Translation result
Local dishes that even Korean palates love, the Ottoman Empire’s rich legacy, and pleasantly mild weather—Turkey is drawing the attention of family travelers. To celebrate Family Month in May, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism rolled out events in South Korea and unveiled its list of the Top 10 family-friendly destinations in Turkey.
For 2026, the ministry named “Heritage Table” the official theme of Turkey Gastronomy Week. Around the globe, pop-ups and programs will spotlight the essence of Turkish cuisine. The centerpiece will be communal dinners designed to celebrate togetherness through shared meals.
In South Korea, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Yunus Emre Cultural Center will co-host a dessert workshop to mark the week. Guests will sample Turkey’s tea culture—recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage—and get hands-on making traditional kadayıf desserts. Detailed menus, recipes, technique videos, and official content for the five featured dishes—keşkek, baklava, mantı, dolma, and helva—are available on the Turkey Gastronomy Week website.
If you’re planning a family trip to Turkey, bookmark these spots. Istanbul tops the list: the Rahmi M. Koç Museum’s vintage cars and aircraft, the Turkish Toy Museum’s collection from 40 countries, and Miniatürk’s miniature reconstructions of national landmarks will delight kids. For a breather, catch the tulip festival in Emirgan Park or explore nature trails in Belgrade Forest.
Active families can bike stretches of the EuroVelo 8 route in İzmir or go horseback riding in Cappadocia. Float over the region’s fairy chimneys in a hot-air balloon or spend a night in a cave hotel. The crystal-clear Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are ideal for windsurfing and sailing.
For a luxe escape, consider Antalya or Fethiye. Stay at an Antalya resort to indulge in high-end spas and kids’ programs, and visit the International Sandland Festival—the world’s largest sand-sculpture exhibition. Nearby in Demre, the Church of St. Nicholas offers a vivid, educational look into the history behind Santa Claus.
Fethiye stands out for its breathtaking scenery, including Ölüdeniz, the world-famous turquoise lagoon. Nearby İztuzu Beach is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, offering kids a meaningful chance to get involved in conservation activities.
Şanlıurfa, home to Göbekli Tepe—the world’s oldest megalithic site—and Mardin, where colorful kites decorate ornate stone buildings during its kite festival, are perfect field-trip destinations. At the Mardin Museum’s archaeological park, children can even try simulated excavation activities for a hands-on history lesson.
Most Commented