The best family hotels in Turkey for a sizzling holiday
From fun themed hotels to stylish all-inclusive beach resorts, here's our top pick of family hotels in Turkey
Beautiful beaches, adrenaline-fuelled theme parks and plenty of ancient history thrown in for good measure, Turkey is a brilliant destination for a sizzling hot family holiday, especially as school holidays approach and we all look for ways to keep little ones entertained.
If you've already ticked off an Italian family holiday, it's time to check out Turkey. Renowned for its guaranteed sunshine, great beaches and friendly hospitality with families, it's no surprise that Turkey is one of the top holiday destinations in the Mediterranean.
For families, an all-inclusive package can be worth its weight in gold. Or ice cream. The all-singing, all-dancing family resort, The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel in Antalya is a dream with vast water parks, free access to the theme park and an abundance of drinking and dining options to sate the whole family. For a more stylish escape, consider the Mandarin Oriental on the Bodrum Peninsula which manages to combine elegant luxury with child-friendly facilities, all in a heavenly location.
However, for those who want see more of the country than merely the swim-up bar, the resorts around Belek and Antalya are close to some of southern Turkey's most famous ruins. Visit the ancient Greek city of Perge and its grand colonnaded streets and stone amphitheatre which dates back to 1000BC. Or, explore Aspendos, the ancient amphitheatre from 200AD and regarded as one of the best-preserved classical Roman theatres in the world.
Whether you're looking for an easy fly-and-flop holiday or something a little bit different, here's our pick of the best family hotels in Turkey for making memories this year.
Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel, Belek
Moments from the sparkling Mediterranean beaches which daisy chain along the Turquoise Coast, yet a short hop from Antalya airport, The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel is a must for adrenaline-loving families. Guests enjoy free access to The Land of Legends theme park, Aqua Land water park and the resort's brilliant 5D cinema. And while the young ones are occupied – there are several kids' club – grown ups can enjoy some peace and serenity in the Anjana Spa, some light retail therapy along Shopping Avenue or maybe even a round of golf on one of the nearby championship golf courses.
There are more than 400 rooms and suites to choose from, all with brightly coloured decor and aimed their younger guest; think cartoon walls, Play Stations and dual-screen TVs. And after dinner, the fun carries on with fountain shows and live music performances.
Voyage Sorgun, Side
Banked by the pine scented Sorgun Forest, the beachfront Voyage Sorgus Hotel is the perfect combination of beach and countryside. Although it has a more grown-up appeal than the theme parks and water slides in Antalya, it's not to say that their younger guests can't have their fun. The Aqua Pool has some epic water slides, there's an on-site fairground and daily activities in the Tugi Kids' club. And if you want to explore the region, book one of the excursions to see the Greco-Roman ruins of 2nd century amphitheatre in Side.
All the rooms and suites are scattered across the hotel's low-rise main building and the beachfront bungalows. With a simple but stylish decor, they bring a pared-back Scandinavian vibe to the Turkish coast. Our favourite rooms have private balconies and sea views.
Voyage Belek Golf & Spa, Belek
If you're looking for a truly relaxing holiday where everything is covered, the blessed all-inclusive package really comes into its own. Sprawled along a private sandy beach lapped by the Mediterranean Sea, the Voyage Belek Golf & Spa Hotel is a fabulous five-star resort offering everything a fun-loving family could wish for. Ride the waves in the water park, relax on the 300m long private beach and feast until you can't eat any more at the numerous bars and restaurants. Dine out on numerous cuisines from Mexican and Japanese, to Italian, and of course, local Turkish dishes. And don't miss a cheeky sundowner at the sunset jazz bar.
Rooms are bright and breezy with a modern vibe, all have balconies or terraces, the best ones have views of the sea. For families, the spacious duplex villas can comfortably sleep up to five.
Rixos Premium Tekirova, Antalya
In the gaze of the epic Taurus Mountain range, surrounded by the red pine trees of the Olympos National Park, the Rixos Premium Tekirova resort has an enviable location. Standing by their motto "happy child, happy family", children are very well catered for with a daily entertainment and activity programme at the Rixy Kids' Club and on-site water park, as well as free admission into the Land of Legends theme park, a highlight of any family holiday in Antalya.
Rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and with plenty of space for all the family. The best ones have balconies with sweeping sea views. And there's no chance of going hungry with 12 restaurants on site, including the super-cute Rixy kids restaurant.
Delphin Imperial, Antalya
An easy hop from Antalya airport and moments from the buzzy Lara Beach, a holiday at the Delphin Imperial means you can be splashing in the warm seas with a cocktail in hand within an hour or so of leaving the airport. A fantastic place for children – they won't be able to get enough of the aqua park, fun fair and daily entertainment programme. And there's plenty for adults too, whether it's relaxing on the private beach or having an authentic Turkish hammam in the spa.
There are nearly 800 rooms in the main building, which looks like a dazzling cruise ship, you're sure to find the perfect space for you and your crew. Meanwhile, the myriad restaurants and bars will keep the whole family fed and watered throughout the holiday.
Six Senses Kaplankaya, Bodrum
For a swanky family stay on the Bodrum peninsula, you can't beat the Six Senses Kaplankaya. As well as the full gamut of kids' clubs, activity programmes and entertainment, kids can also join yoga and meditation classes or go on a guided hike in the area. It has a big sustainability bent and kids can join in making in their own beauty products from natural ingredients grown round the resort. And, while the children are having fun, parents can relax in the Watsu pool and the meditation cave or indulge in incredible wellness treatments at the hotel's super-luxe showcase spa.
All rooms and suites are serenely decorated and many have balconies and sea views. However, families often opt for one of the two or three-bedroom residences which come with their own pool.
Selectum Luxury Resort, Belek
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this luxury all-inclusive resort on a private beach is just the ticket for family R&R time. Promising sun, sea and sumptuous dining, as all-inclusive family resorts go it's hard to beat the gastronomic offerings at the Selectum Luxury Resort Belek. Snack bars, à la carte restaurants and lounger cocktail service on hand, there's very little reason to leave the resort. Especially if the children have made friends at the kids' club.
Choose one of the spacious family rooms in the resort, which are divided into two spaces, or splash out on a two-storey villa. Whether you want to relax around the vast pool – which has loungers sunken in – try a Turkish hammam experience in the spa, or just kick back with a good book on the beach, relaxation is pretty much guaranteed.
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
Tucked away on private stretch of beach overlooking Paradise Bay, the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera is all about luxury for the whole family. While Mandarin Oriental might not be the first brand you think of for a big Turkish family holiday, it can be a stylish beach escape for those with younger children. There's a children pool and a kids' club, as well as a luxe spa and watersports centre. And for when you need adult time, book the babysitting service and enjoy dinner in one of the nine restaurants which offer everything from Asian tapas to local Turkish specialities.
The majority of the rooms have private balconies and sea views, while the family rooms can be equipped with everything from cots and high chairs to iPads and Xboxes, as well as a range of beach toys.
Calista Luxury Resort, Belek
A beautiful all-inclusive sprawl on the beach just outside Belek on the Turquoise Coast, Calista Luxury Resort is a popular spot for families and golf fans – Belek is the golfing capital of Turkey, after all. In the shadow of the Taurus mountains, which shimmer in the balmy Mediterranean heat, Calista is one of several large resorts scattered between Antalya and Belek. Modern in design – the spacious rooms are housed in one of seven light-filled cylindrical towers – the resort has a dozen bars and restaurants, a vast lagoon pool and a private beach area.
There's plenty to do in the resort. For grownups, there's yoga, pilates, Zumba, aquarobics classes on-tap daily, plus tennis clinics and jet skiing hire. For kids, there's a brilliant waterpark and a kids' club offering daily entertainment.
Aska Lara Resort & Spa, Lara Beach
If you're looking for some stress-free family fun in the sun, a holiday at Aska Lara Resort & Spa is just the ticket. An easy transfer from Antalya Airport, you could be relaxing in a beautiful beachfront cabana with a cocktail within an hour or so of landing. Four pools, waterslides, kids' clubs and daily entertainment, this sprawling all-inclusive hotel is great for children of all ages. And if that's not enough, it even offers a free shuttle to the Wet & Wild water park. And while the kids are happily occupied, parents can enjoy some light pampering in the spa, which offers traditional Turkish bath rituals.
