Türkiye is a large, interesting and very diverse country. Mysterious, with a rich historical past. Türkiye is much more than just a beach holiday. However, as a rule, parents tired of work agree only to a relaxing beach holiday with children on the seashore, and this is their right. The Turkish coast can offer a whole bunch of resorts, just eyes run wide. And here are the main ones:
Which resort in Turkey to choose for a holiday with a child?
Holidays with children in Turkey are usually chosen because of the beaches. And no wonder, because the country is washed by four seas at once. Comfortable for swimming will be the Mediterranean and Aegean. It is here that the most popular resorts with family hotels are located.
Heynyuk
A chic resort on the Mediterranean coast, 10 kilometers from Kemer, will delight families with chic nature, beautiful rocks, pebble beaches and a very clean sea. The mountains come very close to the hotels, and the pines and firs on their slopes spread such chic aromas throughout the region that it just makes your head spin! And, of course, Goynuk can please families with children with a range of family hotels and good infrastructure, although it is still a small village, very quiet and calm. The main entertainment for children in Goynuk is the Dinopark with huge models of dinosaurs.
Antalya
Huge, noisy, beautiful resort on the Mediterranean coast. Antalya has everything a family could possibly need. For entertainment, you can go to the western edge of Antalya, to Konyaalti. You can stay in a hotel there, but only the beaches are not particularly suitable. But in the Lara region (eastern Antalya), the beaches are sandy and good – there you will find all the best family hotels. You can also consider the village of Aksu-Kundu, 25 km from Antalya – hotels for families are even cooler there, however, and more expensive. Entertainment in Antalya is higher than the roof: Aquarium with a long tunnel, Minicity miniature park, Aktur Park amusement park, Aqualand water park and much more.
Alanya
Firstly, Alanya is one of the most budgetary places on the Antalya coast. There are many competent good family hotels, almost all the beaches of Alanya are sandy, which is also a big plus for families with children. Alanya also boasts a good tourist infrastructure. The downside of Alanya is that it is far from the airport, so after the flight you still have to travel with a couple of hours by bus. Well, maybe the nature in Alanya is not as lush and rich as in other resorts in Turkey. But there are good entertainments for children – Sealanya Sea Park, a nice amusement park, the mysterious Damlatash stalactite cave, Alanya water park and the even larger Water Planet water park. And do not forget about the rich historical heritage of Alanya – the main old fortress of the city of the Red Tower, of course,
Belek
This resort was chosen by European tourists for its luxurious golf courses and football fields. Belek is a resort for lazy people and very tired families. Relaxing lazily in Belek is more than pleasant and comfortable. And yet, Belek is very well located, just half an hour from Antalya Airport, which is very cool when you fly on vacation with children. The beaches in Belek are good beaches, sandy, in some places pebbly, with a gentle entrance. And in Belek it is very quiet and calm, because due to the high cost of the resort, wealthy adult comrades fly here, and all young people concentrate in cheaper cities. Belek also pleases with its quality family hotels. There is not much entertainment for children here, but there is Troy Aqua Park, the main children’s joy. You can also note the park-reserve “Koprulu Canyon”,
Side
The resort town of Side is located between Antalya and Alanya, on a small peninsula protruding into the sea. Side is a historical town, and all centuries-old antiquity is easily accessible – i.e. in the city. This is very cool and interesting! Side is very favorably distinguished by the presence of family hotels, both in Side itself and in the villages near the resort – Cholokly, Kumkoy, Manavgat, Titreyengol, Sorgun and Kyzylaach. The beaches of Side are sandy, and this is another big plus. But with entertainment here, not so much. The nearest water parks are located in neighboring towns (“Troy” in Belek, “Aqualand” in Antalya and “Water planet” in Alanya). But on the other hand, the natural beauties of Side are impressive: the Manavgat waterfall, the Green Canyon. Well, ancient amphitheatres, columns, ruins of temples.
Kusadasi
A small resort in the west of Turkey on the Aegean Sea is not particularly popular among our compatriots, but, nevertheless, it is very good for families with children. The climate here is slightly better than on the Antalya coast, at least it is not so hot here in July and August, there are useful mineral springs near Kusadasi, and sandy good beaches in the town. Entertainment in the Kusadasi resort is also worthy: one of the largest water parks in Europe, Adaland Water Park, a smaller Aqua Fantasy water park, the Steam Locomotive Museum, Long Beach Aqualand water park, a mini-zoo and a park with a Degirmen restaurant, and much more.
