Side-Turkey.

Belek is built for relaxing, golf, long sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts. But once you've had your fill of the pool, some of the Turkish Riviera's most rewarding sights sit just a short drive away. From a Roman theatre that still hosts live performances to a rafting canyon in the Taurus foothills, the area around Belek packs in history, nature and adrenaline. Here is our honest, local guide to the best day trips from Belek, written by the Murat Atalay team who live and work here.

Aspendos: the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world

If you only do one cultural trip from Belek, make it Aspendos. Sitting near Serik, this theatre was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and is widely regarded as the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere. The stage building, seating and acoustics survive so well that the State Opera and Ballet still stage performances here.

Aspendos is on UNESCO's Tentative List as "The Theatre and Aqueducts of the Ancient City of Aspendos" (added 2015), and the surviving aqueduct arches are worth seeking out too. Bring sun protection and comfortable shoes, the stone steps get warm.

Pair it with Perge

Many visitors combine Aspendos with nearby Perge, an extensive ancient city with a stadium, colonnaded street and Roman baths. The two sit close together, making a single history-focused outing easy to arrange.

Koprulu Canyon: rafting in a national park

For something more active, head to Koprulu Canyon National Park, declared a national park in 1973 and Turkey's most popular white-water spot. The Kopru river (Kopruçay) runs cold and clear down from the Taurus Mountains, and you raft beneath historic Roman bridges, including the ancient Oluk bridge. It's family-friendly fun rather than extreme, with guides in every raft.

Kursunlu Waterfall and a Side day

Closer to home, Kursunlu Waterfall nature park is a shaded, green escape with a falls cascading into a pool, perfect on a hot afternoon. The resort town of Side, with its seafront Roman temple and harbour, also makes a relaxed half-day. Both pair well with a canyon or culture trip if you want to fill a longer day.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Half-day to full-day excursions depending on the route, confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Air-conditioned transfer, professional guide, and activity equipment where relevant (e.g. rafting gear); details confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, food and drinks unless stated, and personal extras; check the official site for fees.
• Family Friendly: Yes, rafting and the cultural trips suit families; minimum ages confirmed at booking.
• Best Season: Spring to autumn for rafting; cultural sites are pleasant year-round.
• Difficulty: Easy for sightseeing; rafting is beginner-friendly with guides.

Related Excursions

• Belek tours & excursions
• Side tours
• Antalya tours
• Alanya tours
• Kemer tours
• Travel blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day trip from Belek?

For history, Aspendos is the standout; for adventure, Koprulu Canyon rafting. Many guests do one of each across their stay.

Is Aspendos worth visiting?

Yes. It's considered the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world and is on UNESCO's Tentative List, with remarkable acoustics still used for live performances.

Is Koprulu Canyon rafting safe for beginners?

Yes, it's a popular family rafting destination with professional guides in each raft. Specific minimum ages are confirmed at booking.

How far is Belek from these attractions?

All of these sit within an easy day-trip range of Belek. Exact transfer times are confirmed at booking.

What should I bring?

Sun protection, comfortable shoes and water for cultural sites; a change of clothes and a towel for rafting. The rest depends on the tour, confirmed at booking.

Are entrance fees included?

Usually not unless stated. Please check the official site for current site and park fees.

Can I combine two attractions in one day?

Yes, popular pairings include Aspendos with Perge, or a canyon trip with Kursunlu Waterfall. We'll plan a sensible route with you.

Why book direct with you?

Booking direct with the Murat Atalay team removes agency and OTA commission, so you get a best-price guarantee and local people answering your questions.

Ready to explore beyond the resort? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out the middleman, so you get honest advice and our best-price guarantee.