Escape to the sun with these fun family beach holidays

If you are travelling with a baby or are limited to a short timeframe, these short-haul destinations are ideal for a quick dose of sun. What’s more, if you are looking for a holiday that offers more than just a picture-perfect shoreline, these breaks have it all.

The Spanish Canary Islands are home to a Goldilocks climate of eternal spring temperatures thanks to their proximity to Africa. If you are looking for a quick splash in the sea and a few days of warm sunshine then Tenerife is an ideal spot for your family beach holidays. Head to the island’s southern coast for the best beaches and a wealth of luxury hotels complete with kids' facilities.

Kids of all ages will enjoy playing on the endless stretch of sand in El Medanó and if you have a daredevil in your brood, the area is famous for kitesurf and many local businesses offer classes. If you are looking for a more “off-the-grid” experience away from

the Spanish family holiday resorts, the natural lava pools of the north provide hours of fun. Of course, don’t forget the famous golden sand city beach, Las Teresitas,  in the island’s capital. The shallow waters and gentle tides make it an ideal spot for families with small children. 

The municipality of Alicante, located on Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline attracts families to its golden sand beaches and resorts year upon year. Hotels like the luxurious Asia Gardens Hotel and Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, close to Benidorm, offer the perfect vantage point for exploring Alicante and its surroundings. Plus its pirate-themed kid’s club will have little ones entertained for hours on end. While away afternoons on the tranquil shores of Playa de Poniente where children can splash in the shallow shores while parents soak up the Valencian sunshine.

Yet, if you want to venture away from the resorts and into the city, there is plenty to enjoy as a family. Stroll along the iconic, palm-tree-lined boulevard Explanada de España which offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Next, discover the city’s exciting history at the Santa Barbara Castle on top of Mount Benacantil, which offers panoramic views that will leave you speechless. Then, when stomachs rumble, head to one of the local seafood restaurants to enjoy a hearty, traditional paella. 

You don’t need to travel to a family beach resort in Australia to soak up the sun. Whether you are looking for a cultural city beach break or a bucket and spade holiday the beaches of Malaga are an ideal choice. Book into a Marbella all-inclusive and marvel and the life of the rich and famous as you explore the town’s glamorous marina and glitzy centre. Alternatively, there is nothing more relaxing than letting kids enjoy the freedom of Fuengirola’s beach resorts.

Yet, there is more to Malaga than stunning resort towns. The city itself is brimming with a dynamic fusion of history, culture and natural beauty. If your family beach holidays have to cater to all ages, a city centre hotel here is just the place. Explore the life of Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum, meander through the winding streets of the Old Town, see the city from the dizzying heights of the Castillo de Gibralfaro or soak up the Andalusian sunshine while eating an ice cream overlooking the idyllic shores of the Playa de la Malagueta. Often mistaken for being a tourist trap, there is a lot more to Malaga than first meets the eye.

While Ibiza may be famous for its nightclubs, it is a fabulous island for a family adventure thanks to the calm waters of the Mediterranean and its laid-back bohemian spirit. Book into one of Ibiza’s top hotels and spend your days exploring the island’s secluded coves, pristine beaches and charming fishing villages. If you and your family are nature enthusiasts, embark on a snorkelling excursion and marvel at the array of multicoloured fish beneath the water.

Cala Portinatx, located in the north of the island is a wonderful choice for families who are looking for a good balance of relaxation and fun. Spend hours playing on the shoreline, then when tummies rumble, feast on freshly caught seafood at one of the beachside restaurants. As the sun sets, head to Benirràs Beach where you can join locals and tourists in a drumming session and enjoy the rhythmic beats as they mingle with the gentle lapping of the waves. With natural beauty a plenty, a wealth of family-friendly hotels and hippy markets that attract curious minds - Ibiza is a chilled-out destination for family seaside holidays.

If you are after a real adventure head to the sun-baked desert dunes of Oman or the glamorous beaches of Dubai. As the days get increasingly colder, it is time to start making these destinations the next stop on your family beach holidays.

Indulge in the magic of Arabian family beach holidays with a trip to Dubai. Home to a glitzy metropolis, this Emirate state also boasts pockets of calm with its pristine beaches that back onto a skyline of skyscrapers and world-class resorts. From building sandcastles on Jumeirah Beach to thrilling water park adventures at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai caters to every family member's desires. Explore cultural treasures like the Dubai Museum, the Dubai Miracle Garden or spice markets in the historic Al Fahidi District, providing a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Dubai’s year-round sunshine makes it the ideal place to indulge in luxury family beach holidays and desert adventures. 

If rest and relaxation are what you are looking for on your winter sun family holidays, then head to Agadir, south of Marrakech’s warren of heady streets. This coastal city is home to a 12-kilometre stretch of golden coastline. Book into one of the beachfront resorts and enjoy the choice of swimming in the pool or the Ocean. If your kids want a surfing safari, the beaches of Tamraght and Taghazout provide a steady stream of waves. However, there are plenty of beaches with gentle waves for those wanting a relaxing experience.