Didim
Who wouldn’t love to be swimming, visiting ancient sites, trekking, and resting in the nature park throughout the day?
Didim, a tourist destination of Aydın province, is truly a paradise awaiting you. It is also one of the most stunning places in Türkiye for family vacations with children. Named after its golden sands, Altınkum Beach offers an unforgettable summer vacation experience with its splendid two kilometer long beach. And with its shallow waters, it’s an ideal beach for children as well as being especially family friendly. Located approximately twenty kilometers from Didim, Akbük Bay boasts unique natural surroundings ideal for swimming and plenty of fresh air in a glorious blend of green and blue. Here you can also enjoy short walks with your children. Manastır Bay and Dalyanki Bay are other local areas where you can swim in peace with your family in clear, calm waters.
Located just 2 km from the centre of Didim, the Temple of Apollo is the perfect destination to expose your children to history in the raw while on vacation. The third largest Ionic temple in the world, the Temple of Apollo is among the best-preserved works of antiquity. Meanwhile, the Theatre of Miletus, also located in Didim, is an ancient structure built in the Hellenistic style in the 4th century B.C. Definitely don’t miss on this opportunity to experience the splendour of ancient times while on vacation with your children.
Saplı Island mesmerizing with its deep blue waters, Bafa Lake, one of Türkiye’s bird sanctuaries, and Tavşan Burnu Nature Park, perfect for a tranquil day, are fragments of paradise you won’t want to miss in the company of your children.
Various child-friendly hotels are available in Didim. You can enjoy Didim while your kids are having fun at the playground, or accompanied by the animation team at Venosa Beach Resort & SPA. And then enjoy the lively shows put together by your children in the evenings. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Akbuk offers a fun holiday opportunity for your children with its kids pool, playground and shows designed specifically for the children. Aquasis De Luxe Resort & Spa, another child-friendly hotel in Didim, offers comfort and recreation to families with children, with its shallow waters and children’s club.
Didim is a heavenly summer vacation destination that definitely belongs on your list when planning a family vacation with your kids.
Fethiye
Fethiye, one of the most spectacular regions of Muğla, is one of the first stops for a family vacation with the kids. A highly developed tourism destination, Fethiye hosts dozens of child-friendly hotels. Ölüdeniz, which is among the most beautiful coastal areas in Türkiye, is a regular favourite of families with children for its shallow waters.
Fethiye is a unique summer holiday destination. You will savour the perfect harmony of green and blue throughout in Fethiye, where most of the region have been designated as a national park.
Belcekız Beach, the most charming spot in Ölüdeniz, itself among the most popular holiday destinations of Fethiye, is also known as one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. However, Ölüdeniz is not just about Belcekız Beach. Kumburnu Beach, which is preferred by families with children due to its shallow waters, and Ölüdeniz Beach are at the centre offer a magnificent swimming experience. If you want to experience the sheer beauty of the sea, sand and sun in Fethiye up close, Gemili Beach, Akvaryum Cove, Boncuklu Cove, Günlüklü Cove and Kıdrak Cove should also definitely be on your list. Çalış Beach, on the other hand, is located in the city centre where a myriad of cafes and souvenir shops await you. This is where you can cool off in the sea and then shop for those unique holiday souvenirs.
If you are keen to show your children the beauty of nature on your vacation, Fethiye is the right address. With their legendary beauty, Butterfly Valley and Cennet Bay offer magnificent views. The Lycian Way, one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Türkiye, features both of these stops. For detailed information, please take a look at our article The Lycian Way for beginners .
As for family friendly hotels in Fethiye, Liberty Hotels Lykia offers children a comfortable summer vacation with its eight pools, three of which are heated. Entertainment team for kids promise a fun-packed stay with activities and shows tailored for different age groups. If you want your children’s holiday to get to give time to nature, Yonca Lodge is the right choice for you. At Yonca Lodge, a boutique hotel, you can relax with your children in the ecologically farmed gardens, at one with the earth. And for that authentic experience, your kids will love feeding the ducks and chickens, too. Other child-friendly hotel options are Hillside Fethiye, Club & Hotel Letoonia and Hotel Meri in Fethiye.
