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.

In terms of family holidays, Turkey is about as good as it gets. With a combination of sun, sea and sand that will keep every member of the family in the holiday mood, this holiday is likely to be one that is remembered. But why not throw in a few unforgettable experiences, just to make sure that it goes down in family history.

White Water Rafting

The Coruh River in Turkey has long been rated one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers by professional rafters. A trip downstream is definitely something that you won’t forget in a hurry. No prior experience is required so this is an adventure suitable for every member of the family, provided they are able to swim. The route down the river is fast and thrilling in places, particularly when you come up against the rapids. However, there are also calmer stretches of water, during which you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountain passes through which the river runs. For a memorable excursion to remember on your family holidays, Turkey’s most impressive river is the place to go.

Hot Air Ballooning

If you want to see the country from a slightly different perspective on your family holidays, Turkey never looks better than when you’re looking down on her from above. Hot air ballooning is available in the area of Cappadocia, in central Anatolia, and is well worth a morning or afternoon of your holiday. High up in the sky you can look down and see the distinctive landscapes, spotting the natural features that have been shaped by wind, weather, and volcanic eruptions. You’ll also see remnants of the various histories that Turkey has collected over the years, with landmarks harking back to the Hittites, the Byzantines, and even the early Christians. What better way to see Turkey, than with a bird’s eye view? This will be an addition to your holiday that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The Whirling Dervishes

One way to ensure that your family holidays in Turkey are never forgotten, is to make sure you really see something of the culture. What better way to discern what the real Turkey is like than through dance? If you’re lucky enough to see a ceremony put on by the Whirling Dervishes, either in Konya or Istanbul, you will begin to wish you were from Turkey yourself. The Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order, and performers of the famous ‘Sema’ dance. As they dance around you in a whirlwind, you cannot fail to appreciate the grace and skill of their movements, which symbolise the human being’s spiritual journey upwards, powered by love and intelligence to reach perfection. This is a show that will have all members of the family enraptured.

So for family holidays, Turkey really is the place to go. Relax in the sun, bathe in the sea and bask on the sand, but before you head home be sure to try any one of these once in a lifetime experiences.

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.

When looking for the ideal place for family holidays, Turkey is the obvious choice. With a great tourism infrastructure in place, even the tiniest of villages in Turkey will be able to accommodate you and your family with a warm and genuine welcome. Being practical however is a consideration for any holiday involving the entire family, and there are certain things that make one place more suitable than another. Entertainment, accommodation, cuisine and accessibility are all aspects that affect a location’s suitability for family holidays. Turkey ticks every box when examining its family-friendliness so here are a few locations which top the bill.

Marmaris

Marmaris, on the south west coast is popular for family holidays in Turkey not only because of its lively atmosphere and stunning location, but also because it is the busiest yacht-charter and sailing resort in the country. So if you and your family are sailing buffs, or want to be, this is the resort for you. But there’s more to Marmaris than fun on the beach. Why not treat the kids to some culture with a day trip to the fascinating city of Ephesus. This incredible archaeological site has been acknowledged as one of the most important in the world and, for the children, the opportunity to explore Ephesus is not only educational but exciting as well. Another day trip from Marmaris is to the unique hot mineral waterfalls of Pamukkale. From snow-white calcified rock pools, warm water cascades from high on the cliffs of the ancient city of Hieropolis. It is a spectacular sight and also very popular for its reputed health-giving properties. But the kids will just love the chance to frolic in the water in these strangely beautiful surrounds.

Bodrum

For family holidays, Turkey’s next favourite choice must be Bodrum. With fabulous beaches and a million things to do both in the water and out, Bodrum also has an air of adventure about it and there are plenty of ways to explore it further. The town itself is a wonderfully mysterious discovery; its tiny cobbled streets and secret lanes will enchant the children. But dig a little deeper and the surprises get even better. Bodrum has its own castle which is a dream come true for children, but as an added bonus, within the Bodrum Castle of the Knights of St John, is housed the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. No ordinary staid museum experience, a visit to this one will leave the kids begging to learn more. Shipwrecks, Knights and the Seventh Wonder of the World all weave together to spell out the history of Bodrum.

Olu Deniz

Not all that long ago, the small but perfectly formed town of Olu Deniz was little more than a sleepy village nestled into a picture-perfect lagoon. Now though, the resort’s relaxed unspoilt appeal is what makes it so popular for family holidays. Turkey is generally very child-friendly, but here in Olu Deniz it is absolute family heaven. The wide, sloping beach leads down to the protected lagoon where the water is virtually wave-free and completely safe. There are also some wonderful gentle hikes ideal for families, which will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Turkey. A special favourite with children is an excursion to Butterfly Valley, where you arrive by boat to a hidden beach and wander through meadows filled with butterflies.

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.