Kemer
Good, beautiful, interesting, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, small Kemer has long become “Russian”, which is very convenient – no language barrier! The sea in Kemer is very clean, because the beaches are pebbly. It may not be so convenient, but you can always find pieces of sand with a good entrance to the sea. There are not so many entertainments for children in Kemer, and in general it is considered, sort of, as a youth resort. But you can go to the Moonlight Park with a sandy beach, rides, a dolphinarium and more. And, of course, Kemer offers an excellent choice of family hotels!
Marmaris
Marmaris is located on the Aegean coast and is more of a European resort. Yes, there are much fewer Russian tourists here than in other resorts in Turkey. Marmaris, in principle, can be called a resort for the whole family, although it is more often considered a youth resort. Marmaris has a good climate, it is not as hot and stuffy here as on the Mediterranean coast in the middle and end of summer. Some beaches of Marmaris are marked with the Blue Flag – a sign of cleanliness and suitability for swimming. Of the minuses of Marmaris – high cost, a small number of hotels for children, clusters of clubs and bars. But in Marmaris there are Atlantis and Aqua Dream water parks, playgrounds in parks and amusement parks.
Bodrum
A large Turkish resort on the Aegean coast is also more popular among Europeans. But the nature of Bodrum is very good, as is the climate. And in Bodrum there is the largest water park in Turkey (Dedeman Aquapark), as well as in the vicinity of the city there are many historical sights that are terribly interesting for children and adults. Of the minuses – the high cost of the resort and the lack of a large number of hotels for children (but they still exist).
Holidays with children in Turkey
Türkiye has long won our hearts thanks to many factors. Flying to Turkey today is literally the same as going to a neighboring city. Turkey is among the top three countries among the summer holiday destinations among our compatriots, and sometimes it seems that there is not long to meet a neighbor on the landing in the next room. Newlyweds, active tourists conquering the Turkish mountains, shoppers, and, of course, families with children go to Turkey. Here I would like to talk about the latter in more detail. Why is it worth flying to Turkey with a child?
– Easy to get to . It takes 3-3.5 hours to fly to Turkey from the middle zone of Russia (well, from Khabarovsk, of course, it will be longer). It is very easy for a child to transfer such a flight – he will sleep peacefully all the way or play and draw (if you take care of this too). Even flying with a baby will not cause any particular difficulties.
– Simplified visa laws . You do not need to collect documents and photographs. Everything is extremely simple – upon arrival you will be “stamped” in your passport – and voila!
– Family hotels . Here is more details. Turkey, as one of the most prepared countries for the influx of tourists, welcomes families with children. Every self-respecting resort has family hotels with family rooms, playgrounds and children’s animation, children’s pools with slides and other joys. Hotels for a variety of tastes and budgets.
Turkish animation . Both for adults and children, it has long established itself as one of the best resorts available. Of course, in three-star hotels it is either not there, or it is very frail, but fours and fives are amazingly powerful! Be sure that the child will have something to do from the very morning until sunset, and then, after dinner, you won’t be bored either – a children’s disco and evening shows that all family members equally like: Mister or Miss of the hotel, dance shows, fire shows ( with lights which) and so on. Among the animators there are many of our guys and girls, as well as locals, Italians, guys from Georgia and even Egypt and Tunisia. In general, the composition of the animation staff is the most diverse.
– Low prices for tours . If you grab luck by the tail, you can relax for absolutely ridiculous money in such a luxurious country! True, in a country of something luxurious, but the hotel can get foolish and not very hotel. This option is suitable for couples or active travelers, but for families it is better to think over their vacation in advance.
– Entertainment for children. In general, children in Turkey are rarely bored. They are trying to entertain them in the hotel, but besides this, there are also “outside the hotel” entertainments: an aquarium in Antalya, Aqualand and Dedeman water park in Antalya, Moonlight Park in Kemer, Sealanya Dolphinarium, Luna Park and Water Park in Alanya , Cleopatra Island near Marmaris and the Atlantis water park in the same place, the Troy water park in Belek and more. And so many entertainments in Istanbul! In addition, your hotel guide will surely offer you a whole mountain of excellent excursions for the whole family – sailing on a yacht with a transparent bottom, the underground labyrinth cities of Derinkuyu and Kaimakli, the ancient city of Asharape and the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos, and well known to all Pamukkale. In general, do not think that Turkey is only a beach and the sea. It’s really cool and a lot of fun!
