Destination Guide: Best Golf Holidays in Turkey
If you’ve read our previous destiantion guides to golfing hotspots like Mauritius, Bermuda and Abu Dhabi you know we like to share our 4 decades of golf travel experience to help make your next golf holiday a fantastic experience with our insider knowledge and tips for where to stay, play and what to do off the course.
This time we hope to do the same for another golfers paradise with our guide to the best golf holidays in Turkey.
Golf in Turkey
Turkey has become a popular golf destination in recent years, offering a combination of stunning courses, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural experience.
Belek, located along the stunning Mediterranean coastline in southern Turkey, is a golfing paradise and one of the top golf destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
Over the past decade golf holidays to the area have exploded in popularity to the point where it has overtaken traditional European hotpsots like Spain and Portugal for those seeking some top quality golf and luxury accommodation at very competitive prices.
Turkey now boasts more than 30 world-class golf courses, many designed by the best architectsand players in golf. Spectacular five star resorts like the renowned Regnum Carya (see the video below), have sprung up around Antalya giving golfers access to some incredible facilities both on and off the course.
Find out why we recommend Turkey as a golf holiday destination below.
Courses You Need to Play During a Golf Holiday to Turkey
There is a wonderful selection of golf courses in Turkey and in particular the area of Belek.
We’ve been travelling to Turkey for over 10 years and seen a dramatic growth in both the number and quality of the courses here. It’s difficult to pick our favourite golf courses but here are a selection we think should be on your itinerary…
Carya Golf Club, Belek
Carya is the first classic heathland style golf course to be built on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
It is a championship golf course set on undulating sand hills and cutting through mature pine and eucalyptus forest at the heart of Turkey’s golf coast.
Carya Golf Club has been the venue of the European Turkish Airlines Open on many occasions and will host our upcoming golf event holiday in 2025.
Over the last few years the course has undergone an extensive redevelopment, and we now consider it to be one of the best golf courses on our global circuit.
For a full experience you can also play the course at night when it’s floodlit! Full details here – Floodlit golf at Carya GC
Montgomerie Max Royal
Designed by golf legend Colin Montgomerie the course opened for play in 2008 and quickly established itself as one of best in the area.
Many of the fairways play through mature pine forest and work with the area’s natural features to create an enjoyable yet challenging course.
The Montgomerie has hosted the Turkish Open on several occasions.
Gloria New & Old Courses
Gloria Golf Club, located in Belek, Turkey, is renowned for its two championship golf courses, the Gloria Old Course and the Gloria New Course.
These courses offer golfers a fantastic golfing experience in a stunning setting.
Both courses wind through pine forests and offers a mix of challenging holes, including water hazards and strategically placed bunkers.
The Old course first opened for play in 1997, whilst the New course, designed by Dave Jones followed in 2005.
Bonus Course!
Sultan Golf Course
As mentioned it’s difficult to pick a shortlist of favourites from all the top quality courses available to play in Belek so we’ve had to include an extra bonus course for you!
The Sultan Course is one of the two 18-hole championship golf courses at the Antalya Golf Club in Belek, Turkey.
Designed by David Jones, it is one of the premier golf courses in the region and offers a challenging and memorable golfing experience.
If you need an extra round – and who doesn’t when you’ve got this amount of quality to pick from – we recommend a round here at the Sultan.
Our recommended hotels for the best golf holidays in Turkey
One of the key benefits of taking golf holidays in Turkey is the quality of the hotels. From the moment you step into the lobby areas of some of these resorts you know you are somewhere special. Many are way beyond what golfers have been used to at more traditional European destinations.
Large bedrooms, stunning communal areas, multiple on-site restaurants, spectacular pool areas and leisure facilities plus top quality on-site golf courses are all features of a golf holiday in Turkey.
There are so many world class hotels to choose from but here are our top three recommendations offering all-inclusive packages for golfers:
Regnum Carya
The Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort is the benchmark for high end luxurious 5-star resorts in Antalya.
It first opened its doors in 2014 and since then has become established as one of the best golf resorts in the World. The facilities and restaurants are first-class, and the rooms are spacious.
All bedrooms have a balcony most overlooking either the golf course or pool and sea beyond.
There are several swimming pools, a beautiful private beach plus a Spa and wellness centre and a variety of dining options.
Between the main hotel and the golf course there are further rooms and villas each with their own swimming pools.
The fabulous Carya Golf Course is just a few minutes walk or golf buggy shuttle from the main hotel entrance.
