The Best Family Holiday Destinations for 2026 (and How to Choose the Right One)

Planning a family holiday should be exciting. And it usually is, right up until you're forty minutes deep into a comparison website, cross-referencing hotel star ratings with children's club age ranges and trying to figure out whether "close to the beach" means a five-minute walk or fifteen.

This is genuinely one of my favourite parts of what I do. Finding somewhere that works for all of you, where the kids are happy, the adults can properly relax, and nobody comes home saying "it was fine", takes a bit of work, but it's so worth it.

If you're still figuring out where to go this summer, here's what I'm recommending to families right now.

LANZAROTE

Often underestimated, always reliable. Lanzarote is one of those destinations that just works for families. The weather is consistently good, the flight from Belfast is manageable, and there are some genuinely well-run resort areas, particularly in Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen.

It suits a wide age range, and the volcanic landscape actually gives older kids and teens something interesting to explore beyond the pool. If you want a safe, comfortable, proven family holiday without overthinking it, Lanzarote is a strong choice.

MAJORCA

Majorca is a classic for a reason. The north of the island, particularly around Alcudia, is excellent for families with young children. The sea is calm and shallow along the bay, the resort hotels are well set up for families, and it's easy to navigate with a buggy or small children.

If you want a bit more of a holiday feeling rather than a pure resort experience, the Pollensa area nearby is charming and a bit quieter. Worth considering if your children are a bit older.

TURKEY (ANTALYA REGION)

Turkey is offering exceptional value for families at the moment, and the large resort complexes in the Antalya region, Side, Belek, Kemer, suit families really well. You get far more space, more facilities, and more food variety than comparable destinations in Spain, often for considerably less money.

The water parks, activity programmes and beach clubs at the better hotels keep children of all ages genuinely happy. It's not the most culturally rich option on this list, but as a proper switch-off family holiday, it delivers.

ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

This is a destination I recommend enthusiastically, and clients consistently come back saying it exceeded their expectations. The beaches are beautiful, if a little more exposed on the Atlantic than the Med, something to factor in with very young children, the food is brilliant, and there's a warmth and quality to Portuguese hospitality that stands out.

The western Algarve around Sagres and Lagos has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery you'll find anywhere in Europe. The eastern Algarve near Tavira is calmer and more sheltered, better for very young children. Both are wonderful.

CYPRUS

Cyprus is genuinely one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Mediterranean. English is widely spoken, the infrastructure is excellent, the sea is calm and warm, and the overall pace of life is easy. The season is long too, which means late bookings are often possible if your plans are flexible.

It works particularly well for families with older children who enjoy history and culture. Paphos in particular has incredible archaeological sites. Ayia Napa and Protaras are better known as resort areas and suit younger families.

CROATIA

I want to finish with Croatia because I think it deserves more attention from families than it usually gets. The Dalmatian coast is extraordinarily beautiful, the food is exceptional, and the combination of history, sea and scenery gives older children something genuinely engaging beyond the beach.

It tends to work best for families with children aged around seven and up, not because it's difficult, but because the experience is richer when children are old enough to appreciate it. Island hopping by ferry is surprisingly easy and makes for an incredible family adventure.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DESTINATION FOR YOUR FAMILY

Every family is different, and what makes a perfect holiday for one won't suit another at all. Here are a few things I always think through with clients:

Ages of the children. Very young children need calm water, easy logistics and a hotel that's set up for little ones. Older children and teens need things to do and ideally some independence within the resort or destination.

What you actually want. Do you want a full resort experience where everything is on site? Or do you want to explore a destination and eat out locally? These call for different places.

Flight time and logistics. A long transfer at the other end can set the wrong tone for a family holiday. I always check transfer times as well as flight times.

Budget. This isn't just about the headline price. It's about what the total cost looks like, including food and drink, activities, and any extras. All-inclusive changes the calculation significantly for families.

If you'd like help figuring out which of these destinations is right for your family, I'd love to help. Get in touch and we'll find something that genuinely works for all of you.