In this article, we will not go into detail about how good beach Turkey is and why millions of our compatriots return here every year. In short, they are going for the sea, the sun, rags and their favorite “All inclusive” food system. And you don't need a visa. Why isn't it a vacation paradise for you?
Majority Russian tourists choose the Mediterranean coast of Turkey for their holidays. This is where the largest tourist centers countries - Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya, with hundreds of different resort complexes and associated tourism infrastructure.
In general, in this article we will try to figure out what is better - Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side or Alanya?
Antalya
or Antalya- a large and rapidly developing city, with a developed network of modern hotels, many restaurants and coffee shops, all kinds of entertainment centers and nightclubs, with water parks and countless shops. But this is still more of a city resort than a beach resort, since most of the hotels here are of urban type. That’s why you won’t find much picturesque nature in Antalya; after all, this is an urban area.
Antalya is divided into several tourist areas. Guests of hotels located in the Konyaalti area enjoy municipal beaches with large pebbles.
Tourists staying in hotels located in the central rocky part of the city use the platform beaches. And guests of full-fledged resort complexes in the new areas of Lara and Kundu have their own sandy beaches.
Kemer
- a large resort area located approximately 40 kilometers south of Antalya. There's a rich one here night life and very beautiful nature - dense vegetation and coniferous forests are adjacent to picturesque mountains, and the rocky coastline with numerous pebble beaches along which is built a large number of variety of hotels(from modest and inexpensive to fashionable). One of the advantages of Kemer is its pebble beaches and clean, transparent sea. And for those who are sensitive to rocks and pebbles, almost all hotels have their own piers from which you can dive. Some hotels also have their own sand beaches, but the entrance to the sea is still pebbles.
The Kemer resort area consists of the city of Kemer and several surrounding areas - Beldibi, Goynuk, Kiris, Camyuva and Tekirova.
Belek
- a prestigious resort area located approximately 37 kilometers east of Antalya. There is almost no nightlife here, and if there is, it is usually only on the territory of resort complexes. Prices for hotel accommodation here are slightly higher than in Antalya, since their level is also higher (mostly only good and luxurious “fives”).
It is also worth noting that Belek is one of the most famous golf centers in Turkey. There are many golf courses and hotels specializing in such tourists.
There is no picturesque nature or mountains here, the vegetation is mostly “hotel”, but to give credit to some resort complexes, the territories resemble parks, in general they are beautiful. The beaches in Belek are sandy, which is why cloudy water in the afternoon is not uncommon here.
Most often, holidays in Belek are chosen by connoisseurs of good service, families with children and couples.
Side
- small resort town on the coast Mediterranean Sea, located 75 km east of Antalya. It is also a “museum under open air", the main archaeological zone of the region. There are hotels in Side to suit every taste and budget: from multi-storey five-star resort complexes to modest aparthotels, but all of them are mostly “simpler” than in Belek.
In addition to the very center of Side, to its resort area There are several adjacent areas that have become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years - Colakly, Kumkoy, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagach and Kizilot.
The beaches in Side are sandy, which is why cloudy water in the afternoon is not uncommon here. It’s difficult to call the local nature particularly picturesque; dense vegetation is found mainly only in hotel areas.
Alanya
or Alanya- is located almost 140 kilometers east of Antalya and is the most separated resort area from it. The coastal strip of the resort is very open and, apart from the vegetation with palm trees in the hotel areas, there is generally little greenery in Alanya.
The resort area of Alanya includes the areas of Incekum, Konakli, Avsallar, Okurcalar and Mahmutlar, and is generally designed for poor tourists. There are a lot of young people here and a rich nightlife.
The areas of most hotels in Alanya are small, many of them are located across the road from the beach. The beaches are mostly sandy, gently sloping, narrow, with yellow sand, and are very convenient for families with children.
Summarize
It turns out that for everyone Mediterranean resorts Turkey can be a wonderful place to relax, and to the question “what is better: Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side or Alanya?” You'll have to answer it yourself. After all, the choice, first of all, depends on your personal preferences and expectations.
Important note! Alanya resort has its own international Airport Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (code: GZP). However, this airport is very small and there are very few flights here. According to statistics, only 1 out of 5 Russian tourists fly to Alanya on vacation through this airport, and 4 out of 5 fly to Alanya through Antalya Airport (code: AYT).
Therefore, in our table we show the travel time to Alanya from Antalya Airport. Mentally prepare for a long drive to the hotel. Or purposefully choose a tour with a flight to Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (code: GZP).
* - time indicated from Antalya Airport
Comments on the table are unnecessary, as everything is obvious.
