Family Travel Toolkit
Antalya harbour and coast, Turkey
Destination guide

Antalya with Kids

The heart of Turkey's family resort coast — long sandy beaches, outstanding all-inclusive hotels, Roman ruins on the doorstep, and warm turquoise water from May to October.

10 min read · Updated August 2026

Flight time4–4.5 hrs from UK
AirportAntalya (AYT)
Best monthsMay–Jun, Sep–Oct
CurrencyTurkish Lira (₺)
Budget£–££ excellent value
Best forAll ages

The Antalya region is the most popular family holiday destination on the Turkish Riviera — and for good reason. Stretching from Kemer in the west to Alanya in the east, this 200km stretch of Mediterranean coastline has everything a family could want: long sandy beaches, warm shallow water, world-class all-inclusive resorts, and enough history and day-trip options to keep older children genuinely engaged. Side's Roman ruins sit right next to the beach. Belek has the most luxurious hotels in Turkey. Alanya has a dramatic clifftop castle and the best value. Whichever base you choose, you're within easy reach of everything.

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The best resorts around Antalya for families

Side, Belek, Alanya, and Kemer — what each resort is really like for families with children.

Family walking on a sandy beach near ancient ruins in Side, Turkey
beachhistoryall ages

Roman ruins right next to the beach

Side

Side is one of the most atmospheric resort towns on the Turkish Riviera — a narrow peninsula with Roman ruins, a well-preserved theatre, and a Temple of Apollo at its tip, all surrounded by long sandy beaches. The east beach is calmer and better for young children; the west beach has more facilities. The old town is genuinely beautiful and worth an evening stroll. Side is the best all-round base for families who want history alongside the beach.

  • The east beach is calmer and shallower — better for young children
  • Visit the Temple of Apollo at sunset — one of Turkey's most beautiful sights
  • The Roman theatre is free to view from outside; entry is cheap
  • Most all-inclusive hotels are a short transfer from the old town
Best for All ages
Family relaxing by a luxury resort pool in Turkey
luxuryresortsall ages

Turkey's most upmarket family resort area

Belek

Belek is Turkey's most prestigious resort area — a purpose-built strip of large luxury hotels set in pine forests behind a long sandy beach. The hotels here are genuinely world-class: enormous pools, dedicated kids' clubs, water parks within the resort, and a level of service that's hard to match anywhere in Europe at the price. The beach is long, sandy, and gently shelving — perfect for young children. It's quieter and more spacious than Side or Alanya, which suits families who want to relax rather than explore.

  • Book early — the best Belek hotels sell out months in advance
  • Many hotels have their own water parks and kids' clubs included
  • The beach is a short walk or buggy ride from most hotels
  • Belek is quieter than Side — better for families who want to relax
Best for Families wanting luxury and space
Alanya castle on the cliff above the beach and resort town, Turkey
beachhistoryvalue

Dramatic castle, lively resort, and the best value

Alanya

Alanya is the liveliest and most affordable resort on the Turkish Riviera. The town is dominated by a spectacular Seljuk castle perched on a rocky promontory — a genuinely impressive sight and worth the climb for older children. Cleopatra Beach, on the western side of the promontory, is one of the best beaches in Turkey: long, sandy, and with calm, clear water. The resort has a huge range of accommodation at every price point, excellent restaurants, and a buzzy atmosphere that suits families with older children.

  • Cleopatra Beach is one of Turkey's best — long, sandy, and calm
  • The castle is worth the climb — take the cable car up and walk down
  • Alanya is the best value resort on the Riviera — great for budget families
  • The Damlataş Cave near the beach is a fun 20-minute stop for children
Best for Families with older children, budget travellers
Turquoise sea and pine-forested mountains on the Turkish Riviera
naturesceneryolder kids

Pine forests, mountain scenery, and quieter beaches

Kemer & the Taurus Mountains

Kemer, west of Antalya, sits at the foot of the Taurus Mountains — a dramatic backdrop that makes it one of the most scenic resort areas on the coast. The beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, but the water is exceptionally clear. The Olympos ruins and the Chimaera (eternal flames emerging from the mountainside) are brilliant day trips for families with older children. Kemer is quieter and more upmarket than Alanya, with a good range of family hotels.

