Istanbul + Turkish coast or Istanbul + North Cyprus?

[LadyWellian]

Every year we have interminable arguments about where to go for our summer hols, to the extent that we've actually only left the country twice in the last five years. DD (12) wants a pool and some other children, DH wants decent snorkelling and local colour. I want a break!

He thinks we should just go somewhere, hire a car and drive around with a Rough Guide like we used to before DD. I pointed out this might be a high-risk strategy in the summer hols, plus definitely wouldn't tick DD's 'meet other kids' box.

Anyway, I'm trying to please everyone again, so rather than booking a package to somewhere that vaguely ticks most of the boxes, I'm trying put something together that gives us a couple of days of sightseeing in Istanbul and a week at or near the beach.

But I've spent years looking at Turkish beach holidays and never made a decision and now I'm wondering if North Cyprus might be nicer/quieter/prettier/less fish and chips/easier to get to (paradoxically) as I know a lot of the Turkish beach places are hours and hours from the nearest airport.

We don't necessarily want an all-inclusive huge complex type place, but we also don't want a standalone villa (no other children and I get to do all the cooking again!)

Has anyone done both or know enough to give me a steer?

Would you consider a cruise in this area. Other children for your DD and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing.

There are plenty of places in Turkey that would suit you. You could for example fly down to Bodrum and visit one of the resorts on the Bodrum Peninsula, none of them are more than an hor away from the airport. Somewhere like Bitez or Yalikavak may be what you are looking for, smallish resorts but with nice beaches and plenty of restaurants. Bitez probably has the best choice of accomodation, there are some lovely small hotels and apartments there. I woudn't do all inclusive in Turkey, you miss ot on so much of the local atmosphere that way.

It is really easy to travel around the Bodrum Peninsula too, they have these little mini buses that go everywhere and it is a great way to see things.

I lived out near Bodrum for a few years and we still go back for holidays most years so if I can be on any more help just ask.

Thanks, both. Not sure a cruise is really my thing, though I've never tried it.

Sootica, will definitely look at Bodrum peninsula.

Have never been to Turkey (other than the airport!) but have been to Northern Cyprus quite a few times. Its not really what I would class as a family destination - there are some lovely resorts / beaches and its not very commercialised and the people absolutely love children / very welcoming, but the vast majority of holiday makers (in my experience) are older couples / people visiting relatives that live there (like us). We've stayed at some lovely places (perfect for babies and toddlers) but there have only ever been a handful at most of other children (although having said that, this year is the first time we're going in the school holidays).

At a guess, I would say Turkey would be more family-friendly in terms of purpose built family accommodation with lots of children (more akin to your normal "beach holiday").