Planning a Family Trip to Turkey - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 32

The Mediterranean
Region - Chapter 6
The major towns and cities of
Antalya, Alanya, Side, Belek,
Kemer and Adana lie in the
Mediterranean region of Turkey.
The Taurus Mountains, which
dominate the area, along with
the historical sites of Perge,
Kekova Island and Myra, said to
be the birthplace of St Nicholas,
or Santa Claus, are just waiting
to be explored by your little
ones. The region, which
stretches from the Patara and
Fethiye areas right along the
southernmost coast to Hatay
where it nudges the South East
Anatolia region, has numerous
activities for children to enjoy,
from aquaparks, swimming with
dolphins and festivals to sports
such as canoeing and sailing.

Trakya area. All are surrounded
by fields of sunflowers - the area
is known for them. Along the
opposite 'coastline' of the sea
there's Çanakkale, forever linked
with Homer's legendary Trojan
Horse, along with the towns of
Iznik, Bursa, Bilecik in the
Sakarya River Valley and Yalova,
famed for its natural springs.
The Marmara region has some
outstanding beaches, along with
one of Turkey's major ski resorts
and parklands to explore.

The Aegean Region -
Chapter 5
The Aegean region, with the
Mediterranean, is where most
holidaymakers from Europe
head for if they want beautiful
beaches combined with out-
standing attractions to see. It has
a string of Blue Flag beaches
along its coastline, including the
protected Iztuzu beach which is
a nesting ground for the endan-
gered caretta caretta turtle and
the sandy bay of Ölü Deniz,
probably the most photographed
bay in this part of the world. Its
major towns and cities include
Ayvalik and Bergama on the
southern coast of Edremit Bay,
the popular Çe @ me, Selçuk, an
important religious and tourist
town, Izmir and the holiday
resorts of Ku @ adasi, Bodrum,
Marmaris, Altinkum and
Dalaman. The region is also
home to the Temple of Artemis
at Ephesus and King Mausoleus's
Tomb in Bodrum, two of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World.

The Black Sea Region -
Chapter 7
Although one of the largest of
the regions in Turkey, the Black
Sea area leans more towards
natural experiences than theme
parks and sports centres. For
instance, children can enjoy
walks, nature trails and water-
sports in places such as the Ilgaz
National Park near Kastamonu.
The region is dotted with moun-
tains, alpine lakes and tiny
villages. Characterised by its
hazelnut orchards and tea planta-
tions, it runs along the northern-
most coast from Akçakoca to the
west to the city of Artvin, passing
Amasra, Sinop, Rize, Ünye and
Ordu along the way. The

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