Choosing a destination for a family holiday can be a tough choice. We’re lucky in the UK, we have lots of Mediterranean beach destinations under less than a 5-hour flight. Quite often though, when I’m selling holidays someone will say “I don’t fancy Turkey”, and usually they can’t even tell me why! I’ve got to be honest though, I get it.
I used to feel exactly the same, and I can’t even explain what it was that put me off. Back in 2021, in those hazy Covid travel days – we were due to go to Kos but tested positive for Covid a few days before scuppering those plans. We ended up being able to change our holiday but had to travel in November, this meant we basically had a choice to the Canary Islands or Türkiye. The Canary Islands were more than twice as much so we opted to take a chance on Turkey. We were not disappointed!
Turkey basics
From the UK, you can fly directly into 4 different coastal airports and Istanbul. The 4 Airports from furthest north to furthest South are: Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. All take around 4.5 hours to fly from the UK directly. Antalya has flights year-round, and temperatures in December and January are up to around 15°C. A lot of the hotels on this coast are luxury all-inclusive with indoor and outdoor pools and nearby golf courses making it a great year-round destination.
- Time zone GMT+3
- Language Turkish
- Currency Turkish Lira
- When to go May – October for most resorts – year-round for Antalya
- How to get there From the UK there are flights pretty much daily
- Who should travel here? Everyone, Singles, couples, families…. there’s something to suit everyone.
Antalya Area
Best for: Family-friendly resorts, sandy beaches, and historical sites.
Popular areas: Lara Beach, Belek, Side, Alanya, Kemer.
Why families love it: Waterparks, all-inclusive resorts, and attractions like the Land of Legends theme park.
Lara Beach
The closest resort to Antalya airport, Lara Beach is the perfect spot for those who like nice things. There’s a big range of five-star hotels along the golden beach. The order of the day here is big family hotels with waterparks, spas, a choice of restaurants and refreshing pools. If you don’t want to go far and chill, Lara Beach is for you. It’s also home to the Land of Legends waterpark theme park, and shopping centre. The transfer time is around 20 minutes on the coach.
Belek
The next resort along the coast is Belek, famous for its golf scene. It’s home to 15 golf courses with many associated with the luxury hotels in the resort. We stayed in the beachfront Susesi hotel in Belek which was absolutely gorgeous on the sandy beach. The hotels in Belek are all really nice 4 and 5* resorts much like the ones in Lara Beach. There is a small purpose-built centre for shopping here too with a few bars to visit if you do want to explore close by. The kids loved shopping for football kits and “designer” clothing – I was happy trying all of the Turkish Delight!
Side
A little further along the coast – around 1hr 20 minutes coach transfer time – is pretty Side. Side has a lot more of a variety of accommodations, there are still stunning 5* resorts but you will also find a selection of apartments and B&B’s. There’s bound to be one that suits you here. The resort itself is great for shopping, as well as your Turkey specials, you can grab some authentic leather goods and jewellery here too.
Head over to Side Old Town to discover the Temple of Apollo & Athena which dates back to 2AD. There’s the Amphitheatre which is so well preserved, you can imagine what it was like in the ancient Greek days. Side Harbour is home to a huge choice of bars and restaurants, you’ll never miss out if you decide to stay Self Catering in Side.
Alanya
Alanya is the furthest of the main resorts from Antalya airport. Some hotels can be around 2 and a half hours transfer from the airport. There’s definitely a divide here the main resort which is full of self-catering and B&B hotels, a bus resort centre with lots of life. The other side is where all the All-inclusive hotels are – Often referred to as “Near Alanya” by the tour operators. These hotels are all singing, all dancing, often beachfront but a long way from a real resort centre.
Wherever you decide to stay down this spot of coastline, there’s plenty of natural beauty right on your doorstep. The Manavgat waterfalls, Sapadere Canyon and Kursunlu Falls are just for starters.
Kemer
The 40m stretch of golden sandy beach is where most want to while away their days in Kemer. The beautiful resort with the backdrop of the pine forests of Olympos Beydağları National Park. Europe’s longest cableway will take you up into the mountains for the best views of the resort. Nature lovers will also love the beauty of Göynük Canyon – the wild ones will love Göynük Canyon for its zip lining, white water rafting and canyoning!
Kemer is home to a lot of really nice all-inclusive hotels, while they are mostly family-friendly, a lot of them have more of a grown-up feel. Transfer time on the tour operator coach is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Dalaman Area
Best for: Stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and adventure activities.
Popular areas: Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Dalyan, Göcek.
Why families love it: Lagoon beaches, boat trips, turtle spotting in Dalyan, and adventure activities like paragliding (for older kids!).
Marmaris
Probably the most well-known of all the Turkish resorts. Us Brits have been travelling to Marmaris since at least the 1980s – probably earlier than that to be real. With pine-clad mountains, beautiful golden sands and a HUGE range of shops, bars and restaurants, it’s easy to see what the attraction is. It has a bit of a “Marmite” reaction – loads of people love it and others realise it definitely is not for them. If you like somewhere with plenty of life, Marmaris is a good option. Transfer time is around 2 hours, and the choice of accommodation is massive.
Icmeler
Right next doot to Marmaris is Icmeler. Icmeler is lively but smaller than Marmaris, and it still has an old village within it making it feel more “authentic”. Head down to the sea, have a drink in one of the numerous beach bars and relax. The Market in Icmeler is a great spot too, get haggling and get a bargain! Much like Marmaris, transfer time is around 2 hours and there’s a BIG choice of accommodation.
