Best Turkey family holiday deals for Christmas 2019 – where to go and the cheapest deals

TURKEY was the breakout travel star of 2018 and continues the trend as a popular holiday destination for 2019.

Brits love the warm weather, blue-flag beaches, delicious Middle-Eastern food and that it's cheap - with the value of the Lira still low.

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Winter season in Turkey is much cooler than the hot summer months, with cold but sunny days - but lower prices and fewer tourists are compensations.

And you can still enjoy plenty of Mediterranean sunshine and pleasant days along Turkey’s southern shores with an average temperature of 19°C in December.

So if you're planning your Christmas family holiday, read on for our round-up of the best Turkey resorts - and the cheapest family holiday deals for your stay.

We specifically looked for deals within Christmas school holidays from December 21 to January 2 - but you're likely to find cheaper deals if you're travelling outside of these dates.

Family holidays in Antalya area

If you're a family of beach bums, head to Antalya: the gateway to Turkey's southern turquoise coast, which holds the record for the most blue flag beaches in the world.

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It's not all about the beaches though.

The kids will love the beach park - which is home to Aqua Land - and plenty of water sports such as rafting on the Koprulu River.

Meanwhile, mum and dad can meander round historical old towns, try traditional Ottoman cuisine and head out to buzzing bars when the sun sets.

Alternatively, animal-loving families should make their way to Ciralı - a protected beach that is a nesting site for sea turtles.

Plus, time your visit right and you can experience a beautiful sunset down by the glistening waters of the Old Town's harbour.

Family holidays in the Dalaman district

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Located on the Turkish Riviera (south-western coast), the Dalaman area offers up lively tourist resorts, ancient Roman ruins and stunning surf beaches.

The Mediterranean and the Aegean are still warm in December, at an average of 18°C, and these mild waters stop the air from cooling too much and keep temperatures enjoyable at resorts along the Dalaman coast.

Try your hand at a range of water sports - from windsurfing to kite-boarding - or just kick back and relax on the white sandy beaches.

See the nesting sites of the rare loggerhead turtles and the Lycian Rock Tombs with a boat ride down the Dalyan River - and the Blue Lagoon national park in Olu Deniz is well worth a visit.

Family holidays in the Bodrum area

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From the marina filled with luxury yachts to the high-end seafood restaurants, you may well be rubbing shoulders with an A-lister or two in Turkey's answer to St. Tropez.

Whether you're walking along the esplanade at the edge of the harbour, exploring the ruins of the Mausoleum - an UNESCO World Heritage Site - or bagging a bargain on market day; Bodrum is a great city to discover.

Get the best of both worlds here with quality resorts dotted along the Bodrum peninsula, plus glorious beaches and action-packed water sports to keep the whole family busy.

Family holidays in the Izmir region

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An up and coming tourist destination, the Izmir region along the spectacular west coast or Turkey has great surf beaches and water sports for a fun-packed family break.

If you're looking for a bit more than the beach, you'll find the ancient city of Ephesus - a preserved Roman settlement - the Dilek National Park and Kusadasi’s Grand Bazaar to keep you busy.

For a more cosmopolitan vibe,  there's also a bustling harbour, modern shops and a huge range of water-side restaurants to enjoy.

Not taken with Turkey? Find tons more family holiday inspiration from Cyprus to the Algarve.

If you really want to give the kids a treat, Disneyland Paris has just revealed its exciting Christmas season schedule with new shows and traditional parades returning to the park in November.

We also have a guide to the best winter cruises for this year's festive season.