Europe's best holidays destinations for families

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 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

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

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.

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.