Antalya was once considered the gateway to the Turkish Riviera but today it is more well known as a wonderful holiday destination famous for its sun, sea, sand and architectural beauty. At the centre of the Mediterranean city is its core, known as Kaleiçi, which literally translated means ‘within the castle’. Here you get a real insight into what the city was like when the Ottomans ruled here. There is lots of atmosphere and some beautifully restored Ottoman residences.
Many people coming to Antalya will be travelling with their families, and thankfully there is plenty to do for children here.
Aktur Park
This is an amusement park full of activities for children and adults too. You can even visit the park at night, when there is a real festive atmosphere enhanced by a plethora of coloured lights. As you would expect there are a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel and bumper cars here too. You pay as you go and there is no admission fee, which means that those that don’t want to go on the rides don’t have to pay a penny.
Dinopark
This is a park that’s perfect for kids with imagination. There are several full-scale plastic dinosaurs on display and some even move and make noises. Kids will love digging for dinosaur bones in the sand pit and there is even a waterpark if they need to cool off. The staff at the park are very helpful and supervise the area, encouraging the children and helping them learn. A climbing wall, watery football, 3D cinema, Space loops and swimming pools are also to be enjoyed by kids at this park.
[mapsmarker marker=”54″]
Minicity
This is a wonderful outdoor museum located in a beautiful garden, perfectly landscaped and featuring lots of replicas of Turkey’s most well known architectural and geological icons. With descriptions in English, this is a lovely place to take the kids if you are looking for something a little more cultural. As you walk around the fantastic scaled down models, you get a real insight into how the Anatolian civilisations lived and shaped the history of Turkey.
Even if your kids love swimming and playing on the beach, it is a good idea to have a few other activities in mind to keep them busy. The ones above are only a smattering amongst many others.
How to Get to Antalya
If you and the kids want to explore the sunny Turkish beach resort of Antalya, the easiest way to get there is to book a direct easyJet flight from London Gatwick Airport to Antalya. The airport is very close by the city and it will only take a 25-minute drive by airport taxi to get to the centre.
For competitive prices on Antalya transfers and an excellent, child friendly service, book with us in advance and we will have everything organised on your arrival. You can choose from shared or private transfers and book for both your arrival and your departure journey.
[mapsmarker marker=”55″]
Where to Stay
Kozan Hotel – Kozan Hotel is a great budget option in Antalya and only 15 minutes away from the sea, it is located in the centre of the Kaleiçi district. Rooms are air-conditioned, have satellite TV and en suite facilities. There is free Wi-Fi available, as well as free parking and a laundry service at the hotel. Breakfast can be enjoyed buffet style every morning, but if you prefer breakfast in your room, this can also be arranged.
Olbia Hotel – Close to the Konyaalti Beach, Olbia Hotel has basic rooms with en suite shower room, TV and air-conditioning. There is a swimming pool, children’s pool and a playground in the grounds of the hotel, as well as a sun terrace complete with comfortable loungers. Reception staff are on hand 24 hours a day and they can arrange car and bike rental as well as dry cleaning and ironing for you at a surcharge. There are some very good restaurants close by, but you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel itself. This is our choice of middle of the range accommodation in Antalya.
Hotel Su – For top class service, choose Hotel SU. This glamorous, contemporary hotel with a fabulous spa and indoor and outdoor pools also has six restaurants ranging from Mediterranean to Japanese. Rooms are naturally very chic and stylish and every one of them has a private balcony and a sofa you’ll never want to get off again. For those guests who love sports, there are tennis and squash courts as well as a gym on hand. The spa features a Turkish bath, sauna and massage rooms too. If you fancy spending a little more on your stay in Antalya, this is an excellent accommodation choice.
