Almost every Russian knows that Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations to date. And there are many reasons for this. In short, tourists from Russia go to the resorts of Turkey for warm sea, hot sun, shopping and excellent high-quality service. And with all this, a visa is not needed.
Turkey is large and there are a lot of resorts here. Let's look at some of them in order to decide which is better.
How to save on a transfer?
Each of the resorts in Turkey (And how long will the flight take?) Regular or charter flights fly. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to fly to Antalya, depending on the flight. Tickets to the cabin of a business class aircraft will cost you a little more, but you will fly in comfort. Antalya has its own Airport, which will amaze you with its luxury. This is a really big, clean and modern airport that will surprise you with its European quality of service.
Kemer can be reached from it in 30 minutes by bus, to Alanya in 2 hours. And from Antalya to Side can be reached in 1 hour 15 minutes. In principle, the travel time is approximately the same, so this criterion for choosing a resort is quite subjective.
Fundamental differences between resorts
Antalya is a large and rapidly developing resort city with a highly developed network of hotels, a large number of bars and restaurants, various entertainment centers, discos and nightclubs. Also for children there are many water parks, attractions and other entertainment. Your child will be able to fully enjoy quality rest during the school holidays.
But Antalya is more of an urban resort than a beach resort, as most of the hotels and hotels here are of urban type. And if you are going on vacation with children and want to be surrounded picturesque forests, then it is best to choose another resort (for example, Kemer), since in Antalya you will not find a lot of greenery. I would also like to note that mainly pebble beaches. But if you rest in hotels that are located in the central part of the city, then beaches mainly prevail here - platforms where both adults and children will have a comfortable rest. Also, the new areas of Lara and Kundu, where full-fledged resort complexes with a high level of service are located, have their own sandy beaches where holidays with children will be just great.
More inexpensive vacation waiting for you and in Kemer. And if you compare it with the above-described Antalya, then here you will find very beautiful landscapes with dense vegetation, coniferous forests, picturesque mountains and beautiful seaside. But again, pebbly beaches also dominate here, along which there are a huge number of hotels from modest to luxurious. If you are sensitive to pebbles, there are special piers from which you can dive.
If you come on vacation with children, then a wide variety of entertainment awaits you here: water parks, dolphinariums, sports grounds and much more. I would also like to recommend choosing hotels in Kemer with their own bulk sandy beaches, where children will be very comfortable.
Also inexpensive tours or vouchers can be purchased to Alanya, which is one of the most remote resorts in Turkey. Unlike Kemer, there is also little greenery here, not counting palm trees, which grow mainly on the territory of hotels. Resort areas Alanya is designed for tourists with an average income and therefore a lot of young people who are interested in leisure, beaches and nightlife. And all this is enough here. I would also like to note that it is very convenient to relax here with children, since most of the hotels are located across the road from the beach and all of them are sandy and gently sloping with a convenient entrance to the sea.
Many are interested not only beach holiday, but also excursion programs, so many choose "a museum under open sky» - Side city. This resort is located on the coast of the warm and gentle Mediterranean Sea and is the main archaeological area this region. Here you will find hotels as well as in any of the resorts in Turkey - from inexpensive budget hotels to five-star luxury ones. As for the beaches, here they are sandy and therefore, in the afternoon, the water in the sea becomes a little unclear. But it is quite comfortable for children to rest here. Also for children and adults there is a lot of entertainment: rides, diving, jet skiing, parasailing and much more. Nature, as well as in Alanya, is not very much and mostly trees and palm trees are found on the territory of hotels.
But it's too early to sum up and let's see what the climate is at each of the above resorts.
In Antalya, the holiday season starts in May and ends in October. The average daily temperature in June-September varies from +30°С to +33°С, and the water temperature in the sea reaches its maximum mark of +27°С. So it is warmest during the summer months.
In Side and Alanya, the air and water temperatures are approximately the same in summer, and even in August you will not feel intense heat, since the air does not warm up above + 31 ° C. The weather is beautiful and the air temperature is quite comfortable.
But in Kemer it is much hotter and in July and August it can be very hot up to + 36 ° C, so those who cannot stand extreme heat are best to choose resorts such as Antalya, Alanya or Side. Or go to Kemer at the very beginning of summer or in the Velvet season. At the end of the season there is also a large number of tourists.
