The most common question ALIDA TŪRS travel consultants get is: Where is the best place in Turkey for a family vacation with kids? Let’s dive into the features of the most popular resorts for families and the entertainment that awaits you there.

Alanya – a family resort with personality

Transfer time from Antalya Airport – around 2 hours and 5 minutes (excluding traffic delays). The road is smooth and flat — no sharp turns, making the ride comfortable.

Alanya is one of the most affordable and accessible resorts in Turkey. It offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio, which is especially important when travelling with children. The beach season runs from spring to late autumn, and the sea warms up faster and stays warmer than in neighbouring regions. What makes Alanya special is its variety of holiday rhythms — from a lively atmosphere in the resort centre to a more relaxed pace in nearby towns like Konakli, Avsallar, Incekum, and Okurcalar. These areas feature hotels with child-friendly infrastructure: playgrounds, kids' clubs for different ages, pools with slides, and full waterparks.

Beaches and Villages in the Alanya Region

Alanya’s beaches are like a layer cake: around the sunbeds — soft sand, closer to the sea — various-sized pebbles, and the sea entrance — mostly sandy. However, it’s common in this region to encounter underwater stone slabs, which should be navigated carefully when entering the sea. Pro tip: Ask your travel consultant about the beach near your hotel — they’ll not only explain, but show you photos too. General rule for all Turkish resorts: the more expensive the hotel, the cleaner and better its beach. In Alanya's centre, the most popular beach is the Cleopatra Beach, especially the stretch near the Old Town, Damlataş Cave, and Atatürk Park — known for its soft sand and vibrant atmosphere.

Konakli

Transfer time – about 1 hour 55 minutes, to Alanya city centre – about 30 minutes by local minibus.

A small resort town, the closest to Alanya. It can be windy here, and large rocks are sometimes found underwater, so keep an eye on children when swimming.

Incekum

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, to Alanya centre – about 30 minutes.

Incekum boasts a clean beach with golden sand about 2 km long (its name translates as "fine sand" from Turkish). Be careful though – the beach narrows near the surrounding cliffs, and there can be rocks at the water’s edge.

Avsallar

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, to Alanya centre – about 1 hour.

Avsallar is one of the warmest spots on the Antalya coast, as the bay shelters the beach from strong winds. The beaches are sandy and pebbly, and shallow underwater stone plates can be found in some places.

Okurcalar

Ttransfer time – about 1.5 hours, to Alanya centre – about 1 hour.

Okurcalar is the westernmost resort of the Alanya Riviera. The beaches here are sandy-pebbly: fine pebbles onshore, sand in the water. A local highlight is the Water Planet Resort & Aquapark 5*, with a large water park and foam disco open (for a fee) to guests of other hotels as well.

Off-the-beach fun in Alanya:

Water Planet Aquapark in Okurcalar: 16 slides of varying difficulty — from a toddler-friendly splash zone to thrilling slides for teens, plus a wave pool and a kids' play area.
Aquapark in central Alanya near Cleopatra Beach: 22 slides, a separate pool with fountains and mini slides for toddlers, and even a 3D cinema.
Sealanya Sea Park — an interactive marine park featuring dolphin shows, swimming with fish, safe shark observation, and its own beach.
Luna Park in the centre of Alanya — small but cosy: carousels and trampolines for young children, bumper cars and a roller rink for teens.

Things to see with the whole family in Alanya:

Alanya Fortress and the Red Tower — ancient landmarks that are just as interesting for kids as for adults. People still live in the fortress, and the atmospheric Ehmedek village inside is full of charming narrow streets. Wear comfy shoes and keep an eye on kids — the stairs are steep!
Damlataş Cave, just steps from the Alanya aquapark — a natural wonder with a microclimate that helps with asthma and colds. A great family excursion.
Manavgat Waterfall (60 km from Alanya), 40 metres wide with a turquoise river — cool and refreshing even on hot days. Plenty of cafés, souvenir stands and ice cream kiosks nearby.

RECOMMENDED FAMILY HOTELS IN ALANYA:

JUSTINIANO CLUB ALANYA 4*
KAHYA RESORT AQUA & SPA 5*
HAYDARPASHA PALACE HOTEL 5*

Antalya – the perfect mix of beach and city life

Transfer time from the airport – from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Antalya is the most popular resort in Turkey: well-maintained, full of entertainment, and very convenient for family holidays. With 300 sunny days a year and warm sea, Antalya becomes a place that neither parents nor children want to leave. Its proximity to the airport is another big plus. Add to that excellent infrastructure and Antalya's leading position for family attractions among all Turkish resorts. However, there are very few hotels in the city itself — for a family stay with waterparks and kids' facilities, the best options are found in the Lara and Kundu resort areas.

Lara

Transfer time – from 40 minutes. From Antalya city centre – around 30 minutes by bus or minibus.

Lara is a prestigious district filled with 5-star hotels. The Blue Flag sandy beach stretches 12 km eastward from the Lower Duden Waterfall, which dramatically plunges into the sea from a cliff. Tip: The further east you go, the finer and softer the sand. Nearby, you’ll find the green Lara Kent Park.

