Destinations › Europe › Türkiye
Turkey with kids: Marmaris & Istanbul
Turquoise bays, white-sand beaches and slow days by the water — then mosques, bazaars and sunsets over the Bosphorus. A family trip we loved.
Duration
11 nights
7 by the sea + 4 in the city
Best time
May – June, Sept – Oct
Warm sea, fewer crowds
Getting around
Transfers + one flight
Dalaman → Istanbul
Route
Marmaris → Istanbul
I travelled
Aug – Sept 2026
With our little one and another family
This was our first big family trip with our little one — and we travelled together with another family with kids. The plan was simple: a week of real rest by the sea on the Turkish Riviera, then four days in Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Marmaris turned out to be perfect for families: calm, clear water, beaches with shallow entries, shade and good food a few steps away. Istanbul was the opposite — busy, loud and magical — and it was surprisingly easy with a stroller and a toddler.
The route at a glance
The Turkish Riviera & Istanbul
Tap a stop on the map to jump to that part of the trip
Day by day
The itinerary
Days 1–4
Marmaris: Grand Yazıcı Club Turban
We flew into Dalaman (about 1h30 by car from Marmaris) and started with a few days at the Grand Yazıcı Club Turban, right on Marmaris bay. A big, easy resort with pools, a long beach and plenty for kids — exactly what you want for the first days of a family holiday.
Swim off the floating platforms with the sailing boats anchored in the bay and the green mountains behind, and walk to Marmaris old town and the harbour in the evening, when the castle is lit up.
Days 5–7
D Maris Bay: the Turkish Maldives
Then we moved to D Maris Bay on the Datça peninsula, about an hour from Marmaris — one of the most beautiful resorts I have ever seen. Each beach sits in its own cove, with white sand, palm trees and water so clear and turquoise it looks like the Caribbean.
Days here are made of hammocks, sunbeds under white umbrellas and lunch by the sea. With small children it is ideal: calm, shallow water and everything within walking distance.
Day 8
Fly to Istanbul
Short flight from Dalaman to Istanbul (about 1h15). In the evening, walk to Sultanahmet Square to see the Blue Mosque lit up, with the fountains in front — the perfect welcome to the city.
Day 9
Sultanahmet: the Blue Mosque & the Basilica Cistern
Start early at the Blue Mosque, before the crowds, then go underground into the Basilica Cistern — hundreds of Byzantine columns reflected in the water, cool and magical on a hot day. Try a simit, the sesame bread ring sold on every corner.
Day 10
Süleymaniye, Eminönü & the Galata Bridge
Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the most elegant of all, with its huge circle of lamps. Walk down to the Spice Bazaar for teas, spices and Turkish delight, then past the New Mosque to the Galata Bridge, where fishermen line the railings. Stay for sunset: the skyline of domes and minarets turns gold.
Day 11
The Bosphorus, Galata & Taksim
Take a boat on the Bosphorus to see Ortaköy Mosque under the bridge and the palaces along the water, and the Maiden’s Tower from the Asian side. In the afternoon, climb to Galata Tower and walk up İstiklal Avenue to Taksim Square — with a stop for baklava and Turkish ice cream on the way. Fly home the next day.
Where we stayed
The hotels
Grand Yazıcı Club Turban, Marmaris
A large family resort on the bay, a short walk from Marmaris centre. Pools, beach, kids’ facilities and easy all-inclusive dining.
D Maris Bay, Datça peninsula
A luxury resort with several private beaches in a protected bay. One of the most beautiful places to stay in the Mediterranean — perfect for a honeymoon too.
When to go
When to visit Turkey
For a beach and city trip, May–June and September–October are ideal: the sea is warm, Istanbul is pleasant for walking and there are fewer crowds. July and August are great for the beach but hot in the city.
Best Good Possible
Before you go
My top 3 tips for Turkey with kids
01
Split the beach week
Two different hotels in one week felt like two holidays: a lively family resort first, then a quieter bay to really slow down.
02
Bring a light stroller
Istanbul has hills and cobbles, but a compact stroller worked everywhere — and mosques are free and child-friendly. Carry a scarf for visiting.
03
Go early, rest at midday
See the big sights first thing in the morning, take a long lunch and a nap, and head out again for sunset on the Galata Bridge.
Tailor-made
Want this trip, made for you?
I’ll design your Turkey trip — the right resort for your family or your honeymoon, the best area to stay in Istanbul, and all the transfers in between.
Photo gallery
Turkey through my lens
