Bodrum with Children: Beaches, Accommodation and Activities for Families

If you are going to Bodrum with children, staying close to the beaches of Ortakent, Bitez or Turgutreis, with their shallow, sandy entry, and choosing early June or September to avoid the summer crowds make the holiday much easier. Planning your days as sea in the morning, rest at midday and a short outing in the late afternoon gives a rhythm that suits children's energy. Short, visual experiences such as the castle, a boat trip and sunset in Gümüşlük appeal to children of all ages.

Bodrum as a family: the pros and the challenges

Bodrum is both a convenient place for families with children and one that needs some care. On the one hand, there are bays with calm water, many family-friendly hotels and short distances. On the other, the heat, crowds and traffic of July and August can be tiring with young children. Planning with this balance in mind decides how much you enjoy the holiday.

Choosing where to stay

• Ortakent and Yahşi: A long, shallow sandy beach. It is easy to find shops and restaurants within walking distance.
• Bitez: Calm sea in the mornings, shady mandarin orchards. The wind can pick up in the afternoon.
• Turgutreis: A long beach and town amenities together. Evening walks around sunset are lovely.
• Gümüşlük: Quiet and small. Good for families with babies who want to get away from noise.
• The centre: Practical for sightseeing, but it can be noisy in summer. It may be a second choice for families with young children.

When choosing accommodation, it is important to ask about the walking distance to the beach, shaded areas, the depth of the pool and how noisy the rooms are. Some hotels have a kids' club or mini club; find out the age range and opening hours in advance.

Tips for beach days

The most comfortable time in the sea for children is in the morning, before the wind gets up. On the south coast, wind and waves can increase in the afternoon.

• Choose shallow, sandy beaches: The shores of Ortakent, Bitez and Turgutreis stand out in this respect.
• Watch out for jetty entries: In the bays on the north coast you enter the sea from a jetty, and the water gets deep straight away.
• Water shoes: Protect feet on stony and rocky spots.
• Shade plan: At midday, don't stay on the beach without a parasol or the shade of a tree.
• Life jacket and armbands: Have them with you for children who can't swim.

We describe the character of each stretch of coast in detail in our article Bodrum's bays and beaches.

Activities children love

A visit to the castle

With its towers, walls and stories of knights, Bodrum Castle is like an adventure park for children. Inside, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with its shipwrecks, amphorae and finds from the seabed, combines curiosity about the sea and history. Going early in the morning helps you avoid the heat and the crowds.

A boat trip

Day boat trips give children the chance to swim in different bays and see the coast from the sea. For families with children, the length of the trip and whether the boat has a shaded area, a toilet and life jackets are important. You may prefer shorter routes to long, crowded trips.

Sunset and a seaside walk

Watching the sunset in Gümüşlük or Turgutreis is a lovely, calm way to end the evening. The promenades along the marina are also suitable for pushchairs.

The local market

The markets set up in the villages are a great opportunity to introduce children to seasonal fruit, herbs and local produce. In mandarin season, the colours and scents at the markets are an experience in themselves.

Protection from heat and sun

The Aegean summer sun can be tiring for children, especially at midday.

• Reapply sunscreen at regular intervals and after coming out of the sea.
• Bring a wide-brimmed hat, a UV-protective T-shirt and sunglasses.
• Make sure they drink plenty of water; always have a bottle of water with you.
• Spend the midday hours at the hotel, in the shade or indoors.
• Take a light cardigan for the cool breeze in the evenings.

Getting around and the daily rhythm

What families with children find hardest is summer traffic and long journeys. Choosing beaches close to where you are staying is more relaxing than going to a different village every day. If you will be using a hire car, book a child seat in advance. For all the transport options, see our article How to get to Bodrum.

Other corners of the Aegean for families

If you would also like to see ancient cities and natural wonders with your children, the white travertines of Pamukkale and the grand streets of Ephesus are among the places children of all ages remember. Our family-friendly Aegean tour brings Şirince, Ephesus, Alaçatı, Kuşadası and Pamukkale together in a single programme.

A plan for a rainy or windy day

Rain is rare in Bodrum in summer, but windy days are common, and the waves can make swimming difficult. So that such a day isn't wasted, keep a small back-up plan in mind. You can move your castle and museum visit to that day, take a slow walk through the bazaar or head to one of the sheltered northern bays. For children, little games such as trying to find the names of the castle towers or counting the shipwreck models in the museum turn the outing into a voyage of discovery. In the evening, having an early dinner and watching the sunset at a beach café is an easy way to end the day calmly.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bodrum suitable for families with children?

Yes, with its shallow sandy beaches and calm bays it is. Because of the heat and crowds, choosing early June or September instead of July and August makes the holiday more relaxed.

Where should you stay in Bodrum with a baby?

For their tranquillity and shallow water, Gümüşlük, Ortakent and Bitez are popular with families with babies. Staying away from the centre also helps when it comes to noise.

What can you do in Bodrum with children?

A visit to the castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a short boat trip, swimming at shallow sandy beaches and an evening sunset walk are among children's favourite activities.

Do you organise Bodrum tours for families?

We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.