Kundu

Transfer time – from 40 minutes. From Antalya city centre – around 30 minutes by bus or minibus.

Kundu lies east of Antalya, on the way to Belek. This relatively new resort features hotels inspired by the architecture of famous cities like Istanbul and Venice. Its beaches offer wide stretches of truly golden sand, with a scenic promenade running along the coast. The Lara and Aksu areas nearby are packed with shops and restaurants. Note: In the southern part of Kundu, the shoreline becomes rocky, and swimming is not possible there.

Unforgettable entertainment for kids:

Aqualand Waterpark: a variety of slides for all ages plus a dolphinarium. Open from May to October.
The Land of Legends — the largest theme park in Turkey, with Nickelodeon and Masha and the Bear zones, water rides, and a shopping complex.
Aktur Park & Balon Park: evening amusement parks with carousels, roller coasters, 5D cinema, and trampolines — a perfect way to end the day.
Antalya Aquarium — the second-largest in Europe and fifth-largest in the world, featuring three themed zones: tropical, the sunken city, and bizarre fish. Ideal for escaping the midday heat.
Antalya Zoo (take the AntRay tram to the final stop Fatih or grab a taxi): home to 90 species, with ponds, fountains, and a mini-zoo with rabbits and guinea pigs.
Sandland — an open-air exhibition of sand sculptures on the beach.
Butterfly World Antalya — a brand-new butterfly park in the resort centre, home to 25,000 butterflies of 40 species, with a tropical forest, waterfall, exotic birds, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

History, nature & outdoor fun:

Kaleiçi Old Town — narrow historic streets, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Clock Tower.
Ancient cities of Perge (30 min from Antalya), Aspendos (50 min), and Phaselis (1 hour) — light and engaging walks through ancient ruins, great even for kids.
Nature excursions: Duden Waterfalls (20 min from the city) and Manavgat Falls (1 hour away) — active, refreshing family adventures.

RECOMMENDED FAMILY HOTELS IN ANTALYA:

NIRVANA COSMOPOLITAN 5*
SHERWOOD EXCLUSIVE LARA 5*
LIMAK LARA DE LUXE HOTEL & RESORT 5*
SWANDOR HOTELS & RESORTS TOPKAPI PALACE 5*

Belek – a place for family recharge

Transfer time – from 50 minutes (depending on traffic).

Belek is a resort known for its high-end all-inclusive hotels, making it a destination of minimal hassle and maximum impressions. There aren't many attractions outside the hotels, but their on-site offerings cover everything one could wish for. For example, guests of the Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa have access to the luxurious Cornie Kids World, a 5,000 m² complex with a theatre, trampolines, waterpark, and cinema.

Belek's Beaches and Resorts

The beaches in Belek are known for being very clean and well-maintained. On the Central Beach, stretching from Selectum Luxury Resort to the Açisu River and awarded the Blue Flag, you'll find fine sand, sometimes mixed with grey or colourful pebbles.

Kadriye

Transfer time – from 50 minutes, from Belek centre – about 10-20 minutes by minibus.

Kadriye is known for its eucalyptus and pine groves, a golden sandy beach (perfect for sandcastle builders!) and shallow sea entrance. Many hotels also have small piers for deep-water swimming or diving.

Bogazkent

Transfer time – from 50 minutes, from Belek centre – about 10-20 minutes by minibus.

Here you'll find 6 km of beach with coarse sand (there are also pebbly sections), a gentle entry into the water, and plenty of shallow “frog ponds.” The village is located near the “Bird Paradise” nature reserve, which attracts 169 species of birds at different times of the year, so the water and beaches are kept especially clean. It’s the perfect place for a quiet family holiday.

Things to do outside the hotel:

Belek is Turkey’s golf capital, with many beautifully maintained courses. For little ones, the green fields are perfect for peaceful walks, while teens can try their hand at this aristocratic sport with the help of professional instructors.

Visit The Land of Legends — Turkey’s largest theme park, featuring themed zones like Nickelodeon and Masha and the Bear, water attractions, and a shopping complex.

Antalya is just 40 minutes away by taxi or car, and about 50 minutes by bus — which means all of its entertainment and attractions are easily accessible to families staying in Belek.

RECOMMENDED FAMILY HOTELS IN BELEK:

DOBEDAN EXCLUSIVE HOTEL & SPA (Ex. ALVA DONNA EXCLUSIVE HOTEL & SPA) 5*
GURAL PREMIER BELEK 5*
ELA EXCELLENCE RESORT BELEK 5*
PAPILLON BELVIL 5*

Kemer – an active resort between mountains and sea

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours

Kemer is the greenest resort in Turkey, known for its unique microclimate. Nestled at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, covered with evergreen pine forests, the fresh pine-scented air provides a welcome refreshment even on the hottest days. While the town of Kemer is famous for its vibrant nightlife, there are also nearby villages perfect for peaceful family holidays, offering a more tranquil environment for those travelling with children.

