Chase the sunshine with these daydreamy family beach holidays

Kids off school for the holidays and in search of some Vitamin D? These top family beach holidays are just the ticket

Family beach holidays: Bird’s eye view of stunning cove with four people in view
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The time between the summer holidays and the Xmas break can sometimes feel interminable. Yet, there is something deeply satisfying about zipping off to a sun-soaked stretch of sand while the rest of the world waits patiently for winter to melt into spring. With the kids on school holidays, head off on one of these swoon-worthy family beach holidays and get your much-needed hit of Vitamin D

Close-to-home family beach holidays

While most of Europe may be shrouded in biting temperatures there are a handful of destinations that are an oasis of summertime charm. If you are travelling with a baby or are limited to a short time frame, these short-haul destinations are ideal for a quick dose of sun.

Enjoy family beach vacations in Tenerife

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.

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.

Family beach holidays: Panoramic views of El Medano beach, Tenerife with kitesurfers

El Medano Beach, Tenerife

Enjoy Agadir's sunny beach family holidays

If rest and relaxation are what you are looking for on your family beach 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.

Boa Vista: Best island vacations for families

Just like the Canary Islands, the archipelago of Cape Verde offers the ideal mix of relaxation and adventure. Boa Vista, the third-largest island offers a wealth of stunning beaches to enjoy, all within proximity to some of the island’s top hotels. Praia do Estoril may just become your home away from home. This beach’s idyllic, untouched surroundings provide a safe and secure place for kids to roam free while the Ocean’s waves are gentle enough for little ones. This beach is also a nesting spot for turtles!  If stories of pirates and shipwrecks take your fancy, Praia Atalanta and its famous shipwreck will captivate the imagination of little ones while parents sunbathe on the paper-white shore. As far as family island vacations go, Boa Vista ranks highly. 

Family beach holidays: A close-up of the shipwreck on Praia Atalanta, Boa Vista

Atalanta Beach, Boa Vista

Caribbean vacations for families

For those residing in the United States or for families brave enough to take on a long-haul flight, the Caribbean provides a varied panorama of luxurious beach escapes for families.

Check out our shortlist of the best family beach vacations and enjoy some quality time in the Caribbean.

All-inclusive Caribbean family vacations to Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic prides itself on having some of the best all-inclusive beach resorts for families. Venture off on an adventure of a lifetime to Punta Cana, where pristine sandy shores meet azure waters. 

The beachfront hotels of Bavaro Beach cater to families allowing you to enjoy carefree, playful days on the beach or partake in the many watersport adventures available

The beachfront hotels of Bavaro Beach cater to families allowing you to enjoy carefree, playful days on the beach or partake in the many watersport adventures available

Family beach vacation: The white sand and topaz waters of Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach

Indulge in top family beach vacations to the Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya knows exactly how to deliver the best tropical vacations for families. Explore the expansive white-sand beaches that back onto luxurious family-friendly resorts and set the stage for a memorable family escape. The region’s rich history can be explored at the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the local markets showcase a kaleidoscope of local life and customs for young and old to admire. When staying in the Riviera Maya, don’t go home before visiting Xcaret, an interactive adventure park that provides hours of fun for all ages. 

Top family beach vacations: A close-up of the cove surrounded by palms at Xcaret

Xcaret Park, Playa del Carmen

Popular family beach vacations further afield

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.

Family-friendly beach holidays in Oman

The pristine beaches and luxurious resorts of Oman have caught the eye of families looking for a perfect playground for little ones and a tranquil escape for parents. Aquatic activities such as snorkelling will keep kids occupied for hours while the country’s rich history, ancient forts and inviting souks reveal the authentic charm of Omani culture. Enjoy the family-orientated amenities at Oman’s resorts and indulge in a relaxing adventure surrounded by coastal beauty. 

Luxury family beach resorts: Bird’s eye view of the sea and grounds of Mussanah Resort

Mussanah Resort, Oman

Family beach escapes to Dubai

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 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 relaxing beach days and desert adventures. 

Islands for a family vacation: Aerial view of Dubai’s Palm

The Palm, Dubai

Escape to the Maldives’ luxury family beach resorts

Remote, idyllic and family-friendly, the Maldives is home to many picturesque islands for a family vacation! The Barceló Whale Lagoon in the Maldives is a beautiful bolthole for weary parents and beach-loving kids. Located on the private island of Bodufinolhu in the South Ari Atoll, this oasis is everything that family beach holidays are made of. Hit the reset button and indulge in revitalising treatments at the Mandara Spa before watching the sunset from the privileged setting of your private plunge pool. The area is also part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area scheme ensuring a sustainable and five-star snorkelling experience for kids to enjoy. Older ones can try their hand at scuba diving and even complete a PADI qualification while doing so. 

Best family beach vacations: A close up of the private terrace of Barceló Whale Lagoon

The private terrace of the villas at Barceló Whale Lagoon