Finding the ideal destination for the whole family can sometimes be tough, especially if you want to avoid a long flight with young children. Turkey is a great option if you'd like somewhere closer to home, but that has plenty of varied attractions.

You'll find everything from beaches to ancient ruins in the country, which means it's easy to please everyone. Although there are many resorts along Turkey's Turquoise Coast, Icmeler is perhaps one of the best suited to families.

Here are just some of the reasons why it's such a family-friendly place to visit.

The beach

The beach at Icmeler is a gentle crescent of sand and shingle protected by a large bay, so the waters are sheltered and suitable for swimming in, even if you've got young children with you. There are water sports like windsurfing and jet skiing on offer, which is a great way to entertain teenagers for a few hours.

Another nice feature of the beach here is that there is a separate area for swimmers, where windsurfers and people practising other water sports are not allowed to go, so you can rest assured you and your children can splash around in safety if you do venture into the azure sea.

The promenade

Running behind the beach is a sweeping promenade that makes walking around Icmeler a pleasure. If you've got small children and need to take a pushchair, this also means you won't need to worry about navigating busy roads or uneven pavements every time you want to head out for a family meal or a gentle stroll in the sunshine.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars along the beachfront and in the streets just behind it, so you should find somewhere to stop for lunch or dinner without any difficulty. As well as serving up local fare, many of these establishments will also have western dishes on their menus, so even if you have fussy eaters you should all be able to enjoy a meal together.

Nearby daytrips

If you fancy a day away from Icmeler and want to explore some of the other resorts and attractions in the area, it is straightforward to do so. One of the best options is to join a boat trip, as the kids are bound to love the journey just as much as discovering somewhere new.

For a short boat excursion, head to nearby Turunc, a peaceful resort with a small sandy bay, a few shops and some restaurants for you to potter around at your leisure. If you'd rather go further afield, you'll have plenty of choice, including Cleopatra's Island.

This pristine isle is said to be where Cleopatra and Mark Anthony used to holiday and, according to legend, the golden sand found on the local beaches is believed to have been shipped all the way from the Red Sea in Egypt. As well as the gorgeous bays, there are also ruins here dating from the Roman and Hellenistic period. Among the structures you can make out are a small amphitheatre and the ramparts of a fort.

Family-friendly accommodation

When you book a family holiday, you want to know that you'll have somewhere comfortable to stay for the duration of your break and Icmeler can certainly deliver on this front.

If you arrange your getaway through a company like Jewel in the Crown Holidays, you'll have a wide choice of hotels and apartments, covering everything from all-inclusive deals to self-catering facilities.