What are the main attractions?
Turkey is rich in its sights and therefore each of the resorts can boast of its cultural and architectural monuments.
In Side you can visit the archaeological complex, as well as the public baths of the ancient period, which now houses a museum. And behind the baths are the ruins of the temple of Tyche and Fortune, where slaves used to be sold.
In Antalya, along with the tour, you can purchase sightseeing tour around the city, but there is very little cognitive in it, so if you wish, you can visit the most famous sights of the resort yourself. Here you can see the Hadrian's Gate, which was built in honor of the Roman emperor, the symbol of Antalya - the Yivli Mosque, Mermeli Park and Karaalayoglu, the Ataturk Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and much more. There are many beautiful waterfalls here, so in terms of attractions, Antalya has much more to offer than Side.
Alanya is famous for its Byzantine fortress of Ich-Kale, which rises above the city on a hilltop. This fortress looks great at night and is an open-air museum. There are also many caves here, and if you like stalactites and stalagmites, then you will definitely like Damlatash Cave, Lover's Cave, Phosphorus Cave and Pirates Cave.
And in Kemer you can visit the beautiful Yoruk Park, which is a live ethnographic exposition dedicated to the life and history of the Turkish people. For children, there is a dolphinarium, a reptile park, children's clubs, etc. And the main value of Kemer is the fiery mountain Yanartash, which is located in small town Cirali.
Kemer or Antalya, Alanya or Side, where is better
Many people think that vacationing in Turkey is much cheaper than in European resorts, as the prices there are much lower. And if you have not yet decided where you will rest in Turkey, then we will we can say with confidence that no matter what resort you choose, everywhere you will find great hotels, high level of service and a lot of entertainment.
Thinking about where to go next summer? It is worth considering how great option delicious beach resorts Turkey, which we all love so much. What do you get with this choice? Very tasty prices for chic, visa-free vacation in 5 * hotels with "All inclusive". It will be cheaper than similar holidays in other countries of the world. A safe environment and a feeling of carefree peace. Special love and attention to tourists from Russia, because. their flow has noticeably decreased, and each guest is a reason for a holiday :)
If you don't know (or have forgotten) what popular resort Turkey is right for you, read our guide, compiled by an expert, and keep an eye out for a special hint sign!
Antalya - from 15,000 rubles / person
Antalya - beautiful city, built on a plateau, at an altitude of 40 meters above sea level. The airport is 12 km away. From the plane - vzhuh, and you are on vacation! However, the resort is quite noisy and more suitable for young people. It is not necessary to choose "All Inclusive", because. The city is full of excellent restaurants.
What to see? Duden waterfalls plunging into the blue bay. The upper waterfall hides a huge karst cave. Kursunlu National Park with a waterfall among lush greenery, charming Old city with winding streets and bazaars, the gates of Emperor Hadrian, which are about 2000 years old, the Yivli minaret.
Things to do? In Antalya, you should go shopping and visit grandiose water parks. Arrange diving in the neighborhood with moray eels, dolphins and turtles. Dance from night to morning in the suburbs of Lara, where there are a great many discos.
Alanya - from 17,900 rubles / person
Alanya is located 120 km from the airport. And this, of course, is another test - to get to the hotel. Especially if you are traveling with small children. In this case, it is better to order an individual, faster transfer. But Alanya is the most economical resort, where most of the cheap hotels in Turkey are located. The best sea with sandy beaches is in the districts of Okudzhalar and Avsallar.
What to see? The main historical attraction of the resort is the Byzantine fortress of Ich-Kale, an open-air museum. Its walls with towers stretch for 6.5 km along the peninsula. The Damlatsh cave is simply amazing with colored stalactites and stalagmites, whose age is 15 thousand years!
Things to do? Sunbathe on Cleopatra Beach, take a cruise through the caves of the coast, lose your head with delight at the attractions of the Sealanya Marine Park.
