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;
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;
а 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
Although Turkey is bordered by four seas, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are the most suitable for a family holiday.
Mediterranean Coast
The resorts along the Mediterranean coastline can be roughly divided into eastern and western. They differ significantly from each other in terms of climate and landscape.
Resorts in Eastern Turkey
On the eastern side, the following resort towns welcome travelers:
They border the Taurus Mountains, but most of the landscape is flat. Initially, the coastline lacked lush greenery, but this has been corrected by human efforts: many resorts are now filled with artificially planted vegetation. A notable exception is the respectable Belek, surrounded by natural pine forests.
In addition, the eastern Mediterranean coast is known for:
the highest air temperatures in the region;
broad sandy beaches with gently sloping seabeds.
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 is not advisable to take a child under the age of three on an excursion program. But older preschoolers or young school-aged children can already go on an exciting trip to ancient cities. Ideally, the vacation coincides with the low season — from May to June or from August to October. Then it won’t be too hot during the mini-trip.
Children, like adults, will be thrilled by visiting these excursion routes:
Cappadocia with whimsical natural landscapes and ancient fortresses;
Rafting (fairly easy and safe) in the Antalya coastal area;
Alanya caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations;
Kayaking through canyons and the Bosphorus;
Fishing at a trout farm;
Beach activities such as diving, paragliding, windsurfing;
Children’s entertainment centers, dolphinariums, zoos, water parks, dinosaur parks in Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, and other resorts.
Cost of Vacationing with a Child in Turkey
Prices for holidays with children in Turkey are very attractive. For example:
Accommodation in a hotel room with children under 12 years old is free.
Tickets to a water park cost from 20 USD (for children) to 50 USD (for adults).
The average cost of an excursion is 35 USD.
Turkey is perfect for a family vacation with children of any age. Infants and their parents will enjoy the soft clean sand and the cozy shore of the warm sea. Older kids will be interested in a rich cultural program to suit every taste — from rafting to visiting ancient cities.
