When planning family holidays, Turkey instantly springs to mind as a contender. There is so much to see and do and whether you choose to holiday in the exotic capital Istanbul, or opt for a more relaxing stay in a coastal resort, family holidays to Turkey will never disappoint. One of the best things about Turkey is its accessibility and no matter where you stay, even those with young families will find it easy to explore the neighbouring areas. Olu Deniz is one of the most popular family resorts in the Aegean and an ideal place to base yourself; and if you do find yourself there on your family holidays, Turkey has another little secret up her sleeve – Fethiye.

Fethiye is only a short distance from the more popular resorts along the Turkish coast, but some people prefer its more relaxed atmosphere for their family holidays. Turkey is renowned for its hospitality and the warm welcome it extends to visitors, and nowhere is this more evident than Fethiye. Whilst retaining an authentic and traditional feel, there is still enough to do to keep the entire family entertained. Whether your family is into sun-worshipping and sailing, or history and horse-riding, Fethiye can take care of everyone.

Along the Waterfront

You may choose to spend your entire family holiday on the beach and in Fethiye, the temptation to do just that is extremely great! Although sunbathing and swimming will be high on the agenda of family holidays, Turkey offers more than just a dip in the sea and a paddle in the shallows. Around Fethyie you will discover not only some of the most stunning beaches on the Turkish Coast, you will also find some of the most enjoyable ways to maximise your fun in the sun. Diving, snorkelling, kayaking and paragliding are just some of the activities on offer and, coupled with the wide sandy beaches and warm inviting waters, are an irresistible option.

Of course, if parents want to escape for a little ‘me time’ on their family holidays in Turkey, they can always leave the kids to their own devices and take a relaxing stroll around the harbour in Fethiye. With a charming backdrop of bobbing yachts against the glittering azure ocean, you can while away an afternoon or an evening in a tiny restaurant and watch the locals go about their business.

Delve into History

In its day, Fethiye was one of the most significant towns on the Lycian Way. Formerly namedTelmessos, it was the centre of prophecy and a bustling centre of culture. Wherever you base yourself for your family holidays, Turkey will astound you with a diverse and rich tapestry of history and Fethiye is no exception. The entire family can enjoy excursions to visit the many fascinating relics dotted around the town. A history lesson can take on a whole new meaning when you get to experience the actual site of such important events, and you will have no trouble getting the children to come along. Of particular interest in Fethiye is the amazing rock tomb of Amyntas with its impressive facade cut into the hillside behind the town; as well as many other smaller sarcophagi in the unique Lycian style which date back to the 4th Century.

Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.

So far on your family holidays, Turkey has provided you with sun, sea and sand for the best part of your trip. But it seems a shame to go home without having shown the kids some of the fantastic culture on offer in this fascinating country. The majority of the country’s citizens are currently Islamic, but there is a wealth of rich history of other religions and politics surrounding the country. This means that a trip to Turkey can offer you experience of systems of beliefs and history that are very different from your own. So capture the kids before they head down to the beach, and show them the real Turkey with some of Istanbul’s finest buildings.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art

Found in Istanbul, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is a treasure trove of beautiful artefacts. The museum lies in the foundations that remain of a palace built by the Grand Vezir to Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, Ibrahim Pasha. Pasha met his downfall when the Sultan’s wife labelled him a traitor for not supporting her son as the next candidate for the Sultancy. He was killed and his wealth seized by the Imperial Government. What is left of Pasha’s palace today makes a wonderful home for the collection of artifacts that make up the museum. From religious art, to Turkish carpets, to Nomad’s tents; this museum will take you on a whistle-stop tour through Turkey’s history. When it comes to cultural family holidays, Turkey does not disappoint.

Topkapi Sarayi

Topkapi Sarayi Palace as it is perhaps better known, is an essential inclusion on the itinerary of family holidays. Turkey’s Ottoman Sultans inhabited this palace for nearly 400 years, surrounded by hundreds of servants, concubines and children. Take a few strides in their footsteps as you wander through the harem, into the beautiful and spacious grounds and through any one of the four enormous courtyards. In the third courtyard, you’ll find the treasury; bursting at the seams with incredible gems, pieces of gold and a spectacular collection of artwork, this is well worth a look.

Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)

Ayasofya, also known as the Church of Divine Wisdom is quite a sight to behold, particularly when you see it lit up after dark. This church was built to outdo the enormous Church of St Polyeuchtos, which it did with little trouble. It then remained the largest church in existence, until the construction of St Paul’s Basilica in Rome over a thousand years later. By far the most impressive building you are likely to see on your family holidays, Turkey’s greatest building was proclaimed a mosque following Mehmet’s conquest of the city in 1453. However, in 1935 it was re-established as a museum, and it remains such to this day. One room is still designated for prayer, and you will hear the call-to-prayer filling the area at certain times of the day. The intricate mosaic tiling found inside the building, only add to its splendour. Undoubtedly Turkey’s most impressive building, the Church of Divine Wisdom is not to be missed.

A perfect location for family holidays, Turkey offers everything from warm weather to stunning sunshine and beautiful beaches. But the finest places you’ll find to visit are those that take you back through Turkey’s history, and allow you to really enjoy the fascinating culture of this country. Be sure to get your kids their fill of culture before you let them drag you back to the beach.

Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.