All Aska's rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, and decorated in warm, neutral tones. Our favourites have balconies with sea views. For larger families, the connecting two-bedroom suites offer a little more space and privacy for everyone.
Delphin Diva, Lara Beach
With its own private beach, palm-lined pools and marvellous views over the Mediterranean Sea, the Delphin Diva resort certainly lives up to its name. Lara Beach is perfect for fun-in-the-sun-loving families. An all-inclusive family resort, it has a huge palm-lined main pool, a children's pool with waterslides and kids' clubs and activities galore, as well as paragliding and banana boat rides nearby. Aside from the vast international buffet, it offers a clutch of restaurants serving Mexican, Japanese and Italian cuisines, as well as beach bars and discos.
A sprawling complex, there are 475 rooms and suites to choose from, all flooded with light and decorated in muted pastel tones. Most rooms have furnished balconies, many with sweeping sea views. The duplex family rooms have two bedrooms over two floors and can comfortably sleep five.
Ela Excellence Resort, Belek
Banked by Belek's championship golf courses, Ela Excellence Resort is perfectly placed for parents wanting to sneak a round or two of golf in on their family holiday. The fantastic Everland Kids World offers private childcare and babysitting services, alongside its top notch kids' club and activity programme. As well as a private sandy beach, the luxury family resort runs the full gamut of facilities from palm-fringed swimming pools, watersports centre to a fancy spa and aerial yoga studio. After dark, the fun continues whether it's in Ela's lively beach club and themed parties or at one of the family-friendly theatre shows.
Beautifully styled with Mediterranean flair, all the rooms and suites housed in the main building are light and contemporary and furnished balconies, some with sea views. However, our favourites are the spacious two-bedroom family suites in the Lake House.
Liberty Fabay, Fethiye
Combining gorgeous beaches with safe shallow waters and ancient history from rock tombs to the Lycian Way, Fethiye is a great spot for a family summer holiday. Set on a beautiful private beach overlooking the Gulf of Fethiye, the Liberty Fabay packs a real punch for an all-inclusive resort. Offering everything from waterparks and kids' clubs to adults-only beaches, a luxe spa and whole host of dining options, it appeals to extended families who like a little bit of 'me time'.
There's a whole host of different rooms and suites on offer, all warmly decorated with pale woods and natural tones. Family rooms are spacious and comfortable and can sleep up to four, while the premium swim-up suites are a little more special and open out directly onto the pool.
Concorde De Luxe Resort, Lara Beach
Inspired by the iconic supersonic jet, Concorde De Luxe Resort's sleek white aerodynamic exterior makes a dramatic mark on Lara Beach. Although the ancient archeological sites of Perge and Aspendos are within easy reach, there's often little want to leave the resort thanks to its trio of pools, dozen or so restaurants and super-duper spa and kids' club onsite. The resort draws the sportier family thanks to its extensive sports facilities. Tennis courts, minigolf, volleyball and badminton are all included, while watersports fans can speed around the bay on jet skis and banana boats for a little extra.
Spacious rooms and suites are simply decorated in warm, natural tones. All have balconies, the best rooms with direct views over Lara Beach. Offering an ultra all-inclusive package, the Concorde has themed evenings and an entertainment programme appealing to everyone.
Titanic Mardan Palace, Lara Beach
Nine restaurants, a vast spa and one of the largest outdoor pools in Europe, the Titanic Mardan Palace near Lara Beach certainly lives up to its name. And while this lavish beach resort sits on a private beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the architecture and glamour is more reminiscent of the elegant minaret-topped palaces of Istanbul. There's so much to do here, there's really no need to leave the resort. But if you fancy some retail therapy, it's a short hop to the Sultan Bazaar. Youngsters can enjoy the water park, the huge pool and the kids' club, and parents can make full use of the excellent sports facilities, spa or on-site golf course.
The rooms are equally as plush. All have balconies and views of the Taurus Mountains or the sea, our favourites have a shared pool and complimentary minibars.
More ideas for family holidays in the Mediterranean:
6 easy ways to prep for your bucket list trip
Brilliant no-fly holidays for 2025
Top food holidays for gourmands
Villa Carlotta is a haven to visit in Lake Como
