Family Holidays Turkey

Enjoy an incredible family holiday in Turkey, a destination that continues to attract travellers from all over the world, especially families looking for cultural discovery and relaxation. Nestling between Europe and Asia, Turkey’s strategic location gives it an exceptional cultural wealth. With its varied landscapes, from the idyllic beaches of the Mediterranean to the majestic mountains of Anatolia, and its countless historic sites, the country offers a real playground for children and parents alike. Whether by the sea or in the more rural areas, every nook and cranny invites exploration.

Whether you’re wandering through the busy streets of Istanbul, taking a sunrise hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia, or building sandcastles on the beaches of Antalya, every moment spent in Turkey becomes an unforgettable memory. The warm welcome of the Turkish people, their kindness towards children, and the wide variety of fun and educational activities on offer make this country an ideal destination for a successful family holiday.

With its modern tourist infrastructure, kid-friendly hotels and tasty cuisine, Turkey has all the ingredients for an exciting, enriching and family-friendly holiday. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, you’ll find the perfect balance in Turkey. From the Aegean coast to the Mediterranean, the maritime panoramas are a delight for lovers of coastal landscapes.

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Some tips for a family holiday with children in Turkey

Planning a trip to Turkey with children is guaranteed to be an exceptional adventure, but it also requires a bit of organisation. First of all, make sure your travel documents are up to date. To enter Turkey, a valid passport is enough for most European nationals, and a tourist visa can usually be obtained online, via the e-Visa system, in just a few clicks.

Once there, there are a number of destinations that lend themselves wonderfully well to family holidays. Istanbul, of course, deserves special mention. This fascinating city, straddling two continents, captivates children with its lively atmosphere, colourful monuments, spice-scented bazaars and boats constantly crossing the Bosphorus. Visiting the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia can be an impressive experience even for the youngest visitors. A visit to its museums and palaces is a fun way to introduce children to history.

Secondly, Cappadocia is a magical land. Its lunar landscapes, colourful valleys and troglodyte houses awaken the imagination. Hot-air balloon flights at sunrise are a delight for young and old alike, while gentle hikes in the valleys allow you to discover the region without difficulty.

Sur la côte sud, les villes Antalya et Bodrum sont idéales pour les familles en quête de soleil, de baignade et de farniente. Les hôtels-clubs y sont nombreux, souvent dotés de piscines, de mini-clubs, de toboggans, et d’animations adaptées à tous les âges. Les plages y sont propres, sécurisées, et souvent surveillées, un atout rassurant pour les familles avec de jeunes enfants. La mer y est chaude, claire et parfaite pour les jeux nautiques ou tout simplement pour se détendre au son des vagues. 

La ville de Pamukkale, avec ses bassins naturels en terrasse, constitue également une halte fascinante. L’eau tiède y est agréable, et les enfants aiment patauger dans ces piscines naturelles aux allures féériques.

Enfin, les sites antiques comme Éphèse offrent une plongée dans l’Histoire. Les enfants peuvent y jouer les explorateurs à travers les ruines de temples et d’amphithéâtres vieux de plusieurs millénaires. C’est aussi une excellente manière d’éveiller leur curiosité pour l’archéologie. Les reliefs alentours permettent également d’apercevoir la montagne, ajoutant une touche spectaculaire à l’expérience.

Discover Turkish gastronomy: a feast of flavors

A holiday in Turkey is also a feast for the taste buds. Turkish cuisine is one of the richest and most varied in the Mediterranean world. It combines Ottoman, Greek, Middle Eastern and Asian influences to create tasty, colourful dishes, often prepared with fresh, local produce from different regions.

Right from breakfast, families can enjoy kahvaltı, a morning feast of fresh bread, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheeses, honey, homemade jam, eggs and black tea. It’s a convivial moment that children particularly love for its diversity.

Mezze, small plates of specialities to share, are the perfect way to introduce children to different flavours: hummus, tzatziki, stuffed vine leaves, grilled aubergines and colourful salads. Kebabs, whether skewered, sandwiched or baked, almost always appeal to children because of their simplicity and delicious taste.

For those with a sweet tooth, Turkey is a veritable paradise: baklava with honey and pistachios, melt-in-your-mouth loukoums, or künefe, a warm dessert made from cheese and kadaf pastry soaked in syrup, which often intrigues but delights the taste buds.

The often colourful local markets offer fresh fruit, freshly squeezed juices, fragrant spices and sweet specialities. Strolling along the seafront, you’ll also find many family-run beachside restaurants serving freshly caught fish. It’s also a great way to experience the local culture while keeping the kids entertained.

Family activities in Turkey: captivating adventures for young and old alike

A trip to Turkey is particularly recommended for families with teenagers! They are old enough to enjoy the experience to the full. On a family holiday to Turkey, there are plenty of exciting activities waiting for you, guaranteeing unforgettable memories and discoveries.

Nature excursions

Nature excursions

Nature lovers will love exploring the Göreme nature reserve in Cappadocia, with its unique rock formations and picturesque, child-friendly hikes. A boat trip on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul is also an ideal choice, offering panoramic views of the city and a fun maritime experience for all the family. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re going on a nature adventure, especially if you decide to go on holiday in Turkey with a baby.

Theme parks

Theme parks

In the city of Antalya, don’t miss The Land of Legends theme park, where children can enjoy waterslides, wave pools and a fascinating aquarium. For an educational experience, head to Miniaturk in Istanbul, an open-air theme park featuring miniature replicas of Turkey’s famous monuments and sites. Tip: if you book an all-inclusive hotel for families in Turkey, you may even be lucky enough to have a water park within the resort!

Traditional activities

Traditional activities

Finally, don’t forget to take part in a traditional pottery or weaving workshop, where children can express their creativity by making their own souvenirs.

Discover a country with an incredible wealth of culture, where history, architecture, cuisine and traditions blend harmoniously.

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Discover a country of incredible cultural richness, where history, architecture, cuisine and traditions blend harmoniously.

During your family trip to Turkey, plan outings that appeal to children, such as visits to theme parks, zoos or interactive museums. Include outdoor activities such as bike rides, boat trips or nature excursions to enjoy Turkey’s beautiful scenery.

Look for restaurants offering kid-friendly menus, with child-friendly dishes and healthy options.

Plan regular breaks to allow children to rest and relax, and be sure to observe safety measures such as sun protection, hydration and constant supervision of children when out and about.

Q&A - Family Trip to Turkey

Turkey offers many family attractions. Among the must-sees is Istanbul, with its historic monuments such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Pamukkale, with its travertine basins, is also a fascinating city for children. Cappadocia, famous for its lunar landscapes and fairy chimneys, offers hot-air balloon rides that will delight the whole family.

First of all, choose the ideal season: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are perfect for travelling with the family, because the temperatures are mild. Book family-friendly accommodation, with children’s clubs, swimming pools and activities included. Plan a variety of stops to alternate between relaxation, culture and nature. If you’re travelling with younger children, limit long journeys and choose areas with good transport links.

On a family trip to Turkey, you can explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, enjoy the beaches of the Turkish Riviera, or take a boat cruise on the Aegean Sea. Water parks in Antalya and jeep excursions in the countryside are also very popular with the younger members of the family. Don’t forget to sample the local specialities in the bustling markets.

When travelling with children in Turkey, it is essential to plan a flexible itinerary that includes regular breaks. Make sure you have a first-aid kit and drinking water to hand. Use private transport for greater comfort and choose family-friendly restaurants. Finally, involve the whole family in the choice of activities to make the trip even more memorable.