For family holidays, Turkey might sound like a relaxing prospect; the chance to unwind, soak up the sun and take in all the local attractions. However, the reality can sometimes very different to the daydream. Finding a destination that has enough to entertain the children, with a good mix of activities to keep mum and dad interested can be a tricky task. Luckily, we’ve found the perfect destination in Kusadasi.

Why it’s great for children…

The long sandy beach is a child’s paradise and the white powdery sand is ideal for building sandcastles. But whilst we all know that most children could happily sit on the beach for hours building sand palaces, the resort of Kusadasi has plenty to drag them away. Not least the azure blue ocean which offers a haven of water-sports, perfect for slightly older children.There are banana boat rides, jet skiing and yachting for the active, whilst the resort also offers three fantastic water parks. One of the water parks, Adaland claims to be the largest in Europe and its fantastic dolphin shows ensures that it stands out from the competition. In between the dolphin displays there are plenty of log flume rides to keep the children entertained, from the wild kamikaze winder to the slightly gentler rainbow ride. On your family holidays, Turkey be sure to check out the park’s newest addition, Sea Park. Here children and adults can snorkel alongside tropical fish and even take part in a specialised dolphin encounter program.

Why it’s great for Dads….

Dads can be tricky when it comes to arranging family holidays, Turkey however has something for everyone. While mum is often perfectly content to spend hours sunbathing on the beach with the latest romantic novel, it’s fair to say that dads are usually after something a little more cultural. Therefore, Kusadasi is situated in the perfect location; Epheseus, Pammukale and Didyma are all less than a few hours’ drive away from the main resort. Epheseus is the closest historic attraction and it’s safe to say that a visit to Kusadasi just isn’t complete without taking a day trip. Another activity that’s bound to appeal to fathers and sons alike is the adrenaline-packed Jeep Safari.

This day-long action packed adventure takes in the mountains and valleys of Sirince and contains frequent water fights between the other jeeps. The Jeep Safari finishes at the Cave of Zeus, where the deep blue mineral water inside the cave makes it the perfect place to cool off at the end of an adrenaline packed day.

Why it’s great for Mums…..

The chance to relax and escape from the stresses and strains of daily life is why mums love family holidays. Turkey has plenty of sandy beaches for mums to unwind on, but whilst sunbathing on the beach may be all very well, if mums want proper relaxation then nothing beats an authentic Turkish bath experience. Whilst laid on a stone slab, a tellak will scrub and exfoliate your skin with a coarse mitt and some thick black soap. A good tip is to visit the hamman on the first day of your holiday as the exfoliation will prepare mum’s skin for the sun, allowing her to tan more easily. The perfect ending to Turkey family holidays is a family meal at an attractive local restaurant. Try Bul Bul for delicious meze and succulent kebabs and then end your evening at the Dejazar Wine Bar which offers spectacular views out over the marina.

Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.

Ah, the annual family holiday to the Mediterranean. You can tell yourself you’re going for the culture and the scenery (and you won’t be disappointed in that); you can tell yourself you’re looking forward to the food and the odd cocktail or two (and you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice in that department); but come on now, let’s be honest. What you’re really looking forward to most is the endless supply of sun and sea, the most important part of everyone’s family holidays. Turkey can supply both in abundance and there is a seemingly endless array of family-friendly resorts to choose from. As a holiday destination, Turkey can cater to every taste and budget and once you arrive, there’s no shortage of ways to ensure you lap up as much of the beach culture as possible.

Swimming

Well this one is a no-brainer. Whether you’re an Olympic athlete in disguise or a toddler who’s never seen the sea before, the warm, clear waters which lap Turkey’s coastline are ideal for everyone on their family holidays. Turkey’s beaches are very safe with gently shelving shorelines, and their protected waters make for an inviting way to spend your days paddling in the shallows or doing some serious swimming.

Wind Surfing

Perhaps more the domain of Dad or an older child, windsurfing can be a great sport to undertake on your family holidays. Turkey is renowned as one of the best places in the Mediterranean to windsurf, with mild temperatures and near perfect wind conditions in the bays and peninsulas around Bodrum and Antalya.

Rafting and Canoeing

Not strictly beach culture, but keeping your feet wet nonetheless, rafting is becoming a popular pastime in Turkey. Although perhaps not something that immediately springs to mind when planning your family holidays, Turkey’s rivers are actually rated as some of the best in the world for white water rafting, for both beginners and veterans. For the adrenaline junkie families out there who like to play hard, there are many opportunities to safely take on the might of Turkey’s most exciting rapids.

Diving and Snorkelling

You don’t have to be a qualified dive-master to enjoy the underwater delights on your Mediterranean family holidays. Turkey has some wonderful sites to explore, from diving ancient shipwrecks and secret caves, to simply donning a snorkel and flippers to marvel at the colourful and curious fish close to shore. There are many companies who offer one-day dive courses for adults and quite a few who specialise in children’s diving too.

Poolside Pleasure

The beach is one thing, but a pool party is quite another! There’s a lot to be said for the convenience that an onsite pool can offer. There’s nothing that kids on holiday love more than a barbeque around the pool after a hard day on the beach!

Bubbles and Bubbles

Finally, one for the Mums and Dads seeking some alone time on their family holidays in Turkey. What could be a more enjoyable way of relaxing than to jump in a warm spa on the deck at your resort? Enjoy the view as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, with a glass of champagne, as you congratulate yourselves on the most wonderful family holiday you’ve had in years. Lovely!

Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.