Тurkey has rightfully earned its reputation as a popular resort destination not only for adults but also for young travelers. Most tourist places are well-suited for families with children. Even modest 3-star hotels offer family-friendly infrastructure for a vacation with kids. Of course, when traveling to Turkey with children, it's important to be aware of certain considerations.
Advantages of Turkey for holidays with children
a simple visa regime (citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Turkey without a visa for up to 60 days, Ukraine - up to 90 days);
quite a budget and fast flight;
a large number of flights, including direct flights;
convenient transfer;
well-developed infrastructure;
inexpensive taxi as the main form of public transport;
the all-inclusive food system in the vast majority of hotels;
well-maintained beaches, clean sea;
comfortable climate and pleasant temperature conditions most of the season;
an interesting excursion program;
A large number of all kinds of entertainment.
Disadvantages of holidays in Turkey with a child
There are quite a few disadvantages of a vacation with children. However, it is worth remembering such features of this eastern country:
In July, the heat in Turkey is unbearable;
Public transport (for example, fixed-route taxis) is rather poorly developed in most cities.
When to go on a family vacation to Turkey
On vacation in Turkey with children come mainly in the warm season. The summer season in the country lasts from May to November, but for safe beach relaxation with a child better to choose May-June, August and September. In July can be extremely hot in Turkey, and the other months are relatively cool, making it difficult to swim and sunbathe.
If you're planning a winter vacation with children, it's best to choose the period from mid-December to early February. This is when you can experience a beautiful snow-covered landscape.
The temperature regime has the following features:
in winter the thermometer does not rise above +15°С, and the water temperature is +17 - +19°С;
in March, April and November the air temperature is +17°С, water - +23°С;
in May and October these temperatures are approximately equal and amount to +23 - +25°С;
from June to September the temperature sometimes rises from +28 to +37°C, then drops to the initial level (the maximum heat is observed in July), for water the indicators are kept at +23 - +27 °C.
Where to go on vacation with a child in Turkey
Despite being surrounded by four seas, the best options for a family vacation in Turkey are the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Mediterranean coast
The resorts along the Mediterranean coast can be divided into eastern and western regions, which differ significantly in climate and landscape.
Resorts in Eastern Turkey
These resorts are adjacent to the Taurus Mountains, but the majority of the landscape is flat. Initially, the coastline was not blessed with abundant greenery, but human intervention has introduced a significant amount of artificial greenery. An exception to this is the upscale Belek, which is immersed in natural pine forests.
In addition, it is the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea that is characterized by:
most high air temperatures;
wide sandy beaches with a gentle bottom.
Western resorts
The following resorts are considered part of the western region:
youth Kemer;
small and cozy Tekirova.
When choosing a hotel in these cities, it's advisable to ensure that there are no noisy establishments nearby. From these resorts, it's not far to Antalya, where you can take a stroll through the ancient city, have fun at water parks, watch dolphin shows at Dolfinland, and observe the inhabitants of one of Europe's largest aquariums.
Antalya
Antalya boasts abundant greenery and numerous natural and historical landmarks. Minibuses regularly travel to the city from other towns.
prices for food and cafes are above average in the country;
one of the best water parks in the world (admission fee - from 50 USD).
Belek
Belek is Turkey's most fashionable resort. Here you will find:
Gourmet restaurants, 5 star hotels and luxury entertainment;
well-groomed beaches without jellyfish and sea urchins;
A huge number of hotels and establishments of the kids friendly category.
Side
One of the hottest and driest resorts. Here, you can enjoy:
sandy beaches and a small number of green spaces.
A rich excursion program is guaranteed - many ancient cities nearby.
Alanya
The disadvantage of Alanya is considered to be the greatest distance from Antalya Airport.
Small resort villages on the eastern Mediterranean coast
Manavgat, the highlight of which is a river and a waterfall;
Titreyengöl and Sorgun with stunning nature;
Kyzylach with characteristic beaches with a mixture of sand and pebbles;
Injekum with fine golden sand;
Avsallar, the main advantage of which is the water park Sealanya Dolphinpark Seapark.
Aegean coast
The resorts along the Aegean Sea coast are geographically, culturally, and in terms of landscape, closest to the neighboring Greek islands. The following cities and villages can be classified in this category:
In addition to water parks, you can visit various excursions with children, take a yacht trip to remote islands, and swim in bays with crystal-clear water. When classifying resorts, Fethiye is difficult to categorize. This town is located at the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
Settlements on the coast of the Aegean Sea have a milder climate.
Excursions for families with children in Turkey
Of course, it's not advisable to take a child under the age of three on an excursion. However, for preschool or early school-age children, you can embark on an exciting trip to ancient cities. It is optimal if your vacation coincides with the low season, from May to June or from August to October. This way, it won't be too hot during the mini-journey.
Children, like adults, will be delighted to visit the following excursion routes:
Cappadocia with bizarre natural landscapes and ancient fortresses;
rafting (quite simple and safe) on the Antalya coast;
Alanya caves with outgrowths of stalactites and stalagmites;
kayaking along the canyons and the Bosphorus;
fishing at a trout farm;
beach activities such as diving, paragliding, and windsurfing;
children's entertainment centres, dolphinariums, zoos, water parks, dinosaur parks and in Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum and other resorts.
Cost of holidays with a child in Turkey
The prices for a vacation with children in Turkey are very attractive. For example:
Accommodation in a hotel room with children under 12 is free.
Tickets to Waterpark cost from 20 TRY (children) to 40 TRY (adults).
The average cost of excursions is 50 TRY.
Turkey is an ideal destination for a vacation with children of any age. The soft, clean sand and the cozy shores of the warm sea will appeal to young toddlers and their parents. Older children will be interested in the diverse cultural program, ranging from rafting to exploring ancient cities.