For families fond of history, Pınara Ancient City and Letoon Ancient City are must-visit places in Fethiye. And why not also visit the ancient city of Tlos, located 40 kms from Fethiye. A visit to these ancient sites will immerse you in the historic journey of Anatolian civilizations from up close. Finally, historical Kayaköy should definitely be included on the list for history buffs.
Belek
A truly special place in Antalya and indeed in Türkiye, is Belek. Despite being a very small touristic town, Belek is Türkiye’s golf centre. Named Best European Golf Destination of the Year 2008 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), Belek is both a tranquil and peaceful summer vacation paradise for families with children, and a unique sporting centre for their golf loving parents.
Belek, a neighbourhood of the Serik district in Antalya, is today something of a holiday paradise, not least for its significance as a prestigious centre for golf. It hosts dozens of modern hotels, most of which are child-friendly. Which means plenty of opportunity to relax and have fun while you and your children enjoy your holiday.
Enjoy your hotel’s private beach in Belek for the perfect cocktail of sea, sand and sun. And if you fancy a change, you might visit Belek Public Beach, Taşlıburun Beach, Boğazkent Public Beach and Kadriye Beach to appreciate their magnificent waters. Bear in mind too, that the world of water sports is also catered for in Belek. Canoeing, sailing, water skiing and parasailing are among the popular water sports that are available making it a very popular summer vacation spot in Türkiye.
For the nature lover in you, Kurşunlu Waterfall comprising seven separate falls is a unique natural beauty. The cave beyond the waterfall might also tempt a visit. Köprülü Canyon National Park is home to Wisdom Valley and Büğrüm Bridge, and offers a natural wonder to enjoy with your children.
If you would like to visit historical places with your children, please note that Belek is also the centre of civilizations. The world-famous Ancient City of Aspendos and Aspendos Theatre are located in Belek. Aspendos Theatre is the oldest and most intact Roman theatre to have survived to the present day. Being of great importance in world history it is one of the most important ancient theatres in Türkiye. If your stay allows it, you might also attend one of the unique outdoor concerts that take place in Aspendos every year. Then there’s the ancient city of Perge, among the richest and most beautiful cities of the Hellenistic period, and a must-see on your Belek trip list. Meanwhile, the ruins of the ancient city of Sillyon, located between Perge and Aspendos, afford a glimpse of the Byzantine and Seljuk periods.
You’ll find many options for child-friendly hotels in Belek. The Papillon Ayscha Hotel Resort & SPA animation team, kids club and babysitter service are at your disposal for maximum comfort on your family vacation. Papillon Zeugma Relaxury promises children a fun vacation with its art workshops, pool games, competitions and team games in the kids’ club. Papillon Belvil Hotel, Granada Luxury Belek and Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort are other prominent child-friendly hotels in Belek.
Nightlife and shopping venues in Belek are particularly colourful. We recommend you to try the souvenir shops and restaurants in the town centre. You can also visit the public market on Saturday to sample local delicacies.
Datça
Datça, Türkiye’s seat of tranquillity, is among the most ideal destinations for a vacation with children. Datça offers magnificent nature and a peaceful atmosphere. Locals are friendly. Food is delicious, and life flows slowly. If tranquillity is what you dream of on a family vacation with your children, Datça is the right choice for you.
The magic of Datça doesn’t come from its magnificent bays or abundant nature alone. The true hallmark of Datça is its serenity.
The waters of the Aegean and the Mediterranean merge in Datça. Blue flag beaches, each more fascinating than the other, are abundant. With its shallow waters Kumluk Beach, located very close to the centre of Datça, is an ideal spot for families with children. A little further from this beach is Taşlık Beach. Its name refers to a beach that consists of pebbles and stones, and the waters here are deeper than at Kumluk Beach. Here, the sulphureous water of Ilıca Pond that blends with the sea water is believed to have healing powers. Karaincir Beach is also among the most preferred spots for families with children, again offering shallow and calm waters. Other places of interest in Datça are Aquarium Bay, Gabaklar Bay, Palamutbükü and Murdala Bay.
