Turkey remains one of the most versatile choices for a family holiday in. Families can choose between large all-inclusive resorts, traditional coastal towns, sandy beaches, waterparks, historical attractions and outdoor adventures.
The Antalya region is particularly strong for families looking for resort facilities, swimming pools, kids' activities and easy access to beaches. Dalaman-area destinations such as Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are better suited to families wanting scenery and outdoor activities, while Bodrum offers a more sophisticated Aegean atmosphere.
In this HolidayIn4U guide, we compare the leading destinations so you can decide which part of Turkey is the best match for your family, your children's ages and the type of holiday you want.
Where should your family go?
Every Turkish resort area has a slightly different personality.
Antalya
Excellent for large family resorts, beaches, pools and all-inclusive holidays.
Side
Great combination of beach time, family resorts and ancient historical attractions.
Fethiye
Ideal for families wanting beaches, scenery, boat trips and outdoor experiences.
Bodrum
A stylish Aegean option with beaches, bays, restaurants and historical sights.
01
Antalya – Best All-Round Family Destination
Antalya is one of the strongest choices for families who want a straightforward beach holiday with plenty of hotel facilities. The wider Antalya region includes major resort areas such as Lara, Belek, Side and other coastal communities.
Families can find hotels with swimming pools, children's clubs, entertainment, water activities and a wide range of dining options. Antalya is also useful for families who want to combine resort time with sightseeing.
02
Side – Beach Holidays With History
Side is a particularly interesting option for families who don't want to spend the entire holiday beside the swimming pool.
The resort combines a long Mediterranean coastline with impressive ancient remains. Families can enjoy the beach during the day and explore historic sights later.
The combination of family-friendly hotels and nearby historical attractions makes Side a strong choice for parents with children who enjoy having something different to see during their holiday.
03
Belek – Premium Family Resorts
Belek is one of Turkey's most established resort areas for families looking for a hotel-focused holiday.
Many properties in the area are designed around large pools, children's activities, entertainment, restaurants and extensive leisure facilities.
It is particularly appealing if your idea of a perfect family holiday is arriving at a high-quality resort and having most of your activities available without needing to travel every day.
04
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz – Best for Scenery and Adventure
Fethiye and nearby Ölüdeniz are excellent choices for families who want more variety than a traditional resort holiday.
The region is famous for its dramatic coastline, turquoise water, mountains and boat-trip opportunities. Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon is one of the area's best-known attractions.
Older children and teenagers may particularly enjoy the greater choice of outdoor activities and excursions available around the region.
05
Marmaris – Great for Families Wanting Variety
Marmaris is a popular choice for families who like having plenty of restaurants, shops, beaches and excursions close by.
The surrounding coastline provides opportunities for boat trips, swimming and exploring smaller bays, while the resort itself offers a broad choice of accommodation.
Marmaris can work particularly well for families who don't want the holiday to revolve entirely around their hotel.
06
Bodrum – Stylish Family Holidays on the Aegean
Bodrum offers something a little different from the enormous resort complexes found around parts of Antalya.
Families can explore beaches and bays, visit Bodrum Castle, enjoy restaurants and discover different parts of the peninsula.
It can be a particularly good option for families with older children who want a mixture of beach time, sightseeing and places to explore in the evening.
07
Kuşadası – Family Fun and Day Trips
Kuşadası is another strong choice for families, especially those who like combining resort time with activities and excursions.
One of the attractions of the area is the range of family entertainment available, including waterpark options and opportunities for day trips.
Its location also makes it useful for families interested in exploring some of the wider historical attractions of western Turkey.
Best Turkish destinations for families
Use this table to narrow down the destination that best matches your family's holiday style.
| Destination | Best for | Holiday style | Family appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antalya | All ages | Large resorts & all-inclusive | ★★★★★ |
| Side | Mixed ages | Beach + history | ★★★★★ |
| Belek | Young & school-age children | Premium resorts | ★★★★★ |
| Fethiye / Ölüdeniz | Older children & teens | Nature & adventure | ★★★★★ |
| Marmaris | Families wanting variety | Resort + excursions | ★★★★☆ |
| Bodrum | Older children & teens | Aegean beach + culture | ★★★★☆ |
| Kuşadası | Activity-focused families | Waterparks + excursions | ★★★★☆ |
Which destination suits your children?
👶 Babies & Toddlers
Look for resorts with family rooms, children's pools, shaded areas, convenient restaurants and short or manageable transfers. Antalya and Belek are particularly worth investigating.
🧒 Primary-School Children
Large resorts with pools, water activities and entertainment can work extremely well. Antalya, Belek, Side and Kuşadası are strong options to compare.
👦 Tweens
Consider destinations where there are plenty of activities beyond the hotel. Side, Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum can offer more variety.
