Booking a family holiday is nothing like those single or couple holidays you had in the past. A family holiday takes more planning when you want to make sure that everyone gets to enjoy the big holiday of the year.
For this blog, we decided to focus on destinations that are within 5 hours flight time from Ireland, which is often a priority for family travel particularly so when travelling with smaller kiddies.
Get ready now to strap yourself in to read our top 5 destinations for families. Each one offers the opportunity for a digital switch off, and lots of quality family time to create happy memories that will last a lifetime.
Costa Dorada – Salou
Sunny Salou on the Costa Dorada is a firm favourite with Irish families. It’s a destination designed for families as it hosts Europe’s biggest theme park, has superb beaches, and entertainment that will take you through from morning to night. Also, much of the accommodation from apartments to all-inclusive hotels feature on-site kiddies’ clubs, games rooms, and all-day entertainment meaning you can have some down time to relax and unwind.
Portugal – Algarve
The Algarve has it all for families. With some of the best beaches in Europe, there are also waterparks, theme parks, boat rides, and even a forest assault course to keep the kids entertained. Also, the Portuguese are a warm and welcoming people who value the importance of family meaning children are welcome everywhere throughout the region. Big plus too is many of the Portuguese speak fluent English.
Best towns for families with younger children are Alvor, Carvoeira, Olhos de Água, Armacao de Pera and Praia da Luz.
Majorca
Just a short flight from Irish airports, Majorca has powdery-soft beaches, hidden coves, fun resorts, and a stunning capital – Palma – that you really must visit. It’s also where Spain’s royal family spend their August holidays, and celebrities like Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Cristiano Ronaldo have made their homes.
For the family there are watersports, boat trips, and theme parks to keep all entertained. Plus, if you’re an active family, there is also the Serra de Tramuntana, peaking at 1455 m above sea level which is great for family hikes
If you’re looking for a lively family holiday, Santa Ponsa and Palma Nova will top the list. For a more relaxing family holiday, there is lots of choice including Puerto Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala D’or.
Costa del Sol
When we think of the Costa del Sol, names like Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Puerto Banus immediately come to mind. And that’s because the Irish have been travelling to this wonderful part of Spain since way back in the 1970s. The Costa del Sol has over 125 beaches on a coastline that stretches out over 161 kilometres. There are numerous family-friendly hotels and apartments along the stretch along with a near endless list of activities to keep any family entertained. Take a boat tour and go dolphin watching in in Benalmadena, spend a day splashing around in Aqualand, or for the really adventurous you can go canyon jumping in the Angosturas Gorge.
Gran Canaria
Of all the Canary Islands, it is Gran Canaria that is arguably best suited to families thanks to the shallow water beaches along the south coast where most of the resorts and towns are located. And let’s not forget, this is an island that has year-round sunshine and 60 km of gorgeous coastline to explore.
And when it comes to activities, you’re not going to run short of things to do to keep the family entertained and occupied throughout the holiday. The island offers dolphin/whale watching boat tours, several waterparks, camel safaris (you know you want to!), botanical gardens, and even an Angry Birds activity park.
Best locations for families Puerto Rico, Arguineguin and Patalavaca.
Planning Your Next Family Holiday
If you’d like some help with the planning of your next family holiday, drop into our Bray office, or call and share with us the kind of holiday you want and the budget that you have. With that information, we can then do the research, and find that perfect family holiday for you and your family.
T: 01 276 8114
E: travel@thetravelboutique.ie
