Destinations in Greece and Turkey
Two countries, seventeen regions and hundreds of places I visited. Choose the part of the Mediterranean that interests you.
Greece, the land of a thousand islands
More than 6,000 islands and islets, of which about 227 inhabited, and six different regions on the mainland. Each has its own story, so start with the one that appeals to you the most.
Island groups
Turkey, the junction of Europe and Asia
A land of contrasts that combines rich history, different cultures and natural beauty. Although it is better known for its land, Turkey also has an eye 500 islands and islets, mainly in the Aegean and Marmara Seas, and the largest is Gökçeada.
Why these two countries?
World's top by visit
Greece and Turkey are among the most visited tourist countries in the world, with developed infrastructure and flights throughout the year.
Sea and history
They are equally good for vacationing and for cultural and historical research, often in the same day.
Thousands of islands
Greece has more than 6,000, Turkey about 500. From crowded to empty ones.
Food and hospitality
Rich gastronomy, diverse landscapes and a welcome that will be remembered longer than the destination itself.
The best destinations for family vacations
Both Greece and Turkey have many child-friendly destinations, with kids' clubs, water parks, aquariums and all-inclusive hotels. Here is where I would start looking.
In Greece
Halkidiki
- Quiet beaches with long shallows, ideal for children.
- Hotels with mini clubs, animators and playgrounds.
- Famous family complexes: Porto Carras and Sani Resort.
Corfu
- An island full of greenery and gentle, sheltered beaches.
- Aqualand, one of the largest water parks in Greece.
- Family beaches: Glyfada, Dassia and Agios Gordios.
Rhodes
- Faliraki Water Park, one of the largest in the country.
- Aquarium in the city of Rhodes itself.
- Cambika and Faliraki beaches with shallow sea.
Black
- Gentle sea and wide sandy beaches.
- Lido Water Park within easy reach of the main settlements.
- A large selection of hotels with all-inclusive arrangements.
Crete
- The largest Greek island, with the most content for children.
- Acqua Plus and Watercity near Heraklion.
- Cretaquarium, the largest aquarium in Greece.
- Shallow beaches: Elafonisi, Falasarna, Georgioupolis.
In Turkey
Antalya
- The main family destination of the Turkish coast.
- Large hotels with aqua parks, slides and animation.
- Aktur Park and The Land of Legends in the immediate vicinity.
Alanya
- Long sandy beaches with a gradual entrance to the sea.
- Alanya Aquapark and Sealanya Dolphinpark.
- Many all inclusive hotels with family rooms.
Bodrum
- A combination of beautiful beaches and facilities for children.
- Dedeman Aquapark, one of the largest in Turkey.
- Hotels with clubs and entertainment for the youngest.
Kusadasi
- Adaland Aquapark, among the best in the country.
- Close to Ephesus, so vacation can be easily combined with excursions.
Belek
- Luxury hotels with large aqua parks and private beaches.
- The Land of Legends, Turkey's largest theme park, is within easy reach.
Greece or Turkey?
If you are looking for smaller islands, peace and sea, this is the choice Greece: Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Kos. If you need large complexes, water parks and all inclusive hotels, this is it Turkey: Antalya, Belek, Alanya and Kusadasi.
Both countries are great for families. Turkey is stronger when it comes to theme parks and hotels with rich content, while Greece offers a combination of nature, sea and a more relaxed pace.