Side - from 18,700 rubles / person
resort for family vacation, Side, hid between Antalya and Alanya, 75 km from the airport. It beckons with a combination of golden sandy beaches with shady greenery of a pine forest and the remains of ancient architectural monuments. You can stumble upon true surprises! Therefore, a vacation at this resort will delight not only with blissful idleness on the beach, while the skin is covered with bronze, but also with rich excursion programs. The city was founded by the Greeks, leaving behind a lot of interesting things…
What to see? Admire the ruins of ancient Side - an amphitheater that has seen gladiator fights and ancient tragedies, an ancient basilica, the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, the Arc de Triomphe. See the artifacts found during the 20th century excavations at the Side Museum.
Things to do? In addition to studying antiquities, include rafting, jeep safari, parasailing - parachuting over the sea in the program of your stay. It is worth going on an excursion to the Manavgat waterfall.
Kemer - from 15,700 rubles / person
At the foot of the Taurus Mountains, on a pebbly coast, Kemer is immersed in greenery. Clockwork City, 45 km from Antalya, can offer a scattering of the most famous clubs - an active nightlife and foam parties accompanied by sets of trendy DJs. Families with children go to the calm area of Tekirova, where small-pebble beaches are surrounded by pine and cedar forests, and the healing coniferous air. Ecopark with a unique collection of plants inhabited by amphibians and reptiles.
What to see? In the northern part of Kemer, take a look at the Yoruk Ethnographic Park with an exposition telling about the history of the nomadic Turks. Here you can taste their traditional food, see how handicrafts are made. Olympos has a famous village of hippies who live in tree houses.
Things to do? Climb to the top of Tahtala along the longest in the world, of the same name cable car. Set off to travel through the Goynuk canyon. This is a godsend for thrill seekers. Although the Water World water park will be no less great!
Marmaris - from 19 569 rubles / person
The yachting capital of Turkey is also a wildly incendiary city-dance floor. It is located 100 km from Dalaman Airport. The famous 200-meter Bar Street, whose places of entertainment open closer to 23.00 and buzz until the morning. Marmaris surrounded by pine forest, is located almost in a closed bay and is washed by two at once - the Aegean and mediterranean seas. Divers flock here for interesting dives. There are very clean and calm coastal waters (about 50 dive sets), and the beaches are sandy, with a gentle entrance to the sea.
What to see? Lots of sculptures. Old City of Marmaris. One of the main places to visit is the fortress. The city museum awaits you at Calais Castle. And on the square in the city center - singing fountains.
Things to do? Walk along the longest promenade in Turkey. Take a yacht and go to sea. Go on an excursion to the island of Rhodes. Drink all the cocktails on Bar Street. Experience an adrenaline rush on the slides of the Atlantis and Aquadrim water parks.
Belek
Rich vegetation, picturesque landscapes. The resort is located in the area National Reserve. thick pine forests, permeated with the aroma of pine needles, clear sea, nature reserves and National parks. World class resort. The climate in Belek is typical for Turkey, but due to the presence of pine forests, the heat is more easily tolerated.
Side
The landscape and landscapes of Side vary depending on the village. In the area of the village Tetrengel - numerous pine trees, rough vegetation. But the closer to Alanya - the more deserted landscapes, less greenery. The swimming season lasts the same as in Belek.
Beaches
Belek
Most of the beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Most of the beaches have a smooth sandy entrance to the sea, convenient for families with children. The swimming season lasts from early May to early October.
Side
The beaches of Side differ from village to village. Most of the beaches are sandy - pebbly, with a gentle entry into the sea. There are also small-pebble beaches.
Distance to airport
Belek
Belek is close to the airport - 30 km. The transfer takes no more than 40 minutes.
Side
The transfer takes on average about 1 hour. To the villages located closer to Alanya no more than 1, 5 hours. Distance from Antalya - 55-70 km.
Hotels
Belek
Belek is developing luxury resort with prevailing 5* deluxe hotels. There is practically no 4* here. Most hotels have a huge territory and are located on the 1st line. Prices for tours to Belek are the highest in the country. Belek hotels are self-sufficient - all infrastructure is located on their territory. All hotels have huge green areas. In order not to disturb the ecological balance, forests are not cut down, but become part of the hotel landscape. Most of the hotels are open all year round. Wealthy tourists usually rest in Belek. There are many tourists with children due to the superbly developed children's infrastructure of hotels.