Montgomerie Max Royal
The Montgomerie Maxx Royal Hotel is a luxurious 5-star resort and golf destination located in Belek, Turkey.
The resort offers a combination of world-class golf facilities, upscale accommodations, and a range of amenities including a spa and wellness centre.
The resort boasts a variety of dining options, including gourmet restaurants and themed dining experiences.
The hotel offers elegant and spacious guest rooms, suites, and villas, many of which provide stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea or the golf course.
Gloria Serenity Resort
The Gloria Serenity Resort is a prestigious 5-star luxury resort located in the Belek region of Antalya, Turkey.
It’s known for its elegant design, excellent facilities, and proximity to the Gloria Golf Club’s championship golf courses.
The resort offers a range of stylish and spacious accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas, each equipped with modern amenities and luxurious furnishings.
Amenities include a spa and wellness centre, several swimming pools and access to their private beach.
Off-course Acitvities During your Turkish Golf Break
Visit Ancient Ruins: Explore the historical side of Turkey by visiting nearby archaeological sites. Perge, Aspendos, and Side are ancient cities with well-preserved ruins, including amphitheaters, temples, and Roman baths.
Antalya City Tour: Take a day trip to Antalya, the regional capital, where you can explore the historic Old Town (Kaleiçi), visit museums, and stroll along the picturesque harbor.
Shopping: Belek offers a range of shopping experiences. Visit local markets, boutiques, and shopping centers to find souvenirs, Turkish carpets, spices, and more.
Water Parks: If you’re traveling with family, consider a visit to one of Belek’s water parks like Troy Aqua and Dolphinarium or The Land of Legends Theme Park, which includes water attractions, roller coasters, and a shopping avenue.
Spa and Wellness: Pamper yourself with a spa day at your resort or one of the luxurious spas in the region. Turkish baths (hamams) are a traditional and rejuvenating experience.
Nature Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of the area by taking a boat tour along the Mediterranean coast or going on a jeep safari in the Taurus Mountains. You can also visit Kursunlu Waterfalls and Köprülü Canyon National Park for outdoor activities like hiking and rafting.
Yacht Cruises: Consider a yacht or boat cruise along the Mediterranean to explore the stunning coastline, enjoy swimming in secluded bays, and savor a delicious seafood lunch onboard.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride in nearby Cappadocia for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with breathtaking views of unique landscapes.
Local Dishes & Drinks to try during your visit to Belek, Turkey
All the hotels we’ve recommended for your best golf holidays in Turkey have a variety of excellent restaurants serving a wide range of dishes from local seafood to american style burgers.
However, you may want to try something more traditionally Turkish so here are some recommended delicious local foods and beverages we think you should taste during your stay.
5 Local Turkish dishes we recommend:
1: Turkish Meze: Start your meal with an assortment of meze, small dishes that include items like hummus, babaganoush, and tabbouleh. They are perfect for sharing and provide a delightful array of flavors.
2: Lahmacun: Often referred to as “Turkish pizza,” Lahmacun is a thin, round crust topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices, then baked to perfection. It’s a savory delight.
3: Iskender Kebab: This dish features thinly sliced, juicy doner kebab meat served over pieces of pita bread, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with yogurt. It’s a hearty and satisfying choice.
4: Adana Kebab: For those who love spicier flavors, the Adana Kebab is a must-try. It consists of minced meat, often lamb, mixed with chili and a variety of seasonings, grilled to perfection and served with fresh bread.
5: Manti: These tiny dumplings filled with ground meat or lentils, often topped with yogurt and a drizzle of garlic-infused butter, are a Turkish comfort food.
Traditional Turkish Drinks:
Raki: Often referred to as “lion’s milk,” this anise-flavored spirit is Turkey’s national drink. It’s typically served with water and turns milky-white when mixed, often enjoyed as an aperitif.
Turkish Tea: Served in small glasses, Turkish tea is strong, black tea served with sugar cubes. It’s a common and refreshing choice.
Ayran: This traditional yogurt-based drink is a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. It’s made by mixing yogurt with water and a pinch of salt.
Turkish Coffee: Experience the rich flavors of Turkish coffee, served in a small cup with grounds at the bottom. Enjoy it with a piece of Turkish delight for a sweet pairing.
Şalgam Suyu: This fermented black carrot juice is a unique and somewhat acquired taste. It’s known for its supposed health benefits and is often consumed alongside meals.
Freshly Squeezed Pomegranate Juice: Belek is known for its pomegranates, and the juice is both delicious and refreshing.