🧑 Teenagers
Older children often appreciate excursions, water sports, boat trips, beaches and destinations with more places to explore. Fethiye, Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya are worth comparing.
Is an all-inclusive Turkey holiday worth it?
For many families, all-inclusive accommodation can make budgeting easier because major meals, selected drinks and many hotel facilities are included in the package.
Turkey has a particularly large selection of family-focused all-inclusive resorts, especially around Antalya and Belek.
However, don't automatically choose the biggest resort. Compare what is actually included, particularly children's facilities, restaurants, snacks, drinks, waterparks, entertainment and room arrangements.
Best time for a family holiday in Turkey
The ideal month depends on your children's ages and how much heat your family is comfortable with.
| Period | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| April | Spring conditions and quieter resorts | Exploring & sightseeing |
| May | Warmer weather and increasingly good beach conditions | Families wanting a balance |
| June | Hotter weather and strong beach-holiday conditions | School-holiday families |
| July | Peak summer conditions | Classic beach holidays |
| August | Very warm peak-season conditions | Families travelling during school holidays |
| September | Warm conditions with the main summer season easing | Excellent beach conditions |
| October | Generally milder than peak summer | Half-term trips & sightseeing |
Which airport should your family use?
| Airport | Main destinations | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Antalya (AYT) | Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side | Large resort selection |
| Dalaman (DLM) | Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Marmaris | Scenery & outdoor holidays |
| Bodrum–Milas (BJV) | Bodrum Peninsula | Aegean holidays |
| İzmir (ADB) | Kuşadası & western Turkey | Family resorts & excursions |
Family holiday tips for Turkey
HolidayIn4U Family Checklist
- Check the exact room configuration before booking.
- Look at the swimming-pool facilities and children's pools.
- Check whether kids' clubs are suitable for your children's ages.
- Compare the distance between the airport and your hotel.
- Check exactly what the all-inclusive package includes.
- Read recent guest reviews rather than relying only on the hotel star rating.
- Consider whether your family wants a resort holiday or a destination with more independent activities.
- Check passport, entry, insurance and airline requirements before travelling.
- Take appropriate sun protection, especially during the hottest part of the summer.
So, where is the best family holiday in Turkey?
For the widest choice, Antalya is our best all-round starting point. The region gives families an enormous range of accommodation and facilities and works particularly well for those looking for an easy resort holiday.
For beach plus history, choose Side. It gives families the chance to combine traditional sightseeing with a beach holiday.
For premium resort facilities, look at Belek. It is especially appealing to families who want the hotel itself to provide much of the entertainment.
For scenery and adventure, consider Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. This area is particularly attractive if your family wants to explore beyond the resort.
For an Aegean family escape, Bodrum is worth considering. It combines beaches and bays with history, restaurants and a different atmosphere from the large Antalya resorts.
Plan Your Next Turkey Holiday With HolidayIn4U
Explore destinations, travel information, useful holiday tools and practical guides designed to help you plan your trip with more information in one place.
Explore HolidayIn4UTurkey family holiday FAQs
Is Turkey good for a family holiday in?
Yes. Turkey offers a wide range of family accommodation, beaches, swimming pools, water activities, historical attractions and all-inclusive resorts. Antalya and its surrounding resort areas are particularly strong choices for families.
Which part of Turkey is best for families?
Antalya is an excellent all-round choice, while Side is ideal for families wanting history alongside the beach. Belek is particularly strong for resort facilities, and Fethiye and Ölüdeniz suit families wanting scenery and outdoor activities.
Is Antalya or Bodrum better for families?
It depends on the holiday you want. Antalya generally offers a much larger choice of big family resorts and all-inclusive accommodation. Bodrum can appeal more to families wanting beaches, bays, restaurants, culture and a more sophisticated Aegean setting.
Is Side Turkey good for children?
Side can be an excellent choice because families can combine beach time with historical sightseeing and resort facilities. The area has a wide choice of family accommodation.
What is the best Turkish destination for teenagers?
Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are worth considering for active teenagers because of the area's outdoor experiences and excursions. Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya can also offer plenty of variety for older children.
Is an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey worth considering?
For families who want predictable holiday spending and plenty of facilities in one place, all-inclusive accommodation can be very convenient. Always check exactly what is included before booking.
What should families check before booking Turkey?
Check room arrangements, transfer times, children's facilities, pool areas, dining arrangements, what the board basis includes, recent reviews, travel insurance and current entry requirements.
Your Turkey Family Holiday Checklist
✓ Choose the right resort area
✓ Compare hotels and room types
✓ Check children's facilities
✓ Compare airport and transfer options
✓ Decide whether all-inclusive suits your family
✓ Research activities outside the hotel
✓ Check current travel requirements
✓ Arrange suitable travel insurance
Last reviewed: September