If keen to discover the natural and historical beauties of Datça you might start your trip at the ancient city of Knidos. Located at the intersection of the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas, this ancient city was one of the most prominent cities of Western Anatolia. Dedicated to the celebrated poet Can Yücel, one of the figureheads of Datça, Can Yücel House is a ‘must-visit’ for literature and art enthusiasts. To pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs, you should definitely visit Sevgi Yolu. And then there’s the Gebekum Nature Park for a splendid escape to the wild. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a little tour with your family!
There are many options to experience local serenity at child-friendly hotels in Datça. Uslu Hotel Royal Yachting, Knidos Hotel Palamutbükü, Bademli Konak and Datça Sapphire Hotel are the most popular among them.
For detailed information about Datça, check out our article Places to visit in Datça, the capital of tranquillity.
Marmaris
If you ask a local to recommend to you a corner of paradise that boasts everything you could expect from a summer vacation in Türkiye, they will most likely say, “Marmaris.” With its magnificent beaches, splendid cuisine and impressive nature, Marmaris is among the most preferred destinations for families who holiday with their children. Marmaris, one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Muğla province, offers dozens of child-friendly hotels and small lodges.
Marmaris Public Beach, located close to the town centre, stretches more than 5 km, is where to swim close to the action. If you like water sports, you should head to İçmeler Beach, another favorite spot in Marmaris. And if you like to take your swim amid magical views, Turunç Public Beach, located 20 km from Marmaris, is the one for you. If you fancy trekking to a unique beach through breath taking nature, Kumlubük Beach is a place you might consider. You can also dine at one of the many beautiful fish restaurants spread along Kumlubük Beach. Those are highly recommended to pescatarians among you who can’t say ‘no’ to seafood. Cleopatra Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Türkiye, is about 15 km north of Marmaris. In short, it’s easy to find a beautiful beach for you and your children when holidaying in Marmaris. Selimiye, Hisarönü, Kızkumu and Bördübet are a few of the other swimming spots to consider.
If you and your family decide that historical artefacts of Marmaris are for you, your first stop should have to be Marmaris Castle and Marmaris Archaeology Museum. The narrow streets and stone houses of this citadel, built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, are truly a sight to behold. To the north of Marmaris Castle lies the Hafsa Sultan Caravanserai, which was also built in the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in commemoration of his mother Ayşe Hafsa Sultan. Then there’s the Ancient City of Amos, a unique historical site that is sure to delight you on your stay in Marmaris.
If you prefer to relax in the unique nature of Marmaris, your first stop should be Marmaris National Park, also known as Günnücek, boasting with extraordinary flora. And meanwhile, Paradise Island, Fosforlu Cave, Sedir Island and Turgut Waterfall are other glimpses of paradise to take in when visiting Marmaris.
Marmaris is simply the perfect destination for summer vacation places in Türkiye, especially when it comes to child-friendly hotels. D Maris Bay offers games, water sports and fun activities at the hotel’s mini club and mini amphitheatre. Green Nature Diamond provides a fun vacation setting for children with indoor and outdoor areas, and activities ranging from kids bowling to board games, all day long. Other well-known child-friendly hotels in Marmaris are Angel’s Marmaris Hotel, Sentido Orka Lotus Beach, Casa De Maris Spa & Resort and Telmessos Hotel.
Getting blissfully lost in the centre of Marmaris can also be thrilling. Beautiful stone houses, narrow streets, the unmistakable colour of bougainvillea, as well as the bazaars, restaurants and friendly locals are a tonic for the soul.
* Hotels included herein are not for advertising purposes. Services they offer are valid as of the date of this article and may change over time. Turkish Airlines assumes no responsibility with respect to the services or amenities of the hotels. We recommend those wishing to stay at hotels to do the necessary research before their trip, and get confirmation from the hotels if the listed services are still existing.