Side
Here you can find hotels of different categories - from economical city 3 * to good 5 *, but there are few elite hotels here. In Side itself, you can find very cheap options for young people with a municipal beach and within walking distance of the clubs. Read about cheap hotels 3 * Side in our TOP-7 the best hotels 3*. Many excellent club hotels with a large territory with affordable prices. In general, tours in Side are much cheaper than in Belek. Entertainment is not only in the hotels themselves, but also outside them - in the villages and the city. The territory of the hotels varies from very tiny in the city to a huge one in the 5 * clubs. Most of the hotels are closed for the winter. In Sile hotels, the middle class mainly rests.
Entertainment, nightlife
Belek
There are no good clubs in Belek village itself. All the best discos are located on the territories of fashionable 5+*. If you are relaxing in an inexpensive 5 *, then you can visit the discos of elite hotels for a fee. There is practically no entertainment outside the hotels, little good cafes with reasonable prices. Few shops. You need to understand that Belek is not a city, but a small resort village with all the resulting pluses and minuses. In Belek, most of the good 5 * have a developed entertainment infrastructure. All conditions have been created for children's leisure - the hotels are equipped with excellent amusement parks and water parks.
Side
The city of Side is an ancient ancient city with preserved monuments of the past. Here you can also find many bars, there are a couple of good clubs. A variety of entertainment makes leisure in city hotels in Side popular among young people. Buying a tour in an inexpensive 3-4 * hotel near the city or in one of the villages, you can be sure that there will be something to do outside the hotel, even if the hotel animation does not satisfy you. As in Belek, quality 5 * Side hotels offer such entertainment for children as amusement park rides and aqua parks.
Turkey is currently one of those countries where tourism is developing the 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 what and where is better.
In contact with
Popular resorts of this state considered Belek and Side. They are somewhat different from each other, so travelers need to compare all the factors that are important to them before setting off.
Belek- this is a popular resort in Turkey, which can please vacationers beautiful clean sandy beaches. The coast of the settlement is more than 20 kilometers.
The main difference 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, as a result of which it can be very convenient to get to. The beaches of Belek are noted for their perfect cleanliness blue flags UNESCO.
That is why tourists are very fond of this resort, which is facilitated by the presence of pine forests directly near the water.
Side is fundamentally different from Belek. In this village there are two beaches, the more western of which attracts tourists more.
This is due comfortable conditions and gentle descents 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 solitude, he can be offered locals go to turtle beach. There are much fewer travelers on it, but at the same time they can be visited by exotic hosts who have come out of the sea.
Distance between cities
The Mediterranean Turkish resorts of Side and Belek are actually not very far apart. The distance between them is highway is only 46 kilometers.
Stop public transport can be anywhere in the city, not just at the bus station.
Flights are quite frequent - once every half an hour or an hour, a bus leaves from one resort to another. The trip at the end will take no more than 30-40 minutes.
In order to choose the most correct place where to spend your summer rest- 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, the state of beaches, weather, features of the sea and possible ways entertainment.
We bring to your attention several more recreation options:,.
Prices
Average prices in Belek and Side about the same. But at the same time, it should be noted that the first resort is designed for a more sophisticated and high-class holiday.
That is why on it you can find some services that most tourists cannot afford. In Side, this situation is somewhat less common, since the city is primarily designed for a typical vacationer who has an average financial income.
Belek is a resort that is intended primarily for wealthy tourists who love luxury hotels. That is why most of the 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 – right next to 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 fund, consisting of hotels with 3, 4 and 5 stars. In parallel with this, any tourist can choose for himself cheaper options - apart-hotels.
sights
As for the sights in Belek and Side, it is worth noting that the first resort is not rich in historical monuments - they are absent in it. But at the same time, in the vicinity, tourists can visit the ruins of ancient cities- Aspedos and Perge.
In addition, there is a wonderful national park called "Koprulu Canyon". It is characterized by beautiful landscapes, wonderful cypress groves and dense eucalyptus forests.
In Side, for the long history of its existence many architectural objects have been preserved, such as:
- archaeological complex, in which the remains of baths, temples and columns of Ancient Greece remained;
- theater ruins where gladiator fights were held;
- temple of Dionysus, erected by the ancient Romans.
Thus, if visiting historical cultural sites plays a certain important role, it is better to choose Side, not Belek.