– Meals are all included . I will also note this point, because not all countries offer such a wonderful option. I consider this system a definite plus, because it’s convenient not to bother about where to go for a bite to eat. Many do not want to strain themselves with the question of where to eat – here it is, the solution! Turkish cuisine is adapted for foreign guests. That is, it is not super-peppered or salty, the usual food is vegetables, fruits, potatoes, sweets. By the way, Turkish sweets are divine! If your buffet offers these, be sure to try it and allow the child – when they try again!
– Climate . The wonderful mild, not suffocatingly hot, not too humid climate of Turkey suggests a chic family vacation. It is a pity that the season is not so long – you can relax in Turkey (I mean a beach holiday) from May to October, and then it starts to rain, wind, you won’t be able to swim. On the other hand, the most active families can come to Turkey at this time for excursions, which they were too lazy to go on in the summer.
– Excellent transport development and security . Yes, Turkey is not included in the lists of the safest countries (where, by the way, there is the UAE, for example). And, nevertheless, even independently moving around the country will not be difficult at all. If you consider yourself and your family members to be adventure seekers, then you can be happy: the prices for flights within the country are low, and there is no need to talk about bus service at all – it is excellent and inexpensive!
– Beautiful sea and beach . Why did I put this item last! After all, he should be the first. A wonderful tan, a gentle sea without special waves – well, what else can you wish for when you fly to “relax your bones” in another country after working days? Your baby will be perfectly happy to dig in the sand (or pebbles) on the shore, but you will lie on the sidelines on a sunbed and look after him. And Turkey does not skimp on the beaches: pebbly, sandy, wide and narrow, wild and crowded.
The only wish to the families who have gathered in Turkey – go outside the hotel, walk, explore! Turkey is a wonderful, vibrant, lively country with an amazing culture, which you definitely need to get to know better.
What to do with children in Turkey: excursions and entertainment
Holidays in Turkey with a small child is a real paradise for parents. Perhaps it is difficult to find such a variety of animations and the quality of children’s clubs anywhere else. After checking into a family hotel, parents do not need to worry about what to feed, drink and how to entertain the kids. What is not invented here for the leisure of children: a child of any age will not be bored.
However, outside the hotels there are many entertainment centers and active activities. With kids, you can go to the water park, dolphinarium, zoos, amusement parks. With older children – walk in caves and canyons, explore ancient fortresses and engage in active sports. Here is just a small list of locations that you can visit depending on the place of rest:
- Antalya – Sandland Museum of Sand Figures, Land of Legends Amusement Park, Discovery Park, Fairy Tale Park, Antalya Zoo;
- Alanya – Water Planet water park, Sealanya dolphinarium, Alanya water park, Alanya fortress, Sapadere canyon, Damlatas cave, funicular;
- Kemer – Dolusu Water Park, Dolphinarium, Dinopark, Yoruk Park, the ancient city of Phaselis and Olympos;
- Side – agora, ancient walls, Manavgat waterfall, amusement park in the city of Manavgat, Discovery Park.
The best hotels in Turkey for families with children
To make your holiday in Turkey with children comfortable, it is better to immediately choose good family “fours” and “fives” with the all-inclusive system.
Before choosing a hotel, indicate all your wishes and specify in advance which services for children are free, whether you need to bring pots, tables, etc. As a rule, Turkish family hotels provide everything for free.
Recommended hotels in Turkey:
- Xanadu Resort is a five-star hotel in Belek, located on a vast area surrounded by pine trees. The first coastline, sandy beach, children’s pool, works on the High Class All Inclusive system. For kids, there is a special menu, a modern kids club and an adventure park.
- Seven Seas Hotel Life is a versatile hotel with the highest level of service. In 2019, he was awarded an award in the Best Family Hotels category. Sandy beach, first coastline, relaxation area, pools with slides and a kids club. Works on the concept of food Ultra All inclusive.
