With incredible scenery, varied outdoor activities and stress-free logistics, beach holidays are fun for all the family.
Whether you prefer to keep to yourselves in tranquil locations or be at the heart of the action, these four destinations should top your bucket list for 2025.
- Costa Blanca, Spain
Spain’s Costa Blanca is one of the top choices for families looking for cheap holidays in Europe. Benidorm, around half an hour from the main city of Alicante, is the most popular destination because of its beautiful golden beaches and wide range of affordable child-friendly resorts. Most accommodation is on the beach and offers various water sports and inland are theme parks and water parks providing hours of amusement.
Just north of Benidorm is the attractive town of Altea: children will love exploring the labyrinth streets of the Old Town and walking the coastal cliffs before trying local dishes in one of the charming plaza-side cafés.
- The Algarve, Portugal
A combination of lively cities with bustling resorts and remote unspoiled areas without the crowds, the Algarve is an affordable holiday destination that would suit all types of families.
For a choice of attractions to help keep little ones entertained, stay along the south close to the larger urban areas like Albufeira and Faro. From great golf courses to water parks, there’s plenty to do. Don’t miss seeing the Praia da Marinha with its striking rock formations, calm waters and idyllic Mediterranean feel.
If you prefer peace, escape west of Lagos to the less developed coastline. Beaches like the spectacular Praia da Bordeira are broad and sandy, perfect for playtime with buckets and spades. The Praia de Odeceixe is one of the most popular due to its iconic horseshoe shape and swimming opportunities. Older children will love the chance to try surfing around Aljezur.
- Cornwall, England
Travelling with children who have a passion for water sports? You’ll find endless exhilarating options in Cornwall, the county at the southwest tip of England also on the Atlantic Ocean. This rural region has a rich fishing heritage and is one of the UK’s premier beach holiday destinations.
Surfing is especially rewarding for beginners and those with more experience. Newquay has a fantastic surf school and a range of beaches to suit all skills, from the gentle swells of sheltered Towan Beach to the wild waves of Fistral Beach home to the infamous Cribbar. The Cornish coast is also excellent for calmer activities like sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and wild swimming in safe spots with calm currents.
If you visit in August you can experience Boardmasters, an annual festival featuring leading international bands and world-class skateboarding and surfing competitions.
- Corfu, Greece
Straddling Greece and Albania, Corfu is the largest of the Ionian Islands and an enchanting destination for all ages. Head to the north for a beach holiday with it all.
The white-sand beaches are lapped by clear water that shines a vibrant turquoise in the sun and provides excellent visibility for snorkelling. Kaminaki Beach and Nissaki Beach on the northeast shoreline are prime spots for underwater exploration. Sail just south of Corfu and you’ll reach Paxos which is upheld as one of the most lovely Greek islands.
Inland you can hike gentle mountain trails to glorious viewpoints, cycle historic towns and cities with colourful buildings and cathedrals, and visit modern child-friendly attractions such as Aqualand and the Corfu Aquarium where you can get up close and personal with local marine life.
