Turkey’s top 3 destinations for a cheap family break

Last Updated on July 4, 2016 by Jody Halsted

Taking the whole family on holiday abroad can be an expensive thing to do at the best of times, let alone when budgets are being squeezed from every direction! Don’t despair though, you don’t have to forego a break – you just need to plan carefully.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination, there are some absolute gems in Turkey, where the natural attractions on their own are likely to keep your kids happy all day long.

Here are just three suggestions if you’re looking for a budget family holiday this year.

Dalyan

Now, if you’re kids are nature lovers, this is a real paradise, where they’ll be kept busy from dawn until dusk!

The Dalyan Delta is a haven for all kinds of wildlife, including three species of turtle. Because of its natural importance, no building has been allowed on the sand spit or the coast itself – so you’ll be staying in the quiet fishing village about halfway up the delta, a little way inland.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, because it means every trip you make to Iztuzu Beach will become something of an event in itself!

A top tip if you want to start your day out in style is to jump in one of the boats that travels up the river towards the end of the delta. It’ll take about 40 minutes (around twice as long as it does by car), but it’s well worth it, as you’ll get to enjoy a unique view of the area – and the kids are bound to love drifting along on the water.

Best of all, a round trip on one of these boats costs just a few pounds each, so you won’t be breaking the bank and can enjoy a holiday in stunning surroundings.

It is worth noting that, because it’s a protected area, you won’t find any facilities at Iztuzu Beach, so you’ll need to go prepared.

Icmeler

Located near the busier resort of Marmaris, Icmeler has long been a favourite haunt with families, largely thanks to its vast, sandy bay, calm sea and excellent amenities.

Stay in Turkey hotels here and you’re likely to be within a stone’s throw of the beach, which is fringed by cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as a pushchair-friendly promenade.

If your kids get tired of splashing around in the sea, you could always head into the residential areas just behind the main strip of hotels, where you’ll discover numerous playgrounds in leafy, green surroundings.

Icmeler is also great if you’ve got older children who won’t be content to simply build sandcastles and play in the sea, as you can try a range of water sports in the bay, including windsurfing.

Olu Deniz

Olu Deniz is another beautiful destination for a cheap family break, with the natural attractions meaning your brood is bound to be kept busy all day long.

The beach here is picture-perfect – a vast swathe of sand sweeping along the edge of vibrant, blue water.

If you’ve got small children, it’s worth paying the nominal entrance fee to use the beach on the lagoon, which is always calm and sheltered, making it an excellent place for little ones to splash in the sea.

For a great family day out away from the beach, hop on one of the regular boat trips that will take you further along the coast – it’s a fantastic way to spend time together and explore a few more of the area’s highlights.

This article was written for Family Rambling readers and does contain sponsored content.