belek and the next town of Kadriye are both adjacent to the miles of magnificent beaches of the warm Mediterannean sea, which are famous for the quality and variety of the water sports available. These beaches are also famous for the being the nesting place for the Carretta turtles which are part of an important environmental initiative to ensure that they are protected when they are crossing the sand on their way to the sea.
The area also has historic archeological ruins including the Roman theatre at Aspendos, which during the summer months hosts international music festivals for all tastes.
Although car hire will enable you to see more of the area it is not essential for those who don't as the regular Dolmus buses are inexpensive and regular.
Both Belek and Kadrye offer many bar and restaurant options to suit most tastes with both Turkish and International cuisine readily available at very reasonable prices.
SIDE
For larger parties who are happy to drive a little further to the golf, the resort of Side 25 klms from Belek offers the choice of both beach and golf, the magnificent villa being set in the hills above Side in the small village of Ilica. Side will also have its own golf course within the next 12 months.
Side is believed to have been settled around 7th century B.C. and is therefore famous for its historic archeological ruins from the Roman period which dominate the entrance to the town and others near to the harbour. This pretty harbour is now surrounded by superb restaurants and bars all in a safe pedestrianised area with shops galore to look or buy during an evening stroll. The long sandy beaches are some of the finest in this part of Turkey with paragliding, diving, jet-skis, and every other water sport available, whilst others will soak up the many hours of warm sun.
The village of Ilica is some 10 klms from Side and is set high on the hills with distant views of the sea and the villa is out of the village in open countryside in one of the many olive groves.