Download our new 2024 digital brochures!
It’s not always easy to see all the information you want about a golf holiday from a website especially when you are using a small screen!
So we’ve put together a new range of digital golf holidays full of key information and images from our 2024 golf holidays.
Click below to see the full library and then browse at your leisure – you can even share the brochure with friends and family!
The best months for a golf holiday in Turkey
In our opinion the best time to travel to Turkey either between March to May or October to November.
In both periods the temperatures range from 60’s to low 80’s with generally pleasant weather and low humidity.
The higher temperatures are normally experienced in April, May and October.
Best golf holidays in Turkey insider tip: It is worth noting that overseeding can take place on the courses during September and sometimes October.
How to get to Belek in Turkey
Getting to Turkey from the UK
There are direct flight options from several UK airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow.
Turkish Airlines also offer an indirect service from Heathrow via Istanbul. The flight time is approximately 4.5 hours.
If you are interested in planning a Turkey golf holiday from the UK please call us on +44 (0)208 191 7798.
We can also help organise flights and accomodation if you are orgainsing an independent trip.
Optional Stop Over: Istanbul
At just over an hour flight from Belek, you can easily add a short stay in Istanbul as Turkish Airlines fly through here to Antalya.
The only major city to straddle two continents, few places come as steeped in history as Istanbul. Wander around the many atmospheric shops and stalls of the Grand Bazaar, then be wowed by the beautiful Blue Mosque with its intricate interiors lined with bright blue Iznik tiles.
Feast on some good value, delicious grilled spicy meatballs at Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi and enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar of the Arcadia Blue Hotel with sparkling views across the old city, the Sea of Marmara and towards Asia.
Call in at the Panorama 1453 History Museum to learn about the Turks’ victorious siege and capture of the city.
Stroll past the late-Byzantine Palace of the Porphyrogenitus down to Ayvansaray Pier on the shores of the Golden Horn and jump on a ferry bound for the iconic Galata Bridge.
Istanbul is an enticing medley of east meets west.
Why choose Turkey for your next golf holiday?
Hopefully, we’ve given you a feel for how to create the best golf holidays in Turkey.
We’ve been taking golfers to the Belek region for over ten years and it always ranks highly amongst our clients favourite destinations.
Some have mentioned a noticable increase in prices for some of the hotels in the last 12 months. However, when you compare like for like quality of accommodation and golf we still think it is a great option for your next golf trip.
Whether you are travelling as part of a group or as a family Turkey will deliver a great golf holiday. If you’d like to find out more or need some personal recommendations for courses and hotels in Antalya then please call us on +44 (0)208 191 7798.
Our FAQ’s about how to have the best golf holidays in Turkey
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about golf holidays in Turkey:
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira, abbreviated as TRY or symbolized as ₺.
When visiting Turkey, it’s advisable to use Turkish Lira for most of your transactions.
Of course all the major hotels, resorts and golf courses will accept credit and debit cards just check for transaction fees before you leave for your your holiday. You may also need to let your bank know you’ll be travelling to Turkey.
There are plenty of ATMs and it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller, local transactions.
Here are approximate flight durations from some major European cities to Antalya:
- London, United Kingdom: Around 4 to 4.5 hours
- Paris, France: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours
- Berlin, Germany: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours
- Rome, Italy: About 2.5 to 3 hours
- Madrid, Spain: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Around 3.5 to 4 hours
- Vienna, Austria: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- Stockholm, Sweden: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours
Please note that these are rough estimates. It’s advisable to check with airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date flight times when planning your trip to Antalya from your departure city.
Most major national and some budget airlines will fly regularly between international hub airports to Antalaya including BA, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and EasyJet. You can check the best flights to suit your golf holiday plans here. You should also read our article on golf bag allowances for the most popular European airlines here to avoid any shocking excess bag fees when you check-in!
Yes, you can golf carts are widely available at many golf courses in Turkey and can be included in the green fees. During the Summer months we’d definitely advise a golf cart rental.
Golf Travel Insider Tip: Especailly at peak times – it’s a good idea to check with the golf courses you plan to play to ensure they have golf carts available and if you need to book ahead.
As a general rule travellers from the UK, Europe and the USA do not need an additional travel visa if you plan to stay in Turkey for less than 90 days.
You will of course need your passport! So best to double check everyone in your group has theirs before they set off for the airport!
Golf Travel Insider Tip: you should also check if there is a minimum amount of time your passport needs to be valid from your departure date as this can be the case for some destinations.