Resorts and Beaches

The beaches around Kemer are mostly pebble or pebbly-sand, so if you choose this destination, be sure to pack water shoes for both yourself and your kids.

Tekirova

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, from Kemer – about 20 minutes.

Tekirova is one of the most well-maintained and scenic resorts in the Kemer area. The sea entry is gentle, with some sandy areas, and the water is crystal clear. The beaches are pebbly but with small pebbles. Quiet, calm, and very picturesque.

Kiris & Camyuva

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, from Kemer – about 20 minutes.

These two resorts form one coastal area, separated by a small river. Kiris is a tiny, peaceful resort with a pebbly beach and gentle sea entry. Near the hotels, sand is often added to improve comfort. Camyuva is slightly larger, with some restaurants but no noisy bars. Its beach has fine pebbles and gentle sea access. A special feature – at night, the sea glows slightly due to harmless microorganisms.

Goynuk

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, from Kemer – about 15 minutes.

One of the liveliest resorts in the Kemer area – great for teenagers. The beaches are narrow and pebbly. Some hotels have sandy sections and almost all have private piers, as there are many rocks near the shore.

Beldibi

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, from Kemer – about 30 minutes.

A beautiful resort, but the beaches are covered with large pebbles – swimming shoes are a must. The sea entry is rocky, although a sandy seabed starts a few metres out. Many hotels have added sand to their private beaches and built piers. Beldibi-1 beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. Some wild beaches remain fully pebbly, so it’s worth checking beach conditions when booking.

Family-friendly activities in Kemer:

Dinopark: 28 moving dinosaur models, an inflatable climbing wall, a water ride with mini boats, a planetarium, and a 7D cinema.
Dolusu Park & Aquarium: sea lions, dolphins, waterslides, and an aquarium filled with colorful fish — all in one place.
Pirate Boat and Mega Star — boat trips with swimming stops and themed entertainment.
Moonlight Park near the beach of the same name — small but charming: a dolphinarium, mini-zoo, tennis courts, and a basketball court.
Tahtalı Cable Car — enjoy stunning views of the sea from 2,365 meters up; a great way to spice up your vacation.
Yörük Folklore Park — an ethnographic village where kids can discover the culture and traditions of nomadic people, sip tea, and try flatbread inside traditional tents.

Excursions and extra activities:

A trip to the ancient city of Phaselis (16 km from Kemer) — see Hadrian’s Gate, Roman baths, ruins of temples and an amphitheatre, plus enjoy three beautiful beaches.
With teens, head to Göynük Canyon — try rafting down the turquoise river, visit the waterfall, and even go for a swim in a wetsuit!

RECOMMENDED FAMILY HOTELS IN KEMER:

DOBEDAN WORLD PALACE 5*
AKKA ANTENDON 5*
GURAL PREMIER TEKIROVA 5*
NIRVANA DOLCE VITA 5*
RIXOS SUNGATE – THE LAND OF LEGENDS FREE ACCESS 5*

Side – ancient charm and golden sands

Transfer time – from 1.5 hours.

Side combines everything families with curious kids could wish for. Where else can you find an ancient amphitheatre right next to golden sands and the turquoise sea? That’s the charm of this resort. The hotel infrastructure is family-friendly: resorts offer kids’ clubs, children’s pools, playgrounds, and top-notch entertainment. Another big plus — Side is compact, so even little ones can enjoy walks without getting too tired.

Beaches and Resorts

Side’s coastline is divided by the harbour into eastern and western parts. The western beach stretches farther and is home to many comfortable hotels, although it has less greenery. The eastern side delights with nearby pine and orange groves, and palm-lined promenades. Both beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and environmental quality.
The sand is soft, the sea entrance is shallow, and the beaches are well-maintained and well-equipped.

Colakli

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, from Side – about 20 minutes.

Colakli’s beaches are considered among the best in Turkey – 7 km of soft golden sand, shallow entry, and no stones or pebbles. The resort itself is not very green, but hotels compensate with colourful flowers and landscaped gardens.

Sorgun

Transfer time – about 1.5 hours, from Side – about 15 minutes.

A peaceful and lush resort, unlike Colakli. Many hotels here offer bungalow accommodation. The beaches are sandy-pebbly, but the pebble strip is narrow. The water is clear and clean, with hardly any waves. This is one of the warmest areas of the Mediterranean – swimming is possible until November.

Family-friendly things to see in Side:

Ancient ruins right in the town centre — the amphitheatre and Temple of Apollo are within walking distance, so no need for transport. A big wow-factor for the whole family!
Manavgat Waterfall (just 15 minutes away) — a refreshing escape surrounded by greenery. Perfect for selfies and family picnics.
The Green Canyon (17 km from Side) — explore turquoise waters by boat or pedal boat, go fishing, let the kids play on the swings, and enjoy some local food in cosy restaurants.

RECOMMENDED FAMILY HOTELS IN SIDE:

STARLIGHT RESORT HOTEL 5*
CRYSTAL SUNSET LUXURY RESORT 5*
KAMELYA AISHEN CLUB 5*
CLUB HOTEL TURAN PRINCE WORLD 5*