  • The Chimaera (eternal flames) is a magical evening trip for older children
  • Olympos ruins are accessible and free — a great half-day out
  • Beaches are pebbly — bring water shoes for young children
  • The Taurus Mountains backdrop makes Kemer one of the most scenic resorts
Best for Families with older children, nature lovers

Best day trips from Antalya with kids

The Antalya region has some of Turkey's best day-trip destinations — all reachable from any resort.

1

Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Full day (2.5 hrs each way)

Turkey's famous white travertine terraces and the Roman city of Hierapolis above them. Children can paddle in the warm thermal pools. Long but absolutely worth it for families with children aged 5+.

Best for: 5+ years

2

Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Half day

Antalya's beautifully preserved Roman and Ottoman old town, with a Roman harbour, Hadrian's Gate, and excellent restaurants. Easy by taxi or organised excursion from any resort.

Best for: All ages

3

Düden Waterfalls

Half day

Two spectacular waterfalls near Antalya — the upper falls are in a park with walking paths, and the lower falls cascade directly into the sea from a cliff. Children love both. Easy and cheap to visit.

Best for: All ages

4

Boat trip along the coast

Full day

A gulet (traditional wooden boat) day trip along the coast is one of the best family days out in Turkey — swimming in crystal-clear bays, lunch on board, and snorkelling. Available from all resorts.

Best for: All ages

Practical information for families

Getting there

Antalya Airport (AYT) is served by direct flights from most UK airports. Jet2, TUI, easyJet, and Turkish Airlines all fly the route — flight time is around 4–4.5 hours. Most package holidays include transfers; taxis from the airport to Side cost around £35–45, to Belek £25–35, and to Alanya £55–70. Shared transfer shuttles are cheaper and easy to book online.

Best time to visit

May, June, September, and October are the best months for families — warm enough to swim (26–30°C), cooler for sightseeing, and significantly less crowded than peak summer. July and August are extremely hot (35–40°C) and very busy. October half-term is popular and still warm — sea temperatures peak in September at around 28°C. Avoid November to April for a beach holiday — many hotels close and the weather is unreliable.

Getting around

Within resort areas, dolmuş (shared minibuses) run frequently and cheaply between towns. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. For day trips to Pamukkale, Antalya old town, or the waterfalls, organised excursions from your hotel are the easiest option — they include transport, a guide, and entrance fees. Hiring a car gives more flexibility but is best for experienced drivers.

How much does it cost?

The Antalya region is exceptional value for UK families. A week's all-inclusive package for a family of four typically costs £1,500–£3,000 depending on the resort and time of year — significantly cheaper than Spain or Greece. Eating out is very affordable (a family meal at a local restaurant costs £20–35). The weak Turkish Lira means your pounds go further than almost anywhere else in Europe.

Tips for a family holiday in Antalya

1

All-inclusive is the smart choice here

Turkish all-inclusive resorts are among the best value in the world. Food, drinks (including alcohol), and entertainment are all included — and the quality at Belek and Side hotels is genuinely excellent. It removes the stress of mealtimes with young children.

2

Avoid July and August if possible

Temperatures regularly hit 38–40°C in peak summer, which is genuinely uncomfortable for young children. June and September give you warm weather, open beaches, and a much more relaxed experience — and prices are lower.

3

Book transfers in advance

Pre-booking airport transfers online is significantly cheaper than taking a taxi on arrival. Shared shuttles are the best value; private transfers are more comfortable with young children and luggage.

4

Pack sun cream from home

Sun cream is significantly more expensive in Turkish resorts than in UK supermarkets. Bring plenty of SPF 50+ for the children — you'll use more than you expect in 35°C heat.

5

Do at least one boat trip

A gulet day trip along the coast is one of the best family experiences in Turkey — swimming in crystal-clear bays, snorkelling, and lunch on board. Available from all resorts for around £30–40 per adult.

6

Check FCDO advice before booking

Always check the UK FCDO travel advice for Turkey at gov.uk before booking and again before travel. Most tourist resort areas are considered safe for families, but advice can change.

Check FCDO travel advice before booking

Always check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Turkey at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey before booking and again before travel. Travel insurance is essential.

Frequently asked questions

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