Perched on the rolling sand hills of Belek's Mediterranean coast, Carya Golf Club brings a slice of British heathland to Turkey. Think pine and eucalyptus framing the lines off the tee, flashes of heather around the edges and a par-72 layout that asks you to plot your way round rather than simply lash driver all day.
Opened in November 2008, Carya quickly became one of the courses everyone talks about in the region, often ranked among Turkey's best. It's also had its moment on the big stage, hosting the European Tour's Turkish Airlines Open from 2016, with Justin Rose lifting the trophy here in 2017. If your group likes ticking off Tour venues, this one is an easy win for a Belek itinerary.
The back tees stretch to 7,186 yards, but it's not a brute for the sake of it. With five tee options per hole, you can dial in the challenge to suit the mix of handicaps in your fourball or society trip.
And then there's the party trick: when the sun drops, the full 18 holes can be played under floodlights. It's a genuinely different experience and ideal if you want to squeeze more golf into a short break. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best courses in Turkey or explore the idea of night golf holidays.
Who is this for? Golfers heading to Belek who want a headline course, Tour pedigree and the option of an evening round under lights.
Who is it best for? Mixed-ability groups (thanks to the tee options) and confident players who enjoy strategic positioning and heathland-style visuals.
