For many, family beach holidays are the holiday holy grail. There's nothing most young children love more than splashing around in the shallows, masterminding entire sand kingdoms (castles are so 2013) and perhaps even a spot of French cricket. Now we all know good old Britain is not exactly reliable when it comes to beachworthy weather, and spending rainy week after rainy week stuck inside the house with over-excited children does not sound all that appealing to us, and so that's where our collection of family beach holidays in the sun comes in. We know all the best places, whatever time of year you're travelling, whether that be the Mediterranean in summer, the Caribbean over Christmas or the Maldives for Easter (or all three) - we've got you covered.

Family Beach Holiday Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Spain – Canary Islands – Lanzarote – Macher – San Bartolome

    Lanzarote with the Family - Volcanoes, Coastlines and Island Life

    Treat the whole family to an eight-day getaway in Lanzarote, from Macher to San Bartolome

    8 days, from £1450 to £2150

  • One Country Spain – Mallorca – Menorca

    From Mallorca to Menorca - Family Island-Hopping in the Balearics

    Gather the family for a week-long break in the Balearics, splitting the fun between Mallorca and Menorca

    8 days, from £1485 to £2430

  • One Country Egypt – Hurghada

    A Short Break in Hurghada - Desert Adventures & Diving in the Red Sea

    Discover Hurghada on a five-day escape, exploring land, sea and desert horizons

    5 days, from £1900 to £2450

  • One Country Portugal – The Algarve

    A Family Escape to the Algarve - Castles, Beaches and Sunsets off the Beaten Track

    Escape to the Algarve for a family adventure, full of secluded beaches, spectacular sunsets and fresh seafood 

    10 days, from £2000 to £2750

  • One Country Guadeloupe - Basse-Terre - Grande-Terre

    A Family Adventure in Guadeloupe - From Grand-Terre to Basse-Terre

    Soak up nine days of quality family time in Guadeloupe as you journey from Grande-Terre to Basse-Terre

    9 days, from £2000 to £2750

  • One Country Cyprus - Paphos

    Family Fun in Cyprus - A Week of Sun, Sea & Sightseeing

    Spend a sun-soaked week in Cyprus with the family, making the most of its year-round sunshine

    8 days, from £2150 to £2750

  • One Country Madeira – Funchal – Porto Moniz – Camara de Lobos

    An Active Adventure in Madeira with your Teens - Levadas, Rock Pools and Ocean Views

    Take your teens on 11 days of outdoor adventure in Madeira, hiking, kayaking and swimming in volcanic pools

    11 days, from £2150 to £2650

  • One Country Reunion – Hell-Bourg – Saint-Pierre – Saint-Leu

    A Family Road Trip in Reunion - Volcanic Wonders, Creole Culture & Tropical Shores

    Treat the family to an 11-day Reunion road trip packed with waterfall chasing, volcanic thrills and tropical fun

    11 days, from £2300 to £3350

  • One Country Mexico – Yucatan Peninsula – Tulum – Valladolid – Merida

    Family Adventure on the Yucatan Peninsula - Mayan Cities and Yucatan Beaches

    Introduce the whole family to Mexico’s vibrant Yucatan Peninsula, from clear seas to lively colonial towns

    12 days, from £2650 to £3900

Family Beach Holidays by country

Family Beach Holidays Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

While we may live on an island lined with beaches, these can often involve cold, windy days spent wrapping your children in coats to stop from shivering after a swim in the sea (while refusing to admit that we're not having fun, because we're British). So why not trade that all in for a white-sand beach and warm turquoise waters that you'll have to drag your children out of at the end of the day, and (almost) guaranteed sun, where the only weather-related worry you'll have is if you've covered them in enough water-resistant sun cream. Mention that you're booking a family beach holiday abroad to your little ones and favourite parent status will be guaranteed.