Range of entertainment
Antalya has the most entertainment, and this is logical. After all, Antalya is not only a resort, but also the capital of a province and a city with a population of over a million. Local residents also want to have fun. Antalya has a water park and a dolphinarium, a large oceanarium, and a sand sculpture park. Well-deserved 5 points out of 5 possible.
There is only one entertainment facility in Belek, but what a one! One of the largest amusement parks in Turkey “Land of Legends”. There's a water park with dozens of water slides, an amusement park, a large shopping gallery, more than a dozen bars and restaurants, and even has its own circus tent. We give Belek a 4 only because there is only one park.
In Kemer there is a DolusuPark water park, you can climb Mount Tahtali or see Mount Chimera. Solid 3 points.
Alanya has several local water parks, you can see the Dalmatash Cave and the Sipadere Canyon. The assortment is weak, so 2 points.
There are no large water parks in Side. For entertainment, you can go to the Manavgat waterfalls. Therefore, only 1 point out of 5 possible.
On the other hand, going to a good water park at another resort is not a problem now. You just need to buy the appropriate excursion from the guide at the hotel. Prices are quite affordable - usually $30-40 per person.
Cultural program
There are few cultural attractions in Antalya. You can only see Old city and the ancient Hadrian's Gate. The situation is saved by the Antalya Museum, which contains interesting archaeological finds from all over the province. Therefore, 2 points out of 5 possible.
Belek does not have its own cultural attractions, except for the Park of Religions. However, there are excavations very close ancient city Perge (30 kilometers) and the ancient city of Aspendos (20 kilometers). It is convenient to get there by taxi. 4 points.
In Kemer there are small and moderately interesting excavations of the cities of Phaselis and Olympus. Therefore 2 points.
In Alanya, lovers of antiquity have something to see. This was once the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate. You can see the Kyzyl Kule Tower, the medieval fortified shipyard, Alanya Castle and Archaeological Museum. 5 out of 5 possible.
The cultural program in Side is also rich. The Temple of Apollo has been partially preserved here, it is very interesting to see the local amphitheater, and there is a magnificent museum in the building of the ancient baths. 5 out of 5 possible.
Four times. After the first trip, I realized that I would definitely return - and maybe more than once. There was something in those parts that upon returning home did not leave, but settled in the soul, encouraging you to smile at yourself and those around you.
The longer you live, the more convinced you become: fishing in the Caribbean, rafting along the Orinoco, sunsets over Bali - this is for pioneers. And really, is it worth jumping in search of new experiences far away, when right next door, less than three hours’ flight from Moscow, is a very cozy country - Turkey. It’s amazing how so much can fit in Turkey alone! Everything is here - sea beaches And ski resorts, ruins of Troy and Hagia Sophia, thermal springs and apple tea, countless parabolic plates and local “Fiats” with guttural names “Dojan” and “Kartal”.
Side - most popular place in Mediterranean Turkey. Side means "pomegranate". This quiet, cozy town in the past was a fabulously rich and warlike fortress-port, where pirate ships and ships with slaves intended for sale called. Only the ruins of Perge and the Aspendos Amphitheater remind us of those times. And modern travelers enjoy admiring the mountains, the healing Kurshunlu waterfall, languish on the beaches and certainly visit the Bazar-54 shopping center. Tired of the sun and caressed by the sea, they enjoy the coolness of the echoing vaults of the museum, located in the baths of Roman times.
Recommended:
, - large, excellent, maybe even the best club hotels with a huge green area where small animals can be found. Here everyone will find a holiday to their liking. They attract tourists with the presence of water parks. Aimed at both athletic people and full-fledged family holiday. Availability gorgeous beaches only adds to their attractiveness.
Pleasant 4* hotels with beautiful, well-kept grounds and clean, comfortable rooms. Excellent value for money. Not bad animation. Designed mainly for youth audiences.
The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is a precious necklace, the beads of which are dozens of patriarchal resort towns. Various in architecture and ancient history cities have turned into comfortable holiday destinations - with modern hotels and high-quality service. Eurasian Turkey knows a lot about relaxation and knows how to live with taste, receiving with truly oriental hospitality, serving its own welcome guests according to European standards.
And long after exotic holiday on the Turkish Mediterranean you feel the spicy aftertaste of a sunny celebration of life... And you want, oh, how you want to return again to where you again suddenly, with truly Janissary audacity, feel like the ruler of life!
Who have long appreciated its golden beaches, the clearest sea, rich excursion programs, and the famous all-inclusive system. Therefore, when asking a question such as, which is better, or, potential travelers are trying to find out only the nuances of a holiday in one or another Turkish resort.
