Hatay is Turkey's southernmost province, a slender finger of land bordering Syria and the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital, Antakya—the ancient Antioch on the Orontes—was one of the great cities of the Roman and early Christian world. Hatay's layered history, distinctive Arab-influenced cuisine, and multicultural society (Turkish, Arabic, Alevi, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox communities have coexisted here for centuries) make it unlike anywhere else in Turkey. Note: a magnitude-7.8 earthquake on 6 February 2023 severely damaged Antakya; many historic structures collapsed and rebuilding is ongoing. Travellers will find a city in resilient reconstruction rather than a fully restored old town.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Harbiye Waterfalls Family Visit
Shaded laurel groves, stepping-stone rocks, and cascading pools make Harbiye a natural playground for children. Easy flat paths. Tea gardens on site for parents. Free entry.
Samandağ Beach Swimming
Sandy and pebble beach with calm water suitable for young children in the sheltered coves. Sea temperature 24–28°C (75–82°F) in July–August.
Antakya Mosaic Museum
The world's largest collection of Roman mosaics displayed floor-level; children can explore mythological scenes with animals and figures. Educational and visually dramatic.
Uzun Çarşı Bazaar Exploration
Children enjoy the sensory richness of the bazaar: spice aromas, colourful stalls, copper goods, fresh bread from ovens. Keep close to children in crowds.
Titus Tunnel (Seleucia Pieria)
Walking through a 2,000-year-old Roman water tunnel carved from a mountain is genuinely thrilling for older children. The open-cut sections and carved inscriptions fascinate.
Arsuz Beach with Watersports
Better facilities than Samandağ: sunloungers, showers, beach cafés. Watersports hire (paddleboard, kayak) available. Suitable for older children and teenagers.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Arsuz Beach Hotel
Resort hotel with private beach access, swimming pool, and spacious family rooms. Best family option in the province for beach trips.
Savon Hotel Antakya
Boutique hotel in historic soap factory; family rooms available. Central location for walking to cultural sites.
Antakya Suites & Apart Hotel
Apartment-style suites with kitchenettes; ideal for families with young children who need self-catering flexibility.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Turkish restaurants almost universally welcome children; high chairs available at most mid-range and hotel restaurants
Hatay breakfast (kahvaltı) is ideal for children: plenty of bread, eggs, cheese, olives, and honey—no difficult unfamiliar dishes
Künefe (cheese pastry) is loved by most children; order it at Künefe Dünyası or any bakery on Uzun Çarşı
Ayran (yoghurt drink) is a child-friendly drink alternative to sugary sodas; widely available
Many bazaar stalls sell fresh juice (nar suyu - pomegranate, portakal - orange) at ₺20–40 ($0.59–1.18) per glass
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.