Belek has one single rather long sandy beach. It was awarded the UNESCO Blue Flag, which is why it enjoys significant popularity. Its distinguishing feature is the absence of steep descents and ascents.
As for Side, in this resort there are three different beaches. All of them have their own distinctive features.
A tourist can choose for himself a fairly popular sandy beach that does not have elevation changes, a less popular coast characterized by uneven terrain and a remote area where turtles come out of the sea to bask.
For comparison, find out about other beaches in Turkey:,.
Weather
The weather in Belek and Side is about the same. Four months a year at these resorts, the average average temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. This applies to June, July, August and September. In April, May, October and November the temperature rises above 20 degrees.
In July and August, the level of precipitation in 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. Familiarize yourself with the climate in different regions and in different time years: , in , .
Sea
Both in Belek and in Side, the descent into the water is very gentle. At the same time, at the first resort, due to the more muddy gray sand the sea seems a bit polluted.
As for the water temperature, from May to November it is in the range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Due to the fact that Belek is designed primarily for those tourists who like to relax at a high level, this resort is full of relevant types of entertainment. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:
- golf;
- historical sights;
- memorials of nature;
- discos;
- a large number of shops, etc.
As for Side, the list of possible entertainment is about 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.
It is impossible to determine where it is actually better to relax - in Belek or Side. This is due to the fact that one vacationer may like the first resort, and the second - the other. Such a situation is influenced by a lot of various factors, the main of which is the subjective perception of certain conditions by a person.
For the average tourist in both Belek and Side it will be very interesting.
As for travelers who want to spend their time culturally in nature reserves and museums, they need to choose a second resort. For those who love a vacation at a higher level, you need to choose Belek.
To make it easier for you to choose which resort to go to relax, view the photo below. 
Conclusion
As Belek is a wonderful Mediterranean Turkish resort, so is 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 the leader between the data settlements impossible. Before the trip, you should set certain priorities, and then compare which resort suits them best. Only such an approach to choice can help in determining the most optimal place to stay.
In contact with
Which have long appreciated its golden beaches, and the cleanest sea, and rich excursion programs, and the famous all-inclusive system. Therefore, asking a question, such as what is better, or, potential travelers are trying to find out only the nuances of a holiday in either Turkish resort.
Two more points must 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, how the 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?
The resort of Belek will delight lovers of sandy beaches - its golden sandy coast has a length of more than 20 kilometers. The beaches are distinguished by the absence of elevation changes and gentle slopes into the water. In the vicinity, this particular resort is ready to offer perfect cleanliness, marked by UNESCO Blue Flags. Many mothers vacationing with 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. In the high season, both territories are filled with tourists; the guest who dreams of at least relative solitude can be advised to find a third, turtle beach. There are an order of magnitude fewer vacationers on it, and exotic owners (turtles) sometimes come out to get acquainted.
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 horseback riding. The second important point is that luxurious hotel complexes are located on the first coastline. On the second or third, more modest 3 * hotels were built, but the cost of living in them is much lower.
Side has a rich hotel fund, there are large complexes and small hotels with facades from 3 to 5 *. Other accommodation options in this resort are also popular, in particular, many guests live in apart-hotels, which are much cheaper than their fashionable "colleagues".
Entertainment and attractions
Belek is known as a resort with expensive entertainment, like playing golf, trips to local shops and the market are popular, where the attention of tourists, first of all, is 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 vicinity, for example, the ruins of ancient policies, Aspedos and Perge. Among the natural monuments stands out "Koprulu Canyon", a national park that will be remembered by guests 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, holidays in this city are recommended to those travelers who love history and are ready to spend their 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 that was used as a place for a gladiator fight and as a place of worship;
- Temple of Dionysus built by the ancient Romans.
But not only ancient architectural masterpieces attract Side, this city has a lot of modern entertainment, designed primarily for young and young audiences. There are discos, dance halls, where you can have fun until the morning, restaurants where skillful chefs cook trout, which is a local specialty, almost in front of the client.
A comparison of two Turkish resorts confirmed that even the Almighty cannot determine a clear leader. Therefore, focusing on small differences between them, those tourists will go to Belek who:
- want to relax luxuriously;
- love wide sandy beaches;
- not interested 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.