Yes you can travel with your golf clubs to Turkey.
However, you will need to check with the golf bag allowance for your airline to see if you’ll need to pay any additional baggage fees.
These policies vary between different carriers.
We’ve been stung many times for excess bag fees so thought it would be useful to write our definitive guide to travelling with golf clubs – you can check it out here
Most of the golf hotels and resorts in Turkey will offer a wide range of local and international foods. They will also do thier very best to meet any dietary requirements you may have during your stay.
Here are some of the must-try dishes and culinary delights we recommend you should try while in Turkey:
- Kebabs: Turkey is famous for its kebabs, with various types available. Doner kebabs, shish kebabs, and adana kebabs are some of the most well-known. They typically consist of seasoned and grilled meats served with bread, rice, and salads.
- Meze: Meze is a variety of small, flavorful dishes often served as appetizers or snacks. You can try dishes like hummus, babaganoush, tzatziki, and various seafood meze.
- Pide: Turkish pide is similar to pizza but with a unique Turkish twist. It’s typically boat-shaped flatbread topped with various ingredients, such as minced meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Manti: Manti are small, dumpling-like pasta filled with meat, typically served with yogurt and garlic sauce.
- Lahmacun: Often called “Turkish pizza,” lahmacun features a thin crust topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices.
- Dolma: Dolma refers to stuffed vegetables, commonly grape leaves or bell peppers, filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and occasionally minced meat.
- Kofte: Turkish meatballs, or kofte, come in various forms and flavors. They’re made from minced meat (often beef or lamb) mixed with spices and herbs.
- Iskender: Iskender kebab is a delicious dish featuring thinly sliced doner kebab meat served over pieces of pita bread and covered in tomato sauce and yogurt.
- Turkish Breakfast: A traditional Turkish breakfast typically includes an array of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, honey, and various jams. Menemen, a scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and green peppers, is also a breakfast favorite.
- Baklava: A famous Turkish dessert, baklava consists of layers of thin pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
- Kunefe: Kunefe is a sweet dessert made from shredded pastry soaked in syrup and filled with a layer of cheese or cream.
- Turkish Delight: Known as “lokum,” Turkish delight is a confection made from sugar and starch, often flavored with rosewater, orange blossom, or various fruits and nuts.
- Turkish Tea and Coffee: Turkish tea, a black tea, is a staple beverage. Turkish coffee is known for its strong flavor and is often served with a small piece of Turkish delight.
- Seafood: Along the coastal areas, you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, calamari, and shrimp.
Green fees for golf courses in Turkey vary widely depending on the type of course you want to play, the time of day, and whether you are a hotel guest or a non-resident.
You should also check to see if there are any packages or special rates available through your hotel or some of the golf courses you’d like to play while in Turkey.
Typically, if you’d like to play any of the high end golf courses in peak season you can expect to pay between approximately £125-£200 ($152-$240). Mid-range course will set you back approximately £100-£120 ($120-$145). In the off-peak season these prices may be reduced by roughly £40-£60 ($48-$72)
Tipping is common in Turkey, and it’s a way to show appreciation for good service.
While tipping is not mandatory, it is generally expected in various situations, such as dining at restaurants, receiving services like taxi rides or hotel services, and at other service-related establishments.
Here are some tipping guidelines for various situations in Turkey:
- Restaurants and Cafes: It’s customary to leave a tip for good service. You can leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill, or you can simply round up the bill to the nearest convenient amount.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff for good service is common. You can leave a small amount for the cleaning staff and tip the concierge or bell staff if they assist you with luggage or other services.
- Taxi Rides: It’s customary to round up the taxi fare or leave a small tip to show appreciation for the driver’s service.
- Tour Guides: If you take guided tours, especially private ones, it’s common to tip the tour guide as a gesture of thanks for their knowledge and service.
- Spas and Hammams: Tipping at spas and hammams is appreciated. A tip of 10-15% of the service cost is generally considered appropriate.
- Porters: When porters assist with carrying your luggage at airports or hotels, it’s customary to tip them a small amount per bag.
- Cafeteria and Fast Food: Tipping is not common in self-service establishments, but it’s appreciated if someone goes out of their way to assist you.
It’s important to note that tipping practices can vary, and what’s expected in a tourist area may be different from a more local area.
Always remember that tipping should be voluntary and based on the quality of service received.
While tipping is a common practice, you should never feel obligated to tip if you’re dissatisfied with the service.
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