After a few years where travelling was difficult, if not impossible due to the pandemic many people opted for a ‘staycation’ holidaying at home or didn’t go away at all. However it seems COVID has eased off, and we’re able to travel again. As it’s been so long, you might have forgotten your favourite places or are looking for some inspiration for a family holiday. Some areas are suited for romantic holidays, others are more for partying, whilst some are perfect for taking the kids with a range of clubs and activities on offer. You don’t want to end up in Magaluf with the little ones, so we’ll give you a list of the best family holiday destinations. However, there are some things you should consider before you jet off; of course, ensure your passport is in date, you have all the relevant documents as there is an increase in what you need post-pandemic, and make sure your house is secure and not a target for burglars when you’re away – call in the CCTV and alarm experts here.
Algarve, Portugal
The southernmost sliver of Portugal is a family vacation favourite for its mild weather, several Blue Flag beaches, water parks, and other activities – a combination that makes it ideal for all ages from youngsters to adolescents. The south coast beaches are ideal for inflatable rides, canoeing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, and jet-skiing, whilst the Atlantic beaches are ideal for rock-pooling and surfing due to their rougher character. Visit Albufeira, located in the heart of the Algarve, for fantastic family beaches such as Falesia. This certainly deserves its place as the best family holiday destination, with child-friendly accommodation ranging from campsites to hotels and luxury villas. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Algarve. It’s also the starting point for boat tours to see dolphins and caves. There are water parks across the Algarve and usually all within a close drive to the major areas including the Albufeira, you will often find day trips offered by excursion shops in the towns and cities. If you prefer constant fun, there are many hotels with smaller water parks within them, perfect to keep kids entertained. In the low season, family holidays in the Algarve begin at around £1,000 for four people. Last-minute deals may be available for even less, but in high season, you can easily spend much, much more.
Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Alcudia in Mallorca is a popular family holiday resort, thanks to its hotels, restaurants, and Medieval old town. Around Alcudia, there’s enough for families to dig their teeth into. Sunset Ranch provides waggon excursions as well as barbecue meals. In addition, the Katmandu theme park has virtual reality attractions, splash playgrounds, and arcade games. Palma, the island capital, is another excellent family destination, owing to its aquarium and boat tours. The beaches here are truly spectacular, with silky-soft sands stretching as far as the eye can see. By day, explore the ancient ruins, then spend the nights in the vibrant bar and restaurant district. Many families spend their evenings around the Bellevue complex which anyone can enter, with a mix of kids’ clubs, adult games and a different show each night. For a more relaxed atmosphere, or if there is football on, pubs are great places to unwind with a drink such as Linekers Bar, Legends, and Joker’s Irish Pub, which will play all your favourite tracks and live games late into the night. For the best weather, it would be advisable to go in June or July, but also expect to pay the most money around this time. If you’d rather wait towards the end of the year, you can pay as little as £300 per person. But to really understand its place among the best family holiday destinations, go during the height of the summer, and Alcudia will be at its peak.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife has 3 main areas, whilst Costa Adeje is more relaxed, the nearby beach towns – Playa de las Americas, and Los Cristianos all offer excellent locations for a Tenerife family trip. Watersports are the big deal in Tenerife, so expect family-friendly waterparks, banana boat excursions, and submarine safaris. Whilst there are plenty to choose from, award-winning Siam Park would be our recommendation. It is a great waterpark with 15 spectacular water slides, one even involves swimming through a shark tank! There are plenty of family-friendly hotels with entertainment on both day and night, there is also entertainment throughout the towns at night with live singers and tribute acts. Make sure to do some research beforehand, as some hotels are adult-only, or aimed at adults which could cause some problems poolside. Tenerife has sun all year round, of course, it is warmer in the summer months. The prices vary massively depending on when you go, and where you stay, but there are budget options available.