Two more points need to be taken into account, the first is that these resorts are located in close proximity to each other, if you wish, you can relax in one and regularly visit the neighboring one. The second point is the age difference - Belek, as a resort, began to develop only in the 1990s, and Side, founded by the ancient Greeks, has long been on the list of popular Turkish resorts.
Belek or Side – who has better beaches?
Belek resort will delight lovers of sandy beaches - its golden sandy coastline stretches for more than 20 kilometers. The beaches are distinguished by the absence of elevation changes and gentle slopes into the water. In the surrounding area, this particular resort is ready to offer ideal cleanliness, marked by UNESCO specialists with Blue Flags. Many mothers vacationing with their babies will appreciate not only the “sterility” of the sand and the gradual transition to depth, but also the eucalyptus and pine forests that grow almost on the very shore.
Side resort has two beaches, which is interesting, they are radically different from each other. The western one is more popular because it is considered safe, has a flat bottom and a gentle slope. During the high season, both territories are filled with tourists; the guest who dreams of at least relative solitude can be advised to find the third, turtle beach. There are an order of magnitude fewer vacationers there, and exotic hosts (turtles) sometimes come out to meet each other.
Hotel fund
Belek is a resort for wealthy tourists who like to relax at the highest level. Majority local hotels– owners of 4–5* on the facades, each of them has a huge adjacent territory, perfectly organized, convenient for recreation and entertainment, including such rare ones as golf or horse riding. The second important point is that luxury hotel complexes are located on the first coastline. More modest 3* hotels were built on the second and third, but the cost of living in them is much lower.
Side has a rich hotel stock, there are large complexes and small hotels with 3 to 5* ratings on their facades. Other accommodation options at this resort are also popular, in particular, many guests stay in apart-hotels, which are much cheaper than their fashionable counterparts.
Entertainment and attractions
Belek is known as a resort with expensive entertainment, such as golf, and popular trips to local shops and the market, where the attention of tourists is primarily attracted by gold and silver, men's and women's jewelry with precious stones. There are no historical sights in the city itself, but they can be found in its surroundings, for example, the ruins of ancient policies, Aspedos and Perge. Among the natural monuments, the Koprulu Canyon stands out, national park, which guests will remember for its stunning landscapes, cypress groves and eucalyptus forests.
Side was founded by the ancient Greeks, some of the ancient buildings have survived to this day. Therefore, a holiday in this city is recommended for those travelers who adore history and are ready to spend days on excursions to monuments and historical sites. Popular attractions include the following:
- archaeological complex with the remains of temples, baths, columns;
- the ruins of a colossal theater, used as a place for gladiator battles and as religious building;
- Temple of Dionysus, built by the ancient Romans.
But not only the ancients architectural masterpieces Side attracts, this city has a lot of modern entertainment, designed primarily for young and young audiences. There are discos and dance halls where you can have fun until the early hours, and restaurants where skilled chefs will cook trout, which is a local specialty, almost in front of the client’s eyes.
A comparison of two Turkish resorts confirmed that even the Almighty cannot determine a clear leader. Therefore, focusing on the slight differences between them, those tourists who:
- want to relax luxuriously;
- love wide sandy beaches;
- not interested in historical excursions;
- love nature and beautiful places.
Beautiful Side will be chosen by travelers who:
- would like to be able to choose where to live;
- plan to spend a lot of time on excursions;
- love dancing and delicious seafood cuisine.
Turkey is currently one of those countries where tourism is developing best.
This is due not only to the excellent climate and historical sites, but also to the availability of appropriate infrastructure.
In the article we will look at popular resorts like Belek and Side and compare which is better and where.
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Popular resorts in this state Belek and Side are considered. They differ from each other to some extent, so travelers need to compare all the factors that are important to them before setting off.
Belek- This popular resort Turkey, which can please holidaymakers beautiful clean sandy beaches
. The coastline of the settlement is more than 20 kilometers.
The main differences between Belek and many others tourist places consists in the absence of elevation changes and the presence of gentle slopes into the water.
The resort is located near Antalya, making it very convenient to get to. The beaches of Belek are awarded for their perfect cleanliness Blue flags of UNESCO.
That is why tourists love this resort very much, which is facilitated by the presence pine forests right next to the water.
Side is fundamentally different from Belek. There are two beaches in this locality, the more western of which attracts tourists more.
This is due comfortable conditions and gentle descent into the water. But at the same time, during the High season, both places are filled with vacationers.
That is why, if a person wants privacy, local residents may suggest that they go to turtle beach. There are much fewer travelers on it, but at the same time they can be visited by exotic hosts emerging from the sea.