Fethiye
Fethiye is a little closer to the airport, around an hour’s transfer from Dalaman Airport. this pretty stretch of coastline is home to a gorgeous Marina, amazing views and old town centres. You won’t be stuck for accommodation here either – There’s a good range of family hotels, adult-only hotels, Self-catering right up to ultra luxury all-inclusive properties.
Ölüdeniz
Oludeniz is renowned for its blue lagoon back with a gorgeous mountain range – it’s one for the Instagram grid for sure. The accommodation here is more low-key – there are a few all-inclusive resorts but you won’t find high-rise properties. It’s very family-friendly and chilled with around an hr 30 transfer, it’s ideal.
Dalyan
Dalyan often gets overlooked by tourists and travel agents for that matter – it’s a sleepy resort on the riverside. It’s really chilled, there are some gorgeous accommodation options and lots to do around. The fact that it’s on a river and not the sea shouldn’t put you off, it’s still a stunning beach break
In the sleepy, riverside resort of Dalyan, things are pretty simple and relaxed. But just out of town, adventure is definitely on the cards. Enchanting lakes, crypts carved into cliffs, and astonishing sea creatures give this Turkish delight an unforgettable, fairytale feel.
Hisaronu
Hisaronu is a great option for those who want to be close to Olu Deniz but don’t want to pay the higher price to be right by the Lagoon. Up in the Pine Hills, Hisaronu is really pretty and has stunning views. There are some great family hotels up here with great value All-Inclusive hotels and there’s a good choice of bars and restaurants too. If you are a wild one have a go at Paragliding from the nearby mountains!
Sarigerme
Sarigerme is a little beauty of a resort. A small, relaxed resort town with a sandy beach, shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s really popular with families as there are some really upmarket, family hotels such as the Hilton Sarigerme, TUI Blue and The Holiday Village Turkey. A Lovely short 30-minute transfer time too.
Bodrum Area
Best for: Stylish resorts, a mix of culture and beach relaxation.
Popular areas: Bodrum, Gumbet, Turgutreis, Bitez.
Why families love it: Sandy beaches, child-friendly hotels, Bodrum Castle, and boat trips.
Bodrum
Picture this: a gentle sea breeze drifting through the marina, the sun warming your skin, and the perfect mix of old and new giving Bodrum its unique charm. This place has it all—gorgeous beaches for lazy sun-soaked days, fascinating history to explore (hello, world wonders!), and a laid-back, arty vibe that makes every stroll feel like an adventure. Oh, and the best bit? It’s only a 35-minute transfer from the airport—so no endless ‘Are we there yet?’ from the kids before the fun even begins! Bodrum just gets family holidays right.
Gumbet
If you love a bit of buzz with your beach days, Gumbet is the place to be! This lively resort is packed with sunshine-loving holidaymakers, and with its stunning horseshoe bay, you’ll see why. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for little swimmers, while thrill-seekers can dive into parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat fun. And if you fancy a bit of pampering before a big night out, you’re in the right place—Gumbet’s nightlife is electric! Best of all, it’s only around an hour’s transfer from the airport, so you’ll be swapping suitcases for sun loungers in no time.
Turgutreis
Turgutreis might be the second-biggest town on the Bodrum peninsula, but it’s first-class when it comes to family-friendly fun! Think golden sandy beaches, glitzy shopping streets, and the kind of sunsets that make you stop and stare. History lovers can wander through castles and churches, while foodies will be in heaven with the mouthwatering aromas of Turkish delights around every corner. And the best part? It’s only around an hour’s transfer from the airport—so you’ll be soaking up those holiday vibes before you know it!
Bitez
If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, Bitez is the place to be. Picture olive groves, citrus trees, and a sun-kissed landscape that’s made for total relaxation. The beach is perfect for lazy days, but if you fancy a bit of adventure, hop on a boat trip and explore the stunning coastline. And don’t forget to hit the markets—haggling for gifts and local goodies is all part of the fun! With an airport transfer of around an hour, you’ll be unwinding in no time.
Izmir Area
Best for: A mix of history, beaches, and local culture.
Popular areas: Altinkum, Kusadasi, Çeşme, Alacati, Selçuk (near Ephesus).
Why families love it: Ephesus ancient city, Aqua Fantasy waterpark, and lovely seaside towns.
Altinkum
Friendly, unspoilt, and packed with charm—Altinkum is a real gem! You’ve got three gorgeous beaches to choose from, plus easy access to some of the world’s most incredible historical sites. If you love a traditional town with a bit of a buzz, this place has you covered. Think delicious seafront restaurants, lively bars, and breathtaking ancient temples just waiting to be explored. The transfer takes around two hours, but trust me, it’s worth every minute!
Kusadasi
If you’re after a destination that’s got just the right mix of culture and chill time, Kusadasi is the place to be! With heaps of beautiful beaches, grand city walls, and some seriously fun aqua parks, there’s something for everyone. Foodies can tuck into delicious local dishes at traditional Turkish spots or dine in style at upmarket seafood restaurants. And when the sun sets, the nightlife kicks in—plus, there are some epic ancient sites nearby for a bit of history on the side. The best part? It’s just over an hour’s transfer from Izmir airport, so you’ll be soaking up the sights in no time!
There’s a resort for everyone in Turkey, whether you want it small, friendly traditional or ultra luxury, all singing all dancing and everything in between. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.
Been to Turkey with the family? I’d love to hear about your favourite spots! Drop a comment below or tag me in your travel snaps on Instagram—let’s swap recommendations!
Becky x