Antalya

Antalya is the engine room of the family all-inclusive holiday. The stretch of coast from Lara in the city down through Belek, Side and Alanya is wall-to-wall with large, modern resorts built specifically around keeping children entertained, and the prices are some of the best value in the Mediterranean.

Why it works for families

This is the easiest part of the Med to get a genuine five-star, beachfront, waterpark resort within a sensible budget, especially once free child places are factored in. Board tends to be generous, kids' clubs are the norm rather than the exception, and the warm, shallow sea suits younger swimmers.

Where to stay

Lara (Antalya city). Closest to the airport, with the headline waterpark hotels. Short transfers mean less time keeping tired children calm in a coach.

Belek. Polished, greener and a notch more upmarket. Big resorts set in pine forest, good for families who want space and quality.

Side. Pairs resort life with a genuinely lovely old town and Roman ruins right on the sea, so there's something to do beyond the pool.

Beaches

Beaches range from soft sand at Side and Belek to the pebble-and-sand mix around Lara and Konyaaltı. The sea is warm from late spring through to October and shelves gently in most family resort areas.

Waterparks & days out

Antalya does waterparks better than almost anywhere. Many resorts have substantial parks on site with multiple slides, lazy rivers and dedicated toddler splash zones, and The Land of Legends near Belek is a full theme-and-water park if you want a day out.

When to go

July and August are hot and busy, ideal for guaranteed pool weather in the school holidays. June and September are a touch cooler and noticeably better value.

Quick tips

• Free child places move fastest here, so the genuine unicorns get booked early.
• Lara's short transfer is worth a lot when you're travelling with a baby.
• Five-star in Antalya often costs less than four-star on the Greek islands for the same dates.