Distance between cities
The Mediterranean Turkish resorts of Side and Belek are actually not very far from each other. The distance between them is highway amounts to only 46 kilometers.
Stop public transport You can do it anywhere in the city, not just at the bus station.
Flights are quite frequent - once every half hour or hour a bus always leaves from one resort to another. The trip in the end will take no more than 30-40 minutes.
In order to choose the most correct place to spend your summer holiday - Side or Belek (which is better), you need to compare several of the most important factors of a particular resort.
Among them, experts highlight prices, hotel stock, availability of attractions, condition of beaches, weather conditions, features of the sea and possible ways of entertainment.
We offer you several more recreation options: , .
Prices
Average prices in Belek and Side approximately the same. But it is worth noting that the first resort is intended for a more sophisticated and high-end vacation.
That is why you can find some services here that most tourists cannot afford. In Side, a similar situation occurs somewhat less frequently, since the city is primarily designed for the typical vacationer who has average financial income.
Belek is a resort that is intended primarily for wealthy tourists who love luxury hotels. That is why most hotels in this locality have 4 or 5 stars. This is reflected both in the living conditions and in the features of guest service.
Most of the expensive and most comfortable hotel complexes in Belek are located on the first coastline - directly near the coast or on it. More modest three-star apartments are located on the second or third coastline.
Side also has a very significant hotel stock, consisting of hotels with 3, 4 and 5 stars. In parallel with this, any tourist can choose cheaper options - apart-hotels.
Attractions
As for the attractions in Belek and Side, it is worth noting that the first resort is not rich in historical monuments - they are absent there. But at the same time, in the surrounding area tourists can visit the ruins of ancient cities- Aspedos and Perge.
In addition, there is a beautiful national park called Koprulu Canyon. It is characterized by beautiful landscapes, wonderful cypress groves and dense eucalyptus forests.
In Side, over the long history of its existence Many architectural objects have been preserved, such as:
- archaeological complex, in which there are remains of baths, temples and columns of Ancient Greece;
- theater ruins, where gladiator battles were held;
- Temple of Dionysus, built by the ancient Romans.
Thus, if visiting historical cultural sites plays a certain important role, it is better to choose Side rather than Belek.
Belek has one single rather long sandy beach. He was awarded Blue Flag UNESCO, which is why it enjoys significant popularity. Its distinctive feature is the absence of steep descents and ascents.
As for Side, at this resort there are three different beaches. They all have their own distinctive features.
A tourist can choose a fairly popular sandy beach with no elevation changes, a less popular coastline characterized by uneven terrain, and a remote area where turtles emerge from the sea to bask.
For comparison, find out about other beaches in Turkey:,.
Weather
The weather in Belek and Side is approximately the same. Four months a year at these resorts the average temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. This applies to June, July, August and September. In April, May, October and November, temperatures rise above 20 degrees.
In July and August, the precipitation level at the resorts does not exceed 2 millimeters. From April to July and in September this figure is also insignificant - only 20 millimeters.
Weather conditions are the main indicator for tourists who decide to relax in Turkey. Check out the climate in different regions and in different time years: , in , .
Sea
Both in Belek and Side, the descent into the water is very gentle. At the same time, at the first resort, due to the muddier gray sand, the sea seems a little polluted.
As for the water temperature, from May to November it ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Due to the fact that Belek is designed primarily for those tourists who like to relax on high level, this resort is full of appropriate types of entertainment. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:
- golf;
- historical sites;
- nature monuments;
- discos;
- a large number of shops, etc.
As for Side, the list of possible entertainment is approximately the same. But at the same time, the number of cultural attractions in this resort is smaller. Any tourist in the city can buy souvenirs, jewelry, etc.
Determine where it really is better rest It’s impossible to go to Belek or Side. This is due to the fact that some vacationers may like the first resort, while others may like the other. Such a situation is influenced by a lot of different factors, the main one of which is a person’s subjective perception of certain conditions.
For the average tourist in both Belek and Side it will be very interesting.
As for travelers who are interested in spending their time culturally in nature reserves and museums, they need to choose a second resort. Those who like holidays at a higher level should choose Belek.
To make it easier for you to choose which resort to go on vacation, look at the photo below. 
Conclusion
How Belek is a wonderful Mediterranean Turkish resort, so does Side. Each of them has its own characteristics, which may appeal to some tourists and be completely indifferent to others.
That is why today choose a leader between the data settlements impossible. You should set certain priorities before your trip, and then compare which resort best suits them. Only this approach to choice can help in determining the most optimal place to relax.
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