- Otium Family Eco Club is a hotel located in Side, with a huge children’s playground “Children’s World” with a mini zoo and an amusement park. Beautiful well-groomed territory, sand and pebble beach with the “Blue Flag”. On the beach there is a cafe with full meals, there is a Ukrainian menu and a special menu for kids. Own amphitheater, which hosts performances for children; children’s cinema.
- Seven Seas Hotel Blue – located on the first coastline. The hotel guests are mostly Europeans, but there is animation in Russian. Free Wi-Fi throughout. There is a whole water world for fun leisure: swimming pools, Crazy River – an open water slide for rafting 120 m long, Lazy River with an artificial current, an area of 750 sq.m., tube slides and a new complex of water slides for adults and children from seven years.
- Otium Family Club Marine Beach is a family-friendly hotel with many attractions: water slides, swimming pools, playgrounds, mini club. Part of the infrastructure is located on the beach.
What you need to know before traveling to Turkey with a child
Türkiye is in the first place for traveling with children among compatriots, and this is understandable. Fly 1-5 hours non-stop, warm sea, hospitable locals, delicious food, good service, water parks, slides, swimming pools, nannies and other joys without leaving the hotel. Everything for a comfortable stay with children. It would seem that we take a child, book a tour and fly!. But not everything is so simple, if you go on a trip with a very small child, so as not to harm your nervous system and your baby, you need to prepare for the trip a little more carefully than “thrown swimming trunks into a suitcase and ran.”
Food
If you are flying with a baby under 2 years old and he eats milk formulas, some specific puree, drinks tea, eats cookies. Take all this with you.
Yes, Turkey is a developed country, with a huge number of goods, but blends of your brand may simply not be imported into the country, or they may be delivered to special places that are on fire during the day, as they say.
Calculate how much your child eats formula per day, multiply by the number of days of rest and take with a margin of 3-4 days. In the new climate, the child can eat more, and you never know, it’s calmer.
Everything is the same with the rest of the products your child needs.
If you are flying with a child from 2 years old, then you can take with you his favorite cookies, tea, perhaps other sweets, but no more. In Turkey, the cult of food, there are dishes and products that will surely please even the most demanding little gourmet. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, pasta, potatoes, soups, cereals, fish, sweets. The only thing with which I strained was with delicious sausages and sausages. At the same time, there are a lot of dishes with meat.
Medicines
Collect the first-aid kit carefully, “maybe” may not work.
Be careful with bubbles. Check how filled the bubble is, often the bubbles are made of tinted glass and on the spot you can find that there are saving drops from colic on the bottom. There are a lot of medicines in Turkish pharmacies, but yours may not be specific. And again, do you need them, running around pharmacies, instead of swimming on an inflatable flamingo in the pool? So buy before you travel and bring a new bottle with you in the box with instructions.
Tablets / syrups for: poisoning, fever, pain, allergies, adsorbents, and other essential medicines, take everything.
Diapers and other baby hygiene products
Now it will sound like insanity, but if you are used to some special diapers and you have them in stock, take them! In Turkey, there are Turkish-made diapers, even the luxury type and there are pampers. Therefore, you won’t stay with a bare booty, but if this is not what your child’s butt is used to, we put our relatives in the suitcase. Restful sleep, more expensive than extra luggage.
Favorite powders, creams, we take everything.
Cloth
Here’s something you can not bother much with, so it’s with clothes for the child. Take only the main one, and then go over this main one again and remove 20-30%. Getting things for a baby of any age is not a problem in Turkey. Full of everything from soft cotton for every taste and color at super affordable prices in any mall.
By the way, if you wish, here you can shop for future use. At the time of writing, the lira is very low against the ruble, everything is much cheaper than in Russia.
Toys, teethers
We advise you to take your favorite ones and a couple (for children from 6 months old) of new ones, give out one at a time on the way, the effect of novelty sometimes saves you from whims in a tiresome journey for a baby.
In Turkey, there is no tension with toys, everything can be bought on the spot, at very affordable prices.
For older children, the same principle.))
Strollers, carriers, slings
There is advice on the Internet not to take a stroller with you. Like why, if in some hotels it will be provided to you. Send such advisers to the beach for corn.
Take your stroller. In hotels, they can give you something with a broken wheel, or they can even shrug it off, they say it’s the season, everything has been taken apart. And then what to do? That’s it!
The same applies to slings and carriers that you are used to. In a word, take it.
By the way, about hotels in Turkey.