Belek holidays

Beaches and golf aside, there's plenty of ancient history to explore on Belek holidays. This corner of Turkey has a wealth of ancient sites just a short drive from the resort. At Aspendos, some 11 miles inland from Belek, for example, you’ll an ancient amphitheatre dating back two millennia. It’s regarded as one of the best-preserved classical Roman theatres in the world.

While the theatre is accessible all year, the summer months are the best time to visit, when it hosts international opera and ballet festivals, as well as classical music concerts.

Low season runs from November through to March, when the mercury drops to the low teens and there's more chance of rain. Some of the hotels, bars and restaurants shut up shop for the season, but you’re most likely to find a cheap Belek deal.

It's not often you'll find a mosque, a church and a synagogue all in one spot, but Belek brings the three together beautifully at the Garden of Tolerance.

Unveiled in 2004, the religious centre reveals another side to the flashy resort-filled Belek. It symbolises the union of religion through love and tolerance and welcomes worshippers from all around the world.

Greek Temple of Apollo and Athena

Brush up on your ancient history by heading to Side, where it’s said Mark Antony first met Cleopatra by the Temple of Apollo and Athena. What’s left of the 1,800-year-old Roman temple is impressively intact and offers stunning views of Med. Head up at sunset for the best snaps.

While you wait for sundown, enjoy the town’s beach, pop in and out for cafes along the waterfront or barter for a bargain at the local shops. Side is less than an hour's drive along the coast from Belek.

Zeytintaşı Cave

Ancient Greek history not old enough for you? Go back further to the time of the dinosaurs at Zeytintaşı Cave. Located about 27km (17 miles) from Belek in the village of Akbaş, this natural cave system has been around since to the Jurassic-Cretaceous period.

A guided tour of the caves leads you past underground ponds and dozens of rare 'soda straw' rock formations (very fragile stalactites), which hang from the ceilings.

Kurşunlu Waterfall

The Antalya region is best known for its beach resorts, but head inland and you can adventure through stunning nature parks, pine forests and dramatic waterfalls.

A 35-minute drive from Belek, the Aksu River waterfall experience is a cool alternative to a day at the beach. Set in a mile-long canyon, you’ll pass small waterfalls and seven ponds on your way to the spectacular 18-metre-high Kurşunlu Waterfall.

Köprülü Canyon National Park

For even more adventure, try white-water rafting through Köprülü Canyon National Park, one of Turkey's premier rafting destinations.

An hour's drive inland from Belek, the dramatic canyon follows the winding route of the Köprülü River to take in geological formations, pass under Roman bridges and wander